EP297: From the Building Site to the Podium with Run2PB Athlete Casey Thorby

Episode 297 of the Better With Running podcast kicks off with hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman catching up on their respective training weeks. Chris highlights a productive 70km week, despite a rather clumsy long run where he tripped over a bin while attempting to dispose of a gel, resulting in a scraped shoulder. Meanwhile, Zac reflects on his busy week of racing, specifically his experience at the Jells Park relays. He shares his thoughts on the challenging, hilly nature of the course and the unique, high-intensity environment of cross-country relay racing, which served as a refreshing, old-school contrast to standard road races.

The heart of this episode features an interview with New Zealand-based athlete Casey Thorby. Casey provides a look into his journey as a runner, discussing his transition from being a self-taught athlete to working under the guidance of coach Andy Buchanan. A significant portion of their conversation focuses on the importance of consistency and the specific adjustments Casey has made to his training. He notes that one of the most impactful changes has been slowing down his easy runs, which has significantly improved his recovery and allowed him to maintain his demanding lifestyle as a builder.

Casey also recounts his recent experiences training in Bendigo, where he spent time with Buchanan’s training group. He explains that seeing the group’s approach firsthand helped him realize that elite performance isn't necessarily about complex, specialized training, but rather about adhering to a simple, consistent, and structured plan.

To round out the discussion, we hear about Casey’s recent victory at the Hawks Bay 10km, where he clocked a 32:19. Casey shares his satisfaction with the win and the practical application of his recent training blocks. The episode concludes with the hosts and Casey discussing his future goals for 2026, including his ambitions in the half-marathon and marathon distances, as well as some lighthearted quick fire qs.