Today, Lou interviews Cam, a Sydney-based hybrid athlete and runner who is training for a sub-3:30 marathon at the New York City Marathon. They delve into the impact of culture on athletic performance, exploring the differences between fitness communities in Australia and the UK. Cam shares insights into his training regimen, which includes strength sessions and running, while balancing a full-time job. KEY TAKEAWAYS The fitness culture in Sydney is significantly more vibrant and active compared to the UK, with a larger number of people participating in running and fitness activities. This can create both motivation and pressure for individuals to perform at higher levels. It's important to set achievable goals based on personal capabilities rather than external expectations. While it's beneficial to be inspired by others, individuals should focus on their own progress and celebrate their achievements, regardless of how they compare to others. Juggling a full-time job with training requires flexibility and planning. Incorporating training sessions into daily routines, such as lunchtime workouts or adapting runs to fit social activities, can help maintain a balance between work and fitness goals. After intense training or races, allowing time for recovery is crucial. This includes taking a break to celebrate achievements and giving the body time to recuperate before starting the next training block. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for performance. Strategies such as timing gel intake with water stations during races and maintaining a balanced diet with high protein options can help prevent issues like cramping and support overall training efforts. BEST MOMENTS "I feel like there's a lot more people that are fitter here and wanting to look after themselves. It's quite overwhelming, but it's a positive and a bit of a negative sometimes." "Running a sub-330 marathon feels like a big achievement to me, but sometimes it doesn't feel like a big achievement when you're talking to people after a race." "I think it's about setting realistic goals and trying to stick to the plan, getting the reps in and achieving those goals." "The new normal here is to be able to run a sub-three marathon, finish an Ironman. That's normal here, which is absolutely ridiculous." "I think social media definitely puts a bit of a highlight on marathons, and no one really shows the amount of work that actually goes into a marathon." VALUABLE RESOURCES @cjcampbell_96 https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineer lou@theexerciseengineer.com ATHENA Nutrition for Females: https://t.cfjump.com/90866/t/89892 Apply to be coached by me here: https://tr.ee/TFsv2VpeG4 HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fuelling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/