Beyond the splits

IZZI BATT-DOYLE: BREAKING THE AUSTRALIAN RECORD IN CHICAGO Izzi Batt-Doyle joins us after a phenomenal performance at the 2026 Chicago Marathon, where she ran 2:20:38 to finish sixth and break the Australian women's marathon record. We go behind the scenes of that record-breaking run, from managing the conditions on the day, maximising her fuelling, nailing the pacing and blitzing through the field in the final miles. We also get into the details of her build up to Chicago - her coaching set-up, key workouts, mileage and the changes that have helped her take a big step forward over the marathon. Izzi takes us through her journey in the sport including her time in the NCAA, the stress fractures that threatened her early career and how she's developed the resilience to perform consistently at the highest level. Plus, how does she balance professional running with managing a coaching business, coffee shop and running store? We also cover some bigger issues facing athletics. After pacing at the Sydney Marathon, Izzi reflects on the news that women's race winner Peres Jepchirchir was provisionally suspended. Finally, we discuss Olympic selection, her experience of missing out on the Paris 2024 marathon, and what the road to Los Angeles 2028 looks like now that the Olympic qualification window is opening. With a 2:20 marathon to her name, just how far does Izzi believe she can go? If you enjoy the episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with a fellow runner. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Elle and Russel preview the upcoming New York City marathon taking place this Sunday, 1 November. We're particularly excited by the debut of half marathon world champ and European record holder, Andreas Almgren - what can he do in his first ever marathon? As usual, we also run through our training this week, as Elle moves into the final weeks of her Valencia block, and Russel continues his recovery. We also have a number of very exciting interviews lined up over the next few weeks! Our chat with Australian RECORD HOLDER, 2.20 woman Izzi Batt-Doyle is first up - go and give it a listen now! This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we get stuck into the running 'rules' we all hear but don’t always follow. From “nothing new on race day” and the 10% mileage rule to the 80/20 training split, post-run stretching, carb loading and how many marathons you should really run each year, we debate what’s worth following, what’s outdated, and what we actually do in practice. Russel explains his Amsterdam Marathon decision and meanwhile, Elle clocks another 65-mile week, battles through a windy threshold session and looks ahead to a fast half marathon. We also touch on the dangerous “thin is fast” mentality, the risks of underfueling and the damage calorie restriction can do to endurance athletes. As always, expect honest opinions, training insights, a few running myths challenged, and plenty of debate about what really makes you a better runner. 🎧 Listen now, follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and let us know which running rules you swear by - or happily ignore! This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’ve got injury dramas, huge performances in Chicago, more Russel rants and a lot to say about the state of running! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Here’s what’s on the agenda: 😬 Amsterdam: Race Day or DNS? Russel’s plans are hanging in the balance after pacing the Chester Marathon left his sciatica and leg issues flaring up. Is Amsterdam still happening? 💪 Elle’s Valencia Marathon Build 8 weeks to go and things are going well. 🏙️ Chicago Marathon Review We break down the elite races, from Amos Kipruto’s victory in 2:01 over Kiplimo, Lokedi vs Feysa, plus big results from the Americans. Plus - is Adidas now the undisputed #1 for shoes? 🔥 Is Running a Marathon Actually Easy? Spencer Matthews’ comments sparked plenty of online outrage, as usual. We discuss the difference between completing a marathon and racing one, and whether social media is manufacturing controversy for clicks. 🇦🇺 Kipchoge Takes on Melbourne Eliud Kipchoge is BACK, winning the Melbourne Marathon and breaks the course record. 📅 What’s Next? Amsterdam, the Yorkshire Marathon, Valencia training and upcoming race plans. 🎧 Tune in for another week of training talk, elite racing analysis, strong opinions and plenty of running chat. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking about: 🇬🇧 England Road Relays - Elle recaps a tough 5.47km relay course, battling the hills and still coming away with a strong team result. 🌴 Mallorca Training - debriefing mile s in the heat, humidity, hills and some questionable hotel treadmills… plus why the crisp autumn weather has never felt so good. ☀️➡️🍂 🏃‍♀️ Valencia Is Getting Closer - With nine weeks to go, Elle gets through a 16-mile long run and starts to reset her marathon training 😬 Amsterdam - Russel is less than two weeks away from Amsterdam, but confidence is low and goals have been reassessed. We talk injury, mileage, pacing and why he’s now aiming for a more realistic target. ⏱️ Manchester Half Marathon Pacing - Russel takes on the 80-minute pacing job - complete with a massive flag, a dodgy hamstring/glute and some very strange race-day noises. 🔥 The London Marathon Rant - The 2027 London Marathon is changing format, but is it actually better for runners? We get into the two-day format, and why Russel has officially had enough. 🏁 Does the UK Need a Fast Autumn Marathon? Could Manchester become the answer? We debate how the UK could create a genuinely fast autumn marathon and whether runners should be looking beyond London. 🇺🇸 Chicago Marathon Preview - We look ahead to a stacked Chicago field featuring Jacob Kiplimo, Charles Hicks, Clayton Young, Brigid Kosgei, Sharon Lokedi, Jess Warner-Judd, and plenty more. Plus many more tangents and segues along the way. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode: 🔥 Russel opens up about a tough 10K (coming during a tough month) - DNF, shoe retail therapy and abandoned long run 🏃‍♀️ Elle’s road to Valencia - now on week 2/12 - so far, so good. 👟 Shoe drama - we chat about the the Adios Pro 5 foam drama, plus our current trainer picks. 📏Upcoming races - National Road Relays for Elle, with Russel pacing Manchester Half. 🏔 Ultra talk - when should we switch to ultras?! 🏅 Berlin Marathon recap - Assefa come so close to the WR. 📚 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's 10 commandments This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode: Elle makes a bombshell announcements about her upcoming marathon plans. We get into the reasons behind the decision and what that means for the next couple of months. Russel, meanwhile, is still heading to Amsterdam — despite a disrupted build, training solo, and dealing with sciatica and some increasingly creative muscle problems. Then there’s plenty to talk about from the world of athletics. We review Athlos, its attempt to shake up the traditional track-meet format, and debate whether athletics needs more events like it. We also dive into the World Road Running Championships, including the mile, 5K and half marathon races, some huge performances, and the very different tactics that come with racing on the roads. Plus: Northern Road Relays, marathon shoes, Berlin, Valencia, upcoming races and plenty of the usual running chat. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beyond the Splits , Russell takes us through his Great North Run and, let’s just say, it did not go to plan. He breaks down what went wrong, how the race felt, and what comes next. Elsewhere, Elle’s marathon training build is starting to gather pace (+volume). And then it’s time for a full World Ultimate Championships review. We go race by race, revisit the big performances, discuss the surprises and disappointments, and — most importantly — find out how our predictions actually held up. Who got their picks right? Who completely bottled it? And who is going to have to hear about it until the next episode? This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you actually set a goal for a race? And what happens when it falls apart halfway through? This week Elle and Russel break down their real approach to goal setting: the A/B/C framework in practice, why performance (i.e. time) might not be the only measure of success, and the goals they're happy to shout about publicly versus the ones they keep to themselves because they sound a bit ridiculous out loud. Plus: what really happens in your head when the A goal slips away mid-race, and how to find something else to hold onto. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beyond the Splits , Elle and Russell get into the highs and lows of their training this last week, with both hosts navigating their own challenges and some big successes. Russell opens up about a frustrating week dealing with back, hamstring and calf issues, dropping his mileage dramatically and discovering the unexpected joys of the stair stepper. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of discussion around the mental side of being injured - from the strange relief of being forced to rest to the temptation to rush straight back into training. Elle talks through her own return to faster running, including bike sessions, marathon-pace work and a successful comeback to longer running. There’s also a look at the Leeds Country Way Relay, a challenging 100km off-road team event, and a brilliant win for Elle’s women’s team. Plus, we dive into the latest (and final) Diamond League action, make our questionable predictions World Ultimates, and discuss the latest spicy interviews. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re doing something a bit different… it’s Room 101 for running. We each bring the things in the sport that drive us absolutely mad - the habits, trends, behaviours, kit choices, and everyday runner quirks we’d happily banish forever. From training clichés to Strava crimes, running etiquette and daily annoyances, we discuss what deserves to be locked away in the vault. Expect some controversial opinions (ahem - Russel), petty grievances, and some things that I'm sure we've all thought at times. The perfect listen for anyone who loves running but has a few things they’d happily throw into Room 101 and never see again. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s episode 11 of Beyond the Splits and we’re officially into double figures! This week we’re reviewing the latest Diamond League action in Zurich which gave us world records, an incredible pole vault competition and great 800m races. We also get into the reality of marathon training as autumn road races get ever closer. How much is too much? When should you back off? And how easy is it to become completely obsessed with mileage, pace and Strava stats? We admit our own “toxic running habits” - from comparing ourselves to other runners on Strava, to judging people’s choice of hydration vest, and the controversial question of whether you should pause your watch at traffic lights. Plus, we revisit our conversation with Natasha Wilson and what we learned from hearing about her marathon training, including the fact that an elite marathon build doesn’t always have to be the perfect, uninterrupted block. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk to Natasha Wilson (née Cockram), 2:24 marathoner, about the highs, lows and breakthroughs of her journey so far - from breaking the Welsh marathon record multiple times, to narrowly missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, running a huge 2:24:21 PB in Valencia in 2025 and backing that up with a fifth place finish in the European Championships earlier this month. We also get into the realities of elite marathon training, whether that's 3am alarms each week in order to practice the Birmingham route or running 120 miles a week mostly solo. We discuss what it takes to keep improving when you're already one of Britain's best marathoners. And with Natasha fresh from a fifth-place finish at the 2026 European Championships in Birmingham - and a European team gold medal with Great Britain - we ask what's next, and just how fast she thinks she can go. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Beyond the Splits, we're talking: 💆 Physios, sports massages & why they hurt so much 🏃 Our favourite marathon training sessions 🍝 How we fuel for a marathon ⚡ Kejelcha's new half marathon world record (ratification pending...) 💎 Lausanne & Silesia Diamond League debriefs 🇨🇭 What we're looking forward to at Zurich 🎵 Mondo Duplantis' latest banger 👀 The latest in the Josh and Jakob saga This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode: 🏃Russel smashes his parkrun PB and continues to knock out 100 mile weeks 🦶Elle is still managing an achilles issue - we chat about the physical and psychological impacts of dealing with injuries and niggles 🎟️Why do some races still not allow entry transfers? 👟 New York marathon fields have been released! Including one HUGE debut from the newly crowned European 10k champ ⏱️We're in for a treat with two STACKED diamond leagues this week in Lausanne and Silesia. Will Jakob come back as king of the1500? 🇪🇺 We debrief the biggest moments of the European champs, including the best races, most iconic moments and biggest surprises. How did our predictions go from last week? Safe to say, neither of us could predict the men's 1500! This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deep‑dive conversation with Lisa Hart, the first female finisher in the 2026 London Marathon mass race, and one of the most compelling breakthrough stories in British distance running at the moment. We debrief her fantastic 2.30 performance in London. From there, we rewind to Lisa’s running origins and rapid progression - including her leap from a first sub‑3 marathon in 2024 to becoming one of the fastest amateur women in the UK just two years later. We talk about the mindset shifts, training changes, and decisions that fuelled her improvement, and the motivation to chase truly elite times in her thirties. Lisa also shares a more detailed look at her training and racing: typical mileage, her favourite sessions, how she approaches race strategy, and what she’s learned from competing across distances from 5K to the marathon. Finally, we look ahead to her future goals - the races she’s targeting next, the times she believes she can run, and what excites her about the next stage in her running journey. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beyond the Split s , we’re riding the highs and lows of training. Russel is cruising through big mileage and brunch‑fuelled long runs, while Elle nails two huge sessions… before disaster strikes with a surprise Achilles niggle. We talk shoe rotations, injuries, and why running friendships are basically built on talking about running. We also get hyped for the European Championships which run this week. We break down Jakob’s much anticipated return, and lock in our podium picks for the distance events. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beyond the Splits, Elle and Russel catch up on a packed seven days of running — from double‑days to mile relays and getting competitive at parkrun. Then it’s onto the Commonwealth Games athletics, where we unpack the standout performances of the Commonwealth Games (from a British perpective) - including Josh Kerr's statement win, Elise Thorner's surprise silver and Georgia Hunter-Bell's tactical brilliance. We also reflect on British highs, lows, injuries, and what the results mean heading into the European Championships (full preview to come next week!). This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with 800m runner Lucy Armitage, who just achieved a bronze medal behind Georgia Hunter-Bell at the UK Championships. We chat about her background, development over the last few years and breakthrough in the last 12 months. We also discuss her comeback from injury, mindset and her goals in the sport. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elle and Russel preview the Commonwealth Games ahead of the athletics kicking off on Monday 27th. Highlights include the men's mile, where we expect Josh Kerr, Jake Wightman and Cameron Myers' to be the main contenders, and the women's 800m battle between Georgia Hunter Bell and Lilian Odera. We also cover the growing list of withdrawals (Eilish McColgan, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Matt Hudson-Smith and more) and why the Euros seem to be the priority for most people this year. Away from the track, we have some thoughts on the Boston Marathon's questionable new lottery-style entry system for athletes who hit the qualifying time but missed the cut-off, plus a look at innovations coming to September's World Ultimate Championships. Before all that, the usual check in on our own marathon builds 12 weeks out from Amsterdam, including how not to fuel a long run session, and the "rule of thirds" for making peace with a bad session. This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube. Follow our socials: Positive Split @_positivesplit on Instagram @ThePositiveSplit on YouTube Russel: @therunningmanc on Instagram Elle: @elle_warren on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.