In part 2 of the recap on their recent ultra marathon experience in Iraq, Mario & Tim discuss the emotional aftermath, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges they faced during the run. They emphasize the significance of motivation, the unexpected moments that arose, and the cultural engagement with the local community. The conversation highlights the lessons learned about endurance, resilience, and the broader humanitarian efforts that extend beyond the run itself.
Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Intro - The Journey Continues: Preparing for Tomorrow
02:34 The Journey Begins: Food and Community
05:18 Understanding the Local Culture and Nutrition Needs
07:42 The Final Days: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Achievements
09:40 Physical Struggles: Navigating Health Risks During the Run
13:24 Lessons Learned: Endurance, Resilience, and Team Dynamics
19:30 The Bigger Picture: Humanitarian Efforts and Future Goals
24:17 Reflections on the Experience: Impact and Moving Forward
Get In TouchMario Buchs - mario@healtheticacoaching.comFollow @healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram and moreTim Buxton - tim@timothybuxton.comFollow @timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and moreDiscover More & ShareIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
After completing a 100mile challenging ultra-marathon in Iraq. Tim and Mario discuss the emotional aftermath, known as Post Marathon Blues, the importance of teamwork and collaboration, the physical challenges faced during the run, and the motivation that kept them going. They also share insights on adapting to new environments and the lessons learned about resilience and leadership throughout their journey.
Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Intro: The Emotional Aftermath
03:34 Team Dynamics: The Power of Collaboration
06:34 Facing Challenges: The Heat and Its Impact
08:51 Moments of Crisis: Decision Making Under Pressure
11:39 The Importance of Motivation: Finding Your Why
14:17 Daily Struggles: The Reality of Ultra Running
17:06 Cultural Encounters: Hospitality in Iraq
19:53 Reflections on Teamwork: Lessons Learned
22:35 The Journey Continues: Preparing for Tomorrow
Get In TouchMario Buchs - mario@healtheticacoaching.comFollow @healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram and moreTim Buxton - tim@timothybuxton.comFollow @timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and moreDiscover More & ShareIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
It’s almost here. In just days, Tim and Mario will head to northern Iraq to attempt something extraordinary: running 100 miles from Mosul to Soran, retracing the road once taken by families fleeing ISIS.
In this episode of The One Percenters Performance Podcast, Tim and Mario share their final reflections before the journey begins. From training insights and mental preparation to the logistics of running in such a unique and challenging environment, they open up about the emotions, expectations, and purpose behind the Iraq100.
You’ll hear about:
• The final weeks of training and tapering.
• What’s going through their minds as they prepare to leave.
• The deeper “why” behind the run and how it connects to the Move to Belong campaign.
• How listeners can follow, support, and be part of this epic humanitarian adventure.
This is more than a run—it’s a story of resilience, belonging, and courage.
👉 Follow the journey, support the cause, and join the movement at www.move2belong.com
Special guest Sophie Geraghty, a passionate runner and coach, joins this episode of The One Performance Podcast. The very first guest on the podcast, hosts Mario and Tim discuss Sophie's journey in running, the challenges of the Elephant Trail Ultra Race, and the importance of mindset and coaching in achieving personal goals. The conversation delves into race strategies, mental preparation, and the value of having a support system in both running and life. The episode concludes with reflections on the privilege of being able to run and the community that supports endurance athletes.
Key Takeaways
- Sophie emphasizes the importance of accountability in running.
- Coaching is essential for personal growth in all aspects of life.
- Mental strategies are crucial for endurance events.
- Banking sleep before a race can be more effective than training for sleep deprivation.
- Experiencing tough runs teaches valuable problem-solving skills.
- Having a coach provides perspective and support during challenging times.
- Mindset plays a significant role in overcoming race challenges.
- The Elephant Trail Race is a unique and beautiful event.
- Community support is vital for endurance athletes.
- Running is a privilege that should be appreciated.
Special Mentions
- Elephant Trail Race (Port Macquarie) — family-run, looped ultra with multiple distances. Massive thanks to Matt & Kerry Williams, Liliana, and all Elephant volunteers for putting on a community-first ultra.
- Guest Sophie Geraghty — Photographer, mum of two, trail ultra runner. Follow her on Instagram @the.sophie.geraghty
Get In Touch
Mario Buchsmario@healtheticacoaching.com@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and more
Tim Buxtontim@timothybuxton.com@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Discover More & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Just five days after Tim completes his first-ever marathon, Mario explores the highs and lows of this major milestone in his endurance journey and an essential test before the upcoming Iraq100 challenge.
Tim shares a full debrief of the Gold Coast Marathon: from setting his sub-4-hour goal (and smashing it with a 3:47 finish!) to navigating the physical and mental walls that inevitably arise during the final stretch. He recalls the psychological challenge of running away from the finish line during a course turnaround, the surprising impact of hydration gaps, and the importance of training discipline that got him to the start line ready.
Mario, fresh off another gnarly ultramarathon, explains the importance of mental recovery, the phenomenon of post-race slumps, and how experienced runners prepare for multi-day events. They explore the shift from racing to adventure running and how the Iraq100 will be less about pace and more about perseverance, presence, and purpose.
Together, they reflect on strategy, simulation, recovery, and what it means to run with a deeper “why.” The Iraq100 is more than a physical challenge—it’s a return to a place where stories of suffering and survival converge, and where the runners will honour the resilience of those who fled ISIS with nothing but hope.
This episode will inspire, inform, and ignite anyone chasing a goal bigger than themselves.
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome Back & Marathon Recap Begins
Tim and Mario reconnect, and Tim sets the scene for his post-marathon reflections.
01:15 – Smashing the Goal: Sub-4 Marathon Achieved
Tim shares his goals and the emotional and physical test of running beyond 32km for the first time.
03:45 – The Mental Wall & Mid-Race Self-Talk
Tim recounts the moment he realized he was still running away from the finish line and how mindset helped him push through.
05:08 – Recovery is Mental Too
Mario discusses the post-race slump many runners experience and why giving the brain time to rest is key.
06:55 – The Power of a Next Goal
Why having the Iraq100 on the horizon gave Tim purpose beyond the marathon.
07:32 – The Harsh Realities of Iraq Running Conditions
Tim contrasts the Gold Coast conditions with what’s coming: extreme heat, no crowds, switchbacks, and altitude.
09:15 – Step by Step Strategy
Mario reminds us to respect each distance and each goal on its own terms.
10:16 – Why 42.195km? A Royal Fun Fact
A short tangent on the unusual marathon distance—and the British monarchy’s role in it.
12:05 – Comparing Marathon vs. Ultra Strategy
What makes a marathon a unique psychological and physical test—and why ultras require different pacing.
13:05 – “Don’t Stop Running”: Tim’s Personal Challenge
Tim explains his personal rule to never walk and how it shaped his marathon effort.
14:31 – Team Pace, Not Ego Pace
Mario emphasizes that in Iraq, the team will move at the pace of the person struggling the most. It’s not a race.
15:22 – Simulating Iraq100 Strategy in Training
Mario explains his own training mindset, breaking up big efforts into sections—like dancing on the final day.
16:52 – The Purpose of Simulation
Tim reflects on how simulating suffering in training builds mental frameworks to fall back on in the real challenge.
18:33 – Mario’s Upcoming Everest-Like Ultra
Mario shares his next ultra: a near-Everest climb over 100km. It’s gnarly, muddy, and full of surprises.
20:26 – Building the Iraq100 Team
Tim announces Callum Sloan is joining the core running team alongside Troy, Mario, and himself.
21:20 – Why We Run: From Survival to Solidarity
A powerful reflection on running with purpose—honouring refugees forced to flee, now choosing to run in solidarity.
22:15 – Recovery Ends. New Training Begins.
With marathon recovery complete, Tim prepares for the next
🎧 The One Percenters Performance Podcast
Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
🔗 www.move2belong.com for links & updates
Discover the secret at the heart of what really gets us through life’s inevitable struggles: belonging. From customer service to ultramarathons to workplace culture, they reflect on how problems aren’t always meant to be fixed—but often shared. The episode explores how the sense of community and connection isn’t just a warm fuzzy idea—it physiologically changes how we experience pain, build resilience, and find fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 – Building a Crew for Our Odyssey
02:46 – The Importance of Belonging
05:28 – Pain and Community: Enduring Together
10:50 – Shifting Perspectives on Problems
15:45 – Creating a Culture of Listening
19:06 – Thriving in Community and Team Success
Get In Touch
Mario Buchs
mario@healtheticacoaching.com
@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
tim@timothybuxton.com
@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Discover More & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Unpack the emotional and physical rollercoaster of Mario's recent UMTB Blue Mountains ultra run. In this soulful episode, Mario and Tim dive into the highs, the unexpected lows, and the revelations that only come when you push past your perceived limits. It’s about more than just running—it’s about learning from the landscape, the people, and the challenges that shape us.
Episode Takeaways
Mountains mirror our inner journey—you go up, you go down, but you keep moving.
The value of community in sport: crew, family, strangers.
When the body breaks down, the mind and heart can still carry you.
Races are rarely about speed; they’re about story.
Ultra running is a meditation in motion.
The finish line is never just a place—it’s a transformation.
Pain has a voice, and it often speaks wisdom.
Rest and recovery are not luxuries—they’re essential.
Support others while climbing your own mountain
Keywords: ultramarathon, UMTB, Blue Mountains, ultra running, mental toughness, physical limits, community, running crew, recovery, mountains, mindfulness, emotional journey
Chapters
UMTB Recap: What Really Happened
The Role of Crew and Community
When the Wheels Fall Off
Pushing Through the Unexpected
Lessons From the Trails
Recovery: The Unspoken Finish Line
Final Reflections and What’s Next
Get In Touch
Mario Buchs
mario@healtheticacoaching.com
@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
tim@timothybuxton.com
@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Discover More & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
This episode marks the official launch of the IRAQ100 — a bold humanitarian ultramarathon challenge from Mosul to Soran, Iraq. Join Tim Buxton and Mario Buchs as they share the heart, history, and vision behind this epic 100-mile, four-day endurance run. Whether you’re an ultrarunner, a coach, a supporter, or a student looking to move with purpose, this is your invitation to be part of a journey that truly matters.
The goal? Raise $100,000 to support displaced families through You Belong. Five spots remain for those ready to run the full Iraq100 on the ground — and for everyone else, there are powerful ways to be involved from home.
Key Topics & Takeaways
The Iraq100: What it is, where it’s going, and why it matters
Tim’s personal journey returning to Iraq
What it takes to run 100 miles across mountains and borders
The importance of team, coaching, and solidarity
How to join the movement: run, fund, follow, or share
Live streams, VR, and doco content will bring the run to life
This isn’t just a race — it’s a return, a remembrance, and a call to action
00:00 — Big Announcement: IRAQ100 is live
02:33 — What is the Iraq100? A 100-mile humanitarian return
04:54 — From Mosul to Soran: Route & symbolic meaning
07:17 — The emotional and logistical complexity of this journey
11:32 — The $20,000 goal to fund the run (so donations can go to impact)
13:25 — A call to ultra-runners: join the five-person crew
15:46 — Training, coaching, and preparation details
17:00 — Who should apply and what’s included
19:21 — “Not every ultra changes lives. This one will.”
Get In Touch
Mario Buchs
mario@healtheticacoaching.com
@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
tim@timothybuxton.com
@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Discover More & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Discover the practical strategies for maintaining your fitness routine while traveling. From communicating your workout plans with family to adapting run schedules on the fly, they share tips for integrating exercise into any trip—business or vacation. Discover how inviting others into your fitness journey can boost motivation, why consistency often trumps intensity, and how even short workouts can add up to big wins in the long run.
Key Topics
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Context of Travel Training
03:17 — The Importance of Communication in Training
06:12 — Inspiring Others Through Running
08:35 — Flexibility and Adaptability in Training
11:20 — Consistency Over Intensity
13:56 — Finding Opportunities to Train
16:42 — Wrapping Up and Key Takeaways
20:56 — New Chapter
Get In Touch
Mario Buchs
mario@healtheticacoaching.com
@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
tim@timothybuxton.com
@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Discover More & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Discover the crucial role of understanding your deeper “why”, and how it can make or break your final push toward success. Drawing on their experiences in sports and personal projects, Tim and Mario highlight the difference between expectations and purpose—revealing why a strong sense of “why” is essential for navigating obstacles, embracing the journey, and trusting the process.
Key Takeaways
Themes Covered
motivation, purpose, drive phase, challenges, expectations, personal growth, teamwork, integrity, success, journey, why
Episode Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to Motivation and Purpose
03:53 — Understanding the Drive Phase
06:35 — The Importance of Purpose in Achieving Goals
09:13 — Navigating Challenges and Voices in Your Head
11:55 — The Role of Expectancy vs. Expectation
15:06 — Trusting the Process and Final Thoughts
Get In Touch
Mario Buchs
mario@healtheticacoaching.com
@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
tim@timothybuxton.com
@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Discover More & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your reviews and shares—help others discover the power of aligning your purpose with your performance!
Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Learn how to master the critical “middle section” of any endeavor. In this episode, Tim & Mario explore how motivation eventually shifts into drive, where mindset and well-planned systems become crucial to success. Whether you’re running ultra-marathons or managing complex projects, learning to harness the power of the middle phase can make all the difference in achieving your peak performance.
Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 — The three phases of any endeavour
07:37 — Transitioning from Motivation to Drive
18:44 — The Drive Mindset and Moving Forward
20:12 — Conclusion and the final transition
Keywords
performance, motivation, drive, mindset, running, coaching, systems, processes, ultra running, endurance, the one percenters, performance podcast, peak performance
Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit. Your support helps us bring more insights on performance, motivation, and the art of pushing your limits.
Get In Touch
Mario Buchs
Email: mario@healtheticacoaching.com
Follow: @healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
Email: tim@timothybuxton.com
Follow Tim: @timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Discover the transformative power of experimentation, the balance between long-term focus and short-term wins, and the mental and physical challenges of ultra running. Mario & Tim delve into personal stories and strategies that embrace discomfort, overcome obstacles, and push the boundaries of peak performance in sports and life.
Key Takeaways - Experimentation unlocks potential: Trying new strategies can lead to breakthroughs in performance. - Think long-term: A big-picture focus allows for greater flexibility and innovation. - Mini battles within big goals: Break larger objectives into smaller, motivating milestones. - Discomfort drives growth: Seeking challenges outside your comfort zone fosters resilience. - Milestones matter: Tracking progress helps maintain focus and celebrate wins. - Challenges lead to adventure: Embracing difficulties promotes personal growth and discovery. - Mental fortitude is key: Strengthening your mindset helps overcome adversity. - Collaboration enhances success: Support and teamwork can elevate individual performance. - Think creatively: Look beyond traditional approaches to achieve goals. - The journey matters: Growth is found in the process, not just the result. Episode Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Personal Connections
03:28 — The Power of Experimentation in Sports
05:52 — Long-Term Focus vs. Short-Term Fixation
09:31 — The Journey of Challenges and Growth
15:30 — Future Aspirations and Goals
Episode Keywords
baseball, performance, experimentation, long-term focus, challenges, goal setting, ultra running, coaching, personal growth, peak performance, The One Percenters Performance podcast, podcast, TOPP COACH, the one percenters, the one percent, 1%, the one percenters performance, Moneyball
Get In Touch
Mario Buchs
mario@healtheticacoaching.com
@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
tim@timothybuxton.com
@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Subscribe and Share
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Follow our journey, stay updated, and share this episode with friends, family, or anyone who might find it inspiring!
Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll see you in the next episode! 🎙️
Mario shares his transformative journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming an elite performance coach, highlighting the pivotal moments that inspired him to change.
The conversation delves into the passion for coaching, the significance of community support, and the crucial role of asking for help in achieving one's goals.
The episode concludes with a reflection on humility and the continuous pursuit of learning from others.
Episode Takeaways- The One Percenters mindset focuses on small changes for big impacts.- Personal transformation often begins with a pivotal moment.- Coaching is about helping others achieve their best selves.- Community support is essential in any journey towards success.- Asking for help can provide the invisible edge needed for growth.- Humility allows for continuous learning and improvement.- The journey is as important as the destination.- Building a toolbox of skills and insights is crucial for success.- Every individual has unique strengths that can be unlocked.- The importance of mental strength in achieving long-distance goals.- Unlocking the One Percenters Mindset
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the One Percenter Mindset
05:07 Mario's Transformational Journey
09:43 The Passion for Coaching and Helping Others
13:46 The Importance of Community and Support
17:23 The Invisible Edge: Asking for Help
20:56 Introduction to The One Percenters Podcast
Episode Keywords
The One Percenters, peak performance, coaching, ultra marathon, personal growth, mindset, community support, transformation, elite athletes, health and wellness
Get in Touch
Have questions, comments, or just want to say hi? We’d love to hear from you!
Mario Buchs
Email: mario@healthetica.co
Follow: @healthetica on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Threads.
Tim Buxton
Email: tim@timothybuxton.com
Follow Tim: @timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and more.
Subscribe and Share
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Follow our journey and stay updated. Share this episode with friends, family, and anyone you think might enjoy it!
Together, let’s spark conversations that matter and build a community of One Percenters.
Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode! 🎙️
Tim Buxton and Mario Buchs explore the themes of personal growth, humanitarian work, and the importance of adventure in life.
Tim shares his unique upbringing in Indonesia, his experiences in Iraq during a time of crisis, and the lessons learned from his journey.
The conversation emphasizes the significance of getting lost in one's story and the impact of small changes on the path to peak performance.
Key Takeaways
- Tim's early life in the jungles of Indonesia shaped his adventurous spirit.- Wanderlust drives individuals to explore and discover new experiences.- Humanitarian work can profoundly impact both the helper and those in need.- The importance of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.- Personal growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones.- Tim's family played a crucial role in his humanitarian efforts in Iraq.- The concept of 'getting lost' can lead to self-discovery.- Humanitarian workers face unique challenges that deserve recognition.- The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and essential for growth.- Small changes can lead to significant impacts in life and performance.
Episode Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Welcome
00:56 — Tim's Early Life and Influences
05:27 — The Journey to Northern Iraq
10:26 — Experiences in Iraq and Humanitarian Work
12:54 — Reflections on War and Humanitarian Efforts
17:46 — The Importance of Getting Lost in Your Story
23:48 — Outro & Acknowledgments
Episode Keywords
One Percenters, peak performance, humanitarian work, adventure, self-discovery, Tim Buxton, Iraq, Indonesia, New York, refugees, wanderlust, personal growth, get lost, adventure, potential
Get In Touch
Have questions, comments, or just want to say hi? We’d love to hear from you!
Mario Buchs
Email: mario@healtheticacoaching.com
Follow: @healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads and more
Tim Buxton
Email: tim@timothybuxton.com
Follow Tim: @timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Subscribe and Share
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Follow our journey, stay updated and share this episode with friends, family, and anyone you think might enjoy it!
Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode🎙️.