About this episode

The episode features a discussion on marathon training and personal transformation with guest Charles Jacobson as he prepares for the Ballarat Marathon.

In episode 293 of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman check in for a final look at the training logs before the highly anticipated Ballarat Marathon. Chris shares insights into a 63km week focused on recovery and body maintenance, featuring a 4 x 2km session designed to touch on half-marathon and 10km efforts while prioritizing longevity. Meanwhile, Zac continues his momentum, "cracking the ton" with a 102km week that included sharp interval work around the Yarra and Albert Park, capped off by a steady 90-minute long run at 4:22/km. The heart of this episode features the return of Charles Jacobson, a three-time guest who first joined the show back on episode 146. Since returning to the sport in 2019, Charles has undergone a remarkable transformation under the guidance of coach Andy Buchanan. Having once targeted the sub-3-hour barrier, Charles now enters race week with a 2:52 PB and a string of impressive lead-up performances, including a 17:42 at the Bendigo 5km Frenzy and consistent 120-130km training weeks. We hear about his race prep, the taper jitters and how he plans on celebrating the day! Good luck to everyone heading to…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris Armstrong, Zac Newman

Guest: Charles Jacobson

Topics covered

• marathon training
• running performance
• personal transformation
• race preparation
• interval training
• recovery strategies

Keywords

• marathon
• training logs
• personal best
• interval work
• recovery
• race prep
• running

Sponsors

Oat Running Socks

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Better With Running

Places: Ballarat

More episodes of Better with Running

• EP295: Interview- Tony Conforti From 3:50 to 3:01: How This Canadian Run2PB Athlete Rewrote His Limits · May 6, 2026 · 1h 10m
• EP292: Andy Buchanan - Latest Training Week & mapping out his return to racing. · April 13, 2026 · 58 min
• EP291: Mowing Lawns and Crushing Reps with Run2PB Athlete - Andrew Leggo · April 8, 2026 · 1h 12m
• EP290 Road to Ballarat with Darren Reid & Run2PB Coach Ben Stolz · April 1, 2026 · 1h 6m
• EP289:– Chris Hillhouse returns to discuss his road to ballarat marathon. · March 25, 2026 · 1h 14m
• EP288: Matt Miller Run2PB Athlete Returns | On Track Debuts & Ballarat Marathon Prep · March 18, 2026 · 1h 16m

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