Better with Running

RUN2PB

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. HACE 13 H

    EP292: Andy Buchanan - Latest Training Week & mapping out his return to racing.

    Welcome to episode 292 of the Better With Running Podcast! Host Chris Armstrong is joined by fellow Run2PB coaches Andy Buchanan and Zac Newman . Andy returns to the show to catch us up on his transition from spectator to commentator at the recent 5K Frenzy. While he enjoyed giving back to the local track community, Andy admits he may have gone a bit "rogue" on the mic—at one point discussing lamps—while working alongside the professional Elise Beacom/ The boys dive deep into their training weeks as they prepare for the upcoming XCR season. Chris is finding his stride with his biggest volume in a year, crediting his consistency to following Andy’s conservative coaching. Zac has also hit a significant milestone, cracking the "ton" with a 103km week that included a spicy long run at Yarra Flats. Andy shares his own massive 153km week, highlighted by a track session of 2km, 700m, and 500m reps followed by a 34km long run. The conversation touches on his build back and race plans for 2026 along with the lthe status of Andy's pride and joy—his new lawn. Andy provides some tips for people preparing for ballarat as the tapers commence and talks through some experiences he has had leading into marathons. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Oat Running Socks. check out their range at www.oatrunning.com.au You can score some using the run2pb discount code : Run2pb15, for 15% off the range visit www.oatrunning.com.au

    58 min
  2. HACE 6 DÍAS

    EP291: Mowing Lawns and Crushing Reps with Run2PB Athlete - Andrew Leggo

    This week on the show, the boys dive into their latest training Zac is knocking on the door of a 100km week, Meanwhile, Chris is banking solid aerobic strength, successfully navigating the "Buchanan Fartlek" and a two-hour long run that included two 6km blocks at marathon effort, holding a steady 4:10–4:15/km as he dials into some strength This weeks Run2PB Guest is Andrew "Leggo" Leggo, a man who has mastered the art of "dad strength" and the high-stakes juggle of family and fast times. A former footy boundary umpire turned running nuffy! Leggo shares the story of his legendary 2:52 at the Melbourne Marathon—a feat he achieved just one week after the birth of his daughter, Miley, and only 24 hours after signing up. With PBs of 15:51 for 5km and 2:35 for the marathon, he’s now working with coach Matt Davy to prove that while his "selfish" training days might be over, his fastest days certainly aren't, evidenced by his recent 17:47 parkrun PB while pushing his son, Alfie, in the pram. The conversation covers Leggo’s recent races including an 8th-place finish at the Stawell 2-mile as well as his unique approach to training consistency around a busy lawn-care business. We dig into his "Quick Fire" answers—ranging from his current shoe rotation to his favorite way to cook a potato. Finally, this episode is brought to you in partnership with Oat Running Socks. Andrew is rewarded for jumping on the show with a pair, you can score some using the run2pb discount code : Run2pb15, for 15% off the range visit www.oatrunning.com.au As we head into the taper for Ballarat and London, keeping your feet blister-free is the top priority. Oat’s sustainable, high-performance socks are designed to handle everything from track reps to the 42.2km grind, ensuring you have the comfort and durability needed for race day. You can grab a pair and support the brand that supports the Aussie running community.

    1 h 12 min
  3. 1 ABR

    EP290 Road to Ballarat with Darren Reid & Run2PB Coach Ben Stolz

    This week on the Better With Running podcast, coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman dive into a packed weekend of racing results, ranging from the local tracks to international stages. The duo recaps standout performances from events like the Tiger 5 at Collingwood, the Run for the Kids, and the rugged Buffalo Stampede. They also highlight impressive efforts from further afield, including a half-marathon PB in Lisbon and a challenging, humid 10.5K race in Thailand that tested the limits of even the most seasoned runners. The hosts share updates from their own training blocks, with Chris putting in a solid 74-kilometre week highlighted by a demanding 5x2 minute interval session and a scenic long run through the leafy streets of Benella. Zac reflects on a tough "Mona" Fartlek session where he was "put to the sword" by training partner Jono, reminding listeners that despite how short it looks on paper, the intensity of a 20-minute session never gets any easier. In a broader discussion about the current "running boom," Chris and Zac explore how the sport is being embraced by new communities, including the rise of "gym bros" and Hyrox athletes joining the ranks. They share humorous anecdotes about receiving unexpected high-fives and encouragement from massive strangers on the trails, debating whether runners have finally moved from being the "scorn of the community" to a culture that even the most dedicated gym rats now respect This week they are joined by Coach and Athlete Combo, Ben Stolz and Darren Reid . Darren shares his journeyeflecting on his progression from those early days to his current high-performance mindset. The conversation highlights Darren's preparation for the Ballarat marathon, including his favorite training sessions and the specific lessons he has integrated from working closely with Benny. They also delve into the technical side of his training, discussing the importance of sweat testing and finding the perfect balance to ensure peak performance on race day. Beyond his structured training, Darren provides a glimpse into his personal life and gear preferences during the "Quick Qs" segment. He reveals his current shoe rotation, The hosts don't miss the chance to ask about the strangest sights he's encountered during a run. The episode wraps up with some reflective advice Darren would offer his 18-year-old self, alongside lighthearted answers about the soundtrack to his life and his go-to favorite icy pole. Daz was rewarded for coming on the show with a fresh pair of oats to get his kit sorted. Check out www.oatrunning.com.au

    1 h 6 min
  4. 18 MAR

    EP288: Matt Miller Run2PB Athlete Returns | On Track Debuts & Ballarat Marathon Prep

    Welcome to Episode 288 of the Better With Running podcast. Your hosts, Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman, kick things off with a massive week of training and racing updates. Zac finally joined the "triple-digit club," logging over 100km for the week, Chris, meanwhile, shares his "heavy and sluggish" taper experience leading into the Bendigo 5km Frenzy, where he managed to break the 18-minute barrier (17:56) with a tactical masterclass, starting from the very back of the pack to stay out of trouble before picking his way through the field. The atmosphere at the Bendigo 5km Frenzy was a major highlight, with the boys praising the unique track-side energy and commentary. A standout "only in local athletics" moment involved Jamie Soares, who realized at the track that his brand-new race shoes were actually two left feet, forcing him to compete in his daily trainers. On the drive home, the post-race vibes reached a peak when Chris spotted a local sprinting down the main road at 3:00/km pace while pushing a shopping trolley—a true testament to the athletic spirit (and occasional chaos) of Bendigo at 9:30 pm. Returning guest Matt Miller joins the show to discuss his dominant win at the Frenzy, where he clocked a 15:45 PB in his first-ever competitive track race. Matt breaks down the tactical shift of moving with six laps to go to gap the field, proving that his speed is right where it needs to be despite being deep in marathon training. The conversation dives into the transition from high-intensity 5k racing back to the marathon grind, highlighting how these shorter "blowouts" provide a necessary mental break and a physical "ceiling raise" during long aerobic blocks. The focus then shifts to Matt’s primary target: the Ballarat Marathon. Currently peaking at 105km per week, Matt provides a deep dive into his specific marathon workouts, including a grueling 35km long run featuring 3 x 4km efforts at race pace. . Looking ahead, Matt will use this Sunday's Wangaratta Half Marathon as a final hard stimulus to lock in his goal pace. Closing out the episode, the trio looks forward to the 2026 XCR season, with Matt expressing his keen interest in representing Bendigo on the cross-country circuit. The episode ends on a lighter note with a heated debate over post-run recovery snacks; specifically, Matt’s controversial admission that he isn't a regular "Icy Pole" consumer. Despite the culinary rift, the boys wrap up with plenty of excitement for the upcoming winter racing schedule and the final weeks of the Ballarat build. Matt was rewarded for coming on the show with a fresh pair of oats to get his kit sorted. Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

    1 h 16 min
  5. 11 MAR

    EP287: Harvesting PBs – How Dan chipped away at his times to reap the rewards.

    Welcome to Episode 287 of the Better with Running podcast. Your hosts, Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman, kick things off with a deep dive into their own training blocks. Chris shares the details of a 64km week highlighted by a 6 x 1km intervals and a scenic 90-minute long run through the trails of Benalla. Meanwhile, Zacca is knocking on the door of the triple digits with a massive 99km week, featuring a disciplined 25-minute continuous threshold at 3:41/km and a solid 23km long run alongside training partners Al and Reece. The heart of the episode is an interview with Dan Casey, an Echuca-based farmer and a long-term Run2PB athlete. Dan is the ultimate "quiet achiever," having spent the last four years methodically chipping away at his PBs under Chris’s guidance. Since 2022, he has managed to shave an incredible 30 minutes off his half marathon time and 8 minutes off his 10km, proving that consistency and sticking to the plan—especially keeping the easy runs easy—is the most effective formula for long-term progression. Dan also opens up about the "dark side" of the marathon, recounting a harrowing experience at the 2024 Sunshine Coast Marathon where he collapsed at the 35km mark from severe heatstroke. He describes the terrifying moment of waking up in a garden bed with strangers pouring water on him, a sobering story that underscores the importance of hydration and respecting the distance. Despite the setback, Dan remains focused on his 2026 goals. We wrap up with a round of "Quick Qs," where we learn Dan is a Garmin loyalist and a zooper dooper man. From farm life in Moama to chasing a sub-1:28 half marathon, Dan’s story is a relatable testament to the "everyday athlete" spirit. As a reward for his hard work and for being such a great guest, we’re sending Dan a fresh pair of Oat Socks to keep those feet comfortable during those early morning farm miles. Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

    1 h 5 min
  6. 4 MAR

    EP286: Big Cat Energy with Corinne & The Bendigo Frenzy

    In episode 286 of the Better With Running podcast, coaches Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman kick things off by reviewing their latest training blocks while reflecting on the explosive growth of the Bendigo running scene. Chris detailed a week of 73km, highlighted by a 25km long run in testing 80% humidity that left him "pretty cooked". He also shared a lesson in patience from his 10 x 400m track session; after feeling "tense" and struggling for rhythm in the first six reps, he consciously relaxed for the final four, finding that "all of a sudden, the pace came". Zacca, meanwhile, banked 91km for the week, featuring a 21km long run and a demanding "BT" fartlek session. The episode takes a celebratory turn with the return of Corinne, a standout Run2PB athlete who has become a symbol of "Big Cat Energy" following a year of massive breakthroughs. With a 16-minute half-marathon PB and a blistering 48:54 10km at Ballarat under her belt, Corinne fresh off a return to racing, discusses her journey through injury management, emphasizing the importance of staying consistent and not getting "greedy" with training—a sentiment Chris echoed when describing his shift from "burying himself" in sessions to prioritizing long-term health. As the "unofficial ambassador" for the Verve running store, Corinne joined the coaches for an essential "shoe chat," offering her perspective on the latest gear and the technical shifts in running footwear. The conversation also touched on her recent 10km run in Bendigo, where the local event saw record-breaking participation with over 3,000 runners. Chris shared his own experience from the weekend, where he acted as a "waiter service" pacer for fellow runner Mel, jokingly describing his role of grabbing drinks from the tables as not exactly "a la carte dining" but a rewarding way to support an athlete and friend. The episode concludes with an in-depth preview of the Bendigo 5km Frenzy, which Chris describes as "fast, fun, and a little bit chaotic". With Elise and Andy on the mic commentating and races for all abilities it set to be a great night of racing. Enter the Bendigo Frenzy: https://www.athleticsbendigo.org.au/events/5k-frenzy-2026/ Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

    1 h 8 min
  7. 25 FEB

    EP285: Run2PB Athlete Interview with Laura Tomic on masters records and consistency.

    In episode 285 of the Better With Running podcast, Run2PB coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman provide a deep dive into their current training blocks before welcoming guest athlete Laura Tomic. Chris shares details on his 66km week, highlighted by a "Moose Fartlek" session consisting of threshold and 5km pace efforts, while Zac reports a strong 83km week. Zac’s progress is particularly notable as he returns to 95% health following a back injury, aided by specific strength work. The hosts also promote the upcoming International Women’s Day Running Connection on March 1st at George Knott Reserve, a community event featuring Elise Beacom as host, and elite athletes like Jemima Montag and Sarah Klein. https://www.lovetherun.com.au/iwdrunning The episode's central focus is an interview with Laura Tomic, a Run2PB athlete coached by James Hansen who has made a stunning return to competitive track and field. After a long hiatus from the sport to raise four children, Laura joined the program in March 2024 and has since achieved remarkable success in middle-distance events. During the interview, Laura reflects on her journey from being a high-level teenage athlete to rediscovering her passion for the track as a Master’s athlete. She discusses her specific focus on the 800m, 1500m, and steeplechase, events that require a demanding blend of speed and aerobic power. The discussion highlights her recent personal bests, including a 5:19 mile and a sub-5 minute 1500m, as well as her goals for the 2026 season. The episode concludes with a "Quick Questions" segment where Laura shares her preferences for Garmin over Coros and her appreciation for the track community. As a reward for her contributions and impressive results, she is gifted a pair of Oat Running Socks. Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

    59 min

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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!

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