Benny Matthews

It’s funny how sometimes you just need permission from someone else to try things you like.

Shoutout to for this one. I always hated trying to drink through bladders. Just found them awkward to get a decent flow.

Not to mention I’ve got no visuals on how much fluid I’m consuming. Excited to give this approach a go on the Cape this weekend!

3 days til race day!

📹 clip taken from the “Dose of Benny” podcast.
Available on Spotify & YT!

You’re making memories right now.

I’m constantly reflecting on how all of this could end at any moment. You never know when the run you’re on could be your last. Or when you’ve hit your last PB.

Don’t let that be something to get you down. But motivation to enjoy each opportunity you get. Especially if training is hard right now. It can be a lot, I know.

Without these challenges you are existing, not living.

This is the first time I’ve seen everything I’m taking laid out in front of me…sh*t 😅

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t…

Finding momentum after even a micro sleep can be BRUTAL. But you need the rest in order to perform late in a race.

I don’t think we really know the best practices for sleep in ultras yet. No doubt there will be some genetic component for those that can handle little of it.

But if I had one tip it would be not to force it. Take it as you need it and ensure your crew has agreed to a specific time to let you rest. After that, it’s go time!

Punching through the other side of a low is something I wish everyone could experience. It’s proof that there is so much still to learn about human physiology in those deprived states!

The little things can make the biggest difference. Since ditching the vest, my experience on long runs & races (generally up to 50k) have been so much better.

No more restriction. Just free flowing running form.

What’s your experience been with vests vs belts?

Taken from the latest ep of “Dose of Benny” podcast.
Available now on Spotify & YT!

💥 Built to Run Workshop
📍 Strength Sanctuary (Stafford, Brisbane)
⏰ 8am Sunday May 3rd.
💴 Free
🎟️ 20 spots available (only 12 spots left!)

Head to the link in my bio to register 🏋️

Long distance running is a huge time commitment on its own, so I understand why utilising time savvy options like hiit classes, body weight circuits, Pilates is appealing.

But when you feel that strength translate to a final push during a speed workout, knees not aching on descents & the one I love the most…being able to carry your kids around without your lower back feeling destroyed. That’s when you realise how great an ROI this 1-2hrs in your week is for the rest of your life!

💥 Built to Run Workshop
📍 Strength Sanctuary (Stafford, Brisbane)
⏰ 8am Sunday May 3rd.
💴 Free
🎟️ 20 spots available.

Head to the link in my bio to register 🏋️

Prepping for anything has its challenges. These thoughts aren’t unique to distance running or even physical pursuits.

Nevertheless I believe it’s important to acknowledge that these lows are part of the process. That not every second is going to bring a sense of fulfilment. That the guilt of your absence shows you care.

It’s reflecting on those thoughts as I’m doing now that allow you to laugh at yourself. I returned home from this run & my kids had had a blast without me.

Looks like I gotta keep running these miles 😅

Just because you’re lifting weight, doesn’t mean it’s making you stronger.

HIIT classes, high volume (15+ reps) & short rest periods are doing nothing but causing higher recovery needs.

You end up applying another cardio stimulus instead of one that can SUPPORT your running adventures.

Lifting >80% of your 1RM for 1-5 reps for 2-3 sets per major muscle groups is a great rule of thumb, even for runners.

Resting for 2-3 minutes on your working sets is crucial & this is a dead give away for lifting intensity. I’ve had clients push back saying they feel like they don’t need the rest.

Guess what? That means IT’S NOT HEAVY ENOUGH!

Like any new training stimulus. It takes time to adapt physically & mentally. Once you gain an understanding of the “why”, you appreciate the “what” a lot more.

If the previous style of training sounds familiar to you or you simply want a a coach to help you with some technique. Head to the link in my bio & sign up for the “Built to Run” workshop.

It’s completely free & only goes for 90min.

It’s time to complement your running with something that works!