Run With It

Caitlin Adams is living a full Hannah Montana double life – high school teacher by day, emerging marathon star by… also day. In this episode, Caitlin joins Elise to unpack a year she almost fell out of love with the sport, how she found her groove again on the roads, and her latest achievement: winning her debut marathon at Melbourne. She takes us inside the juggle of teaching and why she had to completely rework her training week to protect her energy, mental health and her love for running. From three progressively faster half marathons (Melbourne, Launceston, Gold Coast) to a marathon block built around long-run pick-ups and 3:30/km “cruise” reps, Caitlin explains how she and long-time coach Adam Didyk (plus fiancé and coach-in-waiting Lachy) set up a first crack at 42.2 km. Caitlin also lifts the curtain on race day in Melbourne: the nerves that had her vomiting the night before, being chaperoned by a killer pacing crew, the moment at 30 km when she finally let herself believe she could win, and what it actually feels like to run into the MCG knowing the tape, the flames and the roar are all for you. -- Caitlin Adams is a two-time Australian representative at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, and came 12th in the 5k at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga in 2023. She placed second in the Australian Half Marathon Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this year (1:10:26), and just won her debut marathon in Melbourne (2:30:26). -- Subscribe to Run With It wherever you get your podcasts, so you don’t miss a thing! -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @caitlinadams__ @elisebeacom -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Sinead Diver speaks about her Olympic heartbreak in Paris 2024 after she was forced to pull out of the marathon 1.2km into the race. In this candid conversation with Elise Beacom, Sinead shares her experience of the stressful Australian marathon team selection ahead of the Games and how that turmoil impacted her. Sinead takes us through the days before the Olympic marathon, when she was managing plantar fasciitis, all the way up to marathon day itself, and the moment she knew something else was majorly wrong. We talk about the subsequent negative commentary and unfair assumptions made in the media and online, and Sinead’s long process of healing ever since. We also discuss Sinead’s current comeback after many injury setbacks over the past year, and cover some incredible highs of her career, including her Australian record-breaking performance at Valencia Marathon in 2022 and her 10th place in the Tokyo Olympic Marathon. -- Sinead Diver is an Irish-born Australian marathoner and national record holder in the marathon (2:21:34). After taking up running in her 30s, Sinead quickly ascended as one of Australia’s best distance runners. She made her Olympic marathon debut in Tokyo in 2021, finishing 10th, which was Australia’s best Olympic marathon result in over three decades. Sinead has also represented Australia at the World Athletics Championships, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has finished top eight in three Abbott World Marathon Majors (London, 2019 and 2020, and New York, 2019). As a 48-year-old mum of two and a part-time IT professional, Sinead continues to redefine what’s possible in distance running. -- Subscribe to Run With It wherever you get your podcasts, so you don’t miss a thing! -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @diversinead @elisebeacom -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Alice dials in from downtown Brooklyn, fresh off a five-day hurricane-disrupted mission to New York. She throws herself into marathon week: it’s a slew of brand pop-ups, yoga, late-night track sessions and the electric New York Marathon itself! From Helen Obiri’s savage move in the closing stages, and a sprint-finish in the men’s race, to cheering for the very last finisher long after the roads reopened, Alice paints a picture of what it’s like to be on-the-ground in the city that doesn’t sleep. Meanwhile, Elise checks in from her little home studio in Geelong, watching the marathon from afar while recovering from her concussion. She talks about the weird mix of FOMO and (reluctant) relief that comes with missing a marathon start line when your body’s not 100%. Alice quietly drops that she’s building (chaotically) towards Valencia Marathon and still dreaming of a sub-3, despite her hectic travel schedule. Closing out the show, Michael “Osto” Osten, Nike EKIN, joins Elise to share insights into the evolution of running shoes and the thinking behind the new Vomero Premium. He explains how advances in foam and cushioning have allowed Nike to create shoes that offer runners more choice – including the latest in responsive, comfortable designs that make getting out the door even more enjoyable. Osto speaks about how innovation is shifting from race-day shoes to the everyday pairs runners spend most of their time in. The goal is to help people train more consistently, recover better and find enjoyment in running for its own sake – not just chasing times, but making it easier to show up again and again. Osto also shares his recent race experience at the World Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Wollongong and his training leading into his next Ironman race. -- Thanks to Nike for sponsoring this week’s episode of Run With It. Head to Nike.com to check out the new Vomero Premium now in store. -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @alicebaquie @elisebeacom @nikerunning -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

From running back and forth to the letterbox on his family’s farm, to standing on a Paralympic podium, Reece Langdon has already packed a lot into his short para sport career. He’s a world record holder in the T38 1500m and T38 5000m,  he won a silver medal at the World Para Championships in 2023 and a bronze medal at the Paralympics in Paris in 2024. In this episode, Elise chats with Reece about the sting of finishing fourth in the T38 1500m final at this year’s World Para Champs in New Delhi, racing through plantar fasciitis, and why lining up fully healthy is now his biggest performance goal. Reece also tells us about the freak virus that changed everything at six years old – strep throat that led to partial paralysis, months in hospital, and doctors warning he might not be a very active kid. He takes us through learning how to walk again, speech therapy, living with ataxia, and the 13-month paper trail it took to be classified as a para athlete. We also chat about the growing depth of the T38 field and his friendly rivalry with fellow Aussie (and friend of the podcast) Angus Hincksman. Off the track, Reece is a proud new cat dad to Lola (yes, there’s a kangaroo-style pouch to carry her in), a full-time runner with ASICS, and an athlete who’s learning to actually celebrate PBs instead of instantly chasing the next one. -- Loved this episode? Subscribe to Run With It, share it with a mate who loves a good 1500m, and leave a quick rating or review to help more runners find the show. -- Follow us on Instagram: @reece_langdon @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Elise explains why she’ll be a DNS (did not start) at New York Marathon this weekend… Sit back, relax and settle in for a series of unfortunate events and a good ol' yarn.   -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom -- Music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Vanessa Wilson is back for a catch up post her World Championships debut in Tokyo! Vanessa never expected to be selected for the Australian team. Her husband (and coach) submitted her nomination without telling her, and lo and behold, she got the call up! The 43-year-old teacher and mum finished the marathon in 38th place overall and was the first Australian home on a difficult course in brutal conditions. Vanessa talks through the lead-up navigating work, home renovations and heat prep, which included trips to Queensland, infrared saunas and ice baths.  More than anything, this conversation is about quiet confidence. Vanessa reflects on "belonging" at this level, the mental side of a late-career debut, and the consistent work behind a performance that surprised even her. If you want to hear more about Vanessa’s story, including her 2:28 breakthrough run at Berlin in 2024, and how she got into running later in life, go back to episode 16 of Run With It. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @vanessateacherrunner @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

One year on, Alice opens up about the heartbreak, anger and a low-mileage training that turned Melbourne Marathon into a personal redemption story. From moving states and Eat-Pray-Love inspired therapy, to proving to herself she could finish 42.2 km on her own terms, it’s raw and relatable for anyone who’s ever run through a break up or other tough times. Along the way Elise shares her own New York Marathon training update (including a lonely 32k long run digesting the Geelong Cats’ recent Grand Final loss). There’s also a cameo from a very attentive pool lifeguard, and we swap notes on Berlin’s hottest marathon and Harry Styles running incognito. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @alicebaquie @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Lost luggage, sequin bathers, and start-line poses we probably shouldn’t attempt… Elise is home from Italy and Alice is back from Portland and Hood to Coast with a LOT to unpack. From field-event fandom at the World Athletics Championships, to Sydney Marathon’s debut as a Major, to Elise’s short-and-sharp build for New York, this one’s part catch-up, part race recap, and part therapy. Spoiler: trail relays are brutal, you can never have enough cowboy-boot shot glasses, and sunglasses at night might be a thing. If this episode made you laugh, crave tomato salads, or impulse buy a sparkly one-piece, share it with a mate, rate/review the pod, and follow along as Elise builds to New York with AB in tow as number one hype gal.  -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @alicebaquie @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer  

At Sydney Marathon’s debut as an Abbott World Marathon Major this year, Leanne Pompeani delivered a breakthrough run – 7th overall, first Australian home, and the fastest marathon ever by an Aussie woman on home soil (2:24:47). In this episode, Leanne relives the race in detail: from going head-to-head with Jess Stenson and Lisa Weightman in the Aussie battle, to their emotional finish-line hug. She opens up about her rollercoaster lead-up – a calf tear, a truncated eight-week block, and a bout of influenza – and why she chose Sydney over an Australian singlet in the World Championships marathon team. We also talk about one of her other big performances at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst in 2023, where she courageously fought it out with the world’s best, almost right to the finish line, but ended up in the medical tent with severe heatstroke. -- Leanne Pompeani is one of Australia’s leading distance runners, with achievements spanning the track, cross country, and the roads. She made headlines recently at the 2025 Sydney Marathon where she was the fastest Aussie woman across the line. She’s also a multiple national champion, a City2Surf winner, and has represented Australia at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships twice. In 2023, she became Australia’s fastest female debutant over the marathon distance in Nagoya (2:24:53), which was the first glimpse into her bright future as a marathoner. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @leannepomp  @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer  

Fresh off breaking her own Australian 5000m record at the London Diamond League, Rose Davies is showing she belongs among the world’s best. At just 25, the two-time Olympian talks about racing on the sport’s biggest stages, learning from fellow athletes and why friendships matter as much as the medals. We cover her record run in London, what she took from Tokyo and Paris, and how she’s refined her approach to peak for the right races. Rose opens up about walking away from the sport as a junior after crippling pre-race anxiety and burnout, the road back with long-time coach Scott Westcott, and how she’s learned to keep happiness at the heart of her running - even at the elite level. Rose Davies is one of Australia’s leading long-distance runners, holding the national records for both the 5000m (14:31) and 10,000m (30:34) on the track. After a challenging transition from junior to senior ranks, she broke through with podium finishes at the Zatopek 10,000m in 2021 and 2022, earning selection for the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, Rose has made Olympic and World Championship finals, won Zatopek a third time, broken Australian records, and cemented her place among the country’s top distance athletes. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @rose.davies @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

James Hansen didn’t grow up expecting to stand on the podium. The Tasmanian middle-distance runner started as an underdog, fuelled by nothing more than the joy of running and the stubborn belief that showing up matters. Over the years, that joy was tested - through injury, self-doubt, and most dramatically, a life-threatening brain clot that could have ended his career. In this conversation, we talk about the mental highs and lows of racing at the elite level, how faith has shaped James’s approach to sport and life, and the ways he’s learned to build resilience when the path ahead isn’t clear. We also discuss body image in running, the pressure of chasing times, and why letting go of outcomes can make you a stronger athlete. James shares the moment he almost skipped nationals and how turning up changed the trajectory of his season. James’s career so far shows that the real victories aren’t always at the finish line. His story is about perspective, persistence, and holding onto the love of running — even when the going gets tough. -- James Hansen is one of Australia’s top middle-distance runners, specialising in the 1500m and 5000m (and now dabbling in the half marathon). Based in Tasmania, he has represented Australia on the international stage and is known for his tactical racing style and relentless work ethic. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @james_hansen  @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Alice checks in from NYC, where she’s frothing the birthplace of Pilates and accidentally joined a circus disguised as a track session (yes, there was a man planking with a TV on his head). She’s also signed herself up for another relay - Hood to Coast -  because apparently she’s a “relay girl” now. Back home, Elise is out of the treadmill cave and back running with her kelpie Joey — who’s on her own fitness comeback. With the New York Marathon looming, Elise is embracing the “undercooked but on the start line” approach (with a side of Aperol spritz in Italy). Expect rat tattoos, wine-tasting marathons, border security cheese smuggling and plenty of chat about how to get marathon-ready without breaking yourself. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @alicebaquie @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

In this episode of Run With It, host Elise Beacom continues her interview with Grace Tame, focusing on Grace’s experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse and how she rediscovered running as a healing mechanism. Grace discusses her past struggles with eating disorders, the autistic traits that complement running and the fine line between running for therapy and running to mask deeper troubles. Also, PEANUT BUTTER. A lot of peanut butter in this episode. Plus, a special shout out for Andy Buchanan. -- This episode includes discussions about child sexual abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders and mental health. If any of these topics are distressing for you, please call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for confidential support and resources. -- Since being announced Australian of the Year in January 2021, Grace Tame has become a household name as a brave and passionate advocate for systemic change to prevent child sexual abuse. She was the first female in Tasmania to be granted the right to speak under her own name about her personal experience of sexual abuse as a child. "Grace appeared as part of the #LetHerSpeak campaign (run by sexual assault campaigner and Walkley award winning journalist Nina Funnell). Since then, she has used her voice to raise awareness of the impacts of grooming and the other various injustices faced by child sex abuse survivors.  Before returning to her home of Tasmania in 2020, Grace lived in the USA for almost seven years where she graduated with Associate Degrees with Honours in Liberal Arts and Theatre Arts from Santa Barbara City College. In the USA she worked as a yoga instructor and an artist with clients including actor John Cleese and musician Martin Gore. Grace is an excellent runner who has won several marathons and ultras, including the Great Ocean Road Ultra Marathon, the Bruny Island Ultra Marathon and the Australian Outback Marathon. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @tamepunk @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Visit the Grace Tame Foundation for more information on Grace’s advocacy work -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Running is a thread that weaves through many aspects of Grace Tame’s life.  In this special two-part episode of Run With It, host Elise Beacom connects the dots with Grace, who’s an advocate, public speaker, writer, artist, runner, and the 2021 Australian of the Year (TW: child sexual abuse, mental health and sexual assault). Part one traces Grace’s sandy footsteps from the Australian Outback Marathon to the political and emotional terrain of survivor advocacy. Grace shares what it took to set a course record in brutal conditions at her recent marathon near Uluru, and how running has become a metaphor and outlet for life’s bigger battles. We hear about her role at the Grace Tame Foundation, an organisation championing education, legal reform, and accessible support for survivors of child sexual abuse. Grace also reflects on the complexities of receiving the Australian of the Year award, offering a sharp, honest take on media scrutiny, public expectation and the weight of visibility. From the connections running creates to our environment and the people around us, to bonds expressed through oil paint with a toothbrush, Grace is full of stories brimming with strength, shared experience and a good whack of humour. -- This episode includes discussions about child sexual abuse, mental health and sexual assault. If any of these topics are distressing for you, please call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for confidential support and resources. -- Since being announced Australian of the Year in January 2021, Grace Tame has become a household name as a brave and passionate advocate for systemic change to prevent child sexual abuse. She was the first female in Tasmania to be granted the right to speak under her own name about her personal experience of sexual abuse as a child. "Grace appeared as part of the #LetHerSpeak campaign (run by sexual assault campaigner and Walkley award winning journalist Nina Funnell). Since then, she has used her voice to raise awareness of the impacts of grooming and the other various injustices faced by child sex abuse survivors.  Before returning to her home of Tasmania in 2020, Grace lived in the USA for almost seven years where she graduated with Associate Degrees with Honours in Liberal Arts and Theatre Arts from Santa Barbara City College. In the USA she worked as a yoga instructor and an artist with clients including actor John Cleese and musician Martin Gore. Grace is an excellent runner who has won several marathons and ultras, including the Great Ocean Road Ultra Marathon, the Bruny Island Ultra Marathon and the Australian Outback Marathon. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @tamepunk @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Visit the Grace Tame Foundation for more information on Grace’s advocacy work See Mostafa “Moz” Azimitabar’s painting of Grace for this year’s Archibald Prize -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

In this episode of Sole Sisters, Elise and Alice embrace the weird, wacky and wonderful – venturing into Greek mythology, horoscopes and whether you can catch influenza A from aquatic birds. There hasn’t been much running on both sides, but there’s been some good trauma bonding, and you best believe it, there’s still plenty to talk about. They cover their chaotic experience staying at the “Pink Pussy Palace” for marathon weekend on the Gold Coast, which was all glitz and jet skis and potential bed bugs. They recap their friend Jess’ marathon race experience including a hearty carb load and a vodka cruiser at the 41k mark. The fallout of that trip was a big crash and burn for AB who was smacked down with sickness. But she’s recovering just in time to do another unhinged ultra relay in the US. EB’s injury rehab is going nicely – she’s getting some continuous runs in and hopping around the gym to her heart’s content. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @alicebaquie @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Professional ultra runner Lucy Bartholomew ran her first 100k at Surf Coast Century when she was 16. Not because she wanted to be someone, or become someone. She just wanted to run it. And she did – with her dad right there on her shoulder. In this conversation, we talk about the “Ned effect” era, where runners are taking on big challenges to become known, rather than having a more intrinsic motivation. We discuss body image issues which are rife in running and made worse now by social media, and the hardships Lucy faced finding her identity as a young athlete in the public eye. We also ponder whether awareness around eating disorders and under fuelling is getting through to the next wave of runners in the running boom. Hearing Lucy speak will make you want to run trails! She has a contagious positive energy that you can’t help but be inspired by. Lucy is currently in Chamonix where she’s preparing for her third Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) at the end of August. She hopes to better her 10th place performances from the past two years. -- Lucy Bartholomew is one of Australia’s most accomplished ultramarathon and endurance athletes. She’s earned podium finishes at several major races, including Ultra‑Trail Australia and the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. She is one of few women to complete both the Ultra‑Trail du Mont‑Blanc and the Ironman World Championship in the same year (and she did it twice – in 2023 and 2024). A Salomon-sponsored athlete, Lucy is also a coach, creator, and passionate advocate for trail running and women’s health. -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @lucy_bartholomew @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters -- Watch Running Out - Larapinta Trail  Read Bravey by Alexi Pappas  -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Calli Hauger-Thackery is a born racer. She ran a debut marathon that most athletes would fantasise about – 2:22:17 – which earnt her the title of 2nd fastest British woman ever (shared with Charlotte Purdue at the time). But Calli describes her 2023 debut as both a blessing and a curse. Her time qualified her for the Paris Olympics, which would be her second marathon ever – talk about baptism by fire!  After a disappointing DNF at Paris, Calli bounced back in a BIG way! She came 7th at Berlin in 2024, running a PB of 2:21:24, solidifying her place as the 2nd best Brit all-time. And earlier this year, she put herself right in the mix at Boston, coming home with 6th place. We talk about Calli’s time training with Melbourne Track Club a few years back, and the mindset shift she made after some frustrating years of not making teams. Calli now has plenty of opportunities in front of her. She’s been selected to run the marathon for Great Britain at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this year, but is likely to have another option in the 10,000m (maybe even the 5,000m – let’s see)! And most importantly, we also get the love story between Calli and now husband/coach Nick Hauger – and it’s a real goodie!   -- This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off. -- Follow us on Instagram: @callirianne @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

In this episode of Sole Sisters, Alice recaps the Red Bull Race the Sun relay where she and her teammates ran 345km with 6,000m+ elevation gain. Give the girl a space blanket and a barley sugar!   The objective was to get from the Gold Coast at sunrise to Tenterfield in New South Wales before the sun rose again. And guess what, they beat the sun! They also came third overall. But it was far from glamourous. It was six sweaty bodies bundled in two vans with crushed Nutri-Grain on the floor, a lack of music, no sleep and plenty of stomach aches. Meanwhile, Elise is a different shade of broken, experiencing her first baby stressie. -- Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @alicebaquie @elisebeacom -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

It’s been a massive month for Paralympian Jaryd Clifford. Fresh off breaking his own World Record in the T12 1500m, Jaryd joins Elise Beacom to talk about his race in Nice, France, where he ran 3:40.34 in a return to career-best form. Jaryd also speaks out about his competitor, Spanish athlete Yassine Ouhdadi who’s recently been handed a three-year suspension after testing positive for banned anabolic steroid, Clostebol. Ouhdadi won gold in the T13 5000m at the Paris Paralympics and will forfeit his medal because the test sample was taken before the games. Ouhdadi beat Jaryd (who won silver) at both T13 5000m events at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 and the World Championships in Paris 2023. Listen to Run With It - Episode 15 with Jaryd Clifford Jaryd’s statement on Instagram International Paralympic Committee statement Follow us on Instagram: @jarydclifford @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom -- Music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Haftu Strintzos spent the first years of his life as a shepherd in mountainous Tigray in northern Ethiopia. He cared for sheep and cows and played hopscotch (the Tigrayan version) with the other shepherds. Now an Asics-sponsored athlete, with his sights on representing Australia in the marathon, Haftu has the most incredible story brimming with resilience and perspective. But to understand how he got from A to B, you’ll just have to listen to this episode. Haftu talks about some defining moments of his athletic career so far, including running for Villanova University in the US, finishing first Australian across the line at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Serbia, winning the 10,000m at the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships and achieving silver in the 5,000m. After his half marathon debut in Melbourne last year (62:24), Haftu followed up with a blinder in Marugame in Japan, where he ran 60:36 and asserted himself as a real contender on the roads. Unfortunately, Haftu’s marathon debut was foiled by an injury that popped up just before Hamburg Marathon earlier this year. We discuss how he’s dealing with that injury setback, how training has changed since he transitioned to Adam Didyk’s Team Tempo and what Haftu’s big goals for the future look like. -- Follow us on Instagram: @haftustrintz @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom -- Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer