About this episode

The episode features discussions on the Sydney Marathon hype, a challenging race in Ballarat, and an interview with professional drummer Tim Firth about his running journey and marathon training.

Episode 311 of the Better With Running Podcast begins with hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman discussing the immense anticipation surrounding the Sydney Marathon. Chris shares a vivid recap of the National Cross Country Masters 4km in Ballarat, battling ankle-deep mud, freezing weather, and call-room logo-taping logistics to finishing an epic race. Zac manages a minor calf scare with the help of Physio and fellow run2pb Coach James Telford. The main interview features professional touring drummer and Run2PB athlete Tim Firth. Tim details his running journey from an initial 4:40 marathon disaster to chasing a sub-3:30 at Sydney, alongside his progression to a 3:35 personal best. As a freelance drummer and music teacher—with a degree from the University of New South Wales and Sydney Conservatorium—Tim opens up about what it is like balancing parenting and a demanding professional music career touring with iconic Australian acts like Dragon and Thirsty Merc , as well as jazz artists like James Morrison. He explains how he navigates unpredictable late-night gig schedules, irregular travel, and early morning runs to maintain a consistent routine without letting his music or family…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris Armstrong, Zac Newman

Guest: Tim Firth

Topics covered

• Sydney Marathon
• running journey
• professional drummer
• marathon training
• coaching adjustments
• personal best

Keywords

• Sydney Marathon
• Tim Firth
• marathon training
• Run2PB
• personal best
• running journey
• coaching adjustments
• National Cross Country

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Run2PB, University of New South Wales, Sydney Conservatorium, Dragon, Thirsty Merc

Places: Sydney, Ballarat

More episodes of Better with Running

• The Athlete-Coach Dynamic: From Footy Rehab to Marathon PB with Run2PB Athlete Casey Dean and Coach Elise Beacom · September 9, 2026 · 1h 13m
• Inside Sydney's Massive Marathon Weekend + 2:38 Debut with Finn Crethar · September 2, 2026 · 1h 10m
• From Scratch Golfer to Sub-16 5K: Matt Miller's Breakthrough Year · August 19, 2026 · 1h 16m
• Meet #teamrun2pb legend Bazz who has gone from 2:50 to 2:27 · August 12, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Andy Buchanan on Post-Gold Coast Reflections and Sydney Goals & Meet Aryan, Run2PB Athlete, from 3:54> 3:15 Marathoner · August 5, 2026 · 1h 13m
• EP 307: Albert Park Recaps with Guest Matt Davy , and Accruing PBs with Run2PB Athlete Lachlan Chisholm · July 29, 2026 · 1h 18m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Better with Running podcast page.