THE COOL DOWN: MARATHON WEEKEND WITH NIMBUS CO & FRIENDS
Melbourne goes all out for marathon weekend, and this year was no different. But inside The StandardX, things moved at a different pace as we teamed up with NIMBUS CO to help guests find their balance between the push and the pause.
Amidst the buzz of it all, we caught up with Nimbus Co-Founder – Neil O’Sullivan – as well as runners (and all-round wellness pros) Trent Knox and Alice Baquie to talk movement, mindfulness and the fine art of slowing down – eventually.
NEIL O’SULLIVAN – NIMBUS CO CO-FOUNDER
NIMBUS CO feels like more than a wellness brand. Can you talk us through your approach to holistic wellbeing and why it matters?
Nimbus is about creating space – physically and mentally – for Australians to reconnect with their bodies and minds. Founded in 2016 as the country’s first infrared sauna studio, it has evolved into a hub for preventative living, helping people slow down, reflect and maintain wellbeing in simple, achievable ways.
For me, true wellbeing isn’t about chasing perfection, the latest trend or hacking your health; it’s about what is accessible and achievable. While saunas are central to what we do, the most effective wellness rituals are often free – walking, sleep, cold showers, ocean dips and breathwork. It’s about consistency and what helps you feel grounded.
When people feel better, they show up better – for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. That’s really what wellness is about.
What has surprised you about the ways Aussies approach health and wellbeing since launching NIMBUS CO?
When we started in 2016, the idea of paying to sit in a sauna felt unusual to many. Our audience initially was 99% women. Fast forward to today and it’s the breadth of our community that surprises me most. People from all walks of life – athletes, students, tradies, CEOs – visit Nimbus seeking recovery and connection. Australians are embracing wellness as an everyday practice, not just something to engage with after exercise or once you’re already burnt out.
You’re partnering with The StandardX for the Melbourne Marathon. How important is the balance between fast and slow?
Balance is everything. Performance isn’t just about pushing hard; it’s knowing when to pause and recover. Marathon weekend is a perfect metaphor: you need to stop, breathe and reset. Recovery is where real performance emerges, and this partnership is helping guests at The StandardX do exactly that.
When you’re away from home, staying in hotels, how do you keep wellness routines going?
I like to keep it simple – focus on one or two non-negotiables. For me, that’s a quick workout, a cold shower or mindful breathing. Even small rituals help you stay grounded while travelling.
TRENT KNOX – THE 440 RUN CLUB
You‘ve credited running with helping you through some pretty hard times. Has pushing yourself physically had other influences on you that you weren’t expecting?
When I went back into sobriety and started seeking help for my mental health, it made me look at the way I train and compete. It forced me to look at a more holistic approach. More resting and recovery, what I eat, how I hydrate and how important mindfulness/meditation is to help manage it all. I guess it opened my eyes, heart and mind to the idea that age shouldn’t be a barrier when competing in sports.
Do you have a particular mantra you use or a mindset when you want to push yourself to the next level?
I’m a daily meditator and practice Vedic twice a day. I find that when I’m regular with that, it often helps me push effortlessly. Something I often chant when the going gets tough is “this is good for me”. It’s something we used to chant in the gym many years ago when I used to train with my brother and a bunch of older guys who also played a pivotal mentor role.
Running in often perceived as a solo sport, but there seems to be a real movement towards community. Why do you think run clubs like The 440 and have exploded in recent years?
Running is a wonderful solo sport. You can lace up your kicks and set off pretty much wherever you are. No need to rely on anyone or wait; you can just go. However, we as human beings crave connection, whether we believe it or not. Community connection is more important than ever with the rising awareness of people struggling with mental health. Bringing people together to move together is what helps us get better. Doing it regularly is what really helps. So it’s so important we keep these running communities going and encourage more community groups to emerge.
The Melbourne Marathon route gives you a really good sense of the different energy of our inner-city suburbs – is there a particular part you’re looking forward to?
I can’t wait to finish inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. I’ve never run inside a big stadium!
ALICE BAQUIE – PHYSIO, PILATES COACH AND FORRUNNERS FOUNDER
You’re big on movement – as a physio, runner and a Pilates pro, you must get all around! What are your favourite places for some movement in Melbourne?
The Tan and Albert Park Lake are my favourite ‘free movement spots’. With soft surfaces and greenery, they’re both a lovely sanctuary for a walk, a run or even Pilates on the grass. There’s something special about an oasis so close to the CBD.
What keeps you motivated to get up and go on the days that you’re just not feeling it?
A strong coffee and a good playlist or podcast always helps gee up for any movement. I also learned after so many injuries to reframe a lack of motivation to ‘I get to move’ not ‘I have to move’; which helps a lot.
How do you recover from a tough sweat session? Are you a big brekkie on Brunswick Street kind of person or more likely to take a slow walk through Carlton Gardens?
A short mobility Pilates flow after every run is my go-to for instant recovery. It prevents feeling like a tin man the next day and it’s not one of my favourite parts of the run. An ocean dip after a summer run is a close second. I use the forRunners app because you can whip it out anywhere, anytime.
What are some non-running rituals you like to indulge in to help set the right tone – good coffee, staycation, catch up with a good friend?
Wines with my girlfriends is near my top three favourite things to do to fill my literal and metaphorical cup. Sisterhood therapy is unmatched and hits the spot every time.
