Beyond the Splits is a running podcast hosted by Elle (@elle_warren) and Russel (@therunningmanc), two amateur UK marathon runners.
We bring you weekly episodes breaking down the latest from the distance running world - results, race previews, news and sometimes controversial opinions - alongside updates on our own marathon builds (the good and bad!).
This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube.
Follow our socials:
Positive Split
@_positivesplit on Instagram
@ThePositiveSplit on YouTube
Russel:
@therunningmanc on Instagram
Elle:
@elle_warren on Instagram
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
EP22: IZZI BATT-DOYLE | 2:20 marathon | Australian record holder
IZZI BATT-DOYLE: BREAKING THE AUSTRALIAN RECORD IN CHICAGO
Izzi Batt-Doyle joins us after a phenomenal performance at the 2026 Chicago Marathon, where she ran 2:20:38 to finish sixth and break the Australian women's marathon record.
We go behind the scenes of that record-breaking run, from managing the conditions on the day, maximising her fuelling, nailing the pacing and blitzing through the field in the final miles. We also get into the details of her build up to Chicago - her coaching set-up, key workouts, mileage and the changes that have helped her take a big step forward over the marathon.
Izzi takes us through her journey in the sport including her time in the NCAA, the stress fractures that threatened her early career and how she's developed the resilience to perform consistently at the highest level. Plus, how does she balance professional running with managing a coaching business, coffee shop and running store?
We also tackle some bigger questions facing athletics. After pacing at the Sydney Marathon, Izzi reflects on the news that women's race winner Peres Jepchirchir was provisionally suspended.
Finally, we discuss Olympic selection, her experience of missing out on the Paris 2024 marathon, and what the road to Los Angeles 2028 looks like now that the Olympic qualification window is opening. With a 2:20 marathon to her name, just how far does Izzi believe she can go?
An honest conversation about performance, resilience, the realities of elite athletics and what it takes to keep pushing the limits.
If you enjoy the episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with a fellow runner.
This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube.
Follow our socials:
Positive Split
@_positivesplit on Instagram
@ThePositiveSplit on YouTube
Russel:
@therunningmanc on Instagram
Elle:
@elle_warren on Instagram
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
29 Oct 2026
EP21: NYC marathon preview | Almgren for the win?
On this week's episode, Elle and Russel preview the upcoming New York City marathon taking place this Sunday, 1 November. We're particularly excited by the debut of half marathon world champ and European record holder, Andreas Almgren - what can he do in his first ever marathon?
As usual, we also run through our training this week, as Elle moves into the final weeks of her Valencia block, and Russel continues his recovery.
We also have a number of very exciting interviews lined up over the next few weeks! Our chat with Australian RECORD HOLDER, 2.20 woman Izzi Batt-Doyle is first up - go and give it a listen now!
This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube.
Follow our socials:
Positive Split
@_positivesplit on Instagram
@ThePositiveSplit on YouTube
Russel:
@therunningmanc on Instagram
Elle:
@elle_warren on Instagram
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Oct 2026
EP20: What we think about the 80/20 rule, 10% weekly mileage increase rule and more
This week, we get stuck into the running 'rules' we all hear but don’t always follow. From “nothing new on race day” and the 10% mileage rule to the 80/20 training split, post-run stretching, carb loading and how many marathons you should really run each year, we debate what’s worth following, what’s outdated, and what we actually do in practice.
Russel explains his Amsterdam Marathon decision and meanwhile, Elle clocks another 65-mile week, battles through a windy threshold session and looks ahead to a fast half marathon.
We also touch on the dangerous “thin is fast” mentality, the risks of underfueling and the damage calorie restriction can do to endurance athletes.
As always, expect honest opinions, training insights, a few running myths challenged, and plenty of debate about what really makes you a better runner.
🎧 Listen now, follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and let us know which running rules you swear by - or happily ignore!
This podcast is in association with the Positive Split - check out our athlete videos on Instagram and YouTube.
Follow our socials:
Positive Split
@_positivesplit on Instagram
@ThePositiveSplit on YouTube
Russel:
@therunningmanc on Instagram
Elle:
@elle_warren on Instagram
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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