Beyond The Finish Line

This week is a full listener Q&A episode and we cover everything from heart rate confusion and marathon pacing to carbon shoes, weight loss during training, and building a running brand.them🎧 Listener Q&A:– “If you had to choose 3 shoes for everything, what are you picking?”– “How do I calculate marathon pace vs half marathon pace?”– “Should I run full marathon pace in long runs?”– “Why does my heart rate drift above Zone 2 even when I’m trying to stay easy?”– “Can you lose weight while training for a marathon?”– “Are AI nutrition apps worth it?”– “If I start a trail running YouTube channel, will it affect future jobs?”– “Do I need to swim further than race distance in training for a sprint tri?”– “Would you ever attempt the Barclay Marathon?”

DescriptionIn this episode of Beyond the Finish Line, Matt and Georgia dive into the number 1 topic of every runners algorithm at the moment "Stress Fractures"Recorded while Matt is on training camp in regional NSW, the conversation moves from the realities of training camps and business pressure into a deeper discussion around why stress fractures, overtraining, and mental burnout are becoming increasingly common among everyday runners.Georgia opens up about recent health struggles and anxiety, while Matt breaks down what he sees daily as a coach — including the warning signs most athletes ignore, the limitations of AI training platforms, and why chasing constant goals can quietly derail long-term performance.This episode is a grounded, honest reminder that endurance sport is meant to be sustainable, not a race to exhaustion.Also inside:– What training camps actually involve (and why they’re not luxury getaways)– Why stress fractures and burnout are exploding in the running space– AI training platforms: benefits, flaws, and user responsibility– The pressure of constant PB-chasing and social media comparison– Genetic outliers vs everyday runners– Why fueling mistakes and under-eating increase injury risk– RED-S and long-term consequences for endurance athletes– How to spot mental vs physical fatigue before injury hits🎧 Listener Questions Covered1️⃣ How do I know when I should see a physio?Matt breaks down the difference between a niggle, pain, and injury, and explains when proactive treatment can save weeks (or months) of lost training.2️⃣ Why do runners need so many carbs — and what’s actually happening in the body?A deep dive into fueling science, glycogen storage, why carbs don’t cause weight gain, and how under-fueling leads directly to poor performance and injury.3️⃣ How long should you arrive before an overseas marathon if you’re chasing a time goal?Matt and Georgia discuss time zones, climate, nerves, and why 3–5 days is usually enough — with caveats for heat, cold, and sleep sensitivity.4️⃣ How do I prevent stitches when running?Why there’s no clear scientific consensus, what patterns to look for, and how runners can use trend tracking and elimination to identify personal triggers.

This week, it’s Georgia’s turn in the hot seat. Following Matt’s episode, we flip the script and unpack Georgia’s journey from struggling to run a single lap of the oval to building a marathon-ready mindset, becoming co-owner of The Performance Project, and preparing to be a mum. It’s a deep dive into self-belief, community, imposter syndrome, and how social media became the bridge between her personal goals and something much bigger.Also inside:– How Georgia went from asthma attacks to marathon medals– Her content creation journey before running took over– Why documenting the sub-4 marathon meant so much– The conversation that made her want to join TPP– How pregnancy changed her relationship with training– Nick’s role behind the scenes (and why he deserves more credit)

This week, Georgia flips the script and interviews Matt — diving deep into the journey from Michelin-starred chef to ultra-endurance coach. Matt opens up about addiction, burnout, hitting rock bottom, and the Ironman that saved his life. It’s raw, real, and full of insights that go far beyond training.If you're new to the pod or part of the team already, this is the episode to understand what drives the guy behind The Performance Project.Also inside:– What working in the world’s best kitchens really looks like– Matt’s addiction story and the moment that changed everything– The Ironman that saved his life– Why “do hard things” isn’t just a slogan– How he treats coaching like life or death– The difference between good coaches and great ones– Listener Q&A: Trail running gear, training knowledge, and starting from scratch🎧 Listener Q&A:– Where did Matt actually learn all his training knowledge?– What’s the best trail vest and race kit setup for new trail runners?– Do you really need snake bandages and thermals? (Short answer: yes)

We’re back for 2026 and kicking things off with a huge update: Georgia’s pregnant! In this episode, she opens up for the first time about what the last three months have really looked like — the excitement, exhaustion, morning sickness (spoiler: it’s constant), and the mental shift that comes with slowing down.Matt also shares his plans for the year: bringing in a coach for UTA, chasing sub-10 at Ironman WA, and why he’s finally saying no to anything that doesn’t move the needle.Also inside:– The truth about training in your first trimester– Why Georgia had to pull out of her triathlon debut– Matt’s new ultra coach and how he’s shifting focus– The real cost of pregnancy (and we’re not just talking energy)– Thoughts on lying about race times online (yes, we went there)

We made it! Episode 50 marks the final show of the year — and what a year it’s been. From awkward mic setups to top-10 chart rankings, this episode is a full-circle reflection on what we’ve built, what we’ve learned, and what’s coming next.Matt and Georgia go deep on:– Their favourite episodes (and the one that shocked them both)– What it's actually like being recognised in real life– The weirdest fan moment of the year– Big goals for 2026– The power of consistency in both podcasting and performancePlus: your final listener questions of the year, including 70.3 vs. half marathon training, carb drinks, and the #1 piece of advice Matt gives to almost every athlete.Also inside:– Georgia’s love/hate relationship with intros– Why Matt still forgets to ask about her week– Top listener moments that made us both emotional– Behind-the-scenes lessons from 50 weeks of weekly drops🎧 Listener Q&A:– Can I use a carb drink like Tailwind instead of gels?– What’s the most common coaching advice you give athletes?– Can you spend too much time in zone 2?– Can you train for Hyrox and a sub-2 half marathon at the same time?

In our second-last episode for the year, we’re wrapping up 2025 with a big ol’ reflection. Did we hit our goals? What surprised us? What are we working towards in 2026?Georgia opens up about what finally cracking sub-4 meant — and how it reshaped her relationship with racing. Matt shares why missing his performance goals stings more than expected, and how he's reframing next year to chase unfinished business. We talk burnout, boundary-setting, prioritising community over personal milestones, and what happens when you find yourself back at square one (but with the wisdom of experience).Also inside:– Georgia’s big year: sub-4 marathon, London, co-ownership, brand deals– Matt’s brutally honest take on falling short of sub-10 Ironman– 2026 goals: from Lonely Mountain to Project 100– Why supporting others might just be your next big goal– Morning run or night run? We kick things off with a rapid-fire “This or That”🎧 Listener Q&A:– How many B-races can I fit into a marathon block?– How do I come back after injury or time off?– What should I focus on with 10 months until my marathon?– Do I need rest days, or just better structure?– Why do I feel flat after racing, even with a PB?

It’s the final Q&A of the year and you guys did not hold back. From building up to your first marathon to whether you can jump straight into an Ironman, Georgia and Matt answer your most asked questions.Georgia opens up about triathlon nerves, building back energy after a tough few weeks, and why 2026 is her year to start owning her role as co-owner of TPP. Matt breaks down long run strategy, injury confidence, and his approach to helping athletes stay consistent (even when everyone around you is chasing PBs).How to structure your year if you’re racing a half + full marathon– Georgia’s triathlon nerves & new energy– Matt’s back into Ironman training– A deep dive on time vs distance-based training– Why our answers change (and why that’s a good thing)🎧 Listener Q&A:– Should I do a separate block for half + full marathon or combine them?– How long should my long runs be in marathon prep?– Can I do an Ironman without doing a 70.3 first?– Do I have to train for performance, or can I just run for fun?– Heart rate says one thing, body says another — which do I trust?– Time-based vs distance-based training — which is better?– Triathlon 101: What actually happens in transitions?– How do I rebuild after a stress fracture or injury?– Am I actually getting fitter or just better at suffering?

This week is all about getting quicker over 10km — whether you’re chasing your first PB or want to sharpen up for 2026 goals. Matt breaks down the exact intervals, training blocks, and weekly structure he uses with beginner and advanced athletes, and Georgia helps translate the nerdy bits into plain English.We also chat shoes, fuelling before short runs, and how many runs a week is actually enough to get better.Also inside:– Why Toby’s 9hr Ironman result was one of Matt’s proudest moments– Georgia’s first week of triathlon sickness– The real reason Matt doesn’t eat lollies– 50 episodes and nearly 50K downloads: our Spotify Wrapped recap🎧 Listener Q&A:– Is 3 runs/week enough to get faster?– How many shoes should I rotate?– Do I really need to eat before a short run?

This week, Matt takes you inside one of the toughest days of his life — a full race recap of the Kosci100, a brutal 100km ultra marathon through the Snowy Mountains. From throwing up on the climbs, to losing his vision at 95km, to stumbling across the line in 17 hours — this is what running 100km actually feels like. He shares what went wrong, what held together, and the one decision that saved his race. Georgia asks all the questions and tries to figure out if Matt’s going to do it all again (spoiler: he is). Also inside: – Why Matt never got his cup of noodles – The final 10km breakdown (literally) – How Sam nailed crewing duties like a pro – A real look at what ultra running does to the body and brain 🎧 Listener Q&A: – How to handle fatigue in your first 70.3 training block – Tips for adjusting training during your period – What to do (and not do) if you’re training while pregnant

This week, Matt's prepping for Kosci 100, Georgia’s officially in triathlon mode, and we dive deep into the mindset challenges of race week. From managing nerves and last-minute doubts to how a rogue gunshot mid-run almost derailed Matt’s training camp, it’s a raw, unfiltered look at the chaos before a big race.We also unpack what Matt’s learned through ultra prep, why America’s trail scene is on another level, and how different athletes handle the mental load of taper week.Also inside:– Georgia’s early triathlon struggles + new coach vibes– Matt's near-death experience (gunfire at Perisher)– Packing tips, carb-loading, and why shopping in Jindy is a bad idea– What to do when your breakfast backfires– How influencers are reshaping endurance events🎧 Listener Q&A:– How do I know if heart rate training is working?– What if I feel every niggle during taper?– Can one week in Bali ruin my race?– How do I fuel if everything makes me sick?– What counts as a proper “peak week”?– Should I run slow if my heart rate is in zone 1?

Whether you’re chasing a 5K PB or building toward a faster marathon, this episode is packed with everything you need to know to get quicker on the run.Matt breaks down his exact 12-week speed progression (including sessions, structure, and how to apply it at any level), and Georgia shares what it’s been like shifting from marathon to triathlon training — including the no-rest-days reality, her new bike, and what’s changed with her content.Also inside: – Would You Rather: cramps vs. chaos, treadmill hell, and pebbles in shoes – The controversial Instagram account calling out fake finish times – The truth about Percy Pigs (and why Georgia is the nation’s go-to source) – Setting realistic goals (and why 5-minute PBs might be more like 2-year goals)🏃 Listener Q&A: – How do I set a realistic race goal? – What should I teach a friend who wants to start running? – How can races be more inclusive for beginners?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

This week, we pull back the curtain on the parts of endurance no one talks about burnout, hustle culture, and the identity crisis that can come from always chasing a finish line. Georgia shares why she pulled out of her next race, Matt reflects on the pressure of performance, and together they explore what it means to slow down before you're forced to.If you’ve ever felt lost without a goal, guilty for resting, or unsure whether you're still enjoying it… this one’s for you.Also inside: – Georgia’s shift into triathlon training – Matt’s recovery and mindset post-ultra – When social media starts dictating your training – Why back-to-back racing isn’t a flex – How to recognise burnout before it bites🎧 Listener Q&A: – Does swimming or cycling actually help my running? – How to fit strength training into an already busy week – Training tips for shift workers – How do I know if I’m burnt out or just unmotivated?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

Thinking about sharing your running journey online? This week, we dive into what it really takes to become a runfluencer the highs, the lows, and everything in between.Georgia shares how she built an engaged audience without going viral, Matt breaks down what brands are actually looking for, and together they unpack the pressure, comparison, and storytelling that come with showing up online.Also inside: – Georgia’s injury update + mental challenges – Matt’s lead-in to Cozzi 100 and shoulder rehab – What makes an athlete brandable (and what doesn’t) – Protecting your story vs. being vulnerable online – Social media growth without selling your soul🎧 Listener Q&A: – What editing tools do you use for content creation? – How do affiliate codes and brand collabs actually work? – How do you deal with comparison online?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

This week we dive into social media, personal branding, and building a platform as a runner or endurance athlete. Georgia shares how she grew an online presence through consistency and storytelling, while Matt breaks down the importance of brand alignment, honesty, and knowing your “why.”We also share lessons from the latest TPP triathlon camp, talk about staying motivated when you're not chasing a race, and answer your questions on strength training vs. Pilates, retiring shoes, and Asics reviews.Also inside: – Georgia’s triathlon prep & social media growth – Matt’s reflections on mental health, motivation & identity – The power of content that helps your past self – When to share vs. when to protect your journey – TPP triathlon camp highlights🎧 Listener Q&A: – Strength training vs. Pilates: what’s better for runners? – How do I know when to retire a pair of running shoes? – Thoughts on the new Asics models?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

This episode is all about your questions. From training in the heat and increasing cadence to coaching vs. self-coaching, we dive into the common challenges runners face — and what to do about them. Georgia shares her triathlon training update and future plans for the New York and Boston Marathons, while Matt talks big goals for 2026, including a top-10 Ironman finish and a return to the trail world.Also inside: – Training through summer: how to adapt without burning out – Georgia’s coaching approach for beginner runners – Matt’s path toward Ironman World Champs & Kosci return – The mindset shift between racing and rebuilding – Why cadence might not be the real problem🎧 Listener Q&A: – How do I get my heart rate down on easy runs? – What’s more effective with limited time: zone 2 or intensity? – Should I train through an injury or rest completely? – How do I increase cadence as a slower runner? – Is Jeffing realistic for time goals like sub-5? – How do I choose my first trail race? – Do I really need a coach — or can I self-coach? – Tips for staying consistent over the holidaysWork With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

This week, we dive into a big one — alcohol and endurance. Matt opens up about his history with addiction, Georgia shares why she quit drinking, and we unpack how alcohol really affects your sleep, recovery, performance and overall mindset as a runner.We also chat about identity, training motivation, and how alcohol fits (or doesn’t) in the culture of running. Plus, a few spicy thoughts on Strava, Runna, and whether time-based training is actually the smarter way to go.Also inside: – Georgia signs up for her first triathlon – Matt reflects on post-ultra recovery and “soft weeks” – Is Runna a good app for marathoners on a budget? – The real reason Strava is losing steam – How to shift from punishment to patience in early running🎧 Listener Q&A: – How do I stop walking during a 5K run? – Is time-based or distance-based training better for beginners? – What do you think of the Runna app if I can’t afford coaching?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

Not every training block needs a finish line. In this episode, we unpack how to stay motivated, structure your week, and keep showing up — even when there’s no race on the calendar.Georgia’s kicking off her triathlon era, Matt’s coming down from ultra mode, and both of us are navigating the weird in-between season where performance and joy have to coexist.Also inside: – Why you don’t always need an “A race” – How to structure hybrid training without burning out – Georgia’s plan for swim, bike, run… and a social life – Finding your spark again after a big goal block🎧 Listener Q&A: – Do I really need to run 160km to train for a miler? – Why am I so hungry during my runs — even when I fuel? – Will I lose run fitness if I start triathlon training?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

We’re officially in the home stretch — just 100 days left in the year. In this episode, we break down how to set (and actually stick to) meaningful goals for the final block of 2025.Matt recaps his recent 50km ultra, Georgia sets her sights on her first triathlon, and we talk through everything from seasonal motivation dips to goal fatigue, process goals, and staying consistent through chaos.Also inside: – Georgia becomes co-owner of The Performance Project – How to set goals when you feel burnt out – Balancing holiday fun with long-term progress – Why social runs can hurt your performance (and when they’re totally worth it)🎧 Listener Q&A: – How do I stay consistent through the holiday season? – What’s the difference between life burnout and overtraining? – How do I balance social runs with performance goals?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram

Would You Rather... + Listener Q&AThis week, Georgia and Matt are back behind the mics with a loaded episode full of laughs, lessons, and listener questions. From a round of “Would You Rather?” to the raw realities of marathon setbacks, they cover it all: motivation dips, shin splints, training without a race, and how to mentally reset after a bad performance.Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or training for your first 10K, this one has something for every runner.Also inside: – Georgia signs up for a surprise race (and maybe a triathlon??) – Matt hits 122km in one week — just a casual 50K ultra incoming – Listener Qs: training without a race, marathon vs half, shin splints, motivation, and more🎧 Listener Q&A: – How do I train if I don’t have a race on the calendar? – I hit 18K and feel wrecked — how do I know if it’s too much? – When do you know you’re ready to go from a half to a full marathon? – What do I do if I’m still haunted by a bad race? – How do I stay motivated when progress feels slow?Work With Coach Matt- 1-1 Coaching and Training Programs Use code BTFL at checkout for 20% off all training programs Coach Matts Instagram Georgias Instagram