James Hansen didn’t grow up expecting to stand on the podium. The Tasmanian middle-distance runner started as an underdog, fuelled by nothing more than the joy of running and the stubborn belief that showing up matters. Over the years, that joy was tested - through injury, self-doubt, and most dramatically, a life-threatening brain clot that could have ended his career.

In this conversation, we talk about the mental highs and lows of racing at the elite level, how faith has shaped James’s approach to sport and life, and the ways he’s learned to build resilience when the path ahead isn’t clear. We also discuss body image in running, the pressure of chasing times, and why letting go of outcomes can make you a stronger athlete. James shares the moment he almost skipped nationals and how turning up changed the trajectory of his season.

James’s career so far shows that the real victories aren’t always at the finish line. His story is about perspective, persistence, and holding onto the love of running — even when the going gets tough.

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James Hansen is one of Australia’s top middle-distance runners, specialising in the 1500m and 5000m (and now dabbling in the half marathon). Based in Tasmania, he has represented Australia on the international stage and is known for his tactical racing style and relentless work ethic.

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This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off.

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Follow us on Instagram: @james_hansen @runwithit.pod @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters

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Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

Alice checks in from NYC, where she’s frothing the birthplace of Pilates and accidentally joined a circus disguised as a track session (yes, there was a man planking with a TV on his head). She’s also signed herself up for another relay - Hood to Coast - because apparently she’s a “relay girl” now.

Back home, Elise is out of the treadmill cave and back running with her kelpie Joey — who’s on her own fitness comeback. With the New York Marathon looming, Elise is embracing the “undercooked but on the start line” approach (with a side of Aperol spritz in Italy).

Expect rat tattoos, wine-tasting marathons, border security cheese smuggling and plenty of chat about how to get marathon-ready without breaking yourself.

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This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off.

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Follow us on Instagram: @runwithit.pod @alicebaquie @elisebeacom @mikrocoffeeroasters

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Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom Graphic design by Kate Scheer

In this episode of Run With It, host Elise Beacom continues her interview with Grace Tame, focusing on Grace’s experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse and how she rediscovered running as a healing mechanism. Grace discusses her past struggles with eating disorders, the autistic traits that complement running and the fine line between running for therapy and running to mask deeper troubles. Also, PEANUT BUTTER. A lot of peanut butter in this episode. Plus, a special shout out for Andy Buchanan.

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This episode includes discussions about child sexual abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders and mental health. If any of these topics are distressing for you, please call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for confidential support and resources.

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Since being announced Australian of the Year in January 2021, Grace Tame has become a household name as a brave and passionate advocate for systemic change to prevent child sexual abuse. She was the first female in Tasmania to be granted the right to speak under her own name about her personal experience of sexual abuse as a child. "Grace appeared as part of the #LetHerSpeak campaign (run by sexual assault campaigner and Walkley award winning journalist Nina Funnell). Since then, she has used her voice to raise awareness of the impacts of grooming and the other various injustices faced by child sex abuse survivors.

Before returning to her home of Tasmania in 2020, Grace lived in the USA for almost seven years where she graduated with Associate Degrees with Honours in Liberal Arts and Theatre Arts from Santa Barbara City College. In the USA she worked as a yoga instructor and an artist with clients including actor John Cleese and musician Martin Gore.

Grace is an excellent runner who has won several marathons and ultras, including the Great Ocean Road Ultra Marathon, the Bruny Island Ultra Marathon and the Australian Outback Marathon.

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This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off.

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Follow us on Instagram:

@tamepunk

@runwithit.pod

@elisebeacom

@mikrocoffeeroasters

-- Visit the Grace Tame Foundation for more information on Grace’s advocacy work

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Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom

Graphic design by Kate Scheer