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In the Beginning Podcast

In the Beginning Podcast
Author: Liam Flanagan and Courtney Atkinson
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© Liam Flanagan and Courtney Atkinson
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Welcome to the ‘In the Beginning Podcast’ – where Liam Flanagan - Triple M Radio Host and Courtney Atkinson - Olympian & Red Bull Endurance Athlete have a yarn about all things running, fitness, and life. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, have a listen for some real sports talk & a few laughs based all based around running . Recorded on the Gold Coast!
76 Episodes
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Queensland’s flying high — Reece Walsh delivers one of the greatest NRL Grand Final performances ever, and the boys unpack whether he’s now bigger than the sport itself. Liam and Courtney debate “star power vs greatness” and where Nathan Cleary fits into that conversation.From there, it’s a dive into the wild world of running tech —Strava sues Garmin, Garmin cops another lawsuit, and the lads ask: who actually needs who more?Plus:🏋️♂️ Courtney’s back in the gym, humbled but hooked🥾 Snowshoeing and reflections on life in the Snowy Mountains🏃♂️ Liam’s sore calf, 50K bike rides, and AlphaFly walks of shame🇫🇷 The UTA 100-mile itch (and dreams of UTMB)🧠 Deep chats on presence, happiness & “what are we chasing?” moments🤿 The world’s deepest marathon (yes, underground!)🏃♀️ Local legends taking on GC50 & Melbourne Marathon weekendWhether you’re sweating through a summer run or dreaming of snow trails, this one’s got it all — sport, soul, and a few laughs in between.👉 Follow, rate & share to keep the mics hot and the miles rolling.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
It’s run time. Courtney, Liam and coach Dan Atkins break down exactly how to pace the 10K at Noosa off the bike: why your first kilometre should be ~10% slower than goal pace, how a fresh 40-min 10K often becomes ~42:30 in tri, and the sneaky secret of matching bike cadence to run cadence. We hit brick sessions that actually work, on-course nutrition (gels with water — under fatigue), kit that saves minutes (hat > hero), stretchy laces (use ’em, train ’em), and how to time your kick so you’re not the mate getting mowed down on the blue carpet. Tips, laughs, and a little Struggle Street rebrand chat. Send us your Noosa questions on IG!Follow Noosa Triathlon @noosatriathlonFollow Dan Atkins @danatkinstrainingFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
What’s the greatest sporting moment you’ve witnessed live? We dive into why Suncorp just hits different, the Gout Gout hype vs “has he earned it?”, AFL GF sprint chaos (Jed Walter!), and why being fit ≠ fast (sorry Harry Garside). Running weeks: calves, strength blocks, snowshoeing detours, and why accountability > hero sessions. Listener Snowy pops a hammy—here’s how not to go stir crazy. Plus: Padel (yes, PAH-del) chat, Saucony’s “The Maze”, and UTMB daydreams.If you’re loving the yarns, follow the show, rate us 5★, and share this ep with your run crew. Chapters00:29 Bolt live (…which Olympics, Court?)03:20 Buddy’s 10 at the SCG08:55 Matildas PKs at Suncorp = chills18:04 Gout Gout hype train25:33 AFL sprint & Harry learns “fast”33:13 Calves, gyms, consistency44:20 Snowy’s hammy: what now?48:06 “Padel”, The Maze & UTMBFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Courtney Atkinson (3× NOOSA CHAMP) and coach Dan Atkins take you deep into the 40KM BIKE at Noosa: how not to cook yourself in the first 10K, why bike fit beats bling, tubeless tyre truths (hello 32MM @ ~60–70 PSI), and the simplest downhill cues you’ll ever need.IN THIS EPISODELACTATE BOOM: spin early, clear the salt, reset the brain (18:36)BIKE FIT > BIKE FLEX: budget for fit, not just carbon (32:36)TUBELESS + PSI: comfort = speed on real roads (40:50)GARMIN HILL: safe, fast descending with 3 easy cues (52:32)NUTRITION ON BIKE: front-load smarts, match on-course fuel (49:10)Follow Noosa Triathlon @noosatriathlonFollow Dan Atkins @danatkinstrainingFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Back in the same room, buzzing on Jetstar “sleep” and Red Bulls. We dive into the BNE Lions Cam Rayner’s sideline cocktail (Red Bull + No-Doz + salt tablet 🤯), Harry Styles cracking a sub-3 at Berlin, Sydney Marathon’s chance to cash in, and the AFR’s hot take on running influencers. Plus: Strava eyeing an IPO, Brisbane vs Melbourne run etiquette, AlphaFly test runs, listener shoutouts, and compulsory school cross country? It's a big one.AFR Article - HEREGabe Physio: Meta Study Link - HEREFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
From teenage fan rolling down the hill in a wheelie bin to three-time champion of Australia’s biggest triathlon. Courtney Atkinson opens up on his Noosa story — near-misses, Olympic highs and lows, Craig Walton battles, race-day tactics, and why Noosa is “fitness Christmas.” A must-listen for first-timers and veterans alike.Follow Noosa Triathlon @noosatriathlonFollow Dan Atkins @danatkinstrainingFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Courtney dials in from Bali, Liam’s on the Gold Coast, and the boys call it — one year of In The Beginning! We unpack Sydney Marathon’s new major status (and the ballot opening this week), chat World Champs highlights from Jess Hull to Gout Gout, dive into running culture in Japan vs Aussie schools, and even toss up whether Liam should go all-in on a 100 miler. Plus, shoe geekery with Nike’s Ninebox, a shoutout to Armidale Running Festival, and a tribute to legendary tri coach Col Stewart - RIP.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Conquer the Noosa Swim: Ocean Skills with Coach Dan AtkinsIn EP2 of our Road to Noosa Triathlon series, three-time champ Courtney Atkinson, ten-time finisher Liam Flanagan, and Australia’s Olympic Games triathlon coach Dan Atkins break down how to handle the Noosa swim: reading tides and sweep, where to line up, how often to sight, smart drafting, gear that actually helps, and exactly what to do in the final 100m before your feet hit the sand. Real race stories (panic moments included), coachable pool sets you can start this week, and the small hacks that keep your heart rate calm when the ocean’s anything but.Follow Noosa Triathlon @noosatriathlonFollow Dan Atkins @danatkinstrainingFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Courtney & Liam rip into a spicy mix this week: why you can’t buy a Red Bull cap (you’ve gotta earn it), Tommy Fury’s T100 Riviera “finish” and the transparency chat, trail etiquette vs headphones (look up, say g’day), and first-bike tips for Noosa Tri newbies—when to hire, when to buy, and how you can literally buy speed.We also hit Chase the Five race vibes, Dubai’s air-conned “Mall-athlon,” YouTube’s NFL takeover, Gold Coast Suns finals fever, Kira Parkrun’s sneaky distance, open-water Wednesdays at Tallebudgera, plus an Andy Buchanan injury update and a listener fact-check keeping us honest. Aussie endurance stew, served hot.Jason Paul - How to Get Sponsored by Red BullWicked Wednesday Swimming Info - @saltwaterswimmersSHOUTS & MAILBAG: William Reid (Red Bull hat Q), Gareth Watkins (Chase the Five), Britt the Physio (trail manners), Alex Baker (Sydney Mara results).ROAD TO NOOSA TRI SERIES: Wednesday's - Ep1 (Dan Atkins) is live; swimming next week.RATE & FOLLOW: If you’re racing Noosa—or just love a yarn—follow the show and flick it to a mate. Send Qs on Insta @inthebeginningpod.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
We’re back for a new event series, but this time in TRI mode. Australia’s National Triathlon Coach Dan Atkins joins Courtney & Liam to break down the Noosa Triathlon course: surf swim realities, the long run to T1, Garmin Hill (and the frighteningly fast descent), and the deceptively spicy 10K with those infamous cul-de-sacs. Plus: Matt Hauser’s form, Braden Mercer’s defending-champ storyline, and why Noosa is “fit people Christmas.” Next Episode on Road to Noosa: How to Swim Noosa — a practical deep-dive.Follow Noosa Triathlon @noosatriathlonFollow Dan Atkins @danatkinstrainingFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Road to Noosa Tri is coming in hot. 🇦🇺Liam & Courtney welcome Australia’s Olympic Triathlon Coach as the expert in the series - coach to Aussie current World #1 Matt Hauser and last year's Noosa Triathlon winner Brayden Mercer.Who’s it for?From first-timers chasing a finish to elites hunting seconds — we’ve got you covered.Series launch: Wednesday, 10 September 2025Episode 1: Course Intel with Coach Dan AtkinsHit Follow and tap the 🔔 so you don’t miss EP1 — then send your Noosa Qs for our swim/bike/run deep-dives.
Our first live show ✅ Sydney’s first World Major Marathon ✅ Kipchoge in Centennial Park ✅We wrap a monster weekend:Bondi Icebergs live pod with Andy Buchanan, Erica Greenwell & Clint KimminsSydney Mara atmosphere, expo chaos & 2,000-strong shakeout runsKipchoge dropped at 30K (still smiling, thumbs up)Women’s race rewriting Aussie history with Sifan HassanBrand battles: ASICS, Nike, New Balance & ON going bigListener shoutouts: Guinness record in thongs + Jack falling asleep to the podLiam’s sub-40 10K chase & Courtney’s scare resetAnd… a tease of our next ROAD TO series 👀Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on StravaShow Notes:10 x 10 Challenge - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10-x-10-challenge-tickets-1442763246709
For the very first time In The Beginning went live — thanks to our mates at AG1 — inside the iconic Bondi Icebergs dining room.We’re joined by Australian marathon record holder Andy Buchanan, nutritionist Erica Greenwell, and big-wave charger/triathlete Clint Kimmins in front of a packed room of runners gearing up for Sydney Marathon.From beating Kipchoge (yes, really) to stress reactions, shoe rotations, nutrition hacks, and whether Bendigo actually trumps Sydney and the Gold Coast as a running mecca — this ep has everything.Huge thanks to AG1 for making this live show possible and for backing Aussie endurance sport.#sydneymarathon #AG1 #runningaustraliaFind out more info on AG1 - hereFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
This week’s episode — we dive into Adidas’ “Chasing 100” — a six-hour, 100km world record attempt — and whether it can ever compete with Nike’s Breaking2 playbook. Speaking of Nike, their Sydney Marathon activation with Strava and Kipchoge might be the smartest marketing move we’ve seen in years.We also get into:Salomon’s first Sydney store launch (and Courtney’s awkward lap of the room)The 10 running brands fashion kids actually desireIf running shoes had Tinder profiles (yes, Brooks is still “your mum already likes me”)Strava predictions: broadcast rights, live tracking, and maybe a mute button for speedy show-offsDeeks’ Quarters — Liam’s new favourite session for chasing a sub-40 10kThe fuelling wars: Rice Krispies vs expensive gelsLocal race the Washpool Trail Event in Coffs HarbourIt’s banter, controversy, fashion, and a whole lot of running — the perfect lead-in to our live show at Bondi Icebergs with AG1 this coming Friday.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Sunrise runs in remote Lawn Hill, City2Surf sprint tactics, and the roast of Liam’s HYROX obsession (now with the ick). Plus: shoe stereotypes, Strava crown disasters, and why some runners come back stronger after a marathon.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
All right, runners, trail hounds and Strava segment hunters—EPISODE 46 is a biggie. We've got:🏃♂️ Liam’s back doing 16K runs and falling in love with running all over again (but only in 20° arvos... he’s officially a soft Queensland runner now).🌄 Courtney’s on 70K weeks, dodging injuries and sniffing around new road shoes like a free agent on deadline day—Nike Vomeros, Adidas Bostons, even calling in the Kayano cavalry.🗺️ Trail tales galore: from St Mary’s Peak’s perfect 200m to Kunanyi’s organ pipes, we go deep into the runs that felt magic. And yes, there’s a plan brewing for an “Oh Sh*t Run” series.🎽 Big race weekend recaps:Chase The Five (LSKD’s new 5K track night)Sunny Coast Half (Andy Buchanan breaking records and maybe hearts)Rainbow Beach Trail Mara and Rumble in the Jungle getting dirtyPlus, a cheeky teaser for the Diverge Skyruns on Tassie’s west coast—gnarly ridgelines, wet socks, and wild terrain incoming.🛰️ Strava’s on notice. Liam was robbed of his Adelaide tempo run thanks to a GPS glitch. Elon, if you're listening, sort the satellites.🔥 And finally—City2Surf. Courtney's segment the Red Bull Flying Sprint, a 1km Strava segment in Rose Bay with a trip to Japan up for grabs. Trip. To. Japan. For. Running. One. Kilometre.Next week, it’s City2Surf wrap-up time. See you then—injury-free, full of endorphins, and probably with another pair of shoes to review.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
HYROX chat cops backlash, Courtney buys Crocs, and Noosa Tri gets binned for a 40th. We cover:Travis Barker’s new Run Club$700 kids’ bikes?!Triple Top trail raceRugby’s fall & NRLW’s rise“Cheeky Beverage Club” cultureRunning chat with a side of chaos—just how you like it.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Liam’s fresh off a Stradbroke Island camping trip full of whales, turtles, and a croc sighting in Noosa?! Meanwhile, Courtney’s in Sydney with Red Bull.The boys dive into the doping suspension of Ruth Chepngetich, make Tour de France comparisons, and ask if high-stack shoes are behind a new wave of running injuries. Liam’s sore from squats, fired up about HYROX, and reuniting with his old Sydney crew “Runners in the Dark.” Plus: the boom of non-contact sports, the wild world of “Run It Straight,” and what backyard boxing says about our sugar-hit content habits.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
After a wild Gold Coast Marathon weekend, Liam’s voice is shot but the stories are loud—like calling the Suns’ first-ever Friday night AFL game alongside the great BT. Meanwhile, Courtney's fresh off the boat (literally), navigating a mooring standoff in the Whitsundays and smashing a steep trail run.The boys debrief Gout Gout’s breakout (and the early backlash), unpack Australia’s growing sprint and marathon depth, and revisit a powerful pitch from Michael Shelley: should the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Marathon finish inside a packed Brisbane stadium?PLUS:– Finish line shoutouts from the GCM community– Liam sets a sub-40 10K goal ahead of Noosa Tri– Post-marathon recovery Q&A (wine and all)– A newly opened 42K trail in Northern NSW– And why sometimes… you’ve just got to go off-gridFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
We wrap up the Gold Coast Marathon series with BRONTE’S MARATHON MASTERCLASS.All good things come to those who train… and trust the plan. In this post-race episode, we relive Bronte Langbroek’s triumphant debut marathon at the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon—clocking a near-perfect 4:29 after months of build-up with Benita from Lace Up Running. She shares every gritty, joyful, and gel-fuelled detail, from pacing with precision to emotional finish line moments.Liam dishes on his new role as race-day MC alongside the legendary Pete Murray, bleeding nipples and all. Courtney reflects on the series' full-circle moment, and the team swaps favourite signs, Strava stats, and future race plans (Melbourne, Noosa… maybe the Halfway House gets real?).If you’ve followed the journey from Week 1 to 42.195K, this episode is the ultimate payoff. Thank you for running with us.Contact Benita at Lace Up Running Bronte on InstagramFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava