Just five days after Tim completes his first-ever marathon, Mario explores the highs and lows of this major milestone in his endurance journey and an essential test before the upcoming Iraq100 challenge.
Tim shares a full debrief of the Gold Coast Marathon: from setting his sub-4-hour goal (and smashing it with a 3:47 finish!) to navigating the physical and mental walls that inevitably arise during the final stretch. He recalls the psychological challenge of running away from the finish line during a course turnaround, the surprising impact of hydration gaps, and the importance of training discipline that got him to the start line ready.
Mario, fresh off another gnarly ultramarathon, explains the importance of mental recovery, the phenomenon of post-race slumps, and how experienced runners prepare for multi-day events. They explore the shift from racing to adventure running and how the Iraq100 will be less about pace and more about perseverance, presence, and purpose.
Together, they reflect on strategy, simulation, recovery, and what it means to run with a deeper “why.” The Iraq100 is more than a physical challenge—it’s a return to a place where stories of suffering and survival converge, and where the runners will honour the resilience of those who fled ISIS with nothing but hope.
This episode will inspire, inform, and ignite anyone chasing a goal bigger than themselves.
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome Back & Marathon Recap Begins
Tim and Mario reconnect, and Tim sets the scene for his post-marathon reflections.
01:15 – Smashing the Goal: Sub-4 Marathon Achieved
Tim shares his goals and the emotional and physical test of running beyond 32km for the first time.
03:45 – The Mental Wall & Mid-Race Self-Talk
Tim recounts the moment he realized he was still running away from the finish line and how mindset helped him push through.
05:08 – Recovery is Mental Too
Mario discusses the post-race slump many runners experience and why giving the brain time to rest is key.
06:55 – The Power of a Next Goal
Why having the Iraq100 on the horizon gave Tim purpose beyond the marathon.
07:32 – The Harsh Realities of Iraq Running Conditions
Tim contrasts the Gold Coast conditions with what’s coming: extreme heat, no crowds, switchbacks, and altitude.
09:15 – Step by Step Strategy
Mario reminds us to respect each distance and each goal on its own terms.
10:16 – Why 42.195km? A Royal Fun Fact
A short tangent on the unusual marathon distance—and the British monarchy’s role in it.
12:05 – Comparing Marathon vs. Ultra Strategy
What makes a marathon a unique psychological and physical test—and why ultras require different pacing.
13:05 – “Don’t Stop Running”: Tim’s Personal Challenge
Tim explains his personal rule to never walk and how it shaped his marathon effort.
14:31 – Team Pace, Not Ego Pace
Mario emphasizes that in Iraq, the team will move at the pace of the person struggling the most. It’s not a race.
15:22 – Simulating Iraq100 Strategy in Training
Mario explains his own training mindset, breaking up big efforts into sections—like dancing on the final day.
16:52 – The Purpose of Simulation
Tim reflects on how simulating suffering in training builds mental frameworks to fall back on in the real challenge.
18:33 – Mario’s Upcoming Everest-Like Ultra
Mario shares his next ultra: a near-Everest climb over 100km. It’s gnarly, muddy, and full of surprises.
20:26 – Building the Iraq100 Team
Tim announces Callum Sloan is joining the core running team alongside Troy, Mario, and himself.
21:20 – Why We Run: From Survival to Solidarity
A powerful reflection on running with purpose—honouring refugees forced to flee, now choosing to run in solidarity.
22:15 – Recovery Ends. New Training Begins.
With marathon recovery complete, Tim prepares for the next
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