American singer and actress Madonna jogging outside on Central Park West, New York City, 1990. (Photo by Gene Shaw/Getty Images)

In 2021, Apple Fitness+ launched a workout series titled Time to Walk giving users motivation for exercise using podcast-style conversations with the world’s biggest celebrities including Camila Cabello, Prince Harry and Naomi Campbell. In a highly-anticipated addition to the brand’s offering, Time to Run is the challenging and high-octane sequel guiding runners (no matter how experienced or where they are in the world) through their session.

Episodes of the series have already virtually taken runners to Honolulu, Hollywood, London and Miami Beach with the beautiful Sydney Harbour as the next stop. Released this week, the session is led by running coach and Tennessee native, Scott Carvin. In this instalment Coach Scott runs the picturesque routine from The Rocks to underneath the Harbour Bridge and to the Opera House.

“Today, people call it The Rocks because homes here used to be made of sandstone,” Coach Scott says. “It’s on the traditional land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. They’re actually one of the oldest living cultures in the world.”

Sydney running
Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The run is kept interesting by using a technique called “Pyramid Running” – also known as Fartlek – to gradually increase intensity before paring back the effort again. While Coach Scott talks listeners through a few facts about the historic city he also cues in each stage, backed by a pop-fuelled playlist from Apple Music. All of a sudden you’ve run for 30 minutes.

The episode arrives in apt timing as training begins for avid runners and beginners for Australian races this season including City 2 Surf in August – a 14km route from Hyde Park in Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach – as well as the Nike Melbourne Marathon in October.

Motivation never arrived so easily. Sign up for access to an Apple Fitness+ subscription, here.