In this episode, we’re joined by Leanne Pompeani — the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon (Australian) Champion.

Leanne shares how running became an anchor for her mental health, her transition from soccer into elite distance running, and what it means to show up as a graceful competitor.

In March 2025, she ran the fastest debut marathon by an Australian. She backed it up with a win at the Gold Coast Half Marathon in July, before claiming the Australian title at the TCS Sydney Marathon in August.

Leanne reflects on what she learned from each of these performances, and why she feels most at home on the roads and cross-country courses rather than the track. This conversation is about showing up, embracing the unknown, and discovering confidence through the courage to compete.

In this episode we are joined by Izzi Batt-Doyle. Izzi is a two-time Olympian, the current Australian record holder in the Half Marathon (67:17) and 10km road (31:12), and the third fastest Australian woman ever over the marathon (2:22:59).

But Izzi’s story is about much more than fast times.

From growing up in Adelaide, to chasing opportunity through college running in the U.S., to competing at two Olympic Games, Izzi’s path has been shaped by something deeper than performance: a commitment to living an extraordinary and authentic life.

In this conversation, Izzi shares:

• The experience that changed everything — a trip to India at 16 that opened her eyes to a bigger world and sparked the belief that her life could be more.
• Why her definition of success has nothing to do with comparison — and everything to do with attitude, effort, and joy.
• How passion fuels resilience — and why loving the process matters more than the result.
• How she has developed the confidence to run to her strengths and find out what's possible.
• How three core values she wrote down almost ten years ago continue to shape her running and life.
• The exciting opportunities that await.

With an honours degree in Psychology, Izzi blends science with lived experience. Her approach is a masterclass in staying grounded while pursuing personal excellence.

If you care about performance, fulfilment, and doing what you love with authenticity, this episode will stay with you.

Welcome to this episode of Marathon State of Mind. Today, Eloise and Rory share their highlights and insights from the Athletics World Championships.