Episode Details
Back to EpisodesEp 24: Who Needs Strava…? He Built a Running Spreadsheet in 1994 | Brett Petersen
Description
Brett Petersen has been logging every single exercise session since 1994. Yup, madness!
Long before Strava and smartwatches existed, Brett opened a spreadsheet and started tracking his runs. Three decades later, the streak continues.
In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Natty (yes, you read correctly) sit down with Brett to unpack a lifetime shaped by running. From sprinting 2k home from kindergarten as a 5-year old (his poor Mum) to running a 16:24 5k in the Olympic Day Run, Brett’s story is one of quiet dedication rather than chasing headlines.
Along the way he’s battled glandular fever, bronchitis, cold-air asthma, and injuries that forced him to rethink how and when he runs. Through it all, running has remained a constant; especially during the toughest period of his life when his wife Nicole was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.
Now Brett 2.0 continues to challenge himself with charity events, ultra-distance relays, and new goals... including the Masters Games in 2027.
Brett's happy to connect via Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/everydaywarriorbrett/
In this episode
- How Chariots of Fire sparked a love for running
- Tracking every run since 1994
- Why a 50% deduction is applied to walking
- Illness setbacks including glandular fever and asthma
- Why winter running outdoors has become impossible
- Chasing a 120k ultra before turning 60
Runbelievable — real runners, unreal stories.
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About Runbelievable
Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.