Welcome to episode 299 of the Better with Running podcast, where hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are officially entering the "nervous 299s."
The update segment provides a global look at the Run2PB community, which continues to expand rapidly. Athletes are delivering impressive results in events ranging from Cape Town to Thailand, and the team is particularly excited about a new race entry in Norway. Additionally, the hosts shared a crucial update regarding the "Sweat vs. Steam" event; with the date locked for November 15, the planning team is working hard to ensure this year’s iteration offers an even larger, more vibrant carnival atmosphere for all participants.
The episode also features a detailed race recap of the St. Anne’s Winery XCR. Chris managed to navigate the 8km course in 31:36, noting that his improved confidence on the descents was a direct result of consistent strength training and the reliable grip of his ON cross-country spikes, which helped him avoid the pitfalls of previous years. Meanwhile, Zac finished with a time of 29:42, though he admitted it was a grueling effort to find any sort of rhythm on a course defined by relentless, undulating hills; he even poked fun at his decision to race in a pair of vintage Nike Zoom Streak 6s that may be nearing their tenth birthday.
This week’s main feature is an interview with Tom Marr, a dedicated Run2PB athlete who joined the team in 2022. Fresh off a career-best 31:51 performance at the Launceston 10, Tom reflects on his unconventional path to the sport, which began with a swimming background before shifting entirely to running. He also provides fascinating insight into his recent year-long experience living in a small coastal village in Scotland, where he was struck by the incredible depth and passion of the local club running scene.
A central theme of Tom’s interview is the value of accountability in training, particularly since he started working with coach Josh Harris. Tom highlights how this partnership has been a game-changer for his performance, noting that having a structured plan removes the mental load and allows him to focus entirely on the execution of each session.
The episode concludes with a lively "Quick Qs" segment, where Tom shares some of his personal favorites and lessons learned along the way. Beyond his preference for long threshold sessions, he underscores the importance of patience, noting that he has learned the hard way that running injuries often require more time and care than those sustained in swimming.
