Marathon State of Mind

In this end-of-year episode, Eloise and Rory reflect on the year that was 2025, using a values-based conversation to help make sense of what’s been and what’s next. They guide each other through a practical values reflection you can do alongside them. This is a psychological best-practice that enables you to mentally close the year and step into 2026 with greater clarity, direction, and intention....

In this episode, we’re joined by Leanne Pompeani — the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon (Australian) Champion. Leanne shares how running became an anchor for her mental health, her transition from soccer into elite distance running, and what it means to show up as a graceful competitor. In March 2025, she ran the fastest debut marathon by an Australian. She backed it up with a win at the Gold Coast Half M...

In this episode we are joined by Izzi Batt-Doyle. Izzi is a two-time Olympian, the current Australian record holder in the Half Marathon (67:17) and 10km road (31:12), and the third fastest Australian woman ever over the marathon (2:22:59). But Izzi’s story is about much more than fast times. From growing up in Adelaide, to chasing opportunity through college running in the U.S., to competing at t...

Welcome to this episode of Marathon State of Mind. Today, Eloise and Rory share their highlights and insights from the Athletics World Championships. 

Welcome back to Marathon State of Mind! In this episode, Eloise and Rory recap the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, and share thoughts on how to work through the emotions that can follow a big event. 

This session is designed to help you lock in and finish with purpose from 30km onwards. You've got this!

Designed for the middle stages of your marathon, use this quick practice to tune in and bring your best to the moment you are in.

Running Sydney Marathon tomorrow, take a moment to dial in your Marathon State of Mind.

Welcome to our Run Your Mind Series. These bite-sized mental skills sessions are designed to help you have your best possible running experience. In this session you will be guided through a body scan method that Eloise uses when running. For best results, we recommend tuning in before (or during) a run, so that you can road-test this strategy in real-time.

This conversation was originally recorded and released in 2021 in the days following Jess Fox's Gold and Bronze medal performances at the Tokyo Olympics (note the discussion of COVID quarantine). Fast-forward three years and Jess is the flagbearer for the Australian Olympic team in Paris, ready to express herself on the Olympic stage once again. We thought there no better way than to get into the...

Welcome to our Run Your Mind Series. These bite-sized mental skills sessions are designed to help you have your best possible running experience. In this session you will be guided through a practice for bringing CALM to your inner-critic. For best results, we recommend tuning in before (or during) a run, so that you can road-test this strategy in real-time. This is the first of five sessions we w...

What do you do when things don't work out? Welcome to this episode where we reflect on Eloise's journey towards qualifying for and ultimately missing out on selection for the Paris Olympics. Eloise shares how she has processed this and what the marathon has taught her about herself thus far. We hope that Eloise's insights help you to stay optimistic and continue working on mastering the inner game...

Welcome to this Q&A episode where Eloise and Rory answer listener questions about: How to cope with injury setbacks How to keep a good mindset when injury has held you back from a race Dealing with the thought of an injury not getting better Healthy & unhealthy goal setting Balancing relationships and training Thank you to everyone who submitted questions. Stay tuned for part 2 of this Q&a...

In this episode we are joined by 2nd fastest female British Marathon runner ever, Charlotte Purdue. We celebrate Charlotte’s recent team selection announcement for the Paris Olympics and she shares the challenges that she has overcome to reach this pinnacle moment in her career. Throughout the conversation, Charlotte reflects on the determination and dedication required to keep moving forward desp...

Today's guest is no stranger to the show. In fact, she's making her third appearance. You may recall our last episode with Genevieve Gregson was titled "Bouncing Back from Olympic Heartbreak". At the time, she was still processing having ruptured her Achilles at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. There was an uncertain road ahead.  In this episode we hear how she has reinvented her mindset to not just bounc...

How do you set yourself up for a great year? In this episode Eloise and Rory discuss the big questions to ask yourself before setting goals for the year ahead. Thanks for being on the journey with us & Happy New Year! If you have questions or feedback we would love to hear from you @marathonstateofmind  

Welcome back to the Marathon State of Mind Podcast. It's been a while - a little longer than intended - but we are back and excited to bring you a new season. In this episode share where we have been and what's ahead. Eloise recaps the highs and lows of her Valencia marathon where she ran an Olympic Qualifying time of 2:25:47. We discuss a process you can use when reflecting on and reviewing races...

In this episode, Eloise and Rory answer listener questions on topics such as: How to stay positive during injury recovery. How to mentally approach a race if preparation has been disrupted. How learning from struggle and self-kindness intersect. Why Rory breathes through his nose when running. Tips for staying injury free. How to not feel guilty for pursuing sporting goals. This episode is brought...

In this episode Eloise and Rory are joined by 2 x Olympian and current Australian men's Marathon Record holder, Brett Robinson. In December 2022, Brett ran 2:07:31 at the Fukuoka International Marathon, a new Australian record. In 2020 he also set a national record in the half marathon, with a time of 59:57 at the Marugame Half Marathon. Brett's road to these highs hasn't been smooth sailing, with...

If you are a young athlete, a parent or coach of young athletes, this episode is for you. Eloise and Rory unpack some of the unique challenges that young athletes face in pursuing their sporting dreams and outline the practical skills they can develop to thrive in sport and life.  You may also want to check out Young Athlete State of Mind , a course we have created to guide young athletes in devel...

In this episode we are joined by new Australian Marathon record holder, Sinead Diver. In December 2022, Sinead ran an incredible time of 2:21:34 at the Valencia Marathon. Just a few days later, we sat down with Sinead to discuss this record run. As you will hear, her path to this record is quite incredible. Sinead shares how an inspired decision to take up running during maternity leave turned int...

Benita Willis is one of Australia's greatest ever athletes. Her decorated career included highlights such as winning the World Cross Country long course race in 2004, competing in 4 olympic games and setting multiple Australian records. In this episode, Benita shares: Her happiness in seeing Sinead Diver surpass the marathon record she held for 14 years. How running without pace splits helped her...

Welcome to 'Marathon State of Mind'. In this episode, Eloise and Rory discuss what they mean by a "marathon state of mind" and provide a sneak peak of what's ahead with the launch of their mental skills training courses. Social links: Marathon State of Mind website Marathon State of Mind Instagram      

We all experience stress, but what exactly is it? How do we optimise it? Can stress be good for us or is it harmful? In this episode Eloise and Rory discuss both the science and practical application of stress optimisation. Hear how Eloise's thinking about stress has changed throughout her career and how she strikes the balance of stress & recovery in her marathon training and life. Thank you to e...

In this episode, Eloise and Rory talk about deep well-being - what it is, why we need it, and how we can build it. Highlights include: The Mother Run & how it is changing lives in Northern Uganda The 8 dimensions of deep well-being; Strengths: How Eloise has benefited from knowing hers. Values: Using them to make decisions. Emotion: What does it mean to "optimise" emotion? Purpose: How to experien...