Beyond The Finish Line

Performance Media

"Beyond the Finish Line" is the ultimate podcast for the everyday runner. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner chasing new goals or just lacing up your shoes for the first time, hosts Matt and Georgia bring you inspiring stories, practical strategies, and honest conversations about the joys and challenges of running. Join us as we explore what it truly means to go beyond the finish line.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    #Ep 63 | Marathon Mini Series | Marathon Myths That Are Ruining Your Race

    The halfway point in a marathon isn't 21K — it's 32K. Episode one of the BTFL Marathon Mini Series. Matt and Georgia bust 10 marathon myths that are costing runners on race day — from the outdated 32K long run cap to why walking at aid stations is strategy, not failure. Plus listener questions on training with limited time and managing multi-sport load. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Marathon Mini Series 13:28 Highs and Lows: Personal Updates 14:17 Debunking Marathon Myths: Long Runs 18:42 Daily Running: Is It Necessary? 21:09 Carb Loading: The Night Before a Race 24:44 Stretching: The Right Approach 26:27 Half vs Full Marathon: The Reality 28:31 The Importance of Preparation and Recovery 30:07 Training in Adverse Weather Conditions 31:38 Race Pace in Long Runs 32:57 Walking During a Marathon: A Strategy, Not a Failure 38:50 Quality Over Quantity in Training 43:21 Pre-Race Routine: The Day Before a Marathon 46:20 Balancing Marathon Training with Life Responsibilities 53:27 Managing Load for Multi-Sport Athletes 💻 Join The Performance Project Coaching: https://performanceproject.typeform.com/Apply 📸 Follow BTFL: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthefinishline_pod/ 📸 Follow Coach Matt: https://www.instagram.com/mattb_performance/ 📸 Follow Georgia: https://www.instagram.com/georgiahillis/ 📸 Follow The Performance Project: https://www.instagram.com/the_performance_project_/

    1hr 1min
  2. 8 APR

    #Ep 62 | You Asked And We Answered Everything

    It’s Listener Question Month — our favourite episode where we answer your biggest questions around training, performance, mindset, and everything in between. We dive into the realities of endurance training, from bad sessions and confidence dips to how to actually improve your 5K, structure your training, and stop overthinking the small stuff. Plus, Matt breaks down some no-BS coaching insights, and Georgia keeps him honest (as always). Also inside:– Matt’s confidence rebuild after a rough race – The reality of “feeling unfit” mid-block – Why most runners overthink training details – How to actually improve performance (without doing more) 🎧 Listener Q&A:– Is Kipchoge’s new running app actually any good? – Are recovery runs better than full rest days? – How do you combine trail running with marathon prep? – What’s the best breathing technique for running? – When should you invest in a running coach? – How do you improve your 5K time? – Does foot strike actually matter? – Does running surface impact performance? – Why do morning runs feel harder than afternoon runs? – How do you run with a partner at a different level? Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Listener Question Month 00:16 Re-recording the intro & setting the tone 01:12 Why all runners have the same fears and questions 03:09 Matt’s training update & rebuilding confidence 06:13 Mental resilience and pushing through bad sessions 09:18 Enjoyment vs suffering in endurance training 12:13 Georgia’s pregnancy journey & body image 15:09 Listener Questions begin (apps & tech) 17:31 Recovery runs vs full rest days 20:49 Trail running in marathon prep 23:28 Breathing techniques explained 29:27 How to control breathing under fatigue 32:19 When to invest in a running coach 35:05 Finding the right coaching style 38:43 How to improve your 5K 44:14 Foot strike: does it matter? 45:29 Does running surface matter? 47:34 Morning vs afternoon training performance 51:57 Running with a partner at different paces

    56 min
  3. 31 MAR

    #Ep 61 | Stop Overthinking Your "Bad Runs" Do This Instead

    Mindset, Bad Runs & Bouncing Back Bad runs happen even to experienced athletes. In this episode, Matt and Georgia unpack how to deal with sessions that don’t go to plan, why one bad run doesn’t define your training, and how to build a mindset that actually supports long-term progress. Off the back of Matt’s toughest race in years, this is a real, raw breakdown of failure, accountability, and how to respond when things fall apart. Also inside: – Why overanalysing bad runs is holding you back – The “rule of thirds” and how it reframes your training – How elite athletes shorten their feedback loop to improve faster 🎧 Listener Q&A: – Should you run a marathon by heart rate or pace? – How do you manage heavy sweating and electrolyte needs? – Why do early morning runs feel terrible at the start? Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Energy Check 01:08 Highs & Lows 07:42 Matt’s Tough Race Breakdown 17:35 Mindset Around Bad Runs 20:25 Why Runners Overanalyse Sessions 23:14 Using Data vs Emotion 26:00 The Rule of Thirds Explained 30:27 When a Bad Run Becomes a Bad Block 34:09 Identifying Training Trends 36:37 Reframing “Bad” Sessions 40:35 Race Debrief Framework 47:48 Listener Question – Heart Rate vs Pace 53:41 Listener Question – Electrolytes & Sweating 57:52 Listener Question – Warm-Ups Coaching Action Steps 1. Implement the “Next Session Rule”After any bad run → no analysis for 12–24 hoursThen review once, extract 1–2 lessons, move onNo rehashing the same session twice2. Track Patterns, Not FeelingsLog every session (TrainingPeaks / notes)Review weekly → look for trends (fatigue, pace drop, motivation)1 bad run = ignore3+ similar runs = adjust training3. Define Your Performance RangeSet:Target pace/HRAcceptable range (floor)Example:Goal: 5:40/kmFloor: 6:00/kmIf inside range → passIf outside → investigate4. Shorten Your Feedback LoopImmediately post-run ask:Did I execute? (yes/no)What 1 thing to improve next session?Apply it next run, not next week5. Build Mental Reps (Not Just Physical)When a session feels bad → finish it anyway (within reason)Treat it as:“This is race-day practice”Bank it as evidence: I can push when it sucks

    1hr 3min
  4. 25 MAR

    #Ep 60 | You’re Base Building Wrong and It’s Costing Speed

    Description Base Building vs Race Blocks: Most runners think 16 weeks is enough to prepare for a marathon… it’s not. In this episode, Matt and Georgia break down the difference between base building and race-specific training and why skipping this step is the number one reason runners plateau, get injured, or miss their goals. They walk through how to structure your year properly, how long you should actually be building your base, and how to know when you’ve earned the right to start a race block. Also inside: – Why most runners sabotage their progress before training even begins – How to structure a simple base building week (even without a coach) – The biggest mistake athletes make with heart rate zones and Garmin data 🎧 Listener Q&A: – How do I know when I’m ready to commit to a race? – Are Garmin heart rate zones accurate — and how do I fix them? – What session should I use a treadmill for (easy vs hard runs)? Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Energy Check 09:02 Base Building vs. Race Blocks 09:54 Understanding Base Building Blocks 20:06 Implementing Base Building for Runners 24:03 Planning Your Year Around Races 27:04 The Importance of Base Building 30:27 Building Discipline in Training 34:02 Volume and Consistency in Base Building 36:21 Planning Races Around Training Phases 39:06 Understanding Heart Rate Zones 44:00 Using Treadmills for Training 46:38 Running During Pregnancy 53:41 Listener Questions and Coaching Insights

    58 min
  5. 17 MAR

    #Ep 59 | The Real Difference Between All 5 Training Zones

    Zone Training Explained: Zone 1–5 and How to Use Them in Your Running On this week’s episode of Beyond the Finish Line, Georgia and Coach Matt break down zone training — what it is, how it works, and how runners can apply it to their training. From Zone 1 recovery running through to VO₂ max efforts, Matt explains the physiology behind each zone and why different intensities play different roles in building endurance, speed, and resilience. The episode also tackles a common question from listeners: should you train by heart rate or pace? Matt explains when each approach works best and why most runners misunderstand the purpose of training zones. Alongside the zone training deep dive, Georgia shares an update on pregnancy training and wardrobe struggles, while Matt talks about the rapid growth of Performance Project and bringing new team members on board. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re running too hard, too easy, or wasting time in the “grey zone,” this episode will help you train smarter. Also inside:– Georgia’s pregnancy training update – The reality of building a pregnancy wardrobe – Performance Project team growth and new hires – Why most runners accidentally train in Zone 3 – The “dam wall” analogy that explains how training zones work 🎧 Listener Q&A– Should runners focus on heart rate at lower intensities and pace at higher intensities? – What should you do if your running paces suddenly start getting slower? – How do you structure training if you only have time for three runs per week? ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Zone Training 13:03 Understanding Training Zones 25:59 Deep Dive into Zone One and Two 30:11 Understanding Zone Two Training 39:15 The Importance of Zone Three 51:09 Exploring Zone Four: Lactate Threshold 01:01:14 Maximizing VO2 Max Training

    1hr 19min
  6. 10 MAR

    #Ep 58 | Running Terms Everyone Pretends To Understand

    On this week’s episode of Beyond the Finish Line, Georgia and Coach Matt break down 18 of the most common running terms that people hear all the time — but often don’t fully understand. From aerobic base and zone training to bonking, cadence, tapering, and overtraining, this episode is a practical guide to the language of running. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or you’ve been running for years, understanding these terms can help you train smarter, interpret workouts correctly, and avoid common mistakes. Alongside the terminology breakdown, Matt also shares insights from Ironman New Zealand, including the emotional highs of coaching athletes through their first Ironman and what the experience really looks like behind the scenes. If you’ve ever nodded along when someone mentioned VO₂ max, lactate threshold, or heart rate drift but secretly wondered what it actually meant — this episode is for you. Also inside:– Matt’s experience racing Ironman New Zealand – Why watching athletes finish an Ironman never gets old – Georgia’s first Pilates class during pregnancy – The reality of pregnancy training adjustments – Why most runners misunderstand cadence 🎧 Listener Q&A:– Why do runners talk so much about zones? – Does cadence actually make you faster? – What really causes “hitting the wall” in a marathon? ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 01:07 Weekend recap and Ironman New Zealand discussion 03:38 Why watching Ironman finish lines is so emotional 08:40 Matt’s Half Ironman race recap 14:02 Georgia’s first Pilates class and pregnancy training update 19:57 Introduction to running terms runners pretend to know 23:15 Aerobic Base 27:56 Zone Training 29:10 VO₂ Max 30:57 Lactate Threshold 33:31 Progressive Overload 35:33 Training Load 36:32 Recovery Run 38:46 Strides 40:25 Cadence 42:44 Running Economy & Running Form 46:29 Tapering 50:16 Negative Split 52:19 Progressive Run 53:49 Fartlek Training 55:53 Bonking 57:24 Hitting the Wall 01:00:22 Glycogen Depletion 01:02:03 Heart Rate Drift 01:03:46 Overtraining

    1hr 3min
  7. 3 MAR

    #Ep 57 | 20 Beginner Running Mistakes You Keep Making

    On this week’s episode of Beyond the Finish Line, Georgia and Coach Matt break down the most common running mistakes—pulled straight from your DMs. From pacing and progression to strength training, super shoes, mindset, and race-day prep, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you train smarter and avoid the traps that hold runners back. There’s plenty of banter (including pregnancy updates and caffeine confessions), but once we dive in, it’s pure value. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, injured, or unsure whether you’re doing things “right,” this one’s for you. Also inside:– Georgia’s 19-week ultrasound update 👶 – Matt’s honest take on treadmill running – The truth about cadence (and why 180 isn’t magic) – Why consistency beats perfection – When comparison helps… and when it hurts 🎧 Listener Q&A:– Are treadmill runs effective for outdoor performance? – Is the 9:1 run-walk method actually beneficial? ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 02:57 Georgia's Pregnancy Journey 05:59 Discussion on Podcast Format and Engagement 08:59 Highs and Lows of the Week 11:59 Matt's Injury and Training Update 14:57 Georgia's Running Experience and Pregnancy Challenges 19:57 Common Running Mistakes and Training Tips 21:29 Building a Running Foundation 22:38 The Importance of Balance in Training 24:53 Warmups and Cool Downs: Essential Practices 26:36 The Need for Structured Training Plans 28:06 Understanding Volume and Intensity in Training 29:52 The Role of Running Form and Technique 34:12 Engaging Core and Glutes for Efficiency 36:09 Cadence: Finding Your Natural Rhythm 39:34 Footwear and Gear: Choosing Wisely 45:02 Super Shoes: When and How to Use Them 46:31 Recovery and Injury Prevention Strategies 51:47 Strength Training for Runners 53:08 The Importance of Sleep and Nutrition 55:02 Mindset and Motivation in Running 58:07 Consistency Over Perfection 01:00:31 Overcoming FOMO in Training 01:03:38 Race Preparation and Strategy 01:06:40 Training in Race Conditions 01:11:22 Treadmill Running vs. Outdoor Running 01:17:18 Run-Walk Method for Beginners

    1hr 22min
  8. 24 FEB

    #Ep 56 | How to Build Real Endurance

    we unpack what it actually takes to build endurance properly without rushing the process or burning yourself out. From first half marathons to chasing big marathon goals, we break down the reality of building aerobic capacity, increasing mileage safely, and why most runners struggle not because they lack talent but because they lack patience. If you’ve ever thought: “How do I run further?”“Why isn’t Zone 2 working for me?”“When should I increase my mileage?”“Am I ready for a marathon?”This episode will reset your expectations (in a good way). Inside This EpisodeHow to build endurance from scratchWhy less is more in the early stagesThe truth about the 10% ruleWhy adding “just a few extra kms” can derail your training blockThe biggest mistake runners make when jumping from half marathon to marathonWhy endurance should be measured in years, not weeksWhat separates someone who can run far from someone who can run far wellWhy Zone 2 absolutely works (and why most people quit too early)How to structure training in seasons instead of single race blocksListener QuestionsAmy: Should intermediate runners pause or stop their watches during runs? Sal: Do non-trail runners actually need a running vest or bladder? Bronwyn: How do I fit strength training and running in at the same time without overdoing it? Timestamps00:00 – Intro + coffee chaos 05:00 – Georgia’s return to running 18:10 – Building endurance from scratch 22:50 – The 10% rule explained 27:00 – Impatience & unrealistic time horizons 31:00 – Training terminology & why it matters 35:50 – Zone 2 debate 43:00 – Half marathon → marathon jump 47:30 – Running far vs running far well 52:30 – Pausing your watch 56:00 – Running vests for road runners 59:15 – Strength training vs running balance

    1hr 2min

About

"Beyond the Finish Line" is the ultimate podcast for the everyday runner. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner chasing new goals or just lacing up your shoes for the first time, hosts Matt and Georgia bring you inspiring stories, practical strategies, and honest conversations about the joys and challenges of running. Join us as we explore what it truly means to go beyond the finish line.

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