Liam is one week out from his 100 miler and the reality is starting to bite. This week on In The Beginning , Courtney is back from Europe and the boys dive into Liam’s final UTA 160km race prep — nutrition bags, mandatory gear, night running, salt and vinegar chips, Pop-Tarts, crew spreadsheets and the growing nerves before heading to the Blue Mountains. Courtney also shares what he learnt running in Europe with some of the best trail and endurance athletes in the world, including one big remind...
May 08, 2026•58 min•Ep. 85
JET LAG, RHYTHM RUNNING & HALF MARATHON FUEL — GOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES Courtney is back from Europe, jet lagged and already testing the rules of his marathon experiment. This week we talk travel fatigue, why international flights can hit like a hard session, Courtney’s mountain running detour through Austria, and the big lesson he’s learning eight weeks out from Gold Coast: rhythm running matters more than ego pace. We also get into practical half marathon and marathon tips — race nutriti...
May 05, 2026•34 min
Courtney is in Salzburg while Liam is off the tools for the week, so we’re bringing back the best educational moments from the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon Series. This episode pulls together the key advice from Benita Willis, Britt Caling and Michael Shelley — covering goal setting, pacing, long runs, injury risk, recovery, nutrition, race morning, warm-ups, cadence and how to approach the Gold Coast Marathon course. Whether you’re chasing your first marathon finish, aiming for a PB, or trying to s...
May 01, 2026•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 84
The Gold Coast Marathon Series continues with Benita Willis from ‘Lace Up Running’ back in the coach’s chair. With around 10 weeks to go, Benita breaks down where half marathon and marathon runners should be right now, how to structure the week, why hills matter, how to use parkrun properly, when to practise nutrition, what to do about niggles, and how to keep the whole build in perspective. Liam also gets Benita’s take on London Marathon’s sub-2 breakthrough, super shoes, Courtney’s “experiment...
Apr 28, 2026•49 min
A different one this week. After 83 episodes, Liam turns the mic fully onto Courtney Atkinson for the most in-depth chat we’ve ever had about his career, mindset and life in elite sport. From the proudest win of his life in a schoolboys 3000m, to the biggest regrets of his Olympic career, to the handshake deal that started a 25-year relationship with Red Bull — Courtney opens up on the moments, decisions and personality traits that shaped everything. There’s stories about racing Simon Lessing as...
Apr 24, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 83
The Gold Coast Marathon Series is back for 2026. After an unforgettable first year following Bronte’s journey from half marathoner to marathon finisher, Liam and Courtney return with Benita Willis from Lace Up Running , more first-timers, more experts, more half marathon focus and a brand new challenge for Courtney — The Experiment. Whether you’re chasing the full, the half or just trying to make it to the start line healthy, this is your kickoff. Follow the podcast on Instagram ...
Apr 21, 2026•33 min
Courtney checks in from Hervey Bay after a few days boating on the west side of Fraser Is, while Liam gives a proper update on Miler training, his crew chief and why this week finally felt like a turning point. The boys rip into some of the wildest stories in sport right now — robot half marathons in China, Paris Marathon going cup-free, the no-phone magic of The Masters, Hyrox taking over, and why Gout Gout continues to dominate headlines every time he steps on the track. Plus, with the Gold Co...
Apr 17, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 82
Every runner knows the feeling — the body is holding up, but the mind starts to feel the grind. This week the boys unpack the ups and downs of a big training block, from breakthrough sessions and building fitness to the mental fatigue that can creep in when the repetition starts to bite. Liam reflects on his biggest week yet in the lead-up to the miler, while Courtney shares why time away from consistent running has him craving every session. A broad chat on motivation, mindset, consistency and ...
Apr 10, 2026•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 81
London Marathon has gone two days… and Liam reckons they’ve pinched the idea straight from the podcast. This week the boys step into the “courtroom” to argue the case after London announced plans for a two-day marathon event — something first floated on In The Beginning back in Episode 60. From there it rolls into one of the biggest conversations in running right now: should majors become two-day events? how do you split the field? locals vs internationals elite race vs fun run PB chasers vs pho...
Apr 03, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 80
A French sailor exposes a warship on Strava, Cam McEvoy breaks a super suit record, Liam survives the Noosa 50K and suddenly realises the Mylar is no joke. Plus T100 wrap-up, listener shoutouts and a yarn about Woolworths selling HOKAs. Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney on Strava Liam on ...
Mar 27, 2026•55 min•Ep. 79
Liam heads into the Noosa 50K Ultra while Courtney makes the call to skip the T100 10K and protect the bigger goal ahead. The boys are back without guests and straight into the kind of running chat they do best — from Noosa race plans, biggest-ever training weeks and listener warnings, to trail events, local race shoutouts and the weird realities of bush poos mid-run. They also reflect on the Harry Garside episode, especially the loss of structure elite athletes face once the goalposts disappear...
Mar 20, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 78
Olympic boxing medallist Harry Garside jumps into the endurance world ahead of the T100 weekend — and it’s not just about fitness. From boxing’s biggest stage to trail ultras, marathons, and now the T100, Harry opens up on chasing discomfort, losing identity, and why fear is the real opponent. We dive into: Why he’s stepping away (slightly) from boxing His 2:39 marathon and endurance curiosity The mental battle before stepping into the ring Running as a tool for self-discovery And what it means ...
Mar 17, 2026•1 hr 2 min
Australia’s Female Ultra Runner of the Year Holly Ranson joins the podcast after dragging Liam out for a brutal Gold Coast run in 33-degree heat. From sailing dinghies to chasing the Western States dream , Holly shares the winding path that led her into trail running and ultra endurance. The conversation dives deep into the mental side of racing — including her concept of “mind experience” , how athletes deal with suffering, and the techniques she uses when the mind starts telling you to quit. H...
Mar 13, 2026•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 77
Australian triathlon star Ash Gentle and Josh Amberger join the podcast ahead of the T100 Gold Coast — and share a deeply personal moment. For the first time publicly, Ash opens up about the couple expecting a baby after experiencing miscarriage, how that journey has reshaped their perspective on sport and life, and what the future holds. We also dive into the rise of the T100 series , Ash’s incredible comeback to middle-distance racing, and life as one of triathlon’s most recognisable couples. ...
Mar 10, 2026•1 hr 8 min
Courtney and Liam kick off Episode 76 with a story from the Gold Coast Sports Awards and an unforgettable speech from Mat Rogers that sparks a debate: when should you stand for a standing ovation? From there the conversation dives into the evolution of athlete media training — from the old “handle the media” mindset to the new world where athletes like Matt Hauser are embracing openness, podcasts and storytelling. The boys also unpack the claim that a four-hour marathon is harder than a two-hour...
Mar 06, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 76
T100 is coming to the Gold Coast… and we’ve landed a proper get: World Triathlon Champion Matt Hauser . Matt jumps on for a special edition countdown chat and casually drops some absolute bombs — including confirming he’s racing the T100 10K and floating the wild possibility that Olympic champ Alex Yee could be pacing him . We unpack why he’s doing it (spoiler: it’s not just a “fun run”), what his 10K prep looks like, how he’s thinking about LA, altitude camps, and what it’s like watching triath...
Mar 03, 2026•53 min
We’re officially an award-winning podcast 🏆 After taking out the Australian Sports Commission Media Award at the SCG, we unpack the feedback that meant the most — “your podcast made us want to go for a run.” Then it gets loose: 🥦 Olympic athletes taking broccoli “lactate buffering” shots 🚻 Chicago Marathon start-line chaos 📵 Ironman banning AI glasses 👟 The biggest shoe brands in the world (you won’t pick #3) 🏃♂️ Courtney’s training build + why teaching kids to run matters Elite sport, ma...
Feb 27, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 75
This week we go from KFC protein bowls to Olympic gold medals in about 12 minutes flat. Is fast food now a “fitness brand”? Should Olympic coaches only coach their own country? Is the internet’s “apex athlete” debate completely missing the point? And how ridiculous is a sub-60 minute half marathon, really? We break down: 🥇 The Winter Olympics drip vs Summer Olympics nerd-core uniforms 🔥 Cam McEvoy casually redefining what elite actually looks like 🏃♂️ Jack Rayner going sub-60 for the half ma...
Feb 20, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 74
This week the boys dive into Winter Olympic madness, elite running culture and another instalment of Liam’s Schemes . Should we turn Melbourne’s Tan Track into a Breaking-10 night spectacle? Is downhill skiing the true blue-riband Winter Olympic event? Scotty James and Aussie gold medal hopes 🥇 Gout Gout x Vegemite – elite Aussie combo And a Norwegian skier casually running a sub-6 uphill mile on skis. It’s Olympic energy, running banter and a few spicy takes. Follow the podcast on Instagram ...
Feb 13, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 73
From Grammys to 800m world records, this episode is proof that age, labels and expectations mean nothing. We kick off with Jelly Roll’s wild rise — three Grammys, massive life changes, and why his story hits harder than most. Then we dive into one of the most ridiculous stats you’ll hear all year: a 53-year-old running 1:56 for 800m . Yes, seriously! - A podcast on Zac's training if interested here We also shine a light on Australia’s next Olympic wave, from winter sport converts to Scotty James...
Feb 06, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 72
T-100 10KM RUN INFO & ENTRY - 22 MARCH Courtney turns up running on one side of his face after a dentist visit, Liam gets stitched up as a “headline act” in the Gold Coast Bulletin, and Australia Day delivers peak Gold Coast chaos on land and water. We recap the Burleigh Swim Run, talk community-first events done right, and dive into why Courtney’s running form can be measured by how much he chirps. The T100 Gold Coast 10km is fast approaching and the race-your-mates energy is building, whil...
Jan 30, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 71
This week on In The Beginning , Courtney and Liam unpack one of the wildest stories in elite sport — ski jumpers allegedly injecting acid into their genitals to gain a competitive advantage ahead of the Winter Olympics. From there, the boys dive into where “gaming the system” ends and cheating begins, the rise of the so-called Apex Athlete (110kg bench x10 + a 2:50 marathon), and why HYROX has become a $140m fitness monster. There’s a reality check on marathon culture, a deep appreciation for pa...
Jan 23, 2026•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 70
Episode 69 kicks off with making cross country great again , as Australia delivers a huge mixed relay win and raises a bigger question — how are we really viewed in global distance running? We unpack why this new format works, why it feels Olympic-ready, and what culture has to do with credibility. From there it’s Netflix live-streaming a no-ropes skyscraper climb, Japan’s Ekiden pulling insane TV numbers, and why “slow TV” works. Courtney checks in on training and gym gains, Liam gets brutally ...
Jan 16, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 69
We’re back for 2026 and straight into it. After a short holiday break, Courtney and Liam reset the clocks, check the bodies, and ask the big questions about running in the year ahead. Is the running boom still growing? Will HYROX plateau? Which brands and shoes are about to dominate? And are we heading for a shift back toward elite athletes telling better stories? Liam unpacks his Japan trip — from ninja-quiet runners in Kyoto to disciplined Tokyo run clubs and why ON shoes might be everywhere i...
Jan 09, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 68
Episode 67 is our New Year’s Special — a bit of a look back, a bit of a laugh, and a thank you to everyone who’s been part of the In The Beginning family this year. With Liam away in Japan, Courtney jumps on solo to wrap up what 2025 actually looked like: the Gold Coast Marathon series and Bronte’s journey to the start line, Benita’s calm, no-hype coaching. Doubts, sickness, missed sessions and all. We roll through some of the biggest moments of the year: sitting down with Jelly Roll before his ...
Jan 02, 2026•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 67
Merry Christmas 🎅 Most importantly, a massive thank you to the In The Beginning community. Your messages, questions, voice notes and support are the reason this podcast exists — and the reason we keep turning up each week. We wouldn’t do this without you. Liam's going to be trading Christmas Day runs for Disneyland in Tokyo, while Courtney dives deep into Strava’s backend data to unpack what 2025 really looked like for runners. We break down the anti-doom-scrolling stat (2 minutes on Strava = 1...
Dec 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 66
A voicemail from friend of the show Dr Benny Walters sparks one of our biggest conversations yet — ego, ageing, PBs and why Courtney refuses to declare a goal time for the marathon and T100 10K GOLD COAST - ENTER HERE . The boys unpack: Is ego essential in elite sport — or something you eventually let go of? Courtney’s honest take on racing, ageing, and not knowing where the body’s at Brad “The Croc” Bevan stories from the glory days (including a very borderline shoulder 👀) Marathon in...
Dec 12, 2025•59 min•Ep. 65
The T100 World Series is launching on the Gold Coast — and there’s a fast, flat 10K for the RUNNERS finishing in Surfers Paradise - ENTER HERE . ---- The Gold Coast Marathon sold out in 24 hours — so today we’re celebrating, laughing and calling out the chaos. We break down the rise of the new “Marathon Integrity Unit” policing fake GPS times, why chip time > Strava time always, and why influencers blocking them is the funniest subplot in running right now. Benita Willis is officially...
Dec 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 64
If you’ve just signed up for the 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon – welcome to the club, legends! Courtney and Liam are back with Gold Coast Marathon ambassador and Aussie distance great Benita Willis from Lace Up Running to answer the big question: “I’ve entered… now what?” 30 weeks out, we cover: Why you should NOT be in marathon shape by April How to break your build into phases: 5K/10K/half now, marathon block later Walk–jog plans and base building for absolute beginners Long runs by time , no...
Dec 02, 2025•45 min
What’s harder: a sub-3:30 marathon or breaking 100 in golf ? Courtney and Liam go to war over the ultimate endurance vs skill debate. We also get stuck into: 🏁 Our T100 Gold Coast stuff-up – no In The Beginning run team… yet 🏃♂️🎓 Schoolies Run Club – 1 runner, full TV crew, all-time flop 🌲 Courtney’s trail running starter pack : PBJF – Phone, Backpack, Jacket, Filter (and yeah, water) 🏔️ Liam’s UTA Miler reality check – Reedy’s savage voicemail, listener roasting, and the 50km qualifier p...
Nov 28, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 63
