The Best Athletics Podcast

Nick Bester, the coach and founder behind Best Athletics, joins Jake from Ran to Japan to talk training, recovery, motivation, and chasing marathon dreams. They cover everything from 280k weeks and smart cross-training to fuelling, heat adaptation, and whether YouTube helps or hinders performance. A must-listen for runners who love to train hard and smart.

In this episode, Nick Bester sits down with Cole Gibbens to unpack an incredible run at the Berlin Marathon going sub 2:30 despite tough conditions. We dive into how the race unfolded, handling the heat, and what it’s like to experience Berlin compared to London.We also cover the realities behind the performance: tummy issues, training blocks, mileage for mental health vs. overdoing it, and whether chasing the kind of mileage we’ve seen from the likes of Ran to Japan is worth it.We chat coaching (and a possible announcement 👀), calorie monitoring, and social media from Insta to YouTube. Plus, what it’s like stepping into the world as a sponsored adidas athlete, and what’s next in terms of training philosophy: mileage or more quality?An honest, insightful look behind the grind, the mindset, and the future 🙌🏽

In this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast, Nick Bester sits down with Robin Hughes, founder of Getahead an app that provides Mental Training Plans, to explore the often-overlooked side of performance - your mindset.They dig into questions every runner has wondered:Is there such a thing as mental talent, just like physical talent?Can you actually train your mental strength to push further?How much untapped potential lies in your mind?What’s the ideal pre-race mindset?Are some people simply untrainable from a mental perspective?Whether you’re chasing PBs or just starting out, Robin shares practical insights to help you level up your mental game.📲 Follow Robin: @getaheadmindset

In this episode, Best Athletics founder Nick Bester sits down with strength and conditioning coach Kate from Valere Endurance to unpack everything runners need to know about strength work. From how often you should train, whether you really need a gym, to tackling persistent injuries like Achilles pain. This conversation is packed with practical advice. Kate shares her expert insights on injury prevention, muscle maintenance beyond age 25, and the one exercise no runner should skip. Whether you're a beginner or elite, this episode will help you build a stronger, more resilient running body.If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your running community. To learn more or work with Kate, follow @running.on.island.time on Instagram or visit the Valere Endurance website for details on their programs and contact info. Thanks for listening – and remember, strength is speed in disguise!https://www.valereendurance.com/

In this episode, Aubrey sits down with Nick Bester, founder of Best Athletics, for an honest and energising conversation about the running journey and everything that comes with it.From humble beginnings to performance running, they dive into:🏃‍♂️ How they each got started in running👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing training with fatherhood, marriage, and work📈 Nick’s transition into coaching and building a thriving community🤝 The mindset behind celebrating others’ wins🔥 Nick’s new coach and what’s next for his own journeyIt’s real talk about the highs, the hard bits, and why this sport is bigger than running.Follow & Connect:🎧 Aubrey – @bigger.than.running🎧 Nick – @justalilbester🏃‍♂️ Best Athletics – @bestathleticsListen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts |

Founder of Best Athletics, Nick Bester, catches up with standout BA athlete Christa Cain fresh off her incredible performance at the 2025 Island Games—where she brought home three golds and a bronze and set a 10,000m record.They chat about:How it felt to race at the Island GamesManaging the quick race turnaroundsHer favourite distance to raceBalancing training with more time off workHer thoughts on improvement, future goals, and go-to race shoesPlus, her ultimate post-race treatFollow Christa’s journey@christasjc 🇮🇲 Island Games Champion 🏃‍♀️ 5K: 16:33 | 10K: 34:53 | HM: 75:27 | Marathon: 2:37:25

In this episode of the Best Athletics Podcast, Nick Bester sits down with rising athlete Jack Kavanagh to unpack his journey from casual runner to serious competitor. Jack shares how he got into the sport, the year on year progression that’s propelled him forward, and what a typical high mileage training week looks like.They dive into:Jack’s favourite workoutsHis nutrition and fuelling strategiesLife with support from ON RunningTop tips for runners chasing big improvementsAnd his bold future goals — including a sub-2:30 marathonGive it a listen on your easy runs or during your commute - it’s packed with practical insights, inspiration, and honest reflections from an athlete on the rise.

In this episode, Nick chats with elite South African distance runner Adam Lipshitz fresh off a standout performance at one of the most competitive London Marathons to date.They dive into: Finishing 12th in London – was a top 10 on the cards? Adam’s early start in running and when he knew he had real potential? Whether he balances work or lives solely off professional running. His recent switch to adidas – and how that transition’s going. The reality of drug testing in elite running + experiences with PED offers. What it’s like training in Umhlanga. Does he actually enjoy running – or is it just a job? What’s next + what he believes he’s truly capable of. His side project: Social Runners Club – how it started and where it’s goingA raw, honest, and insightful chat with one of South Africa’s most exciting rising stars.

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.