The Chicago Marathon is one of the world's great running events — and it's about much more than the 26.2 miles.

With a fast, flat course, incredible crowd support, a world-class race expo and an atmosphere that seems to take over the entire city, it's easy to understand why runners travel from around the globe to experience Chicago.

Whether you're chasing a personal best, taking on your first World Marathon Major, or simply looking to soak up everything the weekend has to offer, Chicago has something special waiting for you.

In this episode of The Flying RuNR, we're sharing our top tips for making the most of your Chicago Marathon experience.

We'll take you through the things that can make a real difference — from navigating the Expo, transportation and accommodation, through to race morning logistics, pacing, hydration, crowd support and those crucial final kilometres before you arrive back in Grant Park.

We'll also share lessons from our own experiences, practical advice to help you avoid some of the common mistakes, and those little insights that can turn a good marathon weekend into a great one.

Whether you're running Chicago this year, planning a future visit, or simply love talking about all things marathon, there's plenty here to help you run smarter, enjoy race week and make the most of the Chicago Marathon experience.

🏃 Chicago Marathon Race Week – How to approach the Expo, accommodation and getting around Chicago.

🎒 Race Day Logistics – What to expect on race morning and how to make getting to the start as stress-free as possible.

⏱️ Pacing Strategy – How to approach Chicago's fast and flat course without getting caught up in the excitement too early.

💧 Hydration & Fuelling – Practical considerations for keeping yourself fuelled and hydrated throughout the race.

📣 Crowd Support – What makes the Chicago crowds so special and where you can expect some of the biggest atmosphere along the course.

🏁 The Final Kilometres – What to expect as you make your way back towards Grant Park and that famous Chicago finish.

🌆 Making the Most of Chicago – Because the marathon experience starts well before you cross the start line.

We're not elite runners. We're everyday runners who love the journey, the stories, the challenges and everything that makes running special.

So whether you're chasing a PB, chasing a finish line, or simply chasing the feeling you get when you lace up your shoes...

Are you ready to run?

LET'S GO! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

🎧 Listen to Flying RuNR

🏃 Run your race. Enjoy the journey.

👟 Flying RuNR Reminder: Finish Lines. Not Finish Times

Love our music, check Out Your Pace & Glory

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Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

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This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

The Marathon du Médoc is often described as the craziest, most entertaining marathon on the planet. After experiencing it firsthand, Tara and I unpack whether it lives up to the hype.

Set among the world-famous vineyards of Bordeaux, this unique event combines running, wine tasting, gourmet food, outrageous costumes and a festival atmosphere unlike anything you’ll find at a traditional marathon.

In this episode we recap the full experience — from the build-up and excitement of race week through the unforgettable sights, sounds and flavours along the course. We cover the logistics, the costumes, the crowds, the wine stops and the moments that made the event so special. Whether you’re a serious marathon runner, a bucket-list traveller, or simply curious about one of the world’s most unique running experiences, this episode is packed with laughs, stories and plenty of reasons to add Médoc to your running bucket list.

Timestamps

2:00 – Welcome back

9:00 – First round of trivia

10:00 – UK Correspondent Update

21:28 – Trivia 2nd round

24:00 – Where is it?

26:39 – Day 1: Meet & Greet / Expo

34:42 – Race Day Breakdown

45:00 – Post race the party continues

59:00 – All over

1:00:00 – Final Trivia

1:02:00 – Tips

1:03:00 – Next Week

🎧 Listen to Flying RuNR

🏃 Run your race. Enjoy the journey.

👟 Flying RuNR Reminder: Finish Lines. Not Finish Times

Love our music, check Out Your Pace & Glory

https://my.linkpod.site/YourPaceandGlory

Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

Love our Music - Connect with Your Pace & Glory. Exciting new songs coming through. https://my.linkpod.site/YourPace-Glory

This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

Berlin Marathon is one of the biggest races on the running calendar, a World Marathon Major, a Six Star destination and a bucket-list race for runners around the world. But once you've got your entry, how do you actually make the most of the experience?

In this episode of Flying RuNR, we take you through Berlin from arrival to the finish line, sharing our best tips, lessons and things to think about before tackling 42.2km through the German capital.

In this episode we cover:

✈️ Getting to Berlin

A quick look at arriving in the city, getting around and why you don't want to spend your pre-race days walking every kilometre of Berlin!

🎟️ The Expo & Race Weekend

Bib collection, the expo, the Friday night opening celebrations and how to enjoy the atmosphere without destroying your legs before race day.

🍝 Carb Loading & Pre-Race Preparation

Where to eat, what to eat, making plans ahead of time and why race week is probably not the time to experiment with your diet.

🍺 The Beer Question

Berlin has a fantastic beer culture—but when should you enjoy it? We have some important advice about beer before the race and the much better idea of celebrating with one afterwards!

🌅 Race Morning

Getting to the start, toilets, breakfast, bag drop, staying warm and navigating those start corrals without adding unnecessary stress to your morning.

🏃 The Berlin Marathon Course

Is Berlin really as fast as everyone says? We talk pacing, crowds, aid stations, fuelling and the temptation to get carried away in the early kilometres.

⏱️ Cut-Offs & Running Your Own Race

Important considerations for runners who aren't chasing a world record, including understanding the race requirements and making sure you have a realistic plan for your 42.2km.

🏆 The Brandenburg Gate & Finish Line

That moment when you know you're nearly there—and why you should take a second to enjoy one of the most iconic marathon finishes in the world.

🍻 After the Marathon

Recovery, meeting family and friends, celebrating your achievement and, yes, finally earning that Berlin beer!

🇩🇪 What to See & Do in Berlin

From the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall to museums, landmarks, food, neighbourhoods and the famous Berlin nightlife, we share some ideas for extending the marathon weekend.

And finally, each host gives their ONE best Berlin Marathon tip for anyone running the race for the first time.

Whether you're chasing a PB, completing another World Marathon Major, chasing your Six Star dream or simply looking forward to running through the streets of Berlin, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences and a few opinions you probably won't find in the race guide.

Berlin is fast. Berlin is big. Berlin is unforgettable. Now let's make sure you get to the finish line ready to enjoy it.

🎧 Listen to Flying RuNR

🏃 Run your race. Enjoy the journey.

👟 Flying RuNR Reminder:

Finish Lines. Not Finish Times

Love our music, check Out Your Pace & Glory

https://my.linkpod.site/YourPaceandGlory

Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

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This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

We've all had those runs.

The legs feel heavy. Your usual pace feels harder than it should. The motivation to get out the door has disappeared.

But here's the big question:

**Are you simply tired… or are you training too much?**

In this episode of the Flying RuNR Podcast, we're tackling **training overload and fatigue** and exploring how runners of all experience levels can recognise when their body might be asking them to slow down.

Because while consistency is important, pushing harder isn't always the answer.

## 🏃 Normal Fatigue vs Training Overload

Training can leave you tired—and that's completely normal.

But what happens when the fatigue doesn't seem to go away?

We discuss the difference between normal training fatigue and the signs that you may be carrying too much load, including persistent tiredness, declining performance, heavy legs and a loss of motivation.

## 🔥 The Pressure to Keep Training

Why do runners find it so difficult to take a day off?

We explore the pressure to stick to the training plan, the guilt that can come with missing a session and the fine line between building resilience and simply ignoring what your body is telling you.

Because sometimes...

**One missed run won't hurt your progress. Pushing through the wrong run might.**

## 😴 Recovery Isn't Just About Rest Days

Recovery is more than simply putting your feet up.

We talk about the role of sleep, nutrition, hydration and easy running, along with the impact that work, family commitments and everyday stress can have on your ability to recover from training.

Your body doesn't always separate the stress of running from the stress of life.

## 📉 Knowing When to Back Off

What happens when your training plan says one thing—but your body is telling you something else?

We discuss when it might be time to adjust your training, slow things down, reduce distance, replace a hard session with an easy run or simply take a complete rest day.

Learning to adapt isn't weakness.

**It's smart running.**

## 🔋 Building a Sustainable Training Routine

The goal isn't to train as much as possible.

The goal is to train in a way that allows you to keep showing up.

We discuss how gradual progression, easy days, planned recovery and a training plan that fits your lifestyle can help you avoid repeatedly ending up exhausted and burned out.

Because sometimes doing less can actually help you achieve more.

## 🎯 The Big Questions

Throughout the episode, we ask:

**How do you know when normal fatigue has become too much?**

**When should you push through—and when should you stop?**

**Could taking more rest actually make you a better runner?**

## 🏁 The Flying RuNR Takeaway

Running isn't about proving how much punishment you can take.

Training, recovery and rest all work together.

So if your body is telling you something...

**Maybe it's time to listen.**

🎙️ **Running on Empty: Managing Training Overload & Fatigue**

Whether you're training for your first 5km, building towards a marathon or simply trying to stay consistent with your running, this episode is a reminder that **rest isn't the opposite of training—it's part of it.**

💬 We'd love to hear from you: **How do you know when it's time to take a rest day?**

👟 Flying RuNR Reminder: Finish Lines. Not Finish Times

Love our music, check Out Your Pace & Glory

https://my.linkpod.site/YourPaceandGlory

Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

Love our Music - Connect with Your Pace & Glory. Exciting new songs coming through. https://my.linkpod.site/YourPace-Glory

This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

We ran it. We survived it. We recovered. Now it's time to talk about Sydney Marathon!

In this episode, Peita and Lucia are joined by our very special guest and Flying RuNR UK Correspondent, Mark Reeves (@whyyourunningfast), as we look back at the Sydney Marathon experience from three very different perspectives.

Mark travelled from Manchester to Sydney to take on the newest World Marathon Major, while Peita and Lucia bring their own experiences of a marathon on home soil.

So, after 42.2 kilometres, what did we really think?

🎙️ What We Cover

We take you through the Sydney Marathon experience from the beginning, starting with the Expo and the growing excitement of race weekend.

We talk about the Major vibes, shakeout runs and Mini Marathon before moving into the nerves and anticipation of the Start-Line Village.

Then it's time to tackle the big one—the 42.2km course.

We compare our experiences of the course, the atmosphere, the crowds, the tough moments, the highlights and those sections that tested the legs and the mind.

And then there's the finish...

🏁 Crossing the line

🏃 What happened afterwards

🥇 The post-race celebrations

⭐ The significance of Sydney joining the World Marathon Majors

❤️ And the memories that will stay with us

🇬🇧 Our UK Correspondent

A big part of this episode is hearing Sydney Marathon through the eyes of someone who travelled halfway around the world to experience it.

Mark has become a much-loved part of the Flying RuNR family through his commentary and feedback from Manchester, and now we get to hear what he thought of Sydney after actually running it.

Give Mark a follow at @whyyourunningfast.

⭐ The Big Question

After all the preparation, the hills, the crowds, the harbour views and 42.2 kilometres...

Would we run Sydney Marathon again?

Three runners.

Three perspectives.

One race.

And plenty of opinions!

🇦🇺 Sydney Marathon 2026

Was Sydney worthy of its place amongst the world's great marathons?

Did it deliver the Major experience?

What worked?

What could be better?

And would we recommend it to other runners?

We give you our honest Flying RuNR review.

🏁 The Flying RuNR Verdict

Sydney Marathon delivered the views, the atmosphere, the challenge and one spectacular finish.

But ultimately, every marathon is experienced differently.

So listen in as Peita, Lucia and Mark share their stories and decide:

Was Sydney Marathon worth the hype?

🎧 Flying RuNR – Sydney Marathon 2026: The Review

If you ran Sydney, we'd love to hear your experience too.

What was your favourite moment of Sydney Marathon weekend?

👟 Flying RuNR Reminder:

Finish Lines. Not Finish Times

Love our music, check Out Your Pace & Glory

https://my.linkpod.site/YourPaceandGlory

Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

Love our Music - Connect with Your Pace & Glory. Exciting new songs coming through. https://my.linkpod.site/YourPace-Glory

This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

Flying RuNR Bonus Episode – The UK Correspondent Heads to Sydney 🇬🇧🇦🇺

Our UK Correspondent, Mark Reeves, is in Sydney!

A familiar voice around Flying RuNR, Mark joins Tony for a special bonus episode ahead of the Sydney Marathon, sharing his excitement about finally taking on the Sydney streets and another big marathon adventure.

Mark and Tony chat about his preparation, how the build-up has gone, what he's looking forward to most, and the anticipation that comes with arriving in Australia ready to run 42.2km.

There's plenty of marathon talk, a bit of banter, and the perspective of a runner travelling from Manchester to Sydney for one of the world's biggest marathon events.

• Mark's journey from Manchester to Sydney

• The excitement of running the Sydney Marathon

• How his preparation has gone

• What he's expecting from race day

• The nerves and anticipation in the final days

• What makes running a marathon in another country so special

• And, of course, some classic Flying RuNR commentary from our favourite UK Correspondent

Whether you're running Sydney yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply following the Flying RuNR crew and friends around the world, this is a great little pre-race catch-up.

Good luck, Mark! 🇬🇧➡️🇦🇺

We'll be watching—and cheering you all the way to that finish line.

🏃 In This Bonus Episode

Tim and Tara are away in Europe, Peita is stranded in the internet wasteland of South Australia, so this week it's left to Tony and Lucia to hold the fort! 😂

And with a couple of changes to the Flying RuNR format, we're tackling a question almost every runner has asked:

Do the shoes you run in actually make you a better runner?

There are more running shoes than ever, technology is advancing rapidly, and the rise of the "super shoe" has changed what we expect from our footwear.

But do we really need the latest and greatest shoes—or are we sometimes just buying into the hype?

Tony and Lucia dive into the great running shoe debate, looking at comfort, performance, injury prevention, shoe rotation and, of course, the cost of keeping your feet happy.

👟 In This Episode🤔 We explore:

• First Impressions – How Important Are Shoes? What should runners actually be looking for when choosing a pair?

• The Rise of the Super Shoe Are carbon plates and advanced foam genuinely helping runners perform better?

• Comfort vs Performance Does the fastest shoe matter if it's not comfortable?

• Do Shoes Prevent Injuries? Can the right shoe protect you, or is injury prevention more complicated than simply choosing the right footwear?

• Shoe Rotation Do you really need multiple pairs for different types of running—or is this just another excuse to buy more shoes?

• • The Cost of Running Shoes Are expensive shoes worth the investment? And do you actually get better running for your money?

  The Big QuestionWith technology moving so quickly, are running shoes genuinely helping us become better runners—or are we simply becoming better consumers of running shoes?

• Maybe the answer isn't about finding the best shoe.

  Maybe it's about finding the best shoe for you.

  😂 Flying RuNR Format UpdateWith Tim and Tara exploring Europe and Peita battling the South Australian internet wilderness, Tony and Lucia take the reins for this episode.

  We've made a couple of changes to the usual Flying RuNR format—and we'd love to know what you think.

  Does the new format work?

  Let us know!

  🏁 The Flying RuNR TakeawayYou can spend $100.

  You can spend $300.

  You can buy the latest super shoe with technology that sounds like it belongs on a Formula One car.

  But none of it changes one fundamental fact:

  The best running shoe is the one that works for you.

  Comfort matters.

  Fit matters.

  How the shoe works with your running matters.

  And perhaps most importantly...

  You still have to run in them. 😂

  #107 – Race Day Mistakes We've All Made

  #148 – The Right Running Shoes For You – Avoid Costly Mistakes

  Confidence Over Carbon: Choosing the Right Race Day Shoes

  👟 Flying RuNR Reminder: Finish Lines. Not Finish Times

  Love our music, check Out Your Pace & Glory

  https://my.linkpod.site/YourPaceandGlory

  Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

  Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

  Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

  Love our Music - Connect with Your Pace & Glory. Exciting new songs coming through. https://my.linkpod.site/YourPace-Glory

  This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

  For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

  
  

Sydney Marathon is more than just 42.2km. It's a unique course, a huge atmosphere, challenging sections, incredible landmarks—and a race that can deliver some unforgettable moments.

In this episode, the Flying RuNR team shares 10 things they wish they'd known before tackling the Sydney Marathon, combining practical race-day advice with lessons learned from experience.

We chat about everything from pre-race preparation and pacing to fuelling, recovery, mindset and dealing with those moments when the race doesn't quite go according to plan.

We also look at how to approach the Sydney course itself, including the early kilometres, the cumulative impact of the hills, Centennial Park and that final push towards the harbour.

Most importantly, we talk about how to approach the race as an experience, rather than simply chasing a time.

Whether you're running your first marathon, chasing a PB, completing another World Major, or heading to Sydney to chase your Sixth Star, there's something here for you.

🇦🇺 Sydney Marathon

We'll share some of the local knowledge that can make the difference between simply getting around the course and being prepared to enjoy it.

Because when you've spent months training for 42.2km, you don't want to spend the day worrying about the things you could have prepared for beforehand.

🎵 Sydney Seventh Star – Your Pace & Glory

And of course, Sydney Marathon has its own soundtrack.

"Sydney Seventh Star" by Your Pace & Glory captures the emotion and anticipation of heading to Sydney in pursuit of the Sixth Star.

It's a song about the journey, the dream and that moment when the finish line—and another Major star—is finally within reach.

🎧 Sydney Seventh Star is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and other major streaming platforms.

🏁 The Flying RuNR Takeaway

Prepare for the race. Respect the course. Have a plan. But don't forget to enjoy the experience.

Sydney is waiting.

Let's go get that star. ⭐

👟 Flying RuNR Reminder:

Finish Lines. Not Finish Times

Love our music, check Out Your Pace & Glory

https://my.linkpod.site/YourPaceandGlory

Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

Love our Music - Connect with Your Pace & Glory. Exciting new songs coming through. https://my.linkpod.site/YourPace-Glory

This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com