Beyond the splits

Elle Warren and Russel Astle-Coates

Beyond the Splits is a running podcast hosted by Elle (@elle_warren) and Russel (@therunningmanc), two amateur UK marathon runners. We bring you weekly episodes breaking down the latest from the distance running world - results, race previews, news and sometimes controversial opinions - alongside updates on our own marathon builds (the good and bad!). This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Oct 29

    EP22: IZZI BATT-DOYLE | 2:20 marathon | Australian record holder

    IZZI BATT-DOYLE: BREAKING THE AUSTRALIAN RECORD IN CHICAGO Izzi Batt-Doyle joins us after a phenomenal performance at the 2026 Chicago Marathon, where she ran 2:20:38 to finish sixth and break the Australian women's marathon record. We go behind the scenes of that record-breaking run, from managing the conditions on the day, maximising her fuelling, nailing the pacing and blitzing through the field in the final miles. We also get into the details of her build up to Chicago - her coaching set-up, key workouts, mileage and the changes that have helped her take a big step forward over the marathon. Izzi takes us through her journey in the sport including her time in the NCAA, the stress fractures that threatened her early career and how she's developed the resilience to perform consistently at the highest level. Plus, how does she balance professional running with managing a coaching business, coffee shop and running store? We also cover some bigger issues facing athletics. After pacing at the Sydney Marathon, Izzi reflects on the news that women's race winner Peres Jepchirchir was provisionally suspended. Finally, we discuss Olympic selection, her experience of missing out on the Paris 2024 marathon, and what the road to Los Angeles 2028 looks like now that the Olympic qualification window is opening. With a 2:20 marathon to her name, just how far does Izzi believe she can go? If you enjoy the episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with a fellow runner. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    EP22: IZZI BATT-DOYLE | 2:20 marathon | Australian record holder
  2. Oct 14

    EP19: Amsterdam in doubt | Chicago marathon | Are marathons actually easy?

    This week we’ve got injury dramas, huge performances in Chicago, more Russel rants and a lot to say about the state of running! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Here’s what’s on the agenda: 😬 Amsterdam: Race Day or DNS? Russel’s plans are hanging in the balance after pacing the Chester Marathon left his sciatica and leg issues flaring up. Is Amsterdam still happening? 💪 Elle’s Valencia Marathon Build 8 weeks to go and things are going well. 🏙️ Chicago Marathon Review We break down the elite races, from Amos Kipruto’s victory in 2:01 over Kiplimo, Lokedi vs Feysa, plus big results from the Americans. Plus - is Adidas now the undisputed #1 for shoes? 🔥 Is Running a Marathon Actually Easy? Spencer Matthews’ comments sparked plenty of online outrage, as usual. We discuss the difference between completing a marathon and racing one, and whether social media is manufacturing controversy for clicks. 🇦🇺 Kipchoge Takes on Melbourne Eliud Kipchoge is BACK, winning the Melbourne Marathon and breaks the course record. 📅 What’s Next? Amsterdam, the Yorkshire Marathon, Valencia training and upcoming race plans. 🎧 Tune in for another week of training talk, elite racing analysis, strong opinions and plenty of running chat. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Oct 7

    EP18: The Autumn marathon season is getting serious

    This week we're talking about: 🇬🇧 England Road Relays - Elle recaps a tough 5.47km relay course, battling the hills and still coming away with a strong team result. 🌴 Mallorca Training - debriefing miles in the heat, humidity, hills and some questionable hotel treadmills… plus why the crisp autumn weather has never felt so good. ☀️➡️🍂 🏃‍♀️ Valencia Is Getting Closer - With nine weeks to go, Elle gets through a 16-mile long run and starts to reset her marathon training 😬 Amsterdam - Russel is less than two weeks away from Amsterdam, but confidence is low and goals have been reassessed. We talk injury, mileage, pacing and why he’s now aiming for a more realistic target. ⏱️ Manchester Half Marathon Pacing - Russel takes on the 80-minute pacing job - complete with a massive flag, a dodgy hamstring/glute and some very strange race-day noises. 🔥 The London Marathon Rant - The 2027 London Marathon is changing format, but is it actually better for runners? We get into the two-day format, and why Russel has officially had enough. 🏁 Does the UK Need a Fast Autumn Marathon? Could Manchester become the answer? We debate how the UK could create a genuinely fast autumn marathon and whether runners should be looking beyond London. 🇺🇸 Chicago Marathon Preview - We look ahead to a stacked Chicago field featuring Jacob Kiplimo, Charles Hicks, Clayton Young, Brigid Kosgei, Sharon Lokedi, Jess Warner-Judd, and plenty more. Plus many more tangents and segues along the way. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About

Beyond the Splits is a running podcast hosted by Elle (@elle_warren) and Russel (@therunningmanc), two amateur UK marathon runners. We bring you weekly episodes breaking down the latest from the distance running world - results, race previews, news and sometimes controversial opinions - alongside updates on our own marathon builds (the good and bad!). This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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