Shows
In the Beginning PodcastEP 34 - WHY IS COURTNEY WEIRDLY COMFORTABLE NOT RUNNING?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 World Run Wrap-Up: 71km to win — why the global charity run brings out the best in athletes.Follow the podcast on Instagra...2025-05-091h 05
In the Beginning PodcastGOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES - EXPERT PHYSIO ADVICE, SLEEP MONSTERS & SOME INJURY PREVENTION TRUTHSEight 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)2025-05-061h 12In the Beginning PodcastEP 33 - TINDER RUNS, NOSE STRIPS & BAD MOTELSCourtney’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 predictionNose strip showdown begins Listener Qs: Are ca...2025-05-021h 11
In the Beginning PodcastGOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES - MINDSET, MISTAKES & MOTIVATION9 weeks to go til the Gold Coast Coast Marathon and on this episode:Bronte Langbroek hits a half-marathon wall Benita Willis teaches why running slow wins marathonsLiam 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.2025-04-2944 minIn the Beginning PodcastEP32 - STRAVA'S BIG POWER MOVEThis Week:Courtney pulls 6Gs (and holds his guts)Strava buys Runna App — big moveBoston: winner gets flattened, still winsAlex Yee’s marathon debut + secret shoesGroup runs = fewer bonksPooping beats podiums (for running fame)🎧 Up next on Wednsday: Gold Coast Marathon Series with Benita on strength + pivoting your marathon goalFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on StravaSHOW NOTES:Strava acquires Runna AppRobot half marathon 2025-04-2550 min
In the Beginning PodcastGOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES - TRUTH ABOUT HEART RATE TRAINING WITH POLARZone 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: real-time lactate monitoring.The BIG...2025-04-2248 minIn the Beginning PodcastEP 31 - STRAVA HEAT MAP HACKS & PACING CRIMESLiam 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 Instagram @inthebeginnin...2025-04-181h 06
In the Beginning PodcastGOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES - START OF A 12-WEEK 42.2KM MAKEOVERStrap 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...2025-04-1551 minIn the Beginning PodcastEP 30 - OLYMPIC UNIFORM SECRETS & AFL TATTOOSWe’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 & moreSubscribe and join the run!Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on StravaLINKS // Episode Mention...2025-04-111h 08
In the Beginning PodcastGOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES - KICKSTARTING TRAINING WITH BENITA WILLISIn the Beginning.. Runs Gold Coast MarathonWe’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...2025-04-0835 minIn the Beginning PodcastEP 29 - GATORADE OR POWERADE?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 the convo! 🎧SHOW NOTES:The ancient order of...2025-04-041h 11
In the Beginning PodcastBENITA WILLIS INTERVIEW - IN THE BEGINNING... RUNS ASICS GOLD COAST MARATHONIn The Beginning… Runs ASICS Gold Coast MarathonImagine if you could have Australia’s greatest ever distance runner guide you through your training for the Gold Coast Marathon…Well stop dreaming because In 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 guiding...2025-04-011h 02In the Beginning PodcastKUNANYI MOUNTAIN RUN SHOW PRESENTED BY SALOMONSpecial Show: On Location in Hobart for the Salomon Golden Trail Race, KunanyiIn 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.2025-03-301h 03In the Beginning PodcastEP 28 - TRAIL RUNNING TIPSThis 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 us through the journey.In this episode, we dive into some ma...2025-03-281h 13In the Beginning PodcastEP 27 - RUN LIKE YOU STOLE IT!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...2025-03-211h 09In the Beginning PodcastEP 26 - WATCHING TV WITH DRUG TESTERSThis week the running updates are coming after the SE QLD Cyclone.Courtney goes in depth on drug testing in his careerDrive 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 mentionsFinish with some listener questions on pain meds & running fallsSHOW NOTES:WTF:Ski jumps race pulled via horseWorld record for peanut buttering Taser ballWorld r...2025-03-141h 18In the Beginning PodcastEP 25 - THE RED BULL CHALLENGE TO OUTRUN THE SUNNOTE: 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 LinkLiam 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 Clydesdale categories, track work riders, and more on...2025-03-071h 15In the Beginning PodcastEP24 - JELLY ROLL'S RUN CLUBThis week, we want to join Jelly Roll’s Losers Run Club.We’ll chat about foot strikes, making XC great again, world limbo records, and the Sydney marathon winner found guilty of doping.We’ll also let you know the average global marathon time.We’ll sneak a look at another of Courtney’s journals.And we’ll do a deep dive into what some of the big running brands are up to with their marketing choices.SHOW NOTES:Jelly Roll Losers Run ClubS...2025-02-281h 23In the Beginning PodcastEP 23 - THE #1 RUN SHOE ON STRAVAThis week, Liam gets his hands on one of Courtney’s old training journals from his teen years. We also chat about two running bibles from legends Arthur Lydiard and Rob De Castella.We dig into Strava Business data—everything from the most popular running shoes to the average run pace.Liam hasn’t tried his Chinese shoe gift yet, but he does give the new Salomon Aero Glide 3 trail shoes a spin.And yeah, we’re not loving the new Apple Watch trend—just a heads-up!SHOW NOTES:11 ye...2025-02-211h 17In the Beginning PodcastEP 22 - $114 FOR A CHINESE CARBON SHOEThis week, Liam is grappling with the challenge of returning to threshold runs.Courtney discusses the delicate balance between injury and just running sore.Do you typically do your long run on Sundays? Why? Is this tradition becoming outdated?Athletics Australia Coaching weighs in on mileage, while we revisit the topic of skin folds.Journaling – it's not for everyone, so do what works for you!In gear this week we have some fun gift giving + Nike’s crazy new futuristic patent.SHOW NOTES:Mileage from Athl...2025-02-141h 14In the Beginning PodcastEP 21 - WHAT SPORT WILL HELP YOU LIVE LONGEST?Courtney gets caught red-handed stealing Strava crowns.Liam’s opening up about his skinfolds and taking us through his new 8-week challenge.We also dive into a serious question—how far would you run for a free burrito? Spoiler: it’s a true story.Then, we chat about which sports are actually good for helping you live longer, and if you’re heading to Tokyo, you might not need to pack your own gear—you can hire it there!We wrap up with some listener questions on pre-run stretching, running socks, and some class...2025-02-071h 16In the Beginning PodcastEP20 - CLIFFY YOUNG SHUFFLE20.6 Bumper Stickers. Cliffy Young, and some love for the Aussie Chopperoos kick us off this week.
Courtney wraps up his time in Japan with some stunning Kyoto trails, while Liam takes on the Australia Day Burleigh Swim Run Challenge.
The WFT segment features stilt racing, a robot vs. man half-mara race, giant LEGO, and an event with Indiana Jones-style torches.
And did you know there’s now a Contiki for runners?
Show Notes:
- 26.6mile the new stickers
- Cliff Young
- Shout out to th...2025-01-311h 12In the Beginning PodcastEP 19 - RED FLAGS ON CALF SOCKSCourtney calls in from Japan while Liam talks about his love for fluro calf socks.
We discuss some predicted 2025 running trends, Nike’s shift back to focusing on sport, and their new female cycling team.
Liam shares how he's feeling good running trails, though we're not sure if he’s getting recognized as the new Gold Coast Radio guy or from In the Beginning.
The WFT segment covers in-tune cycling, Sydney horse racing tracks, and wife throwing, before wrapping up with listener questions and a kind note all the way from...2025-01-241h 07In the Beginning PodcastEP 18 - IF IT'S FLOODED, FORGET IT!Courtney gets a reminder of the classic: “If it’s flooded, forget it!”
Liam’s kicked off his new radio show, which means he’s on pro running hours from here on in.
Crocs are having their moment in marathon news, but we reckon we’ve got something to one-up ’em with some new innovation.
This week’s WTF segment is all about food, with a cheeky mix of chicken and donuts.
We’ll have a bit of a yarn about the ice bath trend – is it all it’s cracked up to be?
And w...2025-01-171h 20In the Beginning PodcastEP 17 - MAN VS. HORSE & THE SIX FOOT TRACKWe kick off with cricket but it's about shoes! What’s 19-year-old Konstas doing rocking green Adidas Sambas in the official PM’s photo.
This sparked some yarns from Courtney’s time in Europe.
Liam compares parenting to running.
We chat gear: Birkenstock Recovery Clogs, Oakley Hybrid Glasses, and prototype Asics.
In the WTF segment, we visit Minnesota for some icy adventures before man vs horse races - leads to chat of ‘Six Foot Track’ the most iconic trail race in Australia..
We wrap up with listener questions on post-injury t...2025-01-101h 16In the Beginning PodcastEP 16 - THE TOUGHEST THREE ATHLETES I’VE TRAINED WITHWe kick off with a quick look at a Birkenstock map of Sydney—though, oddly, no mention of Crocs?
We’ve got some great listener feedback on GPS watches this week, plus a shout-out to a few of the running resolutions sent in for 2025.
Liam's Updates: Liam fills us in on the progress of his new breakfast radio show, and when locals can tune in.
Courtney's Recap: Courtney talks about joining the ‘Gold Coast Run Co’ on New Year's Eve for their annual tough 25 x 400m session. This got him thinking about the three ha...2025-01-031h 20In the Beginning PodcastEP 15 - ARE YOU TRACKING YOUR WEEKLY RUN VOLUME THE RIGHT WAY?This week, we learned it’s not just marathon PB’s at risk from Strava mule cheats – legit marathon qualifying times are getting messed up too.
In the WTF segment, we cover a few events that got the fellas' seal of approval, plus an influencer keeping it real and owning his actions.
Liam’s got his running mojo back, so we wrap up with our New Year’s running resolutions.
Courtney’s been hitting hard sessions out West and training with fast mates over Christmas.
We chat racing shoe weights, the top options...2024-12-271h 18In the Beginning PodcastEP14 - RISE OF THE STRAVA MULEThis week, we’re chatting about where our running motivation is at as we head into the Christmas madness.
We also put an AI training program to the test—how smart is it, really?
And we’re diving into power equations in running, exploring whether they can help level the playing field and settle the debate of who’s the "better" runner, regardless of weight.
Courtney’s WTF segment is a wild ride, from Simon Says games to the mystery of the "Strava Mule." Trust us, you’ll want to know what that is.
Oh...2024-12-201h 07In the Beginning PodcastEP 13 - ARE RUN CLUBS THE NEW CYCLISTS?This week, Liam is finally ready to share the big news about his new Radio gig! Hint: he's coming to the Gold Coast.
We dive into the growing trend of running and ask: Is it becoming too popular for its own good?
Courtney returns from his trip to Victoria, bringing more of the quirky WTF event content we've come to love.
Gout Gout! The hype is real, but where is this phenomenon headed next?
Plus, Liam calls out for listener questions—turns out more of you are tuning in than we th...2024-12-131h 24In the Beginning PodcastEP12 - FLYATHLON = FLY FISHING x TRAIL RUNThis week, Courtney's out filming with Subaru in the Victorian Alpine Region, where he’s checking out the running hotspot of Falls Creek for the first time.Liam’s got a real-world review of the new Pegasus 41s after making an appearance at Nike’s Sunset Runout on the Gold Coast.Courtney also takes aim at some popular running tech, arguing it might be a bit of a scam—with some help from the guy behind the Norwegian Method talking on the Greg Bennett Podcast.And to...2024-12-0658 minIn the Beginning PodcastEP 11 - SPORTMAN LUNCHES | BEER MILES | BN2032 & THE FAMOUS BROWN SNAKESilly season is here! Between sportsman lunches, Pro-Am golf, Christmas parties, weddings, and influencer runs, there's never a dull moment. This leads Liam to bring up the challenge of the infamous ‘Beer Mile’. Courtney shares insights into the three most unique races he’s ever competed in. We also take on the role of acting CEO at World Athletics, and once again discuss the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. And of course, we tackle the challenge of taming the infamous ‘brown snake’!2024-11-291h 07In the Beginning PodcastEP 10 - SHITTING YOUR PANTSThis week, we kick things off with our thoughts on the viral Mike Tyson fight on Netflix. Then, we dive into the topic of 'shitting yourself in races.' Liam shares his experience at the Friday 5km relay event on the Gold Coast. Courtney talks about his visit to a fitness conference and some of the wild energy products he discovered. We also discuss more 'Run Club' comparisons – which one would you join? And to wrap up, we share some Instagram comedy about Strava users.
Show notes:
World Champ pleads for TV no...2024-11-221h 12In the Beginning PodcastEP 9 - THE 3HR MARATHON SHOEThis week Liam has been playing dressed up as Bluey’s dad at the Triple M office!
Courtney has a whinge about randoms running on his shoulder in Sydney while in town for the Red Bull Cliff Diving event. Summer is here - we discuss the pre-morning run service station visits.
Liam gives his verdict on the Salomon S-Lab Spectur 3hr marathon shoe.
We announce this week’s poll results of where YOU want to run - Noosa vs Tassie.
And finally main stream content creators are doing our job of poin...2024-11-151h 07In the Beginning PodcastEP 8 - HOME BRAND CARBON PLATE SHOESThis week we recap our Noosa Triathlon Weekend spent with who's who of Australian sport. Propose the need for a Clydesdale Category to be introduced in Marathons. Look into the mix of top 20 race shoes at the New York Marathon and expose a home brand carbon plated run shoe.
Show Notes
Brayden Mercer
20 Fastest Shoes at New York
Kiprun Shoe
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Follow @mrcourtneyatkinson2024-11-081h 00In the Beginning PodcastEP 7 - RESHAPING THE BRISBANE OLYMPICSWe're gearing up for Noosa Triathlon weekend.
We give our thoughts on how the Brisbane Olympics should change in 2032.
We rate recovery techniques - 'spoiler' Netflix wins!
Liam talks about motivation & 'David Goggins' phenomenon.
And Courtney gives Liam a shoe designed to help achieve a 3hr marathon to test.
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Follow @mrcourtneyatkinson2024-11-011h 03In the Beginning PodcastEP 6 - RUNNINNG SESSIONS EXPLAINEDCourtney's back from Los Angles. Liam has a big night out at his 40th! We discuss the new Woman's Marathon World Record & a new secret illegal shoe. Courtney describes what different types of run sessions help you achieve. And this week's listener question we discuss is 'What's the ONE endurance event in Australia you have to do?'
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Follow @mrcourtneyatkinson2024-10-251h 04In the Beginning PodcastEP 5 - RED BULL'S SECRET PERFORMANCE FACILITYCourtney is in Los Angles at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre to find longevity in his running. Liam is running around with rocks at the bottom of Currumbin Creek. We go in-depth to discuss what qualifies as a run coach? What running cues will help YOU! The poll is in on what is the most popular Australian marathon to run in 2025. We finish with a new treadmill doing things different in a saturated industry.
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Follow @mrcourtneyatkinson2024-10-181h 06In the Beginning PodcastEP 4 - WHO'S AUSTRALIA'S BEST KNOWN RUNNER?The peoples' poll is in! Liam & Courtney debate who is the best known runner in Australia - "Noise" or Performance. Headphone etiquette. We have the data to prove aerobic exercise will help you live longer. We give our take on the 3 endurance events you have to do in Australia. And confirm that Courtney can't ride a dirt bike like he can run.
Link for the article - Physiology Speaking2024-10-111h 08In the Beginning PodcastEP 3 - WHY YOU NEVER REGRET A RUNCo-Hosted by a Triple M Radio Host and an Olympian & Red Bull Endurance athlete. Today we chat what we've been up to this week, what the best Aussie marathon is to run? bit of footy off the back of the AFL Final and the pro training hours.2024-10-041h 06
In the Beginning PodcastEP 2 - NEGATIVE SPLITTINGCo-Hosted by a Triple M Radio Host and an Olympian & Red Bull Endurance athlete. Today we chat what we've been upto this week, aggressive rehab techniques the rise of the running influencer and mastering negative splitting.2024-10-0359 min
In the Beginning PodcastEP 1 - AN INTRODUCATIONCo-Hosted by a Triple M Radio Host and an Olympian & Red Bull Endurance athlete. Have a listen to the intro episode about who we are, what we do for a day job and why a running podcast now?
2024-10-0326 min