WA Running Podcast

Episode 86 | Shane Johnstone & the 2025 Transcend Trails Preview | State Half Marathon Championships

Monday 4th August 2025
This week, we’re joined by accomplished trail runner, exercise physiologist, recent podcaster and race director of Transcend Shane Johnstone as we preview the 2025 edition of Transcend Trails. 
We also recap the State Steeplecha…wait no it was the State Half Marathon Championships aka. the WAMC Perth Half down at the WAMC clubrooms that saw Dean Menzies and Lauren French take out the wins in brutal conditions. 
Loz French, Ashlee Ritson and Adam Loughnan feature in this week’s weapons of WARP. 
 
Join us this Wednesday for a shakeout run with Shane down at F45 Duncraig at 5pm before some brews at Rocky Ridge Duncraig at 5:45pm. 
Check out Shane’s ‘Transcendent Few’ Podcast on all the podcast platforms. 
Casual Kudos Mark Griffiths. 
 
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Episode 85 | Max Davidson | State Cross Country Championships | Perth Half Preview

Monday 28th July 2025. 
The man with the hair, and this year's inaugural Todd Ingraham Legacy Trophy winner Max Davidson joins us on the pod to chat about his 2025 Rotto marathon win, his running journey and progression, and the story behind the inaugural Rotto marathon bib on his back. 
This week we cover results from the City to Surf Karratha edition, the State Cross Country Championships with some close results, and PTS Truth and Consequences. 
We preview the upcoming state half marathon championships aka the Perth Half this Sunday, where we make wild and most likely inaccurate predictions. 
In WARP admin, we tease our upcoming training series, and Carl Harrison, Colin Dismuke, Pamela and Mikaela from WAMC, and Vlad’s dog Lily feature in this week’s Weapons of WARP. 
 
Results: 
Lachlan Hansen and Alycia Manissier take out the 12km at City to Surf Karratha 
Mackenzie Burgoyne and Isabel Traill take out the PTS Truth and Consequences Double Black 50km
Jake Nowicki and Nikita Fredonnet take out the Black 24.6km
Boy wonder Dane Sproxton and Nicky McPherson take out the Blue 10.1km
Amy Buckingham edges out Coco Smargiassi in the open women's state cross country title 
Luke Bate takes out the open men's state cross country title.
 
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Episode 84 | Goldfields Pipeline Marathon | WAMC Shelley Loop

Monday 21st July 2025
The ‘man who doesn’t breathe’ Matt Smerilli joins us this week as we cover results from the Kalgoorlie Pipeline Marathon with course records in the men’s 50km and marathon falling as part of a Rams Running sidequest that also included Smithie taking out the Cable Beach 5km dash for cash up in Broome.
Meanwhile course records continue to fall in Perth with Dean Menzies breaking the 10km WAMC Shelley course record in 30:47.
We discuss a final change to our Transcend team who not only brings the mean average age of the team down, but we hope will steer us to a good Team Relay result on August 16. 
Jackie Kellerman, David Perich, Ansen Soon and Simon saying the C word to warrant an explicit content rating in the episode upload feature in this week’s Weapons of WARP.
 
Results: 
- Vlad Ixel and Jackie Kellerman take out the Goldfields Pipeline Marathon 50km running a 3:17:10 (CR) and 3:50:07 respectively
- Karlos Aquino and Kiarra Nazaroff running a 2:44:49 (CR) and 3:21:37 respectively
- Dean Menzies and Rebecca Bolster taking out the WAMC Shelley Loop 10km in a time of 30:47 (CR) and 36:14 respectively
- Oliver Stempfl-Macdonald and Coco Smargiassi taking out the 3km in 9:09 and 10:08 respectively. 
- Matt Smith and Sian Munks taking out the Cable Beach Tri 5km Dash for Cash in 17:37 and 20:17 respectively. 
 
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP
 
Bristol Stool Chart:
Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (difficult to pass).
Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy.
Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface.
Type 4: Sausage-shaped or snake-like, smooth and soft.
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges.
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, mushy stool.
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid

Road to Paradise Episode 04 | 2025 Gold Coast Marathon Training Series

So did Karlos' aura farming work? In our final episode of the Road to Paradise Training Series, we check in with the team 10 days after the Gold Coast Marathon to debrief the aura, the good, the bad and the outright cruel.
We break down Karlos’ PB of 2:27, Lauren’s 2:50, Rosie’s 3:17 and Simon’s 3:01, their race weekend experiences, key takeaways, their upcoming plans for the rest of 2025 and find out who had the worst accommodation in the Gold Coast.
In the finale, we:
learn about the importance of reading hotel reviews prior to booking accommodation
find out if Simon really appreciated the reggae singer in Broadbeach
find out what a good night's sleep the night before a race does to Karlos
find out if Lauren will ever drink an expresso martini.
Again, we would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to The Running Centre, BIX Nutrition and Reach PB Sports for their support these last couple of months. 
The Running Centre: Whether it’s the latest shoes, nutrition, gear or their personalised biofit process to help you pick the right shoe for you, the experts at TRC are the ones to trust to help you achieve your running goals.  The Running Centre. Let’s move together. Use 'WARP15' for 15% off the TRC online store (excludes electronics and nutrition).  https://therunningcentre.com.au/ 
Bix Nutrition: A local WA company developed by athletes, for athletes, BIX Nutrition products deliver the perfect balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes and micronutrients with a light, clean, natural taste ideal for endurance training, racing and recovery. BIX Nutrition & Hydration. Keep showing up. Use 'WARP' to get 20% off Bix Nutrition & Hydration Products. https://bixvitamins.com/ 
Reach PB Sports: Cofounded by Vlad Ixel from Bix, Reach protein products give you what it takes to push beyond your reach, over and over again. Setting new benchmarks, breaking them, over and over again. Redefining & reinventing your limits with the essential nutrition you need to reach higher. Use 'WARP' to get 20% off Reach products. https://reachsports.shop/ 
Reach out and connect!Instagram: @warunningpodEmail: warunningpodcast@gmail.com Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Episode 83 | Gold Coast Marathon Recap | Bibra Lake Running Festival

Monday 13th July 2025.
We’re back with our weekly episode of the WA Running Podcast and as Chris prepares for his colonoscopy and Simon recovers from Bluey World, we reflect and recap a huge weekend in the Gold Coast, our Gold Coast Marathon performances along with some listener questions about the weekend's festivities.
Locally, a big couple of weeks in WA running that included the Bibra Lake Running Festival, WAMC King of the Mountain, WA Coastal Running Festival, Bravehearts 777 Marathon, Red Dirt Backyard Ultra and PTS Jolly Jumbuck
Laura Firth, Bryan Lip, Allira Hanczakowski, Sarah Paduano and the guy in Chris’ finishing photo feature in this week’s Weapons of WARP
 
Results: 
- Martha Mellor and Oli Wright take out the WAMC King of the Mountain 
- Charles Bosveld and Delanie Williams take out the Perth leg of the Bravehearts 777 Marathon
- Chris Lewinski takes out the Red Dirt Backyard Ultra in 26 yards with Jacinta Homann with the assist 
- Lloyd Allen and Lee Anne Flugel take out the Bibra Lake RunningWorks Festival marathon
- Daniel Kerr and Kirsten Buist take out the Black Course at PTS Jolly Jumbuck
 
Socials
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Episode 82 | Gaby Villa Returns | Backyard Ultra Crewing & Sweat Tests

A special interview only episode this week as we chat to the wonderful Gaby Villa from Intenseatfit to recap a whirlwind week for her as she subbed in for Gemma to crew the backyard ultra GOAT Phil Gore at last week’s Dead Cow Gully BYU.
We chat to her about her official crewing debut, what it takes to fuel a body for 119 yards, and the state of Phil’s feet deep in a back yard ultra.
We also chat to her about sweat testing, Simon’s sweat test results and final tips as he gears up for Gold Coast Marathon.
 
Get in touch with Gaby from Intenseatfit
Instagram: @intenseatfit
Website: https://www.intenseatfit.com/ 
 
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Road to Paradise Episode 03 | 2025 Gold Coast Marathon Training Series

Our third episode of the Gold Coast Marathon training series, the 'Road to Paradise' checks in with Karlos, Lauren, Rosie and Simon deep in the taper and final preparations before the big dance on Sunday 6th July 2025. 
In Episode 03, we:
learn about aura farming and aura maxing from Karlos Aquino
find out our athlete's pre-race plans, traditions and race kit
find out whether their goals have changed since the start of the series
assess the current state of their maranoia.
The Road to Paradise training series is brought to you by The Running Centre, BIX Nutrition and Reach PB Sports.
The Running Centre: Whether it’s the latest shoes, nutrition, gear or their personalised biofit process to help you pick the right shoe for you, the experts at TRC are the ones to trust to help you achieve your running goals.  The Running Centre. Let’s move together. Use 'WARP15' for 15% off the TRC online store (excludes electronics and nutrition).  https://therunningcentre.com.au/ 
Bix Nutrition: A local WA company developed by athletes, for athletes, BIX Nutrition products deliver the perfect balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes and micronutrients with a light, clean, natural taste ideal for endurance training, racing and recovery. BIX Nutrition & Hydration. Keep showing up. Use 'WARP' to get 20% off Bix Nutrition & Hydration Products. https://bixvitamins.com/ 
Reach PB Sports: Cofounded by Vlad Ixel from Bix, Reach protein products give you what it takes to push beyond your reach, over and over again. Setting new benchmarks, breaking them, over and over again. Redefining & reinventing your limits with the essential nutrition you need to reach higher. Use 'WARP' to get 20% off Reach products. https://reachsports.shop/ 
Reach out and connect!Instagram: @warunningpodEmail: warunningpodcast@gmail.com Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Episode 81 | Cape to Cape Ultra | Heaven & Hell Trail Marathon

Monday 23rd June 2025
This week we cover results from the Ultra Series Cape to Cape Ultra Marathon, and the Runningworks Heaven & Hell Trail Marathon. 
We discuss our current state of maranoia, which includes Chris taking a rest day for the first time in 8 weeks, and Simon’s potential toilet issues on Saturday, before his body and mind crumbling at the thought of doing a trail run with Shane Johnstone at the Transcend x WARP Community Run. 
We were meant to chat to Gaby Villa this week to discuss Simon’s sweat test results, but after a last minute call up to crew for Backyard Ultra GOAT Phil Gore, Gaby is currently busy giving foot rubs and foot baths at Dead Cow Gully over in Queensland. We hope to have her on for a special interview only episode next week. 
Colin Dismuke, Andy Carrington, Margie Hadley, Hannah Paget and Belinda Neo are this week’s Weapons of WARP.
 
Special Notes
What the F is a Fathom? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fathom 
Transcend Shakeout Run on Wednesday 6th August with F45 Duncraig x Rocky Ridge Duncraig at 5pm: https://www.facebook.com/share/15d2DYyEHM/ or https://www.strava.com/clubs/862743/group_events/2086492 
 
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Episode 80 | Wadjemup Rotto Running Festival | Dr Shaphan Cox & Peter Hallahan & the Science of Strava, Running and 'Place'

Monday 16th June 2025
This episode is dedicated to the great Todd ‘the tractor’ Ingraham. Todd was a trailblazer and a weapon in the WA running world, holding state titles from the 1500m all the way to the full marathon, and even a sneaky 2000m steeplechase. Todd loved to race and loved to win, Todd’s superpower was his grit, determination and out hurting his competitors. 
Todd sadly lost his battle to Motor Neuron Disease last week. His stories, mantras and his legacy will live on in the WA running community. Rest in Peace Papa T. 
This week we cover the 2025 Wadjemup Rottnest Running Festival with Kate Baker and Max Davidson taking out the inaugural Todd Ingraham Trophy, and results from the PTS winter series Eagle and Child. 
In this week’s interview, we talk to Dr Shaphan Cox and Peter Hallahan from Curtin University, who look to explore our running habits and our sense of ‘place’ using the power of Strava.
Jorge Madeira, Tom Zawalnyski’s coconuts at the 2025 Samoa Marathon, see through half tights at Rotto and Chemie Banger feature in this week’s weapons of WARP. 
 
Participate in Shaphan and Peter’s research via: https://www.geography.run 
Strava "Runners, space, and place research project" https://www.strava.com/clubs/1252688 
Jographies Blog - Why Geographers study running: Jographies – geographical perspectives on running 
 
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Episode 79 | Aaron Young Returns | Ultra Perth

Monday 9th June 2025
We’re back with our weekly WARP episode with some big events in the WA running calendar in what was phenomenal running weather, the State Short Course XC Championships down in Burswood and of course Ultra Perth this weekend.
In this week’s interview, we chat to someone who makes our marathon training weeks look like absolute piss, the formidable weapon in Aaron Young as we chat about his stellar 2025 so far with a FKT and back-to-back 300 and 250 miler races in the US. 
The Wolves Run Club Long Run #2 was a blast on Sunday with the next one planned for the 20th July 2025. 
We have our own Transcend Community Run with the guys from Transcend on the 22nd June 2025 with 14km and 20km options down in Jorgenson Park Kalamunda. 
Chris Gould's 43km golf activity, David Perich, Liam Dardengo's life changing poo and Will Hammett taking on strava crowns while on parental leave feature in this week's weapons of WARP. 
Results
Coco Smargiassi and Jonah Hanikeri take out the Under 20 4km State Short Course Cross Country Championships
Hannah Doyle and Luke Bate take out the Open 4km State Short Course Cross Country Championships
Racheal Smyth and Luke Burrows take out the Ultra Perth Half Marathon 
Jackie Kellerman and Dean Menzies take out the Ultra Perth 50km. Dean now the 6th All time Australian in the 50km distance. 
Bonus Content: one of David Perich's voice memos while running the Ultra Perth 50km event. 
 
Reach out and connect!
Instagram: @warunningpod
Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com 
Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP