EP294: Run2PB Ballarat Recap Special with Rory Flanagan on his PB Performance.

About this episode

The episode features a recap of the Ballarat Marathon and Half Marathon, highlighting personal successes and community support.

In episode 294 of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman reflect on a massive weekend of racing at the Ballarat Marathon and Half Marathon. Chris shares his personal success in the half marathon, where he clocked a time of 1:21:34—a one-minute improvement from the previous year. He attributes this success to a psychological shift encouraged by his best friend, Lauren, who challenged him to abandon his conservative racing nature and take aggressive risks early on. This strategy forced him to dig deep during a "pain cave" at 18 kilometers, where he found perspective by reflecting on the grit his friend showed during childbirth, ultimately helping him grind out the final 12 minutes of the race. The episode features returning guest Rory Flanagan, a beloved figure in the Run2PB community who recently secured a marathon PB of 2:40:46 in Ballarat. Rory discusses his background as a former 400-meter runner and soccer player who rediscovered running during COVID, eventually teaming up with coach Benny Stoltz. Despite an "ideal-less" preparation marked by a 10-week Achilles flare-up and missed long runs due to work, Rory managed to peak on…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris Armstrong, Zac Newman

Guest: Rory Flanagan

Topics covered

• marathon recap
• personal best
• running strategy
• psychological shift
• community support

Keywords

• Ballarat Marathon
• personal best
• running strategy
• Chris Armstrong
• Rory Flanagan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Run2PB

Places: Ballarat

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