Andrew "Sos": The Resilience of a Run2PB OG

In a recent episode of the Better with Running podcast, Andrew “Sos” Sostheim —affectionately known as “Sos” among the Run2PB crew sat down for a heartfelt catch-up. It’s been a while since his last appearance, but his story is a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of running.

From Footy to the Finish Line

Andrew’s running journey began after his footy days ended in the mid-2000s. Following two ACL reconstructions and the arrival of his first child, he found himself putting on weight and feeling disconnected from fitness. He started with a local couch-to-5K program, joining run groups and gradually building up his confidence and endurance.

But Andrew admits he didn’t always get it right at first. “I did all the wrong things,” he laughs, recalling a five-week stretch where he tackled a 27km event, a 36km race, and the Surf Coast Century 50km—without proper recovery.

The result? Stress fractures and a lesson learned about respecting the body and the importance of gradual progression

The Run2PB Connection

It was at this point that Andrew reached out to Matt Davy - co-founder of Run2PB for a more personalised coaching experience. He signed up in 2018, one of the earliest athletes and he jokes, “You would have just about had to post the program, as it wouldn’t have been able to come through on the internet.” That connection led to not just better training, but lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging within the Run2PB community

Overcoming Health Challenges

Andrew’s path hasn’t been smooth. He’s faced significant health setbacks, including three bouts of kidney stones in as many years—one of which resulted in a ruptured ureter and a stint off running. These challenges forced him to reset, but he credits his coach, Mattress, for keeping him motivated and grounded. “He’s always been in my corner,” Andrew says, highlighting the strong coach-athlete relationship that’s helped him through tough times.

His recent return to racing—a 12km event at Horsham Gap—marked his first event in 12 months. With strict instructions from Mattress to “keep the handbrake on” for the first 6km, Andrew finished strong, proving that resilience pays off.

The Mental Health Bonus

For Andrew, running is about more than just fitness. Initially, it was a way to shed the “dad bod,” but over time, the mental health benefits have become paramount.

“Sometimes it can be hard days and just getting out the door can be the hardest part. But as soon as you’re running and you get home, you never feel worse for a run.”

This mindset has rubbed off on his family and friends. His two sons now run before school and hit the gym, and a mate who never thought he’d run is now asking for training plans and GPS watch recommendations

Community and Volunteering

Andrew is deeply involved in his local community. As a co-founder and event director of the Wimmera River Parkrun, he’s seen firsthand the impact of running on a regional town.

“We’re punching well above our weight,” he says, with our numbers each week. The sense of community, the joy of volunteering, and the inspiration of seeing new runners take their first steps keep him motivated.

He’s also involved in the upcoming Horsham Running Festival, set for September which will feature a marathon and half marathon—another opportunity to bring people together and celebrate the sport

Looking Ahead

Andrew’s training these days is simple but effective. He enjoys the sessions—like the Diddy Fartlek and long Sunday runs, often exploring trails just outside Horsham. His advice? “Just keep showing up. It’s about building habits and enjoying the journey."

As for the future, Andrew is focused on staying healthy, supporting his community, and continuing to inspire others. His story is a reminder that, no matter the setbacks, the Run2PB spirit is all about resilience, friendship, and the simple joy of running

Listen to SOS featured on the latest episode of Better with Running Podcast.

Want to join the Run2PB team and be personally coached online by an elite athlete with a proven record of helping runners achieve their PBs? If so, check out all the details at www.run2pb.co and fill out the 'Sign Up' form to start achieving your personal best today!