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.

This week, it’s Georgia’s turn in the hot seat. Following Matt’s episode, we flip the script and unpack Georgia’s journey from struggling to run a single lap of the oval to building a marathon-ready mindset, becoming co-owner of The Performance Project, and preparing to be a mum. It’s a deep dive into self-belief, community, imposter syndrome, and how social media became the bridge between her personal goals and something much bigger.

– How Georgia went from asthma attacks to marathon medals
– Her content creation journey before running took over
– Why documenting the sub-4 marathon meant so much
– The conversation that made her want to join TPP
– How pregnancy changed her relationship with training
– Nick’s role behind the scenes (and why he deserves more credit)

This week, Georgia flips the script and interviews Matt — diving deep into the journey from Michelin-starred chef to ultra-endurance coach. Matt opens up about addiction, burnout, hitting rock bottom, and the Ironman that saved his life. It’s raw, real, and full of insights that go far beyond training.

If you're new to the pod or part of the team already, this is the episode to understand what drives the guy behind The Performance Project.

– What working in the world’s best kitchens really looks like
– Matt’s addiction story and the moment that changed everything
– The Ironman that saved his life
– Why “do hard things” isn’t just a slogan
– How he treats coaching like life or death
– The difference between good coaches and great ones
– Listener Q&A: Trail running gear, training knowledge, and starting from scratch

– Where did Matt actually learn all his training knowledge?
– What’s the best trail vest and race kit setup for new trail runners?
– Do you really need snake bandages and thermals? (Short answer: yes)

We’re back for 2026 and kicking things off with a huge update: Georgia’s pregnant! In this episode, she opens up for the first time about what the last three months have really looked like — the excitement, exhaustion, morning sickness (spoiler: it’s constant), and the mental shift that comes with slowing down.

Matt also shares his plans for the year: bringing in a coach for UTA, chasing sub-10 at Ironman WA, and why he’s finally saying no to anything that doesn’t move the needle.

– The truth about training in your first trimester
– Why Georgia had to pull out of her triathlon debut
– Matt’s new ultra coach and how he’s shifting focus
– The real cost of pregnancy (and we’re not just talking energy)
– Thoughts on lying about race times online (yes, we went there)

We made it! Episode 50 marks the final show of the year — and what a year it’s been. From awkward mic setups to top-10 chart rankings, this episode is a full-circle reflection on what we’ve built, what we’ve learned, and what’s coming next.

Matt and Georgia go deep on:
– Their favourite episodes (and the one that shocked them both)
– What it's actually like being recognised in real life
– The weirdest fan moment of the year
– Big goals for 2026
– The power of consistency in both podcasting and performance

Plus: your final listener questions of the year, including 70.3 vs. half marathon training, carb drinks, and the #1 piece of advice Matt gives to almost every athlete.

Also inside:
– Georgia’s love/hate relationship with intros
– Why Matt still forgets to ask about her week
– Top listener moments that made us both emotional
– Behind-the-scenes lessons from 50 weeks of weekly drops

🎧 Listener Q&A:
– Can I use a carb drink like Tailwind instead of gels?
– What’s the most common coaching advice you give athletes?
– Can you spend too much time in zone 2?
– Can you train for Hyrox and a sub-2 half marathon at the same time?

In our second-last episode for the year, we’re wrapping up 2025 with a big ol’ reflection. Did we hit our goals? What surprised us? What are we working towards in 2026?

Georgia opens up about what finally cracking sub-4 meant — and how it reshaped her relationship with racing. Matt shares why missing his performance goals stings more than expected, and how he's reframing next year to chase unfinished business. We talk burnout, boundary-setting, prioritising community over personal milestones, and what happens when you find yourself back at square one (but with the wisdom of experience).

Also inside:
– Georgia’s big year: sub-4 marathon, London, co-ownership, brand deals
– Matt’s brutally honest take on falling short of sub-10 Ironman
– 2026 goals: from Lonely Mountain to Project 100
– Why supporting others might just be your next big goal
– Morning run or night run? We kick things off with a rapid-fire “This or That”

– How many B-races can I fit into a marathon block?
– How do I come back after injury or time off?
– What should I focus on with 10 months until my marathon?
– Do I need rest days, or just better structure?
– Why do I feel flat after racing, even with a PB?