Better with Running

RUN2PB
  • 5.0 (3)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 6D AGO

    EP281 Coach & Athlete Special: Building consistency with Run2PB Athlete Zac Collyer & Coach Telf

    In this episode of the Better with Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman recap their training, including a race update and gold medal performance from Chriso is revealed! Before welcoming Run2PB coach James Telford and his athlete, Zac Collyer, to discuss a year of remarkable transformations.  A standout moment in the conversation is Zac’s unconventional entry into the Run2PB program, which included a 3:09 rowing machine marathon—a feat that immediately signaled his high level of mental and physical engine. Before joining James, Zac was following a triathlon-based plan heavily focused on heart rate zones and "double threshold" sessions that weren't yielding the specific results he craved. James recalls their early interactions, noting, "There was a bit of a late night chat... and we sort of agreed that what he was doing possibly wasn't the best thing for him". Under James’s guidance, Zac’s personal bests have seen a drastic overhaul. He has progressed from a 19:54 5km to a sharp 19:00, dropped his 10km from 44:16 to a sub-40-minute 39:57, and brought his half marathon down to 1:30. Looking ahead, the team is now targeting the Ballarat Marathon, focusing on consistent volume and specific training to see how Zac can go in his debut marthon. The episode concludes with a "Quick-Fire" round and a special gift from sponsor Oat Running Socks to celebrate Zac’s progress. Before rounding out the show, James talks about the new clinic setup and sweat testing that is available there in partnership with Ben Stolz. "It’s a good time to get it done, because you can then start training, especially your long runs, with your sodium replacement... it's important to practice how you're hoping to play on the 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 17m

  2. JAN 21

    EP280: From Footy Oval Time Trials to 16:10 on the Track with TeamRun2PB Athlete Chris Hillhouse

    This week, Run2PB coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are joined by returning guest and "pod veteran" Chris Hillhouse. Fresh off a massive track debut in Hobart, Chris shares his journey from setting PBs on a school footy oval to becoming a 2:38 marathoner. T The training talk starts with Chris Armstrong navigating a 66km week and a particularly "uncomfortable" set of Deeks Quarters. On the other side of the mic, Zacca is finding serious momentum with a 94km average over the last month. Zac details his BT Fartlek session at Albert Park and continues to build with a spicy long run. Returning Guest Chris Hillhouse joins the conversation to unpack his recent 16:10 debut in a 5000m track race down in Hobart. This performance marks a significant milestone in a rapid progression that began in May 2024. Coached by Josh Harris. He reflects on his Melbourne Marathon debut, where he crossed the halfway mark feeling strong in 79 minutes before facing the inevitable "wall" and emotional struggle that hits at the 27km mark, he rallied and managed to run 2:38. Beyond the running stats, the episode explores Chris’s life as a landscaper and the face of "Over the Hill Gardening". Follow Here: https://www.instagram.com/overthehillgardening/?hl=en The banter continues as the boys dive into the world of icy pole reviews. Chris shares his thoughts on the infamous Juicee icy poles, giving them a lowly 1/10 for taste. The episode wraps up with a discussion on a bizarre story from the Hong Kong Marathon, where a runner was disqualified at the 15km mark. Race officials pulled the participant off the course after realizing he was carrying an infant in a front carrier—complete with its own official race bib. The crew discusses the absurdity of the "baby-bouncing" logistics and compares it to more traditional (and legal) pram running. 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 11m

  3. JAN 14

    EP 279: Moving Beyond the Watch — Team Run2PB Athlete Anthony and Coach Jonny Squire on Personalised Progression

    The show opens with hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman discussing the brutal Victorian heatwave that saw temperatures soaring above 40 degrees. Amidst these challenging conditions, they take a moment to acknowledge Run2PB athlete and CFA volunteer Josh Kelly for his tireless work on the front lines fighting regional fires. T In their weekly training catch-ups, Chris details a productive 72km week highlighted by a demanding interval session. Meanwhile, Zac reflects on his biggest volume week in years, clocking 90km. The heart of the episode features Run2PB athlete Anthony Tasmoen and his coach, Jonny Squire. Anthony recounts his rapid progression since joining the program in May 2025, moving from a self-guided 1:52 half marathon to a stellar 1:39 at the Melbourne Marathon. He also details his recent success at the Sweat vs. Steam event, where he clocked a 45:43 10k. Anthony explains how moving away from a generic watch-based plan allowed him to reach new levels of performance he hadn't previously thought possible. Jonny Squire provides a coaching deep dive into Anthony’s transition to personalized programming. A key takeaway from their partnership is the commitment to the "long game. . The conversation then shifts to Jonny’s own training as he reflects on his return from the Berlin Marathon and a recent stint at Falls Creek. He describes the atmosphere of the high-altitude training camp, sharing observations from the famous 1km reps day and the inspiration drawn from seeing running legends like Steve Moneghetti maintaining the "Tower Run" tradition. The episode concludes with a mention of the Sweat Testing Session that is available at Physiolife Alphington, you can register for the Feb 7th Session which will be held by Run2PB Coaches Ben Stolz and James Telford. Book Via Bio here: https://www.instagram.com/physiolifealphington/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DTeJex_E2od/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 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 12m

  4. JAN 7

    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

  5. 12/24/2025

    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

  6. 12/17/2025

    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

  7. 12/10/2025

    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

  8. 12/03/2025

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    282
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © RUN2PB

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