Marathon State of Mind

In this episode, we’re joined by Leanne Pompeani — the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon (Australian) Champion. Leanne shares how running became an anchor for her mental health, her transition from soccer into elite distance running, and what it means to show up as a graceful competitor. In March 2025, she ran the fastest debut marathon by an Australian. She backed it up with a win at the Gold Coast Half Marathon in July, before claiming the Australian title at the TCS Sydney Marathon in August. Leanne reflects on what she learned from each of these performances, and why she feels most at home on the roads and cross-country courses rather than the track. This conversation is about showing up, embracing the unknown, and discovering confidence through the courage to compete.

In this episode we are joined by Izzi Batt-Doyle. Izzi is a two-time Olympian, the current Australian record holder in the Half Marathon (67:17) and 10km road (31:12), and the third fastest Australian woman ever over the marathon (2:22:59). But Izzi’s story is about much more than fast times. From growing up in Adelaide, to chasing opportunity through college running in the U.S., to competing at two Olympic Games, Izzi’s path has been shaped by something deeper than performance: a commitment to living an extraordinary and authentic life. In this conversation, Izzi shares: The experience that changed everything — a trip to India at 16 that opened her eyes to a bigger world and sparked the belief that her life could be more. Why her definition of success has nothing to do with comparison — and everything to do with attitude, effort, and joy. How passion fuels resilience — and why loving the process matters more than the result. How she has developed the confidence to run to her strengths and find out what's possible. How three core values she wrote down almost ten years ago continue to shape her running and life. The exciting opportunities that await. With an honours degree in Psychology, Izzi blends science with lived experience. Her approach is a masterclass in staying grounded while pursuing personal excellence. If you care about performance, fulfilment, and doing what you love with authenticity, this episode will stay with you.

Welcome to this episode of Marathon State of Mind. Today, Eloise and Rory share their highlights and insights from the Athletics World Championships. 

Welcome back to Marathon State of Mind! In this episode, Eloise and Rory recap the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, and share thoughts on how to work through the emotions that can follow a big event. 

This session is designed to help you lock in and finish with purpose from 30km onwards. You've got this!

Designed for the middle stages of your marathon, use this quick practice to tune in and bring your best to the moment you are in.

Running Sydney Marathon tomorrow, take a moment to dial in your Marathon State of Mind.

Welcome to our Run Your Mind Series. These bite-sized mental skills sessions are designed to help you have your best possible running experience. In this session you will be guided through a body scan method that Eloise uses when running. For best results, we recommend tuning in before (or during) a run, so that you can road-test this strategy in real-time.

This conversation was originally recorded and released in 2021 in the days following Jess Fox's Gold and Bronze medal performances at the Tokyo Olympics (note the discussion of COVID quarantine). Fast-forward three years and Jess is the flagbearer for the Australian Olympic team in Paris, ready to express herself on the Olympic stage once again. We thought there no better way than to get into the Olympic spirit than by revisiting this inspiring conversation with the one and only, Jess Fox. Jess is the most successful individual slalom canoeist of all time, competing in the C1, K1 and extreme slalom events. 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. 

Welcome to our Run Your Mind Series. These bite-sized mental skills sessions are designed to help you have your best possible running experience. In this session you will be guided through a practice for bringing CALM to your inner-critic. For best results, we recommend tuning in before (or during) a run, so that you can road-test this strategy in real-time. This is the first of five sessions we will be releasing in the lead up to our Unlock Your Marathon State of Mind Course with Sydney Marathon. If you are running the Sydney Marathon you receive free access to this course, valued at over $900. If you haven't yet claimed your spot, be sure to do so here before the course starts on August 4, 2024.  If you find this helpful, share it with a friend who you think may enjoy it too. We hope it helps you to have a better running experience.  

What do you do when things don't work out? Welcome to this episode where we reflect on Eloise's journey towards qualifying for and ultimately missing out on selection for the Paris Olympics. Eloise shares how she has processed this and what the marathon has taught her about herself thus far. We hope that Eloise's insights help you to stay optimistic and continue working on mastering the inner game even when things don't work out they way you hope. This episode is brought to you by our Marathon State of Mind Mentorship. Would you like Eloise and Rory to be your personal mentors to help you optimise your mental game? If so, this could be for you. There are just a handful of mentorship spots still available so get in touch via the link above to learn more.

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