Runner's World Podcast

As Runner's World UK turns 30, we took a cross section of runners from the running community and stuck them on the cover of the magazine. At the photo shoot for that cover, we chatted to them about running, what it means to them, how it's changed their lives and how they've used running to make change too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Marathon du Medoc to the Bacchus Half Marathon, running and wine have been paired together for many years. In his new book The Wine Runner, author Colin Renton decided to explore the combination further, visiting 12 European countries to discover new races and wine. Now back from this selfless reconnaissance mission, he shares with us some of his findings. Pick up a copy of The Wine Runner, complete with a list of the best wine-based running events, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine an Olympics in which drugs weren't just banned but actively encouraged? That's the idea behind the Enhanced Games, which we discuss on this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining us on the pod/vod is Damian Hall. One of the best ultra runners out there, making multiple day races look 'easy', Damian is also now a columnist for Runner's World so it seemed like the perfect time to have him along to discuss not only his running, parenthood and coaching, but all the work he does with The Green Runners and a new initiative called Into Ultra (check that at www.intoultra.org.uk). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in an era that lionises ‘smashing’ workouts, but is that really the path to sustained improvement? Tom Craggs, national endurance manager for England Athletics, doesn’t think so. Tune in for Craggs’ insights on the real path to better running – one that’s sustainable, enjoyable and built on firm foundations. Ben Hobson also discusses his own recent experiments with ‘slow intervals’, as espoused by Klaas Lok in his book, Easy Interval Method. If you’re interested in learning more, the book is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the September issue of the magazine, we celebrate 30 years of Runner's World with a list of 30 people who have had a HUGE impact on running in the last 30 years. The podcast this week focuses on a sample of those people and why we believe they are important. Who did we choose? You better listen to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dream team is reunited as Rick and Jane are back and Ben isn't a loner anymore (much to everyones relief). That being said, the main chat with the LEGEND that is Haile Gebrselassie is just Ben and Haille talking, but that's ok because it's him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not to bang on about it, but Ben went to Kenya recently and got to see how adidas use their athletes to test and feedback on new products. In this episode, you'll hear us out on the roads of Iten following athletes, feedback over a cup of tea and then a longer chat with Spencer, who is senior director of sports marketing for running at adidas and we talked about how product is informed by athletes, the need for innovation, the end consumer and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest this week is Simon Lamb, a runner, massage therapist, teacher and writer who suffers from a severe form of bipolar disorder and Obsessive Compolsive disorder (OCD), which has at times become life threatening. Simon kindly came and met for a chat about running and how it’s always been part of life, the role it plays in managing his bipolar and OCD and how it has improved his mental and physical health. We also talk about his change to a vegan diet, reversing his diabetes, his love of books and much more. As a warning, we do discuss topics such as suicide in the podcast, You can find out more about Simon and on his Go Fund Me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most runners train on a 7-day cycle, with the long run on the weekend. But could a 10-day (or even 14-day) training cycle be a better approach? Coach and Team GB ultrarunner Robbie Britton discusses the pros and cons of the 10-day schedule. Find Robbie on Instagram @ultrabritton and at robbiebritton.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Night of the 10K PBs happening this Saturday (20th May), we speak with RW columnists and England Athletics' head of road running Tom Craggs about how to get the most from yourself over the classic distance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re speaking with author and trail runner Rachel Hewitt about her new book In Her Nature: How Women Break Boundaries in the Great Outdoors that documents the unsung heroes of female running and how their history and achievements are being lost. You can order Rachel's book here at Penguin Books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She's run in deserts, jungles and mountains, but ultrarunner Susie Chan can now be most frequently found on a treadmill – specifically, as one of Peloton's running instructors. She talks about her route into running, hallucinating during an ultramarathon and why treadmill running is much more fun than people think. Check out Susie's running on Instagram: @susie_chan_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bonus episode from Ben's trip to Kenya features a conversation with Claudio Berardelli, head coach at 2 Running Club in Kenya and the man behind the plan that is producing some of the fastest distance athletes in the world right now, including Evans Chebet, Benson Kipruto, Amos Kipruto and many more. Is there such a thing as the 'Kenyan' training method? Let's find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Poole joins us to talk through his list of the 'hardest' races in the world. Yes, we all agree that on an individual level, whatever race you're facing is most likely the hardest, but this list is all about those races that have you gawping in wonder at the sheer size and scale of them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A part of the ongoing series of bonus episodes from Ben's trip to Kenya, here is a conversation with defending London Marathon champion, Amos Kipruto. Ben join Amos at 2 Running Club, a training camp in the town of Kapsebet that is pretty much a second home for many of adidas’s top runners, including the recently crowned 2023 Boston Marathon champ Evans Chebet. Ben and Amos discussed the success that this running club is having, the reasons why the runners are performing so well, Amos’s ambitions to defend his title at the weekend and how a positive outlook even in the face of injury is the only way to be successful as a runner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Team GB star, 400m hurdler extraordinaire and all-round legend Perri Shakes-Drayton joins us this week. Having hung up her spikes in February 2020, the second-fastest British female over the 400m hurdles has set herself a very different running challenge: to complete this year's London Marathon. In the process, she's raising money for the Tommy's, the pregnancy and baby loss charity, and says she's found marathon training surprisingly enjoyable. For more on Perri Shakes-Drayton, check her out at the below links: Instagram @itspsd Youtube mikeandperri Perri's Justgiving page Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of our podcasts this month are going to be marathon-focused. But April is also Bowel Cancer Awareness month, and our guest this week is the remarkable Nathaniel Dye. Nathaniel was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, aged just 37. Despite the diagnosis, he is still running and hoping to complete an ultra at some point in the future. More than that, though, he says that running has taught him the importance of persevering and continuing to move forwards. To follow Nathaniel’s cancer journey from 100 miles to cancer and (hopefully) back again, visit his blog: nathanielscancerchronicle.site For more information on the symptoms and signs of bowel cancel, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of a few bonus episodes from a recent trip to Kenya, Ben spoke to Peres Jepchirchir as she filmed a documentary about her life, visiting the town where she grew up. Ben and Peres discuss the importance of family and community and how running isn't just about running fast, her ambitions to run more world records and what she wants her legacy to be. More episodes coming soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we speak with one of the rising stars of British distance running, Emile Cairess. Already the British 10-mile record holder, Cairess will be taking on the London Marathon next month. He shares with us his refreshingly back-to-basics training philosophy, which includes running with a Casio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrated author Richard Askwith comes on the podcast to discuss the lessons he learned through writing and researching his latest book, The Race Against Time, which looks at the world of masters running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Barkley Marathons is widely regarded as being the world's toughest ultramarathon, completed by only 17 people in its 35-year history. Author and ultrarunner Michiel Panhuysen knows firsthand how difficult it is, having competed in it multiple times, and his new book In the Spell of the Barkley (Bloomsbury, £15.29) offers some hard-won wisdom on "the race that eats its young". On this week's episode, Panhuysen provides some illuminating insights into the Barkley, its characters and the qualities required to succeed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Often considered a training and racing technique for those new to running, the run/walk approach has infinite potential for those willing to embrace a little purposeful strolling when running. Running coach Laura Fountain joins us to discuss all things run/walk and perhaps why you should give it a go on your next long run. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before retiring from cycling last year, Alex Dowsett was the only known elite sportsperson with haemophilia to compete in an able-bodied field. He's now setting his sights on the London Marathon to raise money for his charity, Little Bleeders (littlebleeders.com), and shares some inspiring lessons from his remarkable career. Co-hosts Rick and Ben also share the expert approved seven strength moves all runners need to do (see below for details) Dr Richard Blagrove is one of the foremost experts in strength and conditioning, having worked with some of the UK’s top runners at St Mary’s and Loughborough universities. So when Blagrove was asked, on Matthew Boyd's The Adaptive Zone podcast, what the seven best strength exercises are for runners, his answers are worth noting down. Here’s what he said: 1. A squat-type movement, such as a front squat or back squat. 2. A hinge-hip movement pattern, such as a Romanian deadlift or a deadlift from the ground. 3. A stepping movement pattern, such as a barbell or dumbbell step-up (try holding the dumbbell only in one hand to challenge your trunk). 4. A lunge pattern, such as a split squat 5. Loaded single leg calf-raise or a calf-press hold on a leg press. 6. Pull-ups on a bar 7. Standard press-ups For a gold star, add in some deadbug exercises, which will recruit your hip flexors a little bit more. Do these exercises twice a week to see the benefits. If you struggle to fit in two whole workouts, consider doing 10-15 minutes a day, with the aim of accumulating the same amount of work per week as two full sessions. In terms of reps, for novices, Blagrove recommends 10-12. As you become more trained, you can vary the repetition ranges. For instance, you could try a more maximal block, where you go as low as 3 reps. And then work a bit more in the middle ground, between 5-10 reps. By the end of each exercise, aim to be on a perceived exertion level of about 8 out of 10. ‘That will tell me they’ve got maybe two or three repetitions in reserve, which is about right,’ said Blagrove. ‘You’re working hard but not to complete failure.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show, we speak with the world-renowned performance coach Steve Magness about his latest book, Do Hard Things, in which he looks at why we get it all wrong when it comes to mental strength – and what true toughness actually looks like. Steve's website: stevemagness.com Steve's latest book: Do Hard Things Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show, Rick and Ben discuss running and stress. Is there a 'sweet spot' when it comes to pushing our bodies? And what other factors should we consider when putting together a training programme? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TV presenter and radio host Jenni Falconer joins us to talk about her love for running, coming back from injury, becoming obsessed with golf and so much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time to turn your back on running? With the search term 'backwards running' becoming ever more popular, it seems more of use are putting our running into reverse gear. Converts say it bulletproofs their knees, but what evidence currently exists as to its benefits? Running physio Tom Goom (running-physio.com) sifts through the latest studies to give us an expert opinion on the pros and cons of backwards running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Photographer and film maker Emily Maye joins us to talk about how she approaches taking pictures of runners and what led her and Tracksmith to make an 84 minute film about the long run. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Spine Race is a 268-mile, non-stop ultramarathon taking in the entirety of the Pennine Way. The winter edition takes place in January, meaning competitors must battle snow, wind and sub-zero temperatures, as they make their way from Edale, Derbyshire, to Kirk Yeltholm, Scotland. Little wonder it’s become known as “Britain's most brutal race”. Our guests this week are male winner Damian Hall and second-placed female Hannah Rickman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britain's Elsey Davis recently broke winter Bob Graham Winter Round, battling challenging conditions to finish in a time of 20hrs 21mins. She speaks to the RW team about her training and why she now prefers trail running to road running. Follow Elsey on Insta: @elseydavis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and runner Gavin Boyter joins us this week to discuss planning running adventures. Gavin is run the length of the country and even further, crossing continents all in search of adventure on two feet, so we got him on to talk all about how set goals and make all runs, long or short, more adventurous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian, bestselling-author and marathon runner Helen Thorn is our guest this week. She explains why she took up running in her forties and how it's made her healthier and happier. Check out Helen on Instagram: @itsmehelenthorn Listen to the Scummy Mummies podcast, co-hosted by Helen: scummymummies.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To round off 2022, and celebrate the 200th episode of the RW podcast, we invite the entire team to join us. Together, we look at the running highlights of 2022, discuss some the '200-themed' running topics and do a running-related Christmas quiz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Fleshman is one of the most decorated distance runners in US history. And her experience at the sharp end of athletics has given her a unique insight into a system ‘designed by men, for men’. Part memoir, part manifesto, her new book, Good for a Girl, is a rallying cry for a reform of the sports landscape. Pre-order Good for a Girl (Virago, £20) now: store.virago.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having turned 50 this year, Runner's World Editor in Chief, Andy Dixon, decided to mark the occasion as only a runner would - running a 50 mile race. Andy came on another episode to talk about his prep and now he's back to share the knowledge he gained and how having done over 20 marathons helped and didn't when taking on an ultra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, elite marathoner Rose Harvey discusses her incredible rise from club runner to pro athlete, culminating in a 2:27 finish at this year's London Marathon. She discusses the changes she's made to her training, favourite marathon sessions and why she's new dreaming of the Olympics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, runner, writer and historian Sam Edwards (runninghistorian.com) goes through the annals of running history to create a shortlist of people who have cheated. In doing so, he finds there's often more of a grey area than we might think, and that in some instance so-called cheaters may not be morally bankrupt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Thompson is one of Britain’s best distance runners. He’s won silver in the 10,000m at the 2010 European Championships, is a three-time winner of the Great South Run, held and still holds British records for 5k and 10k and won the 2021 British Marathon trial a month shy of his 40th birthday. Yeah, that guy. The one who did the shouting. We talk training techniques, but also get into some deeper stuff too; it's got it all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all about that base this week, as top running coach Tom Craggs comes on to talk all things base training: what it is, why you should do it, and how to make it work for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, best-selling author Chris McDougall talks about his new book, Born to Run 2. The long-awaited follow-up to Born to Run is a hybrid of inspiring running stories and practical training advice. McDougall discusses the impact of Born to Run, why he's still a firm believer in minimalism and why he hopes his new book can bring back the joy to people's running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Judd is best known as the drummer in McFly and a former winner of Strictly Come Dancing, but he's also an avid runner – and has his sights set on a sub-3hr marathon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we're joined by running historian Katie Holmes (runyoung50.co.uk) to discuss five pioneering females who changed our wonderful sport forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coach Manni joins Jane and Ben to break down what aerobic running is and what impact it has on the many different systems in the body. What does this mean? Well, we chat through how aerobic running effects your skeletal, muscular, cardio vascular, metabolic and nervous system. It's one great big science lesson, but better than the ones at school. Coach Manni is a physiotherapist, founder of Cultural Health, LDN Select running team and is a Nike running coach. Find out more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know the physical and mental benefits of running are mega, but did you know that all runners are only a few footsteps away from being geniuses? This isn't true, but thankfully Dr Josephine Perry joins Ben and Kate to set the record straight on how running can dramatically improve cognitive health and make us smarter! Dr Josie has is a sports psychologist and has written actual books on the subject, find out more at her website performanceinmind.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Relay events tend to involve four people running very quickly round an oval track. The Running out of Time relay is on a different scale entirely. Beginning on 30 September 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland (COP 26 host city), it will see a baton travel 7,767km to Sharm el-Sheikh, Eqypt (COP27 host city). The record-breaking relay, which will go through 18 countries and take 18 days, is trying to raise awareness about the climate emergency. Co-founder of the event Jamie Hay tells us more. To find out more about the Running out of Time relay, or to help out on one of the legs, visit the website or social media pages below: running-out-of-time.com @climaterelay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The actor and comedian looks ahead to running the London Marathon. His preparation has been somewhat unorthodox, including dodging poisonous snakes in northern Australia, but he says he loves running for the headspace it provides. But can he beat his previous time, set back in 1999, of 3:33? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined once again by Gareth Cole, founder and head of performance at Coach London, this time we're talking all things knee; how it works, what affects its function when running, how to make it stronger and everything else in between. If you've ever had knee pain of problems, this is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 19th September 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Emil Zatopek, who was voted by a source no less esteemed than Runner’s World as history’s greatest ever runner – so we discussed why. Here are eight of many reason why he was a great runner and great human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben and Rick are joined by journalist, running coach and the fastest panda to run a marathon, Kate Carter to discuss 12 race day tips offered up by athletes, coaches and general running people so that you're as ready as you can be when race day arrives. They also have many examples of what not to do, from personal experience, so that's worth hearing/a laugh too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices