The Best Athletics Podcast

Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics, sits down with Cole Gibbens following his remarkable debut at the London Marathon, where he clocked an impressive 2:16:52 to finish 25th overall. They unpack how the race unfolded, what Cole expected going in versus how it played out, and the kind of brutal 200km training weeks it took to get there. Cole shares insights into his strength work for injury prevention, his journey from his very first 5K to now, and how he manages the balance between creating content, working, and training at an elite level. They also talk about his long-term ambitions, including whether a GB vest is within reach, and the marathon time he truly believes he can one day achieve. Plus, there’s a light-hearted dive into the best brand of rice pudding, what’s coming next in his racing calendar, and where listeners can follow his journey.

Founder of Best Athletics, Nick Bester welcomes Dr. Cuan Wayne Coetzee, DC – pain management expert, movement longevity specialist, and author of Why Movement is Medicine. This podcast is your go to resource for smarter training between the training. From optimising off-season mindset to managing tendon recovery, balancing cross-training and nutrition, and knowing how often to race, Dr. Cuan breaks it all down with a focus on sustainable performance and long-term health. Whether you're chasing marathons or just running for life, learn how to move well, recover better, and train for the long game.

In this inspiring episode, Nick Bester sits down with Lucy - this year’s fastest non-elite runner at the London Marathon, finishing in an incredible 2:30. They dive into her race day experience, how she handled the heat, and whether she’d have preferred the elite women’s start. Lucy opens up about her training routine, her roots with Herne Hill Harriers, and what it might take to make the leap to pro. Tune in to hear what’s next for this rising star in the UK distance scene!

Episode 15 of The Best Athletics PodcastIn this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast, Nick Bester founder of Best Athletics sits down with Luke Vanderfeen Running Physiotherapist from The Running Room to dive into all things running, recovery, and injury prevention.Luke shares his insights on RED-S, overcoming injuries, and balancing strength training with high mileage. Plus, they answer your top listener questions, covering topics like:Post-run recovery & stretchingReturning to running after a severe injuryITBS, Achilles pain & common running injuriesStrength training—before or after running?Super shoes—when should you wear them?Fasted running—does it increase injury risk?The most important thing to avoid injuryShould your body feel tight before a race?And, of course, their worst race experiences & most difficult races ever!Packed with expert advice and real-life experience, this episode is a must-listen for any runner looking to train smarter and stay injury-free.

Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics chats with his very own athlete Christa Cain after breaking the Isle of Man Women's Marathon Record in the Valencia Marathon in an impressive 2:39:10. It has been one smashing year for Christa. Listen along to hear all about her journey and what is to come in 2025.

Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics chats with Cian Oldknow - A very talented athlete who was the first South African in the Olympic Marathon! This episode delves into her experience in the OIympic Marathon Race - You won't believe what she has to say! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

In this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast Nick Bester speaks with Piet Wiersma - This years winner of the Comrades Marathon!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

In this weeks episode Nick Bester chats to Amie Walker, a full time Best Athletics employee, Running Coach and Distance Runner after returning from her trip to the ‘Home of the Champions’ in Iten, Kenya. Amie shares with us her experience of running with the Kenyans, key learnings from her experience, effects of training at altitude and how a typical week of training compared to her home town of London. The podcast also shares everything going on in the world of Best Athletics. Nick also brings onto the podcast one of our amazing members, Tom Penzer Adams as he chats too us about his epic challenge of 8 marathons in 8 consecutive weeks for Muscular Dystrophy UK (Sponsor Tom here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tom-penzer-adams-8-marathons-in-8weeks) Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

Episode 10 of the Best Athletics Podcast - Founder of Best Athletics Nick Bester chats with Mark Lewis a huge fitness YouTuber. Nick and Mark delve into the attempt of the Kipchoge Challenge, how the world of YouTube algorithms and editing works, Runners mentality and when his next race is. There are lots of useful nuggets in this conversation and some key takeaways. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM

Episode 9 of the Best Athletics Podcast welcomes 2:16 Marathon Runner Charles Lawrence. Charles recently broke the 50 Mile world record in the Tunnel Hill 50 Miles in Vienna, Illinois in an incredible 4:48:21. Nick Bester speaks with Charles who gives us an insight into his journey of breaking the 50 mile world record including how he approaches his training, the 13 months of managing injury whilst hitting cross training hard and achieving his Olympic qualifying time in the marathon! Charles also shares his everyday nutrition as well as his fueling strategies for the marathon and his 50 miler. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: MC1LBQ4WGVN1YOKM