Running to Rome: Leadership, Family, Faith and the Marathon Journey

The Rome Marathon is now officially locked in.This week, Adam reflects on why growth rarely comes from doing the same thing over and over. What do interval training, leadership and dance have in common? More than you might think. From a Tuesday morning session with family to lessons learned across 15 years of leadership, this episode explores how variety, challenge and new experiences shape us as runners, leaders, parents and people of faith. Plus, a special guest appearance from his daughter, Ava.

Episode 5: Letting Go (and Holding On)This week, the journey takes a turn away from marathon training and into the lessons that parenting and leadership have in common.As my youngest daughter learns to ride her bike and tackles her fears high in the trees at Kuitpo Forest, I'm reminded that growth often comes from finding the balance between support and independence. There are times when we need to hold the seat, guide every step and be right beside those we lead. But there are also moments when the greatest gift we can give is the confidence to let go.Through stories of family, school leadership and the challenges of raising resilient young people, this episode explores the delicate balance between helping and empowering, protecting and preparing, holding on and letting go.Because whether it's parenting, leadership or running a marathon, the goal isn't to make people dependent on us—it's to help them discover that they're capable of more than they realise.Plus, my youngest daughter joins me as this week's special guest to share her experience of learning to ride a bike and conquering her fears on the tree climb course.

Episode 4: The Discipline to Slow DownThis week, a long training run becomes a lesson in leadership, faith and life. As I prepare for the Rome Marathon, I reflect on the challenge of running slowly—something that proved far harder mentally than physically.In a world that rewards speed, quick decisions and instant results, this episode explores why some of the most important growth happens when we deliberately slow down. From leadership in schools to the rhythms of prayer, family life and marathon training, I share how patience, reflection and discipline are shaping this journey.Sometimes the most disciplined thing we can do isn't push harder—it's slow down long enough to listen, learn and trust the process.Plus, a new segment at the end of the episode as one of my children joins me to ask a few questions about the journey so far.

Ever had one of those weeks where the little things start piling up? In this episode, I reflect on leadership, mental load, long drives home, coffee stains, ripped shirts, marathon training and the challenge of staying steady when life feels stretched. A honest conversation about showing up, slowing down and finding perspective through running, family life and faith — even when things feel like they’re falling apart.Week Three. One step closer to Rome

This week, the journey to Rome starts to feel real.After watching a fly-through of the Rome Marathon course for the first time, I reflect on the strange tension that comes when a dream shifts from being an idea to something tangible. But this episode becomes about more than marathon training.An early morning airport drop-off for my daughter Ava sparks an unexpected moment of hesitation, trust, and reflection on what leadership, fatherhood, and faith can look like during the season of Lent.From the quiet halls of an empty school before sunrise to a 15km run along the Adelaide coastline, this episode explores the space between holding on and letting go, certainty and trust, preparation and surrender.Because sometimes growth doesn’t begin when everything is planned.Sometimes it begins when we take the first step anyway.Week Two. One step closer to Rome

I introduce Running to Rome: A Family Pilgrimage and share the “why” behind the journey. From the Rome Marathon goal to life as a husband, father, and school leader, this episode sets the tone for honest reflection, faith, and growth—one step at a time.