
In the Beginning Podcast
by Liam Flanagan and Courtney Atkinson | Running and Marathon Tips
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- Per-Episode Audience
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10,001 - 25,000 - Monthly Reach
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25,001 - 75,000 - Active Followers
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15,001 - 40,000
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Recent episodes
EP 84 - BEST MARATHON TRAINING TIPS HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025 GOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES
May 1, 2026
Unknown duration
EP 83 - COURTNEY ATKINSON "THE INTERVIEW" - OLYMPICS, REGRETS, RED BULL & THE MINDSET BEHIND IT ALL
Apr 24, 2026
Unknown duration
GOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES 2026: WE’RE BACK
Apr 21, 2026
Unknown duration
EP 81 - WHEN TRAINING GETS TOUGH
Apr 10, 2026
Unknown duration
EP 80 - DID LONDON MARATHON STEAL LIAM’S IDEA?! + WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN IS HERE COMING
Apr 3, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/1/26 | EP 84 - BEST MARATHON TRAINING TIPS HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025 GOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES | Courtney is in Salzburg while Liam is off the tools for the week, so we’re bringing back the best educational moments from the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon Series.This episode pulls together the key advice from Benita Willis, Britt Caling and Michael Shelley — covering goal setting, pacing, long runs, injury risk, recovery, nutrition, race morning, warm-ups, cadence and how to approach the Gold Coast Marathon course.Whether you’re chasing your first marathon finish, aiming for a PB, or trying to sneak under three hours, this is a proper practical refresher before the big day.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 4/24/26 | EP 83 - COURTNEY ATKINSON "THE INTERVIEW" - OLYMPICS, REGRETS, RED BULL & THE MINDSET BEHIND IT ALL | A different one this week.After 83 episodes, Liam turns the mic fully onto Courtney Atkinson for the most in-depth chat we’ve ever had about his career, mindset and life in elite sport.From the proudest win of his life in a schoolboys 3000m, to the biggest regrets of his Olympic career, to the handshake deal that started a 25-year relationship with Red Bull — Courtney opens up on the moments, decisions and personality traits that shaped everything.There’s stories about racing Simon Lessing as a teenager, the mentality that both helped and hindered him, why he never fully accepted help, what drove him, whether he fulfilled his potential, and why he still believes building a huge aerobic base is one of the best gifts you can give a young athlete.If you’ve ever wondered what really made Courtney Atkinson tick — this is the episode.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 4/21/26 | GOLD COAST MARATHON SERIES 2026: WE’RE BACK | The Gold Coast Marathon Series is back for 2026. After an unforgettable first year following Bronte’s journey from half marathoner to marathon finisher, Liam and Courtney return with Benita Willis from Lace Up Running, more first-timers, more experts, more half marathon focus and a brand new challenge for Courtney — The Experiment. Whether you’re chasing the full, the half or just trying to make it to the start line healthy, this is your kickoff.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 4/10/26 | EP 81 - WHEN TRAINING GETS TOUGH | Every runner knows the feeling — the body is holding up, but the mind starts to feel the grind.This week the boys unpack the ups and downs of a big training block, from breakthrough sessions and building fitness to the mental fatigue that can creep in when the repetition starts to bite. Liam reflects on his biggest week yet in the lead-up to the miler, while Courtney shares why time away from consistent running has him craving every session.A broad chat on motivation, mindset, consistency and the reality of chasing big endurance goals.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 4/3/26 | EP 80 - DID LONDON MARATHON STEAL LIAM’S IDEA?! + WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN IS HERE COMING | London Marathon has gone two days… and Liam reckons they’ve pinched the idea straight from the podcast.This week the boys step into the “courtroom” to argue the case after London announced plans for a two-day marathon event — something first floated on In The Beginning back in Episode 60.From there it rolls into one of the biggest conversations in running right now:should majors become two-day events?how do you split the field?locals vs internationalselite race vs fun runPB chasers vs phone runnersPlus a big Wings for Life World Run call-out — get involved, run for those who can’t, and be part of one of the best community events on the calendar.WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN CTA:Join the team and run with us. Every dollar goes towards spinal cord injury research - INFO HEREFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 3/27/26 | EP 79 - T100 WRAP, NOOSA 50K PAIN & THE WOOLWORTHS HOKA ERA | A French sailor exposes a warship on Strava, Cam McEvoy breaks a super suit record, Liam survives the Noosa 50K and suddenly realises the Mylar is no joke. Plus T100 wrap-up, listener shoutouts and a yarn about Woolworths selling HOKAs.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 3/20/26 | EP78 - JUST US AGAIN: NOOSA TRAILS, AFL CHAOS & THE HARRY GARSIDE HANGOVER | Liam heads into the Noosa 50K Ultra while Courtney makes the call to skip the T100 10K and protect the bigger goal ahead. The boys are back without guests and straight into the kind of running chat they do best — from Noosa race plans, biggest-ever training weeks and listener warnings, to trail events, local race shoutouts and the weird realities of bush poos mid-run.They also reflect on the Harry Garside episode, especially the loss of structure elite athletes face once the goalposts disappear, and why that hits harder than most people realise. There’s AFL chat too, with the Gold Coast Suns looking seriously dangerous, the Scott Pendlebury tribunal drama, and an early grand final prediction.On the running and athletics front, they unpack Eliud Kipchoge choosing Melbourne Marathon for his Oceania stop, Sh’Carri Richardson heading to Stawell, and why athletics in Australia feels like it’s building real momentum again.Plus: expo merch reviews, listener shoutouts, Alex Yee sightings, Stawell hype, Savannah Bananas chat, influencer nonsense, and why sometimes the best training decision is just to calm down and stop acting like you’re a pro.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 3/17/26 | HARRY GARSIDE: OLYMPIC BOXING BRONZE TO T100 TRIATHLON - FEAR, FREEDOM & FINDING THE FIRE | Olympic boxing medallist Harry Garside jumps into the endurance world ahead of the T100 weekend — and it’s not just about fitness.From boxing’s biggest stage to trail ultras, marathons, and now the T100, Harry opens up on chasing discomfort, losing identity, and why fear is the real opponent.We dive into:Why he’s stepping away (slightly) from boxingHis 2:39 marathon and endurance curiosityThe mental battle before stepping into the ringRunning as a tool for self-discoveryAnd what it means to compete when the fire isn’t as loudThis is one of the most raw and honest chats we’ve had — about sport, identity, and doing hard things for the right reasons.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 3/13/26 | EP77 - HOLLY RANSON "THE MINDSET OF ULTRA RUNNING" | Australia’s Female Ultra Runner of the Year Holly Ranson joins the podcast after dragging Liam out for a brutal Gold Coast run in 33-degree heat.From sailing dinghies to chasing the Western States dream, Holly shares the winding path that led her into trail running and ultra endurance. The conversation dives deep into the mental side of racing — including her concept of “mind experience”, how athletes deal with suffering, and the techniques she uses when the mind starts telling you to quit.Holly also opens up about stepping away from full-time work to chase the Western States goal, the realities of funding an ultra career, and why sometimes the best race plan is simply to trust the training and enjoy the day.You can support Holly towards Western States glory - HERE -Follow Holly on Instagram @hollyrransonFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 3/10/26 | ASH GENTLE & JOSH AMBERGER: TRIATHLON, T100 AND THE PREGNANCY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING | Australian triathlon star Ash Gentle and Josh Amberger join the podcast ahead of the T100 Gold Coast — and share a deeply personal moment.For the first time publicly, Ash opens up about the couple expecting a baby after experiencing miscarriage, how that journey has reshaped their perspective on sport and life, and what the future holds.We also dive into the rise of the T100 series, Ash’s incredible comeback to middle-distance racing, and life as one of triathlon’s most recognisable couples.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
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| 3/6/26 | EP76 - NEW MEDIA VS OLD MEDIA, MARATHON MYTHS & THE RUNNING SCARE THAT NEARLY ENDED IT ALL | Courtney and Liam kick off Episode 76 with a story from the Gold Coast Sports Awards and an unforgettable speech from Mat Rogers that sparks a debate: when should you stand for a standing ovation?From there the conversation dives into the evolution of athlete media training — from the old “handle the media” mindset to the new world where athletes like Matt Hauser are embracing openness, podcasts and storytelling.The boys also unpack the claim that a four-hour marathon is harder than a two-hour marathon, break down the booming world of hybrid fitness racing, and discuss whether new formats like XENOM could challenge the dominance of HYROX.There’s also a huge shoutout to Bondi lifeguard Quinn Darragh as he attempts an extraordinary 24-hour ocean swim challenge, plus updates on Liam’s 100-mile build and Courtney’s running scare that nearly made him quit competitive running altogether.It’s an episode packed with running philosophy, media insights, endurance sport trends and a few classic bar-stool debates along the way. | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 | MATT HAUSER - WORLD TRIATHLON CHAMP RACING T-100 GOLD COAST 10KM RUN | T100 is coming to the Gold Coast… and we’ve landed a proper get: World Triathlon Champion Matt Hauser.Matt jumps on for a special edition countdown chat and casually drops some absolute bombs — including confirming he’s racing the T100 10K and floating the wild possibility that Olympic champ Alex Yee could be pacing him .We unpack why he’s doing it (spoiler: it’s not just a “fun run”), what his 10K prep looks like, how he’s thinking about LA, altitude camps, and what it’s like watching triathletes start throwing down marathon times that belong in another universe Plus: Gold Coast run-route chat, the e-bike chaos problem (and Liam’s very spicy licence-ban scheme), and a few world-champ perks along the way.Matt Hauser's Youtube Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 2/27/26 | EP 75 - AWARD WINNING… BROCCOLI SHOTS, PISS START LINES & IRONMAN BANS | We’re officially an award-winning podcast 🏆After taking out the Australian Sports Commission Media Award at the SCG, we unpack the feedback that meant the most — “your podcast made us want to go for a run.”Then it gets loose:🥦 Olympic athletes taking broccoli “lactate buffering” shots🚻 Chicago Marathon start-line chaos📵 Ironman banning AI glasses👟 The biggest shoe brands in the world (you won’t pick #3)🏃♂️ Courtney’s training build + why teaching kids to run mattersElite sport, mass participation madness and a bit of bush toilet etiquette.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 2/20/26 | EP 74 - FROZEN MOUNTAIN DEW & SUB-60 HALF MARATHONS | This week we go from KFC protein bowls to Olympic gold medals in about 12 minutes flat.Is fast food now a “fitness brand”?Should Olympic coaches only coach their own country?Is the internet’s “apex athlete” debate completely missing the point?And how ridiculous is a sub-60 minute half marathon, really?We break down:🥇 The Winter Olympics drip vs Summer Olympics nerd-core uniforms🔥 Cam McEvoy casually redefining what elite actually looks like🏃♂️ Jack Rayner going sub-60 for the half marathon (only the second Aussie EVER)🍧 Why slurpees might be the most underrated performance drink of all time🍗 KFC marketing protein like they’ve just discovered creatinePlus Liam’s drive-through frustrations and Courtney’s take on why social media celebrates “achievable average” over actual world-class excellence.It’s sport, culture, marketing, performance and a little bit of frozen Mountain Dew.Don’t go longer… go harder.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 2/13/26 | EP 73 - LIAM’S SCHEMES, OLYMPIC FASHION & AUSSIE GOLD ENERGY | This week the boys dive into Winter Olympic madness, elite running culture and another instalment of Liam’s Schemes.Should we turn Melbourne’s Tan Track into a Breaking-10 night spectacle?Is downhill skiing the true blue-riband Winter Olympic event?Scotty James and Aussie gold medal hopes 🥇Gout Gout x Vegemite – elite Aussie comboAnd a Norwegian skier casually running a sub-6 uphill mile on skis.It’s Olympic energy, running banter and a few spicy takes.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 2/6/26 | EP 72 - AGE IS A LIE & AUSTRALIA’S NEXT OLYMPIC STARS | From Grammys to 800m world records, this episode is proof that age, labels and expectations mean nothing.We kick off with Jelly Roll’s wild rise — three Grammys, massive life changes, and why his story hits harder than most. Then we dive into one of the most ridiculous stats you’ll hear all year: a 53-year-old running 1:56 for 800m. Yes, seriously! - A podcast on Zac's training if interested hereWe also shine a light on Australia’s next Olympic wave, from winter sport converts to Scotty James chasing legacy at his fifth Games.Running, resilience, reinvention — this one’s got layers.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 1/30/26 | EP 71 - THE T100 10KM RUN THAT EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT | T-100 10KM RUN INFO & ENTRY - 22 MARCHCourtney turns up running on one side of his face after a dentist visit, Liam gets stitched up as a “headline act” in the Gold Coast Bulletin, and Australia Day delivers peak Gold Coast chaos on land and water.We recap the Burleigh Swim Run, talk community-first events done right, and dive into why Courtney’s running form can be measured by how much he chirps.The T100 Gold Coast 10km is fast approaching and the race-your-mates energy is building, while the Apex Athlete debate rolls on — is a sub-2:50 marathon actually too easy compared to the lifting benchmark?Running for your head, racing for bragging rights, and why fun still matters most.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 1/23/26 | EP70 – CHEATING, APEX ATHLETES & THE BUNNINGS MARATHON | This week on In The Beginning, Courtney and Liam unpack one of the wildest stories in elite sport — ski jumpers allegedly injecting acid into their genitals to gain a competitive advantage ahead of the Winter Olympics. From there, the boys dive into where “gaming the system” ends and cheating begins, the rise of the so-called Apex Athlete (110kg bench x10 + a 2:50 marathon), and why HYROX has become a $140m fitness monster. There’s a reality check on marathon culture, a deep appreciation for patience in training, and a left-field brainstorm on why Bunnings should sponsor a marathon. Red Bull Race the Sun - Register InterestArmidale Running FestivalFollow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 1/16/26 | EP 69 - MAKE CROSS COUNTRY GREAT AGAIN, SHOE SHAMED AT THE POLO & STRAVA’S AI PROBLEM | Episode 69 kicks off with making cross country great again, as Australia delivers a huge mixed relay win and raises a bigger question — how are we really viewed in global distance running? We unpack why this new format works, why it feels Olympic-ready, and what culture has to do with credibility. From there it’s Netflix live-streaming a no-ropes skyscraper climb, Japan’s Ekiden pulling insane TV numbers, and why “slow TV” works. Courtney checks in on training and gym gains, Liam gets brutally shoe-shamed at the polo, and we finish with why Strava’s new AI workouts might be a step too far.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 1/9/26 | EP 68 - RUNNING TRENDS IN 2026? WHAT'S INSTALL FOR THE YEAR AHEAD? | We’re back for 2026 and straight into it. After a short holiday break, Courtney and Liam reset the clocks, check the bodies, and ask the big questions about running in the year ahead.Is the running boom still growing? Will HYROX plateau? Which brands and shoes are about to dominate? And are we heading for a shift back toward elite athletes telling better stories?Liam unpacks his Japan trip — from ninja-quiet runners in Kyoto to disciplined Tokyo run clubs and why ON shoes might be everywhere in 2026. Courtney fires through bold predictions on injuries, events, and brands to watch, before the boys dive into training chat, favourite sessions, and the realities of staying injury-free while still chasing speed.There’s also a sharp conversation on winning vs participation culture in sport, cross country making a comeback (with alligators involved), and why effort still matters more than ego.2026 starts here.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 1/2/26 | EP67 — NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL | A YEAR OF 'IN THE BEGINNING' | Episode 67 is our New Year’s Special — a bit of a look back, a bit of a laugh, and a thank you to everyone who’s been part of the In The Beginning family this year.With Liam away in Japan, Courtney jumps on solo to wrap up what 2025 actually looked like: the Gold Coast Marathon series and Bronte’s journey to the start line, Benita’s calm, no-hype coaching. Doubts, sickness, missed sessions and all.We roll through some of the biggest moments of the year: sitting down with Jelly Roll before his first Aussie show, marathon gold from Michael Shelley, Matt Hauser’s world title season, physio tips from Britt Caling, plus plenty of blunders, banter and laughs along the way.No fake motivation. No influencer noise. Just effort over ego.Happy New Year legends — 2026, let’s get after it.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 12/19/25 | EP66 - THE ITB CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 🎄 STRAVA WRAPPED, SHOE PODIUMS & WHY GEN Z LIFTS FOR LOOKS | Merry Christmas 🎅 Most importantly, a massive thank you to the In The Beginning community. Your messages, questions, voice notes and support are the reason this podcast exists — and the reason we keep turning up each week. We wouldn’t do this without you.Liam's going to be trading Christmas Day runs for Disneyland in Tokyo, while Courtney dives deep into Strava’s backend data to unpack what 2025 really looked like for runners.We break down the anti-doom-scrolling stat (2 minutes on Strava = 1 hour of activity), the world’s most logged shoes (ASICS Novablast, Nike Pegasus, HOKA Clifton), SEQ vs Sydney run culture, Gen Z lifting for aesthetics, and why blokes jump straight to marathons while women dominate half-marathon training.Plus:🎄 The most intimidating sports to try🎄 Why multi-sport athletes are the most consistent🎄 Liam nearly concussing himself texting while running🎄 UTA Miler prep and a Noosa Ultra Trail 50K qualification locked in🎄 Favourite moments from a huge year of the podcastA proper end-of-year wrap with plenty of running, laughs and perspective.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 12/12/25 | EP65 - EGO, PBs & MARATHON INTEGRITY | SHOULD COURTNEY DECLARE A TIME? + JESS STENSON BREAKS THE AUSSIE RECORD | A voicemail from friend of the show Dr Benny Walters sparks one of our biggest conversations yet — ego, ageing, PBs and why Courtney refuses to declare a goal time for the marathon and T100 10K GOLD COAST - ENTER HERE . The boys unpack:Is ego essential in elite sport — or something you eventually let go of?Courtney’s honest take on racing, ageing, and not knowing where the body’s atBrad “The Croc” Bevan stories from the glory days (including a very borderline shoulder 👀)Marathon integrity: does a GPS watch make you sub-3 if the official time says otherwise?Jess Stenson’s incredible new Australian marathon record at ValenciaAlex Yee’s mind-blowing 2:06 marathon — should he switch from triathlon?Olympic retirement funding — who should get it, and who shouldn’t?Jelly Roll on Rogan, consistency as the real magic, and a massive Bali run for charityPlenty of laughs, strong opinions, and classic In The Beginning zig-zagging — but it all comes back to one question: why do we race at all?Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 12/5/25 | EP 64 - THE MARATHON INTEGRITY UNIT - CHEATERS BEWARE! | The T100 World Series is launching on the Gold Coast — and there’s a fast, flat 10K for the RUNNERS finishing in Surfers Paradise - ENTER HERE . ----The Gold Coast Marathon sold out in 24 hours — so today we’re celebrating, laughing and calling out the chaos. We break down the rise of the new “Marathon Integrity Unit” policing fake GPS times, why chip time > Strava time always, and why influencers blocking them is the funniest subplot in running right now.Benita Willis is officially BACK as our marathon coach, and we unpack her midweek wisdom on planning your next 30 weeks. Plus: how to avoid getting scammed for Gold Coast entries, the sneaky Toowoomba preference loophole, and why the T100 10K in March is the perfect bridging race. Join our team: In The Beginning Podcast.We also get into Strava’s dodgy “AI athlete intelligence”, Courtney’s first proper speed session back, Liam nearly getting influenced into running Pages Pinnacle, new trail shoe teasers, your Spotify Wrapped (Taylor Swift… really?!), and the huge news — we’re finalists for Best Sport Podcast at the Australian Sports Commission Awards.Heaps of laughs, a bit of chaos, and plenty of running chat. Strap in.Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
| 12/2/25 | YOU'VE ENTERED THE GOLD COAST MARATHON… NOW WHAT? | 30-WEEK GAME PLAN WITH BENITA WILLIS | If you’ve just signed up for the 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon – welcome to the club, legends!Courtney and Liam are back with Gold Coast Marathon ambassador and Aussie distance great Benita Willis from Lace Up Running to answer the big question: “I’ve entered… now what?”30 weeks out, we cover:Why you should NOT be in marathon shape by AprilHow to break your build into phases: 5K/10K/half now, marathon block laterWalk–jog plans and base building for absolute beginnersLong runs by time, not distance (and why 90 mins is plenty for now)Strength work, summer training, Christmas parties and not cooking yourself in DecemberT100 10K on the Gold Coast in March is the perfect test event in your preparation - enter hereHit play, take a breath, and lock in a smart 30-week game plan – not a hero December.Contact Benita for training support at Lace Up Running Follow the podcast on Instagram @inthebeginningpodcastCourtney on StravaLiam on Strava | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
9 placements across 9 markets.
Chart Positions
9 placements across 9 markets.





