109 | Todd "Toddy" Andrews and The Dream Run

Todd Andrews: From Outback Runner to S&C Coach — The Dream Run Across Australia for Cholmondeley Hosts Oska and Maia welcome Todd "Toddy" Andrews on The Front Runner Colombo's weekly running podcast to trace his path from a love-filled but financially tight childhood in Australia—frequent moves, single-parent upbringing, and finding stability through running—to a life-changing Melbourne school scholarship after coach Neville Sillitoe spotted his talent, mentored him, and even bought his first running shoes. Todd shares how he adapted academically, his competitive drive, and how marrying and becoming a parent young shifted his Olympic ambitions toward coaching and strength & conditioning. After moving to New Zealand in 2005, he qualified as a personal trainer, enrolled in a sport coaching degree at the University of Canterbury, graduated top of his class, entered S&C via post-earthquake opportunities with the Canterbury Academy, and completed a master's. He describes a midlife identity shift and outlines "The Dream Run": attempting three marathons a day for 30 days from Cottesloe Beach to Bondi Beach to inspire young people and raise funds for Cholmondeley Children's Centre, now aiming for next June after injury delays. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:45 Meet Todd Andrews 02:28 Family Life And Fatherhood 03:21 Outback Childhood And Moving 05:43 Growing Up With Less 09:22 Freedom And Early Memories 12:56 Finding Identity In Running 16:19 Scholarship To Melbourne 24:05 Overwhelmed But Determined 25:47 Neville The Mentor Coach 32:03 Imposter Syndrome And Resilience 34:20 Early Competitive Fire 36:29 Competitive Drive 37:01 Academic Survival Skills 38:58 Young Family Shift 41:33 Personal Training Pivot 43:28 University Breakthrough 46:46 Four Ps Framework 48:15 Earthquake Opportunity 53:21 Midlife Identity Reset 01:02:38 Three Marathons Plan 01:10:35 Cholmondeley Mission 01:19:55 Setbacks New Timeline 01:21:46 Closing Reflections