
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
Sep 10, 2025
17 min

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 TouchMario [email protected]@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and moreTim [email protected]@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!Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Sep 3, 2025
37 min

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 BeginsTim and Mario reconnect, and Tim sets the scene for his post-marathon reflections.01:15 – Smashing the Goal: Sub-4 Marathon AchievedTim 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-TalkTim 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 TooMario 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 GoalWhy having the Iraq100 on the horizon gave Tim purpose beyond the marathon.07:32 – The Harsh Realities of Iraq Running ConditionsTim contrasts the Gold Coast conditions with what’s coming: extreme heat, no crowds, switchbacks, and altitude.09:15 – Step by Step StrategyMario reminds us to respect each distance and each goal on its own terms.10:16 – Why 42.195km? A Royal Fun FactA short tangent on the unusual marathon distance—and the British monarchy’s role in it.12:05 – Comparing Marathon vs. Ultra StrategyWhat makes a marathon a unique psychological and physical test—and why ultras require different pacing.13:05 – “Don’t Stop Running”: Tim’s Personal ChallengeTim explains his personal rule to never walk and how it shaped his marathon effort.14:31 – Team Pace, Not Ego PaceMario 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 TrainingMario explains his own training mindset, breaking up big efforts into sections—like dancing on the final day.16:52 – The Purpose of SimulationTim 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 UltraMario shares his next ultra: a near-Everest climb over 100km. It’s gnarly, muddy, and full of surprises.20:26 – Building the Iraq100 TeamTim announces Callum Sloan is joining the core running team alongside Troy, Mario, and himself.21:20 – Why We Run: From Survival to SolidarityA 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 PodcastAvailable on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube🔗 www.move2belong.com for links & updates
Jul 30, 2025
22 min

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: “A problem shared is a problem halved.” Connection changes your pain threshold—literally. Most problems aren’t problems—they’re just part of life. You don’t need to fix everything. Sometimes, just listen. Belonging and team culture fuel peak performance. Building a meaningful crew—whether for life, business, or a 100-mile ultramarathon—is everything.Chapters:00:00 – Building a Crew for Our Odyssey02:46 – The Importance of Belonging05:28 – Pain and Community: Enduring Together10:50 – Shifting Perspectives on Problems15:45 – Creating a Culture of Listening19:06 – Thriving in Community and Team SuccessGet In TouchMario [email protected]@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and moreTim [email protected]@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!Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Jul 14, 2025
24 min

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 TakeawaysMountains 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 mountainKeywords: ultramarathon, UMTB, Blue Mountains, ultra running, mental toughness, physical limits, community, running crew, recovery, mountains, mindfulness, emotional journeyChaptersUMTB 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 NextGet In TouchMario [email protected]@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and moreTim [email protected]@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!Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Jun 4, 2025
28 min

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 & TakeawaysThe Iraq100: What it is, where it’s going, and why it mattersTim’s personal journey returning to IraqWhat it takes to run 100 miles across mountains and bordersThe importance of team, coaching, and solidarityHow to join the movement: run, fund, follow, or shareLive streams, VR, and doco content will bring the run to lifeThis isn’t just a race — it’s a return, a remembrance, and a call to action00:00 — Big Announcement: IRAQ100 is live02:33 — What is the Iraq100? A 100-mile humanitarian return04:54 — From Mosul to Soran: Route & symbolic meaning07:17 — The emotional and logistical complexity of this journey11:32 — 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 crew15:46 — Training, coaching, and preparation details17:00 — Who should apply and what’s included19:21 — “Not every ultra changes lives. This one will.”Get In TouchMario [email protected]@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and moreTim [email protected]@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!Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
May 14, 2025
20 min

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 TopicsPlan Around Travel: Schedule workouts around flights and commitments.Communicate Goals: Ensure your family or travel companions understand your fitness objectives.Invite Others: Turning solo runs into social runs can keep you motivated.Embrace Flexibility: Adapt training plans when your routine is disrupted.Consistency Matters: Frequent shorter workouts often beat sporadic long ones.Anywhere, Anytime: Creativity finds space to exercise—even in airports!Mindset & Motivation: A proactive mindset helps navigate roadblocks.Accountability: Having a coach or supportive peers can keep you on track.Small Adjustments, Big Results: Minor changes to your schedule or routine can make a huge difference.Every Workout Counts: Even short runs or walks add up over time.Chapters00:00 — Introduction and Context of Travel Training03:17 — The Importance of Communication in Training06:12 — Inspiring Others Through Running08:35 — Flexibility and Adaptability in Training11:20 — Consistency Over Intensity13:56 — Finding Opportunities to Train16:42 — Wrapping Up and Key Takeaways20:56 — New ChapterGet In TouchMario [email protected]@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and moreTim [email protected]@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!Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Apr 4, 2025
22 min

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 The heart of motivation lies in a clear purpose. The drive phase is critical for achieving your end goals. Rooting yourself in “why” helps overcome setbacks. Relying on expectations alone can lead to disappointments. Staying aligned with your values keeps you committed. One “why” may not be enough—multiple motivations can power you forward. Trusting the process is as important as the result. Embrace the journey; the outcome isn’t the only measure of success. Challenges are inevitable, but they shape resilience. Cultivating expectancy (not strict expectations) fuels a strong finish.Themes Coveredmotivation, purpose, drive phase, challenges, expectations, personal growth, teamwork, integrity, success, journey, whyEpisode Chapters00:00 — Introduction to Motivation and Purpose03:53 — Understanding the Drive Phase06:35 — The Importance of Purpose in Achieving Goals09:13 — Navigating Challenges and Voices in Your Head11:55 — The Role of Expectancy vs. Expectation15:06 — Trusting the Process and Final ThoughtsGet In TouchMario [email protected]@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and moreTim [email protected]@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!Visit TOPP.Coach for more!
Feb 20, 2025
21 min

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 TakeawaysThe middle section of any performance is a game-changer.Transitioning from motivation to drive is often the key to lasting success.Establishing systems and processes helps maintain momentum.Mindset and curiosity play pivotal roles when challenges arise.Drive can be more sustainable than motivation in the long run.Regular check-ins and trusting the process keep you moving forward.Strategic “distractions” can be turned into tools for progress.Visualising the finish line fuels the final push to completion.Chapters00:00 — The three phases of any endeavour07:37 — Transitioning from Motivation to Drive18:44 — The Drive Mindset and Moving Forward20:12 — Conclusion and the final transitionKeywordsperformance, motivation, drive, mindset, running, coaching, systems, processes, ultra running, endurance, the one percenters, performance podcast, peak performanceEnjoyed 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 TouchMario BuchsEmail: [email protected]Follow: @healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and moreTim BuxtonEmail: [email protected]Follow Tim: @timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
Feb 12, 2025
21 min

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
[email protected]
@healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and more
Tim Buxton
[email protected]
@timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and more
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Jan 27, 2025
23 min
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