we unpack what it actually takes to build endurance properly without rushing the process or burning yourself out.

From first half marathons to chasing big marathon goals, we break down the reality of building aerobic capacity, increasing mileage safely, and why most runners struggle not because they lack talent but because they lack patience.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “How do I run further?”
• “Why isn’t Zone 2 working for me?”
• “When should I increase my mileage?”
• “Am I ready for a marathon?”

This episode will reset your expectations (in a good way).

• How to build endurance from scratch
• Why less is more in the early stages
• The truth about the 10% rule
• Why adding “just a few extra kms” can derail your training block
• The biggest mistake runners make when jumping from half marathon to marathon
• Why endurance should be measured in years, not weeks
• What separates someone who can run far from someone who can run far well
• Why Zone 2 absolutely works (and why most people quit too early)
• How to structure training in seasons instead of single race blocks

Amy: Should intermediate runners pause or stop their watches during runs?

Sal: Do non-trail runners actually need a running vest or bladder?

Bronwyn: How do I fit strength training and running in at the same time without overdoing it?

00:00 – Intro + coffee chaos
05:00 – Georgia’s return to running
18:10 – Building endurance from scratch
22:50 – The 10% rule explained
27:00 – Impatience & unrealistic time horizons
31:00 – Training terminology & why it matters
35:50 – Zone 2 debate
43:00 – Half marathon → marathon jump
47:30 – Running far vs running far well
52:30 – Pausing your watch
56:00 – Running vests for road runners
59:15 – Strength training vs running balance

This week is a full listener Q&A episode and we cover everything from heart rate confusion and marathon pacing to carbon shoes, weight loss during training, and building a running brand.

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🎧 Listener Q&A:
– “If you had to choose 3 shoes for everything, what are you picking?”
– “How do I calculate marathon pace vs half marathon pace?”
– “Should I run full marathon pace in long runs?”
– “Why does my heart rate drift above Zone 2 even when I’m trying to stay easy?”
– “Can you lose weight while training for a marathon?”
– “Are AI nutrition apps worth it?”
– “If I start a trail running YouTube channel, will it affect future jobs?”
– “Do I need to swim further than race distance in training for a sprint tri?”
– “Would you ever attempt the Barclay Marathon?”

Description
In this episode of Beyond the Finish Line, Matt and Georgia dive into the number 1 topic of every runners algorithm at the moment "Stress Fractures"

Recorded while Matt is on training camp in regional NSW, the conversation moves from the realities of training camps and business pressure into a deeper discussion around why stress fractures, overtraining, and mental burnout are becoming increasingly common among everyday runners.

Georgia opens up about recent health struggles and anxiety, while Matt breaks down what he sees daily as a coach — including the warning signs most athletes ignore, the limitations of AI training platforms, and why chasing constant goals can quietly derail long-term performance.

This episode is a grounded, honest reminder that endurance sport is meant to be sustainable, not a race to exhaustion.

Also inside:
– What training camps actually involve (and why they’re not luxury getaways)
– Why stress fractures and burnout are exploding in the running space
– AI training platforms: benefits, flaws, and user responsibility
– The pressure of constant PB-chasing and social media comparison
– Genetic outliers vs everyday runners
– Why fueling mistakes and under-eating increase injury risk
– RED-S and long-term consequences for endurance athletes
– How to spot mental vs physical fatigue before injury hits

1️⃣ How do I know when I should see a physio?
Matt breaks down the difference between a niggle, pain, and injury, and explains when proactive treatment can save weeks (or months) of lost training.

2️⃣ Why do runners need so many carbs — and what’s actually happening in the body?
A deep dive into fueling science, glycogen storage, why carbs don’t cause weight gain, and how under-fueling leads directly to poor performance and injury.

3️⃣ How long should you arrive before an overseas marathon if you’re chasing a time goal?
Matt and Georgia discuss time zones, climate, nerves, and why 3–5 days is usually enough — with caveats for heat, cold, and sleep sensitivity.

4️⃣ How do I prevent stitches when running?
Why there’s no clear scientific consensus, what patterns to look for, and how runners can use trend tracking and elimination to identify personal triggers.