Sunday Runday The Podcast

54: Leigh’s Story and the Community That Became Sweatmasters; A Runner’s Journey

This week we are joined by Leigh Witney, the creator of Sweatmasters Health & Fitness a place that’s become a second home for so many of us in the Bayside running and training community.   We dive into the 16‑year story behind Sweatmasters, how cross‑training shapes stronger runners, and why community is the secret ingredient that keeps people showing up. Leigh also opens up about his own journey: Ironmans, trail ultras, Hyrox, injuries, nutrition breakthroughs, and what it really takes to stay motivated over the long haul.   Whether you’re new to running, building consistency, or chasing your next big challenge, Leigh’s perspective is packed with practical wisdom and grounded, real‑world experience.

53: The Marathon That Saved Him: From Cancer to the Volcano Finish Line; A Runner’s Journey

On this week’s episode we sit down with Geoffrey a runner whose story is one of the most powerful comebacks you’ll ever hear. Growing up with a knee injury that stopped him from playing sports, Geoffrey found belonging through boxing and later became a top‑level paintball athlete, even captaining the French national team. But in 2019, everything collapsed bankruptcy, divorce, losing access to his children, and then a cancer diagnosis that pushed him into four years of darkness. What happened next is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, Geoffrey decided to rebuild his life from the ground up. He joined a local running club, struggled through his first 8 km, and then in a moment of pure instinct signed up for the Iceland Volcano Marathon. With only months to train, he transformed his body, his mind, and his entire lifestyle. This episode dives into his journey from rock bottom to running his first marathon around a volcano, the community that lifted him up, and the pride of showing his children the power of never giving up. If you love running stories, comeback stories, or simply stories that remind you what humans are capable of, this one will stay with you.

52: From Lockdown Miles to Elite Podiums: Donvé’s Relentless Rise; A Runners Journey

Donvé’s running story didn’t begin with a race bib — it began in lockdown, chasing curiosity, stacking distance, and accidentally running her first marathon before she ever entered one.   In this week’s episode, she takes us through her rapid rise: • How a spontaneous 42.2 km run during COVID changed everything • Her first official marathon at Melbourne 2022 and smashing a “cool‑looking” time goal • Back‑to‑back wins at Run for the Kids • The build, the nerves, the gut issues, and the grit behind her 2:41 PB at Ballarat • Why she loves the half marathon, how she handles pressure, and what’s next on her racing calendar   It’s a conversation about joy, progression, community, and the mindset that turns potential into performance. A beautifully honest look at a runner who’s inspiring more people than she realises.

51: Thirteen Years to Six Stars: Six Days Across Two Coasts; A Runner’s Journey

Lisa’s running story is one built on patience, resilience, and a deep love for the marathon. In this episode, she takes us from her first hometown race in Grand Rapids back in 2012 all the way to completing her Six Star journey in Tokyo 13 years in the making.   We talk about the highs, the setbacks, the years she stepped away while raising her kids, and the moment she realised she wanted to chase all six majors. She opens up about training through brutal Michigan winters, running Tokyo after months on the treadmill, and the surreal feeling of crossing that finish line with her family there to witness it.   Then we dive into one of the wildest challenges in US running: Boston to Big Sur two iconic marathons, six days apart, coast to coast. Lisa breaks down the recovery, the travel, the mental battle, and the beauty of Big Sur’s legendary course.   It’s a conversation about longevity, rediscovering yourself, and the magic of the running community.

50: Miles Made Together: A Father, A Daughter, A Boston Dream; A Runners Journey

After college athletics ended, Faith felt the identity loss so many runners know “there’s a moment where you almost lose your identity after collegiate sports” . But one marathon changed everything.   In this episode, we explore a journey built on joy, grit, and connection from sprinting the 400m in college to discovering the mental strength needed for 26.2. From running her first marathon hand‑in‑hand with her dad to qualifying for Boston by just five seconds. From getting lost on the Iceland volcano course to finding confidence again on the streets of Boston.   Faith shares how running became her way to inspire others “if I’m able to inspire one person, I’m happy with that” and why chasing a marathon in every state (and a sub‑3:20) is the next big dream.   If you love stories about resilience, family, and the magic of the running community, this one will stay with you long after the run is over.