This is a self-development experiment, just happening in public.
Unfiltered thoughts, weekly reflections, and a willingness to say things before they’re perfectly formed.
It might not always be polished or insightful and that’s kind of the point.
I’m opening the door to feedback and criticism, because that’s where real growth comes from.
Not just becoming a better runner but a better communicator, partner, and person.
The prep before the prep
On Monday I find out if I got into the Osaka Marathon through the overseas lottery. Rather than sit around waiting for that email, I sat down and worked out what the next five months are actually for. This is the big picture plan to beat my 2:42:18 PB from the Gold Coast Marathon, whether that happens in Osaka next February or back home on the Gold Coast.
In this episode:
Why I've been posting a lot more on Instagram lately (no, I'm not trying to become a fitness influencer)
Where my training is at right now, and my two goals: sub 2:40 as the conservative one, and something faster if I tick every box
Building from 90 to 100 km a week up to 140 to 150 km a week
Race weight, and getting from 67 to 68 kg down to 59 kg slowly and properly fuelled this time
Heat, the sauna, and the migraines I got last time from not drinking enough, plus why I'm starting ice baths before racing in the Japanese cold
Shoes, economy testing at Griffith Uni, and why my favourite shoe might not win
The embarrassing thing that happened last time I raced Osaka, and what I think caused it
My half marathon time trial in January (and a call out for pacers)
An honest update on The Running Desk
From next week, every episode opens with a short training update so you can follow the build week by week.
If you can help pace a half marathon time trial in mid to late January, or you've had the same race day problem I talk about, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you.
The Running Desk is a free email every Monday morning with race entries opening and closing, prices, lotteries and new shoe releases, all in one place. Sign up here: https://therunningdesk.substack.com/ (https://therunningdesk.substack.com/)
Follow my training on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlawrence9/ (https://www.instagram.com/mlawrence9/)
25 Jul 2026
The Way I See It EP10
One Bad Session and an Identity Crisis
A rough workout had me questioning my fitness and comparing myself to everyone else on Instagram and Strava.
A reminder that one bad session does not erase months of consistent training or mean you have suddenly become unfit.
The head cold probably played a role, but naturally I still turned it into a full-blown identity crisis.
Reflections on race weight, nutrition and the uncomfortable conversation around getting lighter to improve running performance.
The difference between chasing performance deliberately and promoting unhealthy or unsustainable weight loss.
Being called an “influencer” and trying to work out how I actually feel about that label.
Why I started the podcast: to document the journey, put myself out there and create something Evie can listen back to one day.
Plans to properly document the build toward Osaka Marathon rather than only sharing the polished sessions and race results.
Some discussion around gels, supplements and ExoLactate—and my ongoing willingness to experiment with anything that might save me three seconds.
The main takeaway: stop comparing, get healthy, turn up again and trust the work already completed.
Fitness has not disappeared—it is apparently just taking a slightly longer lunch break.
9 Jul 2026
The Way I See it EP9
The Finale
I recorded a Gold Coast Marathon recap and realised I didn’t actually want to talk about splits for 30 odd mins
So this episode is more about the bigger question I was asked after the race: what has actually changed over the past 12 months that helped my running improve?
I talk through the 2:42 at Gold Coast, chasing 2:39, not giving up when the goal slipped away, the boring consistency behind improvement, training, lifestyle changes, fuelling, mindset, the people who helped me get here, and what’s next.
There was no secret. Just a lot of work, stacked over time.
30 Jun 2026
The Way I see it EP8
This week I unpack one of the most controversial topics I've covered yet: has running become too soft? From the old "runner vs jogger" labels at Bridge to Brisbane to social media's obsession with participation over performance, I dive into whether we've started lowering the standards in the sport and why I think authenticity is disappearing.
I also give an honest update on my final week of Gold Coast Marathon training. After my biggest training block yet, I'm feeling physically and mentally cooked, reflecting on what I've learnt from chasing high mileage, and sharing how I'll approach my next marathon build leading into Osaka.
As always, these are just my opinions. Agree or disagree, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
18 Jun 2026
The Way I see it EP7
Marty discusses his training week, including various runs and sessions. He shares his experiences with soreness, recovery, and the mental challenges of training. He also talks about running with friends and the importance of consistency.
Marty reflects on the mental roller coaster of dealing with injuries and uncertainty. He shares his thoughts on getting blood tests and the psychological aspects of training. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the basics like sleep and nutrition.
Marty shares his observations on trending topics like peptides in the running community. He discusses the overhyped nature of shortcuts and emphasizes the importance of consistency and fundamentals in training. He also reflects on his personal experiences and the lessons learned from marathon training.
2 Jun 2026
The Way I See It EP6
• Why I've been missing in action and the reality of completing my biggest training week ever
• The mental battle of being 5 weeks out from the Gold Coast Marathon
• Fatigue, self-doubt, pressure and the anxiety that comes with chasing big marathon goals
• Why motivation is overrated and discipline becomes the real difference-maker
• A full breakdown of my training week including key marathon sessions, a calf scare and some confidence struggles
• Whether I'm starting to question my marathon goal pace
• The impact of stacking multiple 140km+ weeks and whether I've bitten off more than I can chew
• My thoughts on the Red Bull Race The Sun Strava controversy and how social media can sometimes tell a different story to reality
• Why transparency in training data matters
• A reminder that marathon training is basically one giant game of "f*** around and find out"
As always, let me know what topics, trends, products, races or influencer takes you want me to rant about next week.
22 May 2026
The Way I See It EP5
This week’s podcast is a shorter episode but probably the most honest I’ve been yet.
Spoke a lot about how doing this podcast is slowly making me more confident in myself and more accepting of who I am and who I’m becoming. Turns out saying your thoughts out loud every week forces a bit of self reflection. Who knew.
I also spoke about trying to improve my sleep after years of broken 5 hour nights, the things I’ve been experimenting with to help that, and how much better I feel mentally and physically because of it.
We went into my training week, fuelling high mileage properly, why I’m intentionally reducing protein to reduce muscle mass for marathon performance, and the criticism that came with that decision. Poor diddums apparently.
And of course I threw a few light jabs at the fitness influencer world because I’ll always respect the quiet people consistently grinding away over the people trying to sell motivation and fake discipline online.
Short episode this week. Less polished, more honest. 🎙️
13 May 2026
The Way I See It Ep.4
Discussions Love of all things sport Why I’m passionate about protecting the running image Riine getting into a fight with a Suzuki swift (hence the photo) Why I have varying opinions on doping Why I think rest days are for the weak Recapping my training week of 142kms
6 May 2026
The Way I See It
Episode 3 is up 🎙️
This one’s a proper mix of:
🏃♂️ Marathon training breakdowns
🍚 High carb / low calorie balancing
🧠 Realisations during long runs
🍺 Why I quit alcohol
🧂 My rant on the electrolyte industry becoming the biggest fitness scam on earth
🔥 Plus the reality of trying to chase performance while sitting in a massive calorie deficit
Also talk about:
• Getting accepted into Sydney Marathon
• Sauna / Bryan Johnson rabbit holes
• Training confidence starting to build
• Why consistency beats talent long term
Honestly… probably the most open and unfiltered episode yet
28 Apr 2026
The Way I see it EP2
This podcast is basically a bit of a personal experiment pushing myself to get uncomfortable, speak more openly, and stop overthinking what people might think. It’s not about being polished or having all the answers; it’s about documenting the process, sharing my thoughts around training and life, and opening myself up to feedback and criticism so I can actually grow. If it resonates with people, great if not, that’s kind of the point too.
Caffeine research – performance sweet spot ~3–6mg/kg
Cheap source – Allmax tablets (~$11.50/100, 200mg each)
Trial plan – ~300mg mornings, 3x/week
Race strategy – ~250mg pre + top-ups → 350–400mg total
Tablets vs powder – tablets win for convenience
Shilajit – separating claims from evidence
Chiropractors – calling out questionable practices
Podcast controversy – Aussie show under fire
Nedd Brockmann – “elite” debate
Overtraining – term thrown around too easily
+ more – training thoughts & unfiltered takes
Reach and audience
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
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