Benny Matthews

Who’s gonna be tuning into this?? 🤯

Phil Gore you’re a legend mate. To undertake such a mind boggling feat all based on curiosity & self belief. Stepping out of the constraints of the BYU rules to show what you’re capable of.

Let us know how those of us unable to attend life can support!

Sometimes the basic things make the biggest difference.
During my last race I literally couldn’t unlock my phone as I’d sweat all over the screen. Which meant I didn’t know which turn to take to stay on course. Super frustrating!

I also found zip lock bags didn’t always allow me to swipe properly even if I could unlock it or they’d tear in my race belt.

This case has been tested with water, sweat, gels & maple syrup. Works every time. Handy to not sweat on your camera lens to grab those scenic snaps whilst you’re out on the trails 📸.

Hope this helps! 🤙🏻

Have you got that “dog in ya”?

I think it’s a question a lot of people who dive into the ultra space ask themselves (maybe not so poetically 😅) — but could I do this & what will it feel like?

There’s always layers to peel back from training practice, nutrition & gear. The fundamental exploration of your own mind & how you react to situations often determines the haves from the have nots.

The more you normalise “crazy”, the deeper you can go. That’s what I’m learning from those at the top. Excited for another opportunity in just over a week On The Edge Events - Trail Running inaugural 100 mile!

I feel as though the sport is poised to explode with the exposure races like western states & UTMB are garnering online. I see so much opportunity in being able to share the struggles someone who takes an extra 10-20hrs to complete the same race goes through.

Connection isn’t only drawn through admiration. It’s through relatability. Ultrarunning has these stories playing out every weekend across the world.

When you get eyes, you draw sponsors. When you draw sponsors you can pay athletes either to show up to your race or race for a brand. We just need to start sharing the stories.

It’s a big aim for the podcast. Share the stories, grow the sport. I want the elites to get paid & I want the everyday folk to get some recognition for doing hard things.

If you know someone with a great story tag them or DM me. I’d love to connect.

Clip taken from the latest ep of “Dose of Benny”.
Available now on Spotify & YouTube. Simply head ti the link in bio to listen.

Fortunately, this a good example of bad information being called out. It’s the upside of social media. Everyone has an opportunity to share information, thoughts, feelings, beliefs. But that same equation can lead to a lot of negative outcomes.

I think we all have a level of responsibility to think a little deeper, or take an extra step in looking at information. Most importantly how it can be utilised for you.

The example that comes to mind because it’s a chapter of my life that still hasn’t passed yet is sleep optimisation. Is there any point in my wife digesting all of this information on the negative effects of poor sleep whilst raising a young family?

We are a single data point. Scientific research isn’t meant to answer your needs. It’s looking to serve a majority which means a lot of people won’t get addressed.

I haven’t shared a single research paper that I’ve concluded with “you should do x”. Most of the time a conclusion will simply lead to the next study question. That’s what I find interesting about science.

Take content online as an invitation to experiment. You also have a choice not to do anything with what you consume ✌🏻

Yes, I’m one of those people that now say “you don’t get it unless you’ve done one”. But I hope if I lay it out like this, you could see why someone would be keen to repeat the cycle & see what’s on the other side of “more”.

Can you relate to this thought on ultras? What keeps bringing you back?

Leave a comment below.

Clip taken from “Dose of Benny” episode #11 w/Holly Ranson. Head to link in bio for access on Spotify & YouTube.

Unfortunately injuries are part of sport. But as Holly has discovered, introducing heavy lifts to her gym program has been of great benefit in keeping her doing what she’s best at…running far & running fast!

This was such a fun conversation. We covered so many different topics including — how difficult it is to become a pro runner in Australia & what moves she’s having to make to get there.

She deserves to be at the top of the sport & I hope it’s not long until that changes.

To listen to our full convo, head to the link in my bio & check out the “Dose of Benny” podcast.

Available on Spotify & YouTube

Racing in the elite field at Western States is one thing. Racing it with one eye for almost all of it is hard to fathom.

Holly has multiple Aussie endurance records from 12hr to 24hr. As well as Backyards where she racked up 61 loops (408km)!

We cover a lot of territory from recovering from stress fractures to the state of ultra running in Australia.

I’m excited to share this one with you guys!

Episode will drop 3pm tomorrow on Spotify & YouTube.

Head to the link in my bio. Dose of Benny Ep #11

The art of ultra prep comes down to stimulating as many of the required systems as possible often enough to increase your global fitness.

That hasn’t happened for me in this less than ideal 100 mile prep for reasons I outlaid in this video.

But if you find yourself plateauing without this insight I’ve given it could mean you’re failing to train top end speed enough.

Something very common in mid to back packers.

This is largely an identity problem. You see yourself as “not fast” so you don’t bother with speed work. Remember, every attribute you possess is relative to you! Let go of the numbers & get the stimulus 🫡

If you’re unsure what may be limiting your progress I’ve got a 5min quiz that could help unpack that for you. Head to the link in my bio.

Mammoth training blocks, double thresholds sessions, heat suits, bicarb. How much of the needle movers for the top of the field in ultra-running apply to the majority? Those who still want to perform their best but aren’t going to feature at the pointy end of the results column?

What are the physiological differences expressed in someone who can run a 15hr 100-mile vs 30hrs? Do these require different preparations?

Then there’s gear & nutrition. Are we falling victim to good marketing? Do we need 3 pairs of shoes for different workouts/terrain? Are all of these supplements geared to making us better? Or are trying to buy our way out of not investing in the bigger buckets of training & recovery?

Let me know what you think!