Beyond the splits

In this episode:🖤 Remembering Ciara Mageean 🏆 Elle's Half Marathon win and the countdown to Valencia continues🚴 Russel's Injury Update - swapping running for e-bike rides and 30,000-step days!🗽 New York Marathon Review - the biggest storyline being Andreas Almgren winning on his marathon debut in an incredible 2:06. We break down the men's tactical battle, exciting women's finish and the British and American performances. Plus, how did James Milner do?❤️ If you enjoy the podcast, then like, subscribe and and share it with a fellow runner.

IZZI BATT-DOYLE: BREAKING THE AUSTRALIAN RECORD IN CHICAGOIzzi 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.

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 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 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 Build8 weeks to go and things are going well. 🏙️ Chicago Marathon ReviewWe 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 MelbourneEliud 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 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 miles 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.

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

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 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?