Better with Running

RUN2PB
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This podcast is about sharing that running journey, its here to help inspire and motivate others to join and take part in the best sport in the world! Running! Along the journey you’ll also get the chance to hear from a range of coaches, athletes and running experts their backgrounds and how they go about getting the most out of their running. Sharing some of their secrets and training tips, to help expose you to some new ways of thinking and operating!

  1. 8 HR AGO

    BWR278: From Couch to Marathon: Navigating the Journey with Run2PB Athlete Matt Watts & Coach Forest Robinson

    To kick off the new year, episode 278 of the Better With Running podcast begins with a catch-up between coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman, followed by a detailed interview with athlete Matt Watts and his coach, Forest Robinson. The episode opens with Chris and Zac discussing the challenges of the current Australian heatwave, which has forced many local runners to adjust their training significantly. Chris shares that he recently completed a session of 8 x 1km reps, averaging 3:29 per rep, with a particularly strong final effort of 3:19. He felt much smoother than in previous months, noting that he spent two hours recovering as a "vegetable" after a sweltering 25km long run. Meanwhile, Zac is making steady progress in his "rebuild" phase, hitting back-to-back 80km weeks and finding his rhythm again at Albert Park. He averaged 3:30s during a recent 6-minute interval and is starting to contemplate a return to road racing, This weeks run2pb guest interview is with Matt Watts who describes his relatively recent and rapid progression from a team sports background in footy and cricket to marathon running. After a long hiatus from fitness, he returned to activity via a "Couch to 5K" program, initially motivated by a desire to be a healthy role model for his young daughter. His progression was swift; he went from completing a 27-minute 5K to training for his first marathon in his hometown of Ballarat. Matt reflects on his early experiences as a "cookie-cutter" plan user, explaining that while those generic programs got him started, he eventually reached a plateau where he needed more structure and personal accountability. A major theme of the interview is the transformative effect of working with coach Forest Robinson. Matt explains that the biggest shift from "Old Matt" to "New Matt" is the move away from chasing arbitrary numbers to trusting a long-term developmental process. Forest chats about, focusing on building Matt’s volume safely and keep easy runs easy. Matt has embraced this new structure, finding that having a coach in his corner has changed his perspective on training blocks, turning them into sustainable journeys rather than just countdowns to a single race day. With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

    1h 10m

  2. 24/12/2025

    EP277: Kate Clarke Run2PB Athlete on Bendigo Bats, Big PBs, and Balancing the Daily Grind

    In this episode of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman welcome back Run2PB athlete and Bendigo Bat, Kate Clarke to share her remarkable transformation. Since beginning her journey with Run2PB, Kate has achieved staggering progress under the guidance of Coach Chris, shaving 25 minutes off her half-marathon PB, 10 minutes off her 10km, and recently breaking the 25-minute barrier for the 5km at Albert Park. Her journey has seen her hit recently 50km-per-week athlete which highlights the power of structured training and a dedicated mindset. Beyond the garmin, Kate discusses the vital role running plays in balancing her high-pressure career as an event producer. Often working 12-to-16-hour days on her feet, she relies on her morning miles for mental clarity and essential "me-time." Kate has also become a fixture in the Athletics Victoria (AV) community and also created a tradition of themed baking. From "yo-yo" shortbreads for Ballarat to her famous brownies for Burnley. A major key to Kate’s recent performance jump was her work with nutritionist Jessica Rothwell. She shares the "game-changing" realisation that she needed to view fueling as "adding another meal" to support both her training and her demanding job. We also get an insight into her "chaotic" but lovable training partner—Alfie the Labradoodle. . She also reflects on the electric atmosphere of the Sydney Marathon weekend, where she joined the 10km event while supporting her friend Looking ahead to 2026, Kate and Chris emphasize the importance of keeping the "fun" in the process. After a season of massive breakthroughs, she is currently embracing a period of "running, not racing" as she prepares for the next XCR calendar. Her story is a testament to how structured coaching, proper fueling, and connecting with the running community can lead to improvements both on the road and in daily life.

    1h 35m

  3. 17/12/2025

    EP276: A Coach’s Comeback: Ned Buckell on Resilience, Recovery, and Leading the Next Generation

    In episode 276 of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman welcome Run2PB Coach Ned Buckell. Ned brings a high level of academic expertise to his coaching, as he is currently completing his Masters of Exercise Physiology. The episode serves as a deep dive into Ned’s journey, exploring how he transitioned from a competitive junior athlete to a coach who balances scientific principles with real-world experience. The conversation begins by painting a picture of Ned’s upbringing in a competitive household as the youngest of four boys. Alongside his twin brother, Matt, Ned’s introduction to running started as early as age five with Bendigo Little Athletics and cross-country racing. Listeners get an inside look at the long-standing relationship between the Buckell brothers and their mentor, elite runner Andy Buchanan, who began coaching them in Grade 6. This bond has evolved over moving from a teacher-student dynamic to a professional one where they now work together at the Verve Running. A significant portion of the show is dedicated to a major turning point in Ned's life: a non-running-related injury that sidelined him for years. In Year 8, Ned contracted a severe staph infection that settled in his hip, leading to a month-long hospital stay, and complications like pneumonia and myocarditis. He shares the raw reality of spending 18 months on crutches and the grueling process of rebuilding muscle and fitness after missing a critical window of his junior career, on top of that after a return we hear about the decision to undergo and hip replacement and how he has been able to return to running after this. Beyond his personal history, Ned discusses how his academic background in exercise science shapes his approach to coaching both senior and junior athletes. The episode highlights his focus on Strength and Conditioning (S&C) as a non-negotiable tool for performance and injury prevention. Whether discussing the nuances of tendon stiffness or the mental health benefits of the sport, Ned’s perspective is one of resilience making this episode a must-listen for runners looking to understand the "why" behind their training.

    1h 16m

  4. 10/12/2025

    EP275: Stephen Pate Returns: Now a 2:31 Marathon Man!

    This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman, start the show with a brief update from chrisos training and talk about the turf war on socials about callipos vs zooper doopers. They then welcome back Run2PB Athlete Stephen Pate, he returns to discuss a phenomenal year of running, culminating in a massive three-minute personal best at the Melbourne Marathon 2025, clocking a 2:31:54. This follows a strong performance at the Ballarat Marathon and a 10k PB earlier in the year. Stephen shares insights into his training consistency through the winter, describing the mental side of the build as a "slog," yet acknowledging it felt better than his previous block. He credits his longevity and injury-free string of three marathon builds to cautiously increasing volume and the structure provided by his coach and training groups like the Ninch Track Club, which offer essential accountability and social support. We get a detailed breakdown of his Melbourne Marathon race, revealing he was "seduced" into running with a massive 20-person pack, which included the lead female, for critical shelter and pacing efficiency in the first half. The mental crucible arrived around the 26-30km mark, a dark patch where he battled "inner voices" of self-doubt. He shares the raw self-talk and mental strategies he used to shut down the negativity and find his rhythm again, contrasting this intense focus with his less-stressed pre-race mindset compared to Ballarat. Steven's strong finish, where he passed multiple runners, is attributed to his consistent training and repeated hill work, which primed his legs for the taxing final kilometers. Stephen confirms his dietary consistency, sticking to his famed steak poké bowls while maintaining a generally gluten-free approach, with the occasional pizza as a running fuel. We also hear about his preferred ASICS shoe rotation, favoring the Superblast for everyday miles and the Meta Speed Edge for races. Looking ahead, he is taking a short break to chase shorter-course PBs before shifting his full focus to training for the notoriously challenging, hilly Boston Marathon course With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

    56 min

  5. 03/12/2025

    EP274:Unlocking Speed: Coach Ben Stolz & Athlete Shaun White on a breakout 2025 season

    In this weeks episode of the Better With Running Podcast features Run2PB Coach Ben Stolz and athlete Shaun White, return to the show to recap Shaun's spectacular 2025 running season. Following a strategic focus on speed development, Shaun achieved a string of major Personal Bests (PBs), including significant improvements in the 3K, 5K (15:25), 10K (32:02), and Half Marathon. This performance surge was a deliberate part of Coach Stolz's plan to boost Shaun's foundational speed and power, setting the stage for a strong marathon attempt at Berlin Marathon, with tough conditions, we hear about how that all went down, including his fuel plans,and some training partners, who left Chriso speechless with the carb intake! Reflecting on his breakout season, Shaun and Ben highlighted several key takeaways for listeners. Shaun credits his success to consistency in training and adding strength training, which he had previously avoided for 20 years. He strongly encourages other marathon runners to "back themselves in" and focus on getting quicker at shorter distances like the 3K and 5K, asserting that this speed and confidence naturally translate into better marathon performances. The episode also touches on his shoe rotation. With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

    1h 9m

  6. 25/11/2025

    EP273: From Setback to Success: Run2PB athlete James Cousins on Overcoming Injury and Unlocking Speed

    The episode kicks off with the hosts', touching on the ridiculously short two-day first test match in cricket and the start of the summer, which prompts nostalgic recollections of childhood ice creams, including Zac's lament over paying nearly $5 for a Calipo. In their running weeks recap, Chris reports a managed 39K week, focusing on recovery from a rolled ankle and a heat-impacted progressive long run, while Zac celebrates a strong 66K week—his highest volume since February—which included an important strength-building. This weeks run2pb guest athlete is James Cousins, a dedicated Run2PB athlete who joined in 2023 via a referral from the Inside Running Podcast, starting with Coach Sophie Fitt before moving to Coach Brady. James has been "thriving" under Brady’s guidance, with the coach noting he is "very dedicated and diligent, a smart trainer who understands the purpose of workouts." This discipline has translated into serious results, including smashing his personal bests to a fantastic 1:23:25 Half Marathon and a 37:28 10K. The discussion with James begins with his Origin Story and the topics that shaped his running journey. The hosts dive into his initial spark for the sport, the significant setback of recovering from a snapped clavicle in a bike accident, and the mental and physical process of transitioning from surgery to the marathon start line. he hosts also draw a comparison between his sign-up PBs (3:17 Marathon, 1:29 Half) and his recent breakthroughs, asking him to walk listeners through what "clicked" to achieve such drastic time drops. James discusses the most significant benefits and differences he’s experienced since moving to a structured coaching environment with Brady, and his philosophy when approaching a tough session, explaining what makes him a "smart trainer." Looking to the future, the hosts challenge James on whether he is currently leaning more towards the speed of the 5K/10K or the endurance challenge of the marathon as he chases the sub-3 goal. The episode concludes with a series of quick-fire questions, covering everything from his current shoe rotation and favourite race he's done so far, to his preference between Ice Cream or Gelato . With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks. Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

    1h 2m

  7. 20/11/2025

    EP272: Sweat Vs Steam Wrap-Up and Talking PBs with #TeamRunPB athlete Matt Miller

    In this episode, coaches Chris Armstrong (and Zacca Newman kick off with a race report from Chris's Sweat Vs Steam 10k. Chris finished in a solid 37:37, but recounts the chaos of the starting pack where he "was getting absolutely swamped, elbowed, kicked in the back of the legs by people who confused the 10K with an 800". His biggest challenge, however, came five minutes in when he planted his left foot in a pothole, and it "just crunched" , making a noise like "bubble wrap". The pain subsided, allowing him to finish a strong, even-paced race. It wasn't until after he had finished, and was feeling "pretty cooked, pretty delirious," The event was touted as a success with a massive effort from the run2pb community supporting the event and volunteers assisting, with $14338 being raised for Echuca Regional Health. This weeks Run2PB athlete is Matt Miller, a 25-year-old business owner and former golfer who only began running seriously in January 2025. Fresh off apodium at the Sweat Vs Steam race. Despite his short time in the sport, Matt has posted impressive PBs, including a Marathon time of 2:40:22 at Gold Coast in July 2025, and a recent 5k PB of 16:03. The discussion covers his rapid progression, his background in golf, and his ambitious targets for 2026, which include the Ballarat and Melbourne Marathons and competing in XCR. A key focus of the conversation is what Matt has learned from Chris's coaching, especially concerning his training structure. Matt shares that "without doubt, the biggest thing is being consistent" , admitting his training was "so sporadic"   Matt also reveals his enjoyment of interval sessions that he "wouldn't have thought to do anything like that"  The episode wraps up with a fun quick-fire round of questions. With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks. Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

    1h 8m

  8. 12/11/2025

    EP271: #teamrun2pb athlete Interview Mel Townsend on the Track-to-Trail Conversion and Finding Flow.

    This week on Better With Running, RUN2PB athlete Mel Townsend joins Chriso and Zacca for a discussion on her incredible versatility. Mel's running career began as a high school star before she transitioned to the US collegiate scene, competing for Northern Arizona University (NAU).We hear about her college running days and now transitioning to the trail running world. Mel's 2025 season has been a massive success, marked by a conscious goal to race more, competing in twelve eventsand As a member of the Singletrack Team, she has thrived on the trails. Mel shares her passion for trail running, calling it "almost like a combination of all my hobbies outside of running combined, and then running as well." She also provides a candid look into the mental demands of ultra-racing, describing the experience as a "rollercoaster of emotions, of exhaustion, happiness, anger, sad, because there's so much time in your own head." Mel talks about her goals for 2026 and takes on the quick questions, and reveals her garmin is still going strong!

    59 min
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About

This podcast is about sharing that running journey, its here to help inspire and motivate others to join and take part in the best sport in the world! Running! Along the journey you’ll also get the chance to hear from a range of coaches, athletes and running experts their backgrounds and how they go about getting the most out of their running. Sharing some of their secrets and training tips, to help expose you to some new ways of thinking and operating!

Information

  • Creator
    RUN2PB
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    279
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © RUN2PB

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