EP249: Chasing Sub-3: Matt Ridgewell's Marathon Journey
Description
In this episode of the Better With Running Podcast, hosts Chris and Zac start the show by touching on listener feedback and a recent incident highlighting poor track etiquette amidst the current "running boom." Chris updates on his elliptical training as he recovers from injury, hoping for a gentle return to running soon, while Zac details his own structured return-to-run program, starting with walk/jogs and feeling positive. They also briefly discuss elliptical machine preferences and inaccuracies.
The spotlight then turns t #teamrun2pb athlete and physiotherapist Matt Ridgewell, who shares his inspiring journey to breaking the 3-hour marathon barrier at Noosa with a 2:58:07 finish. Matt recounts his running origins, his professional passion for treating runners, and the personal challenges he overcame—including a stress fracture and significant life events—leading up to his triumphant race. describes his love for both the objective and meditative aspects of running, praises Zacca's coaching, and answers a series of quick-fire questions about his running and future goals before the hosts conclude that Rod Stewart's WR attempt is a bit misguided, as they round out the show with WR Chat.
- 00:00:17 : Introduction and 250th episode anticipation.
- 00:00:56 : Listener feedback and previous week's "one percenters" discussion.
- 00:01:35 : Track etiquette issues and "runfluencers."
- 00:04:49 : Chris's elliptical training update.
- 00:08:16 : Discussion on elliptical machine pros and cons.
- 00:12:50 : Zac's return to running program.
- 00:18:38 : Introduction of guest Matt Ridgewell.
- 00:20:27 : Matt's running origin story.
- 00:21:34 : Matt's work as a physiotherapist and experience with running injuries.
- 00:25:11 : What Matt loves about running.
- 00:28:13 : Lead-up to the Noosa Marathon and Matt's sub-3 goal.
- 00:30:40 : Challenges before the Noosa Marathon (floods, travel changes).
- 00:32:08 : Matt describes the Noosa Marathon race experience.
- 00:33:34 : Pacing and group dynamics during the marathon.
- 00:35:11 : The emotional finish and achieving his goal.
- 00:39:04 : Matt discusses being coached by Zac.
- 00:43:30 : Matt's favorite marathon training sessions.
- 00:45:06 : Matt's future running plans.
- 00:47:46 : Quick-fire questions with Matt begin.
- 01:01:50 : World Record Chat: Rod Stewart and the 80+ 100m record.