From the cricket pitch to the marathon finish line – chasing new purpose, and finding a new peak.
Neil Broom—known to many simply as Broomy—is a household name in New Zealand cricket. A proud former Black Cap, he played at the highest level, competing on the international stage with relentless determination, professionalism, and grit.
But when Neil hung up his bat and retired from international cricket, he didn’t slow down.
Far from it.
He shifted focus—toward his family and cricket coaching, yes—but also toward finding a new purpose, a new mountain to climb. Because when you’ve been an elite athlete, the fire to compete doesn’t just switch off.
⚡️ The Competitor Still Burned Bright
In the years following retirement, Neil pushed boundaries in endurance sport:
✅ Half Ironman
✅ Ultramarathon
✅ Several marathons
Each time, he trained hard and committed fully.
Each time, his engine roared.
But in two of his recent marathon attempts—on pace for a 3:15 finish—injuries forced him to pull up short.
And that could’ve been the end of the story...
🏃♂️ A Chance Conversation
By chance, Neil’s eldest sons began training in a local kids running group I coach each week. Watching their growth and progress, Neil and I got talking. He mentioned wanting “one more proper crack” at the marathon—this time with structure and support.
He wanted to get to the 2024 Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon start line injury-free, race strong, and finally hit that elusive 3:15.
What followed was 20 weeks of focused, structured coaching with RhodesRunner.
🛠️ Building a Marathon Machine
From day one, it was obvious—Neil wasn’t short on discipline, motivation, or consistency.
But what he didn’t have was a plan built to balance:
- Training load with recovery
- Strength with endurance
- Intensity with sustainability
- The engine with the brakes
We rebuilt his foundation, focused on pre-habilitation, and addressed those niggles head-on. And as his strength and durability improved, one thing became clear:
💭 He could do more than 3:15.
So we reset.
🎯 New goal: sub-3.
🧠 Strategy, Confidence, Execution
Neil trained with the mindset of a pro:
💥 Nailed every key session
💥 Balanced recovery and intensity
💥 Practiced his race-day nutrition like clockwork
💥 Honed a bulletproof mental game
The biggest challenge? Making sure he didn’t push too hard, too soon or too often.
By race day, Neil Broom was physically primed, mentally ready, and strategically dialed in.
🏁 The Result: A Whole New Level
Neil didn’t just finish.
He didn’t just beat 3:15.
He didn’t just go sub-3.
He obliterated his goal, clocking an unbelievable 2:50.
🚀 A Boston Qualifying time.
🏅 A personal best beyond what he thought possible.
🔥 A new chapter opened.
🎙️ In Neil’s Words:
“Want a PB? Take your running to the next level—I did.
I’ve done half Ironman, ultramarathons, marathons… but the last two I pulled up injured. So I turned to Simon from RhodesRunner. He was massive for my running.
The plan held me to account, built my durability and fitness, and gave me a race strategy I trusted. The result? A massive PB—2:50.
I’ll definitely be working with Simon again when I prepare for Boston.”
✨ The Lesson?
It doesn’t matter if you’re an ex-international athlete or a weekend warrior…
🏃♂️ You need a plan.
💪 You need structure.
🧠 You need strategy.
💥 You need belief.
Neil’s story proves that retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s just the start of a new one.
Be like Broomy.
Set a goal. Back yourself. Train smart.
Be the best runner you can be.
👉 Want your own transformation?
📩 DM for 1:1 coaching or grab your training plan now. It’s FREE if you enter the Emersons Dunedin Marathon
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