Marathon pacing—it’s not just about data, it’s a full-blown psychological battleground. In this episode, we dig into the eternal risk vs reward debate: go out hard and risk blowing up, or play it safe and maybe never know? Plus, we share mates’ race-day bets, wild bib-swap scams, ring finger theories (yep, really), massage therapy with a side of life coaching, and advice for buying bikes off Facebook Marketplace—Strava stalking included.Also: Gymshark's genius event merch activation, Faith Kipyegon's sub-4 mile doco, and a very Dutch gym workout that has us questioning everything.Got a mate vs mate bet? Slide into our DMs—we’re collecting the best ones.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
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1:10:05
GOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES - THE TAPER, THE NERVES & THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
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 marathon nerves, community support, and the value of having a real coach in your corner.Expect laughter, tears, signs on course, last-minute shoe checks, and one massive final pump-up.THE GOLD COAST MARATHON IS HERE.Contact Benita at Lace Up Running Bronte on InstagramFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
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EP 40 - FROM FROSTBITE TO FINISH LINES – RACE THE SUN & TRAIL RUNNING 101
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 @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
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1:00:05
GOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES - MICHAEL SHELLEY
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 @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
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EP 39 - AGE VS PERFORAMCE
Congratulations Polar prize Winner - Jacqui BladierThis 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 @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava
Welcome to the ‘In the Beginning Podcast’ – where Liam Flanagan - Triple M Radio Host and Courtney Atkinson - Olympian & Red Bull Endurance Athlete have a yarn about all things running, fitness, and life. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, have a listen for some real sports talk & a few laughs based all based around running . Recorded on the Gold Coast!