Twelve weeks of training, sweat, setbacks and breakthroughs… and now we’re here. In our final episode before the Gold Coast Marathon, Bronte reflects on her taper, mental prep and pacing plan (hello, 4:30 pace group). Lace Up Running Coach Benita Willis shares key strategies for race week, from nutrition to mindset, and explains why you don’t need everything to be perfect . Courtney and Liam weigh in on what race day means to them, and the team discuss the emotional rollercoaster of first-time m...
Jun 24, 2025•54 min
This week we recap the wild highs of Red Bull Race the Sun — frost, sprint finishes, and why it’s our favourite kind of chaos. Courtney and Liam share the races they’d relive, from China to Red Bull Defiance. Trail running 101 for beginners, thoughts on socks, the Big Five Marathon, and… is Liam back in for Gold Coast? Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney on Strava Liam on Strava...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 40
In this weeks Gold Coast Marathon Series Episode we have two-time Comm Games champ Michael Shelley joining the pod to unpack his iconic Gold Coast Marathon win, give us all the pro-tips to run the Gold Coast Marathon route, old-school training methods, racing without a watch, and why his coach told him a marathon is just about “getting tired.” A must-listen for first-time marathoners and running purists alike. Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney o...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Congratulations Polar prize Winner - Jacqui Bladier This week Courtney is in NZ but got his hands full today with Red Bull Race the Sun 24hr event on. Liam is back running and rediscovering how good it is to quieten the mind. We also cover the post running smoking trend, a world map myth, age vs performance and a few listener catchups. Our local event for the week is from the central NQ's Milepost Events - trail runs and backyard ultras in gods country! Follow the podcast on Instagram @...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 39
With just 3.5 weeks to go to the Gold Coast Marathon, Bronte bounces back from pneumonia to clock a half marathon PB, Benita from Lace Up Running shares taper wisdom and pacing strategies, and the crew navigates start zones, carb loading, and race-week nerves. Contact Benita at Lace Up Running Bronte on Instagram Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney on Strava Liam on Strava...
Jun 10, 2025•49 min
This week Liam spills coffee on a $50K radio desk and doesn't get fired, Courtney recalls his weirdest Olympic photo shoot, and we ask: has ultra-endurance gone too far? Introduce the new catch cry " Don’t go longer—go harder ". Plus the final week of Polar 🚨 GIVEAWAY 🚨 We’re giving one lucky runner the ultimate setup — a Polar Pacer GPS running watch AND H10 heart rate strap 🎁 Whether you're training for your first 5K or lining up for your next marathon, this combo will level up your running...
Jun 06, 2025•59 min•Ep. 38
This episode is brought to you by Southern Cross University , naming sponsor of the 10km event at the Gold Coast Marathon. We dive into both the physical and mental prep for the Gold Coast Marathon with two experts from Southern Cross University. Dr. Gabe Fernandez , senior physiotherapist, breaks down why Achilles and calf injuries are so common and how to build strength and endurance leading up to race day. And Dr. Melanie Clark , post-doctoral research fellow, shares mental strategies for sta...
Jun 03, 2025•43 min
It’s a big chat. We kick off with our first-ever giveaway thanks to the legends at Polar , before diving into the Gold Coast Suns ‘nepo baby’ drama, Courtney’s next marathon mystery, Kiwi endurance grit, tech in shoes and sailing, and Liam’s update after officially pulling out of GCM. 🚨 GIVEAWAY TIME 🚨 We’re giving one lucky runner the ultimate setup — a Polar Pacer GPS running watch AND H10 heart rate strap 🎁 Whether you're training for your first 5K or lining up for your next marathon, this...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 37
With five weeks to go, Bronte smashes her 30K run (despite being sick), our coach from Lace Up Running , Benita Willis warns against getting too ambitious with marathon pace, and Liam makes the tough call to pull out of the race. Plus, a deep dive into race gels, aid station strategy, and why planning your fuel matters more than you think. Contact Benita at Lace Up Running Bronte on Instagram Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney on Strava...
May 27, 2025•49 min
Courtney’s bouncing back, Liam’s breaking down (again), and Bronte’s smashing the 30K! This week, the team dives into the wild world of the Enhanced Games, the madness of UTA trail jams, and William G’s run across Australia—beers, banter and record-breaking. Plus: Strava’s new labels, the mystery of mismatched racing shoes, listener shoutouts from Scotland and a very big guest tease. One of us is running, one of us isn’t, but the pod rolls on. Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginnin...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 29
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Gold Coast Marathon? We chat with Ryan McDonald, Athlete Services and Elite Program Manager, about everything from elite athlete demands to course tweaks, crowd science, and how to make the most of race day. Whether you're running, spectating, or just curious, this episode has all the insider tips you need to know for this year's Gold Coast Marathon . Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney on Strava...
May 20, 2025•58 min
This week, Courtney and Liam kick things off with the top 5 running songs as voted by 500 runners – are they the perfect playlist picks or total misses? Then it’s back to the treadmill as they share their recovery runs, training tweaks, and Strava hacks as the Gold Coast Marathon looms closer. Plus, they dive into the Gold Coast Pro’s surprise venue switch and what it means for future comps, and the buzz around Wrexham AFC’s upcoming Aussie tour #running #marathon #fitness Follow the podcast on ...
May 16, 2025•49 min•Ep. 35
It’s a full house in the studio this week as Courtney returns, and Bronte gears up for her longest run yet – a 30K mix of trail and road. Benita shares essential advice on how to handle race day shoe choices, pacing strategies, and how to stay mentally tough when the going gets tough. Plus, Courtney’s back with some perspective on dealing with injury setbacks and how to reset goals with just seven weeks to go until the Gold Coast Marathon. Tune in for training insights, runner confessions, and a...
May 13, 2025•49 min
In this week's episode we go down some rabbit holes! Topics include: Trail Running vs. Eco-Tourism: Are we sacrificing raw adventure for accessibility? Aussie Records: Sam Clifford and Izzy Bat-Doyle smash 10K national records — but why aren’t they household names? Highs and Lows: From record-breaking splits to gut-wrenching injuries — the rollercoaster of elite endurance sports. Strava Predictions: Can AI really predict your marathon time after a month off running? Wings for Life Worl...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 34
Eight and a half weeks out from race day and Liam’s calf is cactus. Again! So we brought in one of the best — Olympic team physio and Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health director Britt Caling — to unpack how to stay unbroken on your marathon build. In this episode: – Bone stress, calf dramas & the U-curve of injury risk – Why “just running” isn’t enough: strength, sleep & activation tips that work – What to do when you’re sick during training (plus the myth of running through it) – How...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Courtney’s back in the studio, Liam’s (sorta) back from injury, and the pod is back in full swing. We chat rites of passage in elite sport—are locker room hazings a thing of the past? Plus, stories from Lightning Ridge (spoiler: it’s no resort) and a load of Strava-fuelled chaos from Tinder run clubs to Cliff Bar nightclub ads. Also on deck: Courtney’s retro triathlon kit breakdown (radars + rad shorts) London Marathon wrap: Yee, Kipchoge, and a 1M entry prediction Nose strip showdown begins Lis...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 33
9 weeks to go til the Gold Coast Coast Marathon and on this episode: Bronte Langbroek hits a half-marathon wall Benita Willis from Lace Up Running teaches why running slow wins marathons Liam Flanagan battles calf injury blues + pool running fails Nine weeks to go — mindset, mistakes, and motivation! 🎧 Perfect for first-timers, comeback runners, or anyone stuck in the injury trenches. Contact Benita at Lace Up Running Bronte on Instagram Follow the podcast on Instagram @int...
Apr 29, 2025•45 min
This Week: Courtney pulls 6Gs (and holds his guts) Strava buys Runna App — big move Boston: winner gets flattened, still wins Alex Yee’s marathon debut + secret shoes Group runs = fewer bonks Pooping beats podiums (for running fame) 🎧 Up next on Wednsday: Gold Coast Marathon Series with Benita on strength + pivoting your marathon goal Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney on Strava Liam on Strava SHOW NOTES: Strava acquires Runna App Robot half mar...
Apr 25, 2025•51 min•Ep. 32
Zone 2, HRV & the Truth About Heart Rate Training — Presented by Polar - key partner of the Gold Coast Marathon. This week we’re joined by Jon Easdown — sports scientist, Polar solutions specialist — to break down the science behind heart rate zones, recovery data, and wearable tech. From zone 2 training and lactate thresholds to heart rate drift and the gold-standard chest strap, Jon shares practical tips for runners of all levels. Plus, a sneak peek at the next big frontier in wearables: r...
Apr 22, 2025•48 min
Liam and Courtney unpack a pacing scandal at the Canberra Marathon—how far off is too far off your pacing target? They dive into the rise of Aussie sprint stars, and whether a little rivalry between Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy could take things up a notch. Plus: ▪️ Race report from Nike’s After Dark Half Marathon 🌙 ▪️ Retro running gear chat ▪️ Strava heatmap hacks ▪️ And the Uno-inspired tip for marathon shoe strategy 🎴 Tune in for plenty of run chat & bold takes. Follow the podcast on ...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 31
Strap in — we're kicking off a 12-week sprint to the Gold Coast Marathon! In this first episode, Courtney and Liam tee things up with Aussie marathon royalty and Olympic legend, Benita Willis, who’s steering the ship as coach for the crew. We’re also joined by Bronte Langbroek — brand new to the marathon game and ready to give it a red-hot crack. From Bronte’s goal to run the whole way to Liam gunning for that sub-3, there’s plenty of nerves, laughs, and marathon wisdom in the mix. Benita lays d...
Apr 15, 2025•52 min
We’re chatting: 🍺 AFL controversy — Darcy Fogarty’s beer tattoo & the marketing madness 🎽 Grand Slam Track? Hot or Flop? + a listener’s London Landmarks Half story 🎉 Ryan Kelso’s big pitch for the Armidale Running Festival (with a possible custom In The Beginning brew!) 👟 Gear chat, training updates & more Subscribe and join the run! Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcast Courtney on Strava Liam on Strava LINKS // Episode Mentions & Extras: - Darcy Fogarty x ...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 30
In the Beginning.. Runs Gold Coast Marathon We’re kicking off a special Gold Coast Marathon series, and to start things strong, Liam and Courtney have a yarn with Aussie running legend and coach Benita Willis . In this ep, we chat through some big goals (yep, including Liam eyeing off a sub-3 marathon 😅), what it really takes to prep for race day, and how to juggle training with everyday life. Benita also maps out a smart approach for both Liam and first-time runner Bronte LangBrook – covering ...
Apr 08, 2025•36 min
This week’s chat is all over the place—in the best way possible! We dive into listener podcast picks , Sydney Marathon prize money , and Liam’s big 8-week challenge results . Plus, Courtney breaks down the quest for optimal running weight (science or sorcery?). From the ancient beer-loving brotherhood of Geelong 🍻 to the brand-new Armidale Running Festival , there’s plenty to unpack. And, of course, the age-old debate: Powerade or Gatorade? Which fuels the best performance? 🏆 Tune in and join ...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 29
In The Beginning… Runs ASICS Gold Coast Marathon Imagine if you could have Australia’s greatest ever distance runner guide you through your training for the Gold Coast Marathon… Well stop dreaming because I n The Beginning podcast has teamed up with the legendary four time Olympian and Gold Coast Marathon ambassador Benita Willis for a special 12 week series focused on the road to the GC Marathon. In this episode, we get to know athlete Benita Willis and learn how she developed her passion for g...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Special Show: On Location in Hobart for the Salomon Golden Trail Race, Kunanyi In this episode, we recap Liam's exciting match race with Pete, Salomon Australia's Brand Manager. The race covered 25 kilometers, including a challenging climb up Mt Wellington with a total of 1,600 meters of elevation gain! We also take a deeper dive into Salomon's French heritage, their rise in the sneaker boom, and how the outdoor brand navigates the emerging trends and categories in the industry today....
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min
This Week’s Episode is full of announcements: When you’re listening to this we’ll be on the ground in Hobart at the Salomon Kunanyi Golden Trail Event . We've got some last-minute tips from Courtney on how to tackle those challenging trails. Next Wednesday, we kick off the ‘In the Beginning... Runs Gold Coast’ Marathon Series ! Over the next 12 weeks, we'll be getting training advice from Olympic great and one of Australia’s most decorated distance runners , Benita Willis , who will be guiding u...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 28
Big news this week : KIPCHOGE is coming to the Sydney Marathon! Liam sets a new personal best with a 1km time, while Courtney is down in Melbourne for the F1. "ROB IT, TO GET IT!" – Is this the best shoe marketing campaign ever? BMX Olympic Gold Medalist runs a 3:08 marathon after only 6 weeks of training! We also dive into the preview of the Salomon Golden Trail Kunanyi. And we wrap up with listener questions – including tips on run etiquette . Just remember: Stay LEFT! SHOW NOTES: Rob it, to g...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 27
This week the running updates are coming after the SE QLD Cyclone. Courtney goes in depth on drug testing in his career Drive to Survive, White Lotus, what netflix is showing us about sports & wellness trends. Our listeners ask for more love of Brooks? We have some WTF notable mentions Finish with some listener questions on pain meds & running falls SHOW NOTES: WTF: Ski jumps race pulled via horse World record for peanut buttering Taser ball World record marathon in a wind turbine...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 26
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the SE QLD cyclone – thinking of everyone affected & hoping all are safe. This week we discuss the Red Bull Race the Sun 2025 Edition , a 345km team relay with a sunrise start on June 13th. Red Bull Race the Sun Applications Link Liam gets called out on his marathon math, while Courtney spills the truth about the Salomon Golden Trail route he has got Liam involved in down at Kunanyi, Hobart. Listener comments this week include tractor names for Clydesda...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 25
