Marathon State of Mind

Welcome to this Q&A episode where Eloise and Rory answer listener questions about: How to cope with injury setbacks How to keep a good mindset when injury has held you back from a race Dealing with the thought of an injury not getting better Healthy & unhealthy goal setting Balancing relationships and training Thank you to everyone who submitted questions. Stay tuned for part 2 of this Q&A soon. 

In this episode we are joined by 2nd fastest female British Marathon runner ever, Charlotte Purdue. We celebrate Charlotte’s recent team selection announcement for the Paris Olympics and she shares the challenges that she has overcome to reach this pinnacle moment in her career. Throughout the conversation, Charlotte reflects on the determination and dedication required to keep moving forward despite setbacks along the way. Charlotte’s story is one of resilience and grit and encourages us to embrace both the ups and downs as part of the journey towards our potential. 

Today's guest is no stranger to the show. In fact, she's making her third appearance. You may recall our last episode with Genevieve Gregson was titled "Bouncing Back from Olympic Heartbreak". At the time, she was still processing having ruptured her Achilles at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. There was an uncertain road ahead.  In this episode we hear how she has reinvented her mindset to not just bounce back, but propel herself to becoming one of Australia's fastest ever marathoners. For more from us follow @marathostateofmind

How do you set yourself up for a great year? In this episode Eloise and Rory discuss the big questions to ask yourself before setting goals for the year ahead. Thanks for being on the journey with us & Happy New Year! If you have questions or feedback we would love to hear from you @marathonstateofmind  

Welcome back to the Marathon State of Mind Podcast. It's been a while - a little longer than intended - but we are back and excited to bring you a new season. In this episode share where we have been and what's ahead. Eloise recaps the highs and lows of her Valencia marathon where she ran an Olympic Qualifying time of 2:25:47. We discuss a process you can use when reflecting on and reviewing races/performances in order to get the most from them.

In this episode, Eloise and Rory answer listener questions on topics such as: How to stay positive during injury recovery. How to mentally approach a race if preparation has been disrupted. How learning from struggle and self-kindness intersect. Why Rory breathes through his nose when running. Tips for staying injury free. How to not feel guilty for pursuing sporting goals. This episode is brought to you by our very own Young Athlete State of Mind Course. Enrolments are now open for our July intake. 

In this episode Eloise and Rory are joined by 2 x Olympian and current Australian men's Marathon Record holder, Brett Robinson. In December 2022, Brett ran 2:07:31 at the Fukuoka International Marathon, a new Australian record. In 2020 he also set a national record in the half marathon, with a time of 59:57 at the Marugame Half Marathon. Brett's road to these highs hasn't been smooth sailing, with a mysterious recurring stitch hampering him in several marathons, including the 2021 Olympics. Brett discusses how he has turned these challenges into learnings that have helped him to let go and bring his best to the Marathon event.  Social links: Marathon State of Mind Instagram Brett Robinson Instagram For The Kudos

If you are a young athlete, a parent or coach of young athletes, this episode is for you. Eloise and Rory unpack some of the unique challenges that young athletes face in pursuing their sporting dreams and outline the practical skills they can develop to thrive in sport and life.  You may also want to check out Young Athlete State of Mind, a course we have created to guide young athletes in developing the mental skills they need to thrive. 

In this episode we are joined by new Australian Marathon record holder, Sinead Diver. In December 2022, Sinead ran an incredible time of 2:21:34 at the Valencia Marathon. Just a few days later, we sat down with Sinead to discuss this record run. As you will hear, her path to this record is quite incredible. Sinead shares how an inspired decision to take up running during maternity leave turned into a burning desire to leave no stone unturned in exploring her potential. The rest, as they say, is history.  Follow @marathonstateofmind @DiverSinead Sign up to our newsletter

Benita Willis is one of Australia's greatest ever athletes. Her decorated career included highlights such as winning the World Cross Country long course race in 2004, competing in 4 olympic games and setting multiple Australian records. In this episode, Benita shares: Her happiness in seeing Sinead Diver surpass the marathon record she held for 14 years. How running without pace splits helped her to achieve her best. Why mindset is such a key element of marathon running. How she turned challenges into opportunities. Why consistency is a measure of success. The role of risks in breakthroughs. Her coaching philosophy & online coaching business Lace Up Running Social links: Benita Willis Instagram Lace Up Running Website Marathon State of Mind Instagram Marathon State of Mind Website

Welcome to 'Marathon State of Mind'. In this episode, Eloise and Rory discuss what they mean by a "marathon state of mind" and provide a sneak peak of what's ahead with the launch of their mental skills training courses. Social links: Marathon State of Mind website Marathon State of Mind Instagram      

We all experience stress, but what exactly is it? How do we optimise it? Can stress be good for us or is it harmful? In this episode Eloise and Rory discuss both the science and practical application of stress optimisation. Hear how Eloise's thinking about stress has changed throughout her career and how she strikes the balance of stress & recovery in her marathon training and life. Thank you to episode sponsor, Earshots. Lock on, stay on & play on with Earshots wireless earphones. They have you covered for staying motivated and focussed while you train. Their patented Magnetic ear clip means you can push your limits without being distracted by annoying cords or earbuds that fall out. Use the code RIGHT10 at www.earshots.com for 10% off your purchase or simply follow the direct link: https://earshots.com/discount/RIGHT10 To use the same breathing practices that were discussed in this episode, monitor your heart rate variability and overall well-being, check out in8 app on the iOS App Store.

In this episode, Eloise and Rory talk about deep well-being - what it is, why we need it, and how we can build it. Highlights include: The Mother Run & how it is changing lives in Northern Uganda The 8 dimensions of deep well-being; Strengths: How Eloise has benefited from knowing hers. Values: Using them to make decisions. Emotion: What does it mean to "optimise" emotion? Purpose: How to experience more purposeful progress. Breath: Why it's not to be underestimated. Mindset: Why Eloise is working on mindset more than ever. Needs: The fundamental human needs that contribute to well-being. Health: How physical health influences overall well-being. Thank you to episode sponsor, Earshots. Lock on, stay on & play on with Earshots wireless earphones. They have you covered for staying motivated and focussed while you train. Their patented Magnetic ear clip means you can push your limits without being distracted by annoying cords or earbuds that fall out. Use the code RIGHT10 at www.earshots.com for 10% off your purchase or simply follow the direct link: https://earshots.com/discount/RIGHT10 We are also excited to share that the in8 app is now available on the iOS App Store with a 3-month free trial. 

In this episode we are joined by our first repeat guest, Genevieve Gregson. 2021 was a tumultuous year for Gen, rupturing her Achilles on the final water jump in the Tokyo Olympic Steeplechase final. The vision of her laying face down on the track was one of those moments of devastation that becomes etched into memory. But there is a reason that Genevieve is known as "The Comeback Queen". Her approach to this latest challenge is truly inspiring. Themes discussed include: Gen's experience of the Tokyo Olympics. How Gen has grown through adversity and utilised her mindset to bring joy to the process.  How to adapt when you can't do what you love. Her pregnancy news :) Why her and husband, Ryan (Olympic 1500m finalist) have set up Gregson Running, an exclusive online running coaching business for all runners. How Gen has changed her definition of success in the last 6-months. What realistic optimism is. This episode is brought to you by Earshots. Lock on, stay on & play on with Earshots wireless earphones. They have you covered for staying motivated and focussed while you train. Their patented Magnetic ear clip means you can push your limits without being distracted by annoying cords or earbuds that fall out. Use the code RIGHT10 at www.earshots.com for 10% off your purchase or simply follow the direct link: https://earshots.com/discount/RIGHT10 This episode is also brought to you by In8 App, a personalised daily guide that helps you to know yourself better and be yourself well. It’s coming to the App Store any day now, so if you want to optimise your well-being and learn what helps you to be bring best, then follow @in8app on instagram and Facebook.  

In this episode Eloise and Rory discuss the year ahead and strategies for setting the right goals that help you tap into deeper motivation, meaning and living out your personal definition of success. Topics include: How Eloise goes about planning for a year ahead. Why defining success for yourself can help you pursue your goals with greater freedom. How Eloise and Rory each define success. Why you shouldn't rush goal-setting. The importance of understanding your values before setting goals. How to come up with an overarching purpose to guide your goals. How to find and fuel motivation. The in8 app, what to expect and when it will be available to download. Social links: The Elzy Wellings 1000m fun run Saturday 29 January 2022. Love Mercy Foundation Eloise Wellings Instagram Rory Darkins Instagram In8 app Instagram    

Two weeks ago, Eloise and Rory decided to run the Melbourne Marathon. For Eloise this was two months post her debut at the London Marathon. For Rory, it was an unexpected first. This episode contains two seperate recordings. The first half was recorded on the day before the Marathon and provides insight into how Eloise and Rory were thinking about the challenge ahead. The second half was recorded the day after the marathon and provides real-time reflections on Eloise's eventful but successful day, and Rory's take, from the perspective of a mental skills coach living a day in the life of an elite athlete.  Themes include: Focusing on what you can control Adjusting when things don't go to plan Learning from challenges How courage and vulnerability are two sides of the same coin Self-talk when it's hard Why Rory decided to nasal breathe during the marathon Breathing to help with sleep and recovery What's ahead for Eloise in 2022.   Social links: Eloise Wellings Instagram Rory Darkins Instagram In8 App Instagram    

In this episode, Eloise and Rory are joined by Olympic gold medalist, Jessica Fox. Jess is the most successful individual slalom canoeist of all time, competing in the C1, K1 and extreme slalom events. She is an 8 time world champion, and now an Olympic champion. All of this at just 27 years of age. Jess’ mindset is truly world class. She’s a fierce competitor and thrives on challenges, but brings real joy and humanity to the process. In this conversation, Jess unpacks how she has learned to use her mind to bounce back from disappointments, rise to the occasion and continually improve as she explores her potential.  Socials & links: Jess Fox Instagram Jess Fox Facebook Eloise Wellings Instagram Rory Darkins Instagram    

Less than 24 hours after running the fastest ever debut marathon by an Australian woman (2:29:42 in the London Marathon), Eloise and Rory catch up to unpack it all. Eloise shares what it felt like, how she managed her mindset, how she prepared, and what her first 42.2km taught her. It turns out that the marathon really is an apt metaphor for life. 

In this episode we are joined by Dr Sarah McKay, a neuroscientist with a PhD from Oxford University. Dr McKay specialises in translating brain research into strategies for professionals working in coaching, mental health, education and healthcare via training courses, books and from the stage. She is the founder and director of The Neuroscience Academy, which provides continuing education and development to professionals wishing to use neuroscience in their work as a tool for human change. Dr McKay is also the author of The Women's Brain Book: The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness, which explores the female lifespan through the lens of neurobiology. In 2019, Sarah hosted an episode of ABC Catalyst exploring brain health, bio-hacking and longevity. Topics discussed in this episode include: Popular myths about the brain; How to build brain health; Dealing with uncertainty Habit change; Visualisation practices for improving performance; Why social support is a key pillar of brain health and behaviour change; Surprising findings from Dr McKay's latest book. Links: Dr Sarah McKay Instagram drsarahmckay.com Eloise Wellings Instagram Rory Darkins Instagram

In this episode we are joined by Brad Beer. Brad is one of Australia's leading voices in athlete health and performance. Through his Physiotherapy practice, POGO Physio, Brad has worked with countless Professional and Olympic level athletes to help them bounce back from injury and move towards their potential. Brad is also the host of the incredibly popular podcast The Physical Performance Show in which he explores physical health and performance through interviews with high performing athletes and expert practitioners. An accomplished athlete himself, Brad has a rich perspective on the physical and emotional process of moving through injury and towards your physical health and performance potential. Themes in this episode include: Brad's experience with performance anxiety; the importance of strength training; bone and tendon health; stress fractures & considerations in choosing running surfaces; and the body's ability to adapts and improve. Follow Brad on Insatgram: Brad_Beer