Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics chats with Cian Oldknow - A very talented athlete who was the first South African in the Olympic Marathon! This episode delves into her experience in the OIympic Marathon Race - You won't believe what she has to say!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

In this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast Nick Bester speaks with Piet Wiersma - This years winner of the Comrades Marathon!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

In Episode 3 of the Best Athletics podcast, Founder Nick Bester and Best Athletics coach and registered nutritionist Sam Mare catch up with our first special guest, NN Running and Nike elite marathon runner Jake Smith! We chat about his recent experience of dealing with injury, adapting to cross-training and his running comeback. We also get to find out about Sam’s journey with Best Athletics and what’s coming next!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

In this week's episode Coaches Dan Barratt and Anya Culling bring you our first instalment of Coaches Corner! Answering questions submitted by our members, Dan and Anya cover a range of running topics, some June highlights and updates on what's going on in the club this week!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

In our very first episode, podcast hosts and Best Athletics coaches Nick Bester, Anya Culling and Dan Barratt discuss the birth of the Best Athletics podcast and their running and coaching journeys so far including Anya's recent 2:34 England debut at Copenhagen marathon and Dan's first year as a Best Athletics coach. Tune in to hear the discussion on all things Best Athletics, recent race results and what's next in the Best Athletics world!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-islandLicense code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

In this weeks episode Nick Bester chats to Amie Walker, a full time Best Athletics employee, Running Coach and Distance Runner after returning from her trip to the ‘Home of the Champions’ in Iten, Kenya. Amie shares with us her experience of running with the Kenyans, key learnings from her experience, effects of training at altitude and how a typical week of training compared to her home town of London. The podcast also shares everything going on in the world of Best Athletics. Nick also brings onto the podcast one of our amazing members, Tom Penzer Adams as he chats too us about his epic challenge of 8 marathons in 8 consecutive weeks for Muscular Dystrophy UK (Sponsor Tom here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tom-penzer-adams-8-marathons-in-8weeks) Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

Episode 10 of the Best Athletics Podcast - Founder of Best Athletics Nick Bester chats with Mark Lewis a huge fitness YouTuber. Nick and Mark delve into the attempt of the Kipchoge Challenge, how the world of YouTube algorithms and editing works, Runners mentality and when his next race is. There are lots of useful nuggets in this conversation and some key takeaways. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

Episode 9 of the Best Athletics Podcast welcomes 2:16 Marathon Runner Charles Lawrence. Charles recently broke the 50 Mile world record in the Tunnel Hill 50 Miles in Vienna, Illinois in an incredible 4:48:21. Nick Bester speaks with Charles who gives us an insight into his journey of breaking the 50 mile world record including how he approaches his training, the 13 months of managing injury whilst hitting cross training hard and achieving his Olympic qualifying time in the marathon! Charles also shares his everyday nutrition as well as his fueling strategies for the marathon and his 50 miler. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

Nick Bester welcomes our guest Olympian and sub 2.10 marathon runner Stephen Scullion. This conversation delves into all of Stephen's no nonsense advice to improving your marathon PB especially for Nick in the lead up to chasing his sub 2.20 marathon coming up next weekend in Berlin. Stephen advises where Nick should best focus his efforts on in his training and recovery as a athlete based in London without access to altitude and regular lactate testing. Stephen shares his wealth of knowledge with Nick all around Altitude Training, Saunas, Lactate Testing, Benefits of Cold Therapy for recovery. Finally revealing his best tips for Nick to find those 9 seconds!! The podcast also includes Nick chatting to our very first Best Athletics employee, Amie Walker. They touch on Amie's journey into the running world, when she first joined Best Athletics, her sporting background, a day in life of a Best Athletics employee and how she has found the role so far. Nick and Amie also chat about what has been going on in the Best Athletics world (including The Big Half, Training Camps and our brand new adidas partnership). Nick also shares with us how he is feeling in the lead up to Berlin Marathon where he will be attempting to break that sub 2.20!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

The fifth episode of The Best Athletics Podcast features a conversation with Nick Bester talking to Michael Brandt, 2.42 marathon runner, co-founder + CEO of Health Via Modern Nutrition H.V.M.N. They discuss the use of the Ketone-IQ shots in the world of endurance sport. Nick shares with us his insights into this very exciting product in enhancing his physical and mental performance in training. Currently in his build up to the Berlin Marathon (24/09/23), Nick is only looking for an extra 9 seconds to knock off his current PB to reach that sub 2.20! Michael believes that with the Ketone shots and hard work Nick will be able to find those sneaky 9 seconds! In the podcast Michael and Nick discuss: the best time to take Ketone-IQ, dosage and ratios to carbohydrates, taste of the product and the intra sport rivalry between cycling and running. The episode begins with Nick Bester chatting to the lead Best Athletics Coach in Nottingham, Natalie Bunce. We announce some crazy exciting news with our launch of our brand new adidas kit as well as share with you all that is currently going on in the world of Best Athletics including our athlete of the month, races and upcoming training camps - featuring some winter sunshine. Use the link below for 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ and 10% off every month thereafter URL Only:https://hvmn.com/NICK

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

Coach Dan Barratt and Samantha Mare share their favourite 'Top Ten Marathon Training Tips" as we begin to head into peak marathon season. Following a Coaches Corner Q+A and a round up of what is happening in the Best Athletics World!

The top ten tips include; Marathon block planning, long run practice, sweet spot to increase your weekly mileage, how to hydrate sufficiently, fuelling for training, running at target marathon zone, strength work, fitting running into your life, planning your biggest run 4 weeks out from race day and finally never trying anything new on race day (one of Nick Besters top tips!)

Links to the Running Room Summer Half Marathon/ Marathon Program is below:Free Marathon S&C Program:market.teambuildr.com/programs/the-running-room/summer-half-marathon-program

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics chats with his very own athlete Christa Cain after breaking the Isle of Man Women's Marathon Record in the Valencia Marathon in an impressive 2:39:10. It has been one smashing year for Christa. Listen along to hear all about her journey and what is to come in 2025.

Episode 15 of The Best Athletics Podcast

In this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast, Nick Bester founder of Best Athletics sits down with Luke Vanderfeen Running Physiotherapist from The Running Room to dive into all things running, recovery, and injury prevention.

Luke shares his insights on RED-S, overcoming injuries, and balancing strength training with high mileage. Plus, they answer your top listener questions, covering topics like:

• Post-run recovery & stretching
• Returning to running after a severe injury
• ITBS, Achilles pain & common running injuries
• Strength training—before or after running?
• Super shoes—when should you wear them?
• Fasted running—does it increase injury risk?
• The most important thing to avoid injury
• Should your body feel tight before a race?

And, of course, their worst race experiences & most difficult races ever!

Packed with expert advice and real-life experience, this episode is a must-listen for any runner looking to train smarter and stay injury-free.

In this inspiring episode, Nick Bester sits down with Lucy - this year’s fastest non-elite runner at the London Marathon, finishing in an incredible 2:30. They dive into her race day experience, how she handled the heat, and whether she’d have preferred the elite women’s start. Lucy opens up about her training routine, her roots with Herne Hill Harriers, and what it might take to make the leap to pro. Tune in to hear what’s next for this rising star in the UK distance scene!

Founder of Best Athletics, Nick Bester welcomes Dr. Cuan Wayne Coetzee, DC – pain management expert, movement longevity specialist, and author of Why Movement is Medicine. This podcast is your go to resource for smarter training between the training. From optimising off-season mindset to managing tendon recovery, balancing cross-training and nutrition, and knowing how often to race, Dr. Cuan breaks it all down with a focus on sustainable performance and long-term health. Whether you're chasing marathons or just running for life, learn how to move well, recover better, and train for the long game.

Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics, sits down with Cole Gibbens following his remarkable debut at the London Marathon, where he clocked an impressive 2:16:52 to finish 25th overall. They unpack how the race unfolded, what Cole expected going in versus how it played out, and the kind of brutal 200km training weeks it took to get there. Cole shares insights into his strength work for injury prevention, his journey from his very first 5K to now, and how he manages the balance between creating content, working, and training at an elite level. They also talk about his long-term ambitions, including whether a GB vest is within reach, and the marathon time he truly believes he can one day achieve. Plus, there’s a light-hearted dive into the best brand of rice pudding, what’s coming next in his racing calendar, and where listeners can follow his journey.

In this episode, Nick chats with elite South African distance runner Adam Lipshitz fresh off a standout performance at one of the most competitive London Marathons to date.

They dive into:

Finishing 12th in London – was a top 10 on the cards? Adam’s early start in running and when he knew he had real potential? Whether he balances work or lives solely off professional running. His recent switch to adidas – and how that transition’s going. The reality of drug testing in elite running + experiences with PED offers. What it’s like training in Umhlanga. Does he actually enjoy running – or is it just a job? What’s next + what he believes he’s truly capable of. His side project: Social Runners Club – how it started and where it’s going

A raw, honest, and insightful chat with one of South Africa’s most exciting rising stars.

In this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast, Nick Bester sits down with rising athlete Jack Kavanagh to unpack his journey from casual runner to serious competitor. Jack shares how he got into the sport, the year on year progression that’s propelled him forward, and what a typical high mileage training week looks like.

They dive into:

• Jack’s favourite workouts
• His nutrition and fuelling strategies
• Life with support from ON Running
• Top tips for runners chasing big improvements
• And his bold future goals — including a sub-2:30 marathon

Give it a listen on your easy runs or during your commute - it’s packed with practical insights, inspiration, and honest reflections from an athlete on the rise.

Founder of Best Athletics, Nick Bester, catches up with standout BA athlete Christa Cain fresh off her incredible performance at the 2025 Island Games—where she brought home three golds and a bronze and set a 10,000m record.

They chat about:

• How it felt to race at the Island Games
• Managing the quick race turnarounds
• Her favourite distance to race
• Balancing training with more time off work
• Her thoughts on improvement, future goals, and go-to race shoes
• Plus, her ultimate post-race treat

Follow Christa’s journey

@christasjc 🇮🇲 Island Games Champion 🏃‍♀️ 5K: 16:33 | 10K: 34:53 | HM: 75:27 | Marathon: 2:37:25

In this episode, Aubrey sits down with Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics, for an honest and energising conversation about the running journey and everything that comes with it.

From humble beginnings to performance running, they dive into:

• 🏃‍♂️ How they each got started in running
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing training with fatherhood, marriage, and work
• 📈 Nick’s transition into coaching and building a thriving community
• 🤝 The mindset behind celebrating others’ wins
• 🔥 Nick’s new coach and what’s next for his own journey

It’s real talk about the highs, the hard bits, and why this sport is bigger than running.

Follow & Connect:

• 🎧 Aubrey – @bigger.than.running
• 🎧 Nick – @justalilbester
• 🏃‍♂️ Best Athletics – @bestathletics

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts |

In this episode, Best Athletics founder Nick Bester sits down with strength and conditioning coach Kate from Valere Endurance to unpack everything runners need to know about strength work.

From how often you should train, whether you really need a gym, to tackling persistent injuries like Achilles pain. This conversation is packed with practical advice. Kate shares her expert insights on injury prevention, muscle maintenance beyond age 25, and the one exercise no runner should skip.

Whether you're a beginner or elite, this episode will help you build a stronger, more resilient running body.

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your running community. To learn more or work with Kate, follow @running.on.island.time on Instagram or visit the Valere Endurance website for details on their programs and contact info. Thanks for listening – and remember, strength is speed in disguise!

https://www.valereendurance.com/

In this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast, Nick Bester sits down with Robin Hughes, founder of Getahead an app that provides Mental Training Plans, to explore the often-overlooked side of performance - your mindset.

They dig into questions every runner has wondered:

• Is there such a thing as mental talent, just like physical talent?
• Can you actually train your mental strength to push further?
• How much untapped potential lies in your mind?
• What’s the ideal pre-race mindset?
• Are some people simply untrainable from a mental perspective?

Whether you’re chasing PBs or just starting out, Robin shares practical insights to help you level up your mental game.

📲 Follow Robin: @getaheadmindset

In this episode, Nick Bester sits down with Cole Gibbens to unpack an incredible run at the Berlin Marathon going sub 2:30 despite tough conditions.

We dive into how the race unfolded, handling the heat, and what it’s like to experience Berlin compared to London.

We also cover the realities behind the performance: tummy issues, training blocks, mileage for mental health vs. overdoing it, and whether chasing the kind of mileage we’ve seen from the likes of Ran to Japan is worth it.

We chat coaching (and a possible announcement 👀), calorie monitoring, and social media from Insta to YouTube.

Plus, what it’s like stepping into the world as a sponsored adidas athlete, and what’s next in terms of training philosophy: mileage or more quality?

An honest, insightful look behind the grind, the mindset, and the future 🙌🏽

Nick Bester, the coach and founder behind Best Athletics, joins Jake from Ran to Japan to talk training, recovery, motivation, and chasing marathon dreams. They cover everything from 280k weeks and smart cross-training to fuelling, heat adaptation, and whether YouTube helps or hinders performance. A must-listen for runners who love to train hard and smart.