In this special Christmas and end-of-year episode, Tim Buxton and Mario Buchs slow things down to reflect on the journey of The One Percenters Performance Podcast across 2025 and to set the tone for what’s ahead in 2026.

Rather than chasing trends or polished soundbites, this conversation stays grounded, honest, and human. Tim and Mario unpack what they’ve learned through lived experience in sport, work, family, leadership, coaching, and life transitions. From the unsexy power of consistency to the importance of staying true to your core values, this episode is an invitation to reflect deeply before rushing into the new year.

This is not about resolutions. It’s about rhythms. Not about reinvention. But alignment.

Key Themes & Conversations

• Why authenticity beats algorithms

  A look back at why the podcast has stayed genuine, unscripted, and rooted in real experience rather than hype.

• The myth of the “New You”

  Why growth does not require losing who you are, and how staying anchored to your core values is essential during seasons of transition.

• The unsexy work of the 99%

  The daily habits, check-ins, and consistency that make the final one percent actually matter.

• Reflection as a discipline

  Why waiting until the end of the year is often too late, and how weekly or monthly reflection builds clarity and momentum.

• Gratitude as a daily practice

  Simple habits that shift mindset, perspective, and performance long before results show up.

• Teams, mentors, and human connection

  Why no meaningful progress happens alone and how surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything.

Tim and Mario share what’s on the horizon, including Looking Ahead to 2026:

• The evolution of humanitarian ultra-endurance experiences, including a return to Kurdistan, Iraq

• Expansion of coaching and mentoring, with a strong emphasis on human-first, holistic performance

• New guests joining the podcast, bringing fresh perspectives and respectful disagreement

• Continued focus on leadership, resilience, belonging, and performance beyond sport

The One Percent Takeaway: Don’t wait for a new year to become someone else.

Build rhythms that help you become more fully yourself.

Progress comes from ownership, consistency, reflection, and community — not from sudden reinvention or chasing the next shiny solution.

Get In Touch

Mario Buchs - mario@healtheticacoaching.com⁠⁠

Follow @healthetica_coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram and more

Tim Buxton - tim@timothybuxton.com⁠⁠

Follow @timothykbuxton on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and moreDiscover 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!

In this episode, Tim Buxton sits down with ultra-runner and coach Mario Buchs just two weeks after his second successful finish at Coast to Kosciuszko. What unfolds is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s most iconic endurance events: a 240km nonstop journey from the ocean at Eden to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.

Mario takes listeners inside the physical, mental, and emotional realities of the race, from starting with soaked shoes at sunrise, to navigating hailstorms, sleep deprivation, nutrition pivots, blister management, and a perfectly timed 10-minute nap that changed everything. Along the way, Tim shares reflections from crewing and pacing Mario through the night, offering rare insight into what it truly takes to finish strong.

This conversation goes far beyond running. It explores leadership, teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and how small, consistent “one percent” choices compound into extraordinary outcomes.

Key Moments & Themes

• Touching the water to touching snow

  Mario begins the race by intentionally soaking his shoes in the ocean, symbolising the full arc of the journey ahead.

• Preparation over perfection

  From nutrition plans to heart-rate discipline, Mario explains why having a plan — and being willing to adapt it — is everything.

• The power of crew and community

  A deep dive into the critical role of a crew chief, pacers, and trusted teammates who remove ego and keep the project moving forward.

• Night running and mental clarity

  Why Mario thrives in the quiet hours, and how staying in motion becomes a form of active recovery.

• The 10-minute nap that changed the race

  A perfectly timed decision that took Mario from empty to energised and made a safe summit possible.

• Weather, uncertainty, and timing

  Hailstorms, race stoppages, and the razor-thin margin between pushing on and waiting wisely at altitude.

• Summiting Mount Kosciuszko

  Snow, ice, wind, emotion, and the payoff for months of disciplined training and sacrifice.

• Finishing strong — by design

  How Mario executed his visualisation and crossed the line on his terms.

The One Percent Lesson: Just keep moving — with intention.

Progress beats perfection. Whether in ultrarunning, work, leadership, or life, stopping without purpose is often more damaging than slowing down. Movement, however small, keeps momentum alive.

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

• Post Marathon Blues is a common experience after intense events.
• Team dynamics play a crucial role in overcoming challenges.
• The heat during the run had a significant impact on performance.
• Finding your motivation is essential to push through tough moments.
• Unexpected challenges can arise, requiring quick thinking and adaptability.
• Cultural engagement with the local community added depth to the experience.
• Lessons learned from endurance events can be applied to everyday life.
• The journey of humanitarian efforts continues beyond the event itself.
• It's important to highlight the stories of those affected by conflict.
• This experience is just the beginning of a larger movement.

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

• Post Marathon Blues is a common emotional response after intense events.
• Taking time to process experiences is essential for mental health.
• Team dynamics play a crucial role in overcoming challenges.
• Leadership is about humility and recognizing everyone's contributions.
• Simple tasks can significantly impact team success.
• Motivation is key to pushing through difficult moments.
• Adapting to new environments requires flexibility and quick thinking.
• Finding a personal 'why' can drive performance during tough times.
• Every day of the run presented new challenges and learning opportunities.
• Resilience is built through shared experiences and teamwork.

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:

• “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 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!