Runner's World Podcast

Welcome to the first RW podcast of 2021! Happy New Year and all that jazz. In this episode Rick, Jane and Ben sit down to reflect on some running highlights of 2020 and how the new year and another lockdown brings a chance for runners, new and old, to keep doing what they love to do, plus they discuss how you never really stop being a beginner and why that's a good thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben talks to master trainer and knowledge sponge, Gareth Cole, who has been a coach for more than 30 years and is more recently the co-founder of Coach London to discuss the benchmark of all movement, the gait cycle. It's something referenced a lot in running, but what is it? Gareth breaks down why and how it's used for assessing runners and how it can help you become a better runner. And no, it's not about finding out what shoes to buy. There is also some #RUNSOME news in the form of running mayors. For more info on that then listen to the #RUNSOME podcast and then visit runsome.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FKT (Fastest Known Time) has been the pursuit of a special kind within running. Heralded routes or rounds have been attempted by many, but only a few can say they did it fastest. Ally Beaven's new book, Broken, is all about the rise of the FKT and how this bizarre year with no racing has meant more runners have been chasing down FKTs. You can buy Ally's book direct from Vertebrate Publishing here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Human Rights Day, 10th Dec 2020, One Run Global are uniting thousands of people from 195 countries as they run, walk or move their body for one hour to raise funds to end child discrimination. Whether it’s running a 10k in your local park with friends or walking around the dinner table due to lockdown restrictions, everyone is invited. Co-Founder Dan Bent joins us to tell us more. Check out OneRun.Global for more info Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we speak with BBC newsreader and journalist Sophie Raworth. Unless you’ve taken the unusual stance of not tuning in to the news in 2020 (in which case, you’re in for a bit of a shock), you’ll be very familiar with Raworth. What you may not know is that the face of BBC news is also a passionate and impressive runner. And this year, as she has navigated the personal and professional stresses of the pandemic, she says running has been her saviour. Ahead of her cover feature in the next issue of Runner's World, she joins us on the podcast to talk lockdown, London and why running is her release valve... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ethiopian men hold six of the top fastest marathon times ever. The female 5,000m and 10,000m records are also held by natives of the East African nation. In Ethiopia, running is not a pastime but a central pillar of life – but what can we learn from the way they train? Michael Crawley, a 2:20 marathon runner and assistant professor in social anthropology at Durham University, spent 15 months in Ethiopia training alongside some of the country’s best runners and distilled his findings into the excellent Out of Thin Air: Running Wisdom and Magic From Above the Clouds in Ethiopia. Follow Michael on Twitter: @mphcrawley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode, RW catches up with Nick Butter, the first person to have run a marathon in every country around the world. Nick has distilled some of the highs, lows and lessons learned into a book, Running the World, which is out now. Elsewhere, Rick and Ben discuss dubious pieces of running kit and ask: where's the strangest place you've ever run? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we discuss harassment on the run with Cat Roberts. With lockdown mark II set to begin, Rick and Ben look at why running is actually ace in colder weather – and there's science to prove it which you can read here – while the merits of lighter footwear are also debated; spoiler they can make you faster, but by how much!? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The journalist, runner and presenter at the Running Channel explains why she's switched her focus from the marathon to the 5K – and why now is the perfect time to do the same. Kate also talks about her favourite 5K workouts and the importance of strength and conditioning. We also have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make runners seen, and heard, in the Highway Code. Please sign the petition to make the roads safer, happier places for all of us: http://bit.ly/RunSomeLetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The plus-size model, mental health campaigner and runner talks about the importance of accepting your body, why larger people can be healthy too, and how to stay positive during the winter months. Shareefa J also looks ahead to the Vitality London 10,000, which is taking place virtually this year and following the theme 'Celebrate You'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's podcast we're talking to Cory Wharton-Malcolm and Matilda Egere-Cooper about what the future of Black running could and should look like, how representation in the media is crucial to making running accessible, the influence of Black designers and athletes on running fashion, what changes still need to be made and everything else in between. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We catch up with the world's greatest adventure runner, Jon Albon, and discuss the power of saying 'yes' to challenges. Albon is the subject of a new film, Finding my Feet, available to view now at Endurance TV. We also look back at a highly unusual London Marathon and ask why TV coverage of running is so basic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the London Marathon this weekend, we look at the likely contenders, the brand new course and the 'virtual' marathon being offered to the masses. We also hear about the time that the Clash's Joe Strummer ran the London Marathon in 1983, as told by music photographer Steve Rapport. Check out some of Steve's images of the race on his Instagram. 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 Scott Cain, who joins us to discuss the #runsome campaign and how we can all use running to reduce our reliance on cars for shorter journeys, help bring running into the conversations around active travel and ideally change the way we move about urban and rural environments so it won't be so centred so much around car, but people. For more info on the whole campaign please head to runsome.org and get involved. You can also follow them on twitter and instagram, just search @RunSomeHQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben is joined by Kerry this week as they discuss all thing running kit, how to choose the best bits and what you really need when it comes to shoes, socks, shorts and Apologies for the dip in auto quality this week, some issues both human and technical meant a bit of a delay BUT we will be back next sounding excellent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 10th is world suicide prevention day. In light of this, Ben sat down with runner and cyclist Leon Cerrone to have an open conversation about his suicide attempts, how running plays a part in managing his mental health and why the topic needs to spoken about in an honest way. If you're struggling with depression or having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone. There are numerous charities that can help, some are listed below - Calm: 0800 585858 www.thecalmzone.net HopeLine UK 0800 068 4141 www.papyrus-uk.org Lifeline (N.Ireland) 0808 808 8000 www.lifelinehelpline.info Samaritans:116 123 (free of charge from a landline or mobile) www.samaritans.org SHOUT Text 85258 https://www.giveusashout.org/ 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 Dr Andrew Jones, who has worked alongside the world’s greatest marathoners. He helped guide Paula Radcliffe to her record-breaking run and also with Eliud Kipchoge on the Breaking2 project. Now he’s attempting his own marathon feat: to break the three-hour mark aged 50. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With most races being cancelled and London announcing it will be holding a virtual race this year, perfecting your virtual racing prep could see you clocking up a PB despite the lack of normal race conditions. Kieran Alger joins us to explain how to do this, including perfecting your route, hydration and tracking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Watkins has represented Team GB over 800m but fell out of love with running to pursue a career as a frontman in various rock bands. Now he's combining his two passions – music and and punk rock – in a series of hilarious, on-the-run music reviews. He talks about his running philosophy, how to become a running punk and why metal is a surprisingly good genre to run to. Check out Jimmy's music reviews here: @runningpunks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Founder of The Outrunners Charity, Tyler Williams-Green, spoke to Ben about how the running club he set up to help a few friends train for a marathon has become a charity aiming to elevate and guide young people in Hackney, as well as dish out some solid training on a Tuesday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ultrarunner Damian Hall speaks to RW about his recent Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 268-mile Pennine Way. Hall, who now holds five FKT records in the UK, talks about sleep deprivation, rivalries, and fuelling on hummus and avocado sandwiches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like other off-road pursuits such as hiking and BMX-ing, trail running is overwhelmingly white and middle-class. Coming on the podcast to discuss why this is – and how we can change it – are Sabrina Pace-Humphreys and Sonny Peart. Together, they've helped to create Black Trail Runners, a community and campaigning group aiming to encourage more people of colour on to the trails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Walmsley is arguably the most exciting ultrarunner on the planet. The world record holder over 50 miles and two-time winner of the Western States, Walmsley goes hard from the gun, daring others to follow him – either to glory or oblivion. Runner's World caught up with him to discuss the art of the 100-mile race, why he loves running from the front and what he plans to do next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With lockdown beginning to ease in the UK, running coaches are tentatively returning to in-person coaching but major challenges and considerations still exist. Laura Fountain – UK Athletics coach, author and founder of Lazy Girl Running – drops in to talk about how she's had to adapt what she does, and what lessons she's learned during this challenging period. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A legend within the fell running community, Steve Birkinshaw has won races including the Dragons's Back and Lakeland 100. He held the record for the Wainwrights Round in the Lake District and wrote a book about that gruelling experience, There is No Map In Hell. We speak to him about the lost art of map reading and the qualities – both physical and mental – it requires to run well in the mountains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With more people returning to their places of many, but many people still nervous about taking public transport to get there, the 'run commute' has never been more tempting. Kieran Alger discusses the benefits of run commuting, alongside the knowledge and tech you need to make it a more enjoyable experience. 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 a fell runner, climber and award-winning poet. When she’s not teaching creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, Helen can be found in the fell, indulging her love of hill running. Having written a guide to running in the Lake District, .She talks about how running informs her creative process and why society is suspicious of women, and particularly mothers, who take risks. helenmort.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Co-founder of Track Mafia and Nike+ running coach, Cory joined us to talk about diversity in running, discussing how representation matter when trying to encourage more people from the BAME community to take up running. We also talked hill reps, podcasting in the bath and much, much more. Here is the link to the Track Mafia videos we filmed a few years ago, take a look, there are two videos so watch them both - An Evening With Track Mafia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fasted running has become a ‘buzzword’ among runners, but Haroon Mota took the term to a new level when he ran 260km during the month of Ramadan. In doing so, he raised £50,000 for the Penny Appeal. We spoke to him about this amazing feat and how he started running as a bucket list thing to do, how it helped him when his dad sadly passed away and how he hopes to encourage more members of the BAME community to take up running. We also talk tech with Kieran Alger, who questions whether we're already paying for Strava with our data and believes there MIGHT be a very nerdy solution to all those random and inaccurate runs when your GPS lets you down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Blythe raced at the highest level within the world of professional cycling for 10 years, but when he retired last year he needed something to do to keep fit, so he started running. We talk to him about what he enjoys about running, what it's like to be a newbie to a sport again, how wine helps you run a fast 5K and why leather bum bags are no good at holding stuff when running. There is also a quiz, though not a very good one, and then Ben tells Rick a story about a bear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest this week has been described as ‘the Indiana Jones of running’. Instead of hunting for ancient artifacts, however, Shane Benzie has been helping people rediscover the lost art of running. He’s the world expert in something called fascia – the elastic webbing that encases our muscles. Shane has been working with a host of world-class athletes to help them tap into this incredible energy source. For more on Shane's work, visit runningreborn.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and long-standing RW columnist Sam Murphy on how running has lost its lustre for her during lockdown – and how she's trying to get it back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest of the week is also our man tech man Kieran Alger, so we did some normal running chat that covered off how we're all finding running without races on the horizon and then we dive into some tech chat about the new Polar Grit X watch, etiquette on chasing Strava segments and some running tech for those on a budget. Rick and Ben discuss headphones and running (again) and then read out some fantastic letters that we received this week that made us feel all warm about running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the RW podcast, we hear from Steven Crompton about his recent attempt to run across Africa. Steven was raising funds for Challenge Child Poverty and on his trip encountered scorching temperatures, chaotic borders and dangerous wildlife. Also, Rick and Ben talk strength and conditioning, 'critical velocity' training and why running feels harder during the lockdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bumper episode with many guests, all of whom are brilliant. First up, fellow podcasters Ned Boulting, Laura Laker and Adam Tranter aka Streets Ahead join us to discuss the impact that COVID-19 is and should be having on transport infrastructure and how the way we engage with our environment needs to change. Rick then chats to to the inspirational and impressive Eleanor Davis, who is not only an elite marathoner but is also a doctor fighting COVID-19. This episode is also explicit as Ned says sh*t. Sorry about that, but it was justified. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Event Director at The London Marathon, Hugh Brasher, and CEO of Human Race, Nick Rusling speak to Ben and Rick about The 2.6 Challenge, a fund raising event taking place on Sunday 26th April when thousands of runners would have been taking to the street of London to run the marathon and raise millions of pounds for numerous charities. The real significance of the race not taking place isn't about medals, it's about the money normally raised not being there for charities who need it, and that's where the 2.6 Challenge comes in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the RW podcast, we discuss the importance of running outside, Ben runs 5K for the NHS and Rick sets himself an unusual challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can the skills we learn through running – endurance, resourcefulness, patience – help us during the current crisis? Author Adharanand Finn believes so. Also discussed is the current tension between runners and dog walkers, and the small positives that have come out of the pandemic. For more from Adharanand Finn, listen to his podcast, The Way of the Runner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A double guest episode with physio and runner Bradley Scanes (@physiobrad) joining us to discuss the drop off in training for those who were training for a spring marathon, how to maintain some running form during isolation and how to approach an autumn marathon and then Rick had a chat with Kevin Betts, the co-founder of virtual running club Run Things on how in the current climate, virtual running clubs are offering a sense of community without the physical interaction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben and Rick chat all things running solo and being responsible as a runner during these turbulent times and then tech guru Kieran Alger joins us (remotely) to round up some of the best running gadgets to keep you happy and healthy in self-isolation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded in separate locations, Rick and Ben battled technical gremlins and sat down to talk about COVID-19, cancelled races and how to keep running during these unprecedented times. Robbie Britton shares some advice on how to maximise on all the training you have done this year, while Rick and Ben discuss running your own marathon, exercises to do when self-isolating and how being active is perhaps the greatness weapon in our arsenal during these high-stress times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bumper episode this week; journalist, podcaster and now author Amy Lane aka @wellness_Ed joins us to talk about her running journey, how to make it suck less, the pressure of instagram and her new book. Rick and Ben discuss staying positive in training when your race might be cancelled, those funny looking new Hoka shoes and we have an inspiring listener message all the way from Vietnam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian Tom Lucy pops in to tell us why he's running the London Marathon, tech guru Kieran Alger has been building his lung capacity and RW's Kerry McCarthy talks coronavirus and planking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss the wonderful world of race excuses with RW's chief sub editor, John Carroll, and Tom Budgen from Vegan Runners makes the case for running as a plant-based athlete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined in the studio by RW columnist and nutritionist Kim Pearson to talk about the pros and cons of a vegan diet for runners. We only mention Game Changers once, we promise, the rest is just an open discussion about why and if you should be changing the way you eat and what it might do to your body and your running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane went out to New York for what Nike were calling its 'Olympic Summit' but it turned out to be the global alphafly launch, so armed with her microphone she recorded this special episode, interviewing Tony Bignell, VP of footwear innovation and finding out what the latest ruling from World Athletics really means in relation to this shoe, what Nike are doing to meet the new rules and the greater implications to the sport. She then caught up with KJT and Dina Asher-Smith to discuss their preparation for Tokyo 2020. This was recorded at a live event so the audio in places is patchy. This special has not been sponsored by Nike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A double dose of running chat this week as RW columnist, comedian and now author Paul Tonkinson joins us in the studio to discuss his new book as well as how running is a form of escapism, while Damian Hall joins us on the phone to discuss his recent record breaking run of the Paddy Buckley and his return to the UTMB. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author, CEO and founder of Silverfit, Eddie joins us to explain how starting running at 50 helped her discover a passion for being active and started her on a journey towards helping others achieve more than they ever thought possible. Eddie was recently names on the Lucozade Sport 50 Movers List, which recognises some of the UK's most inspirational fitness advocates. Kieran Alger steps in to co-host with Ben, whilst also delivering his monthly dose of tech, focusing very much on the environmental impact that running shoes are having and Kerry tops off the episode with some news, including his return to parkrun and why a trip to Woolacombe isn't for the fainthearted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the impacts of climate change being felt around the world, we look at what runners can do to reduce their carbon footprint. From run-commuting to rejecting race T-shirts, there are plenty of ways we can all become greener runners. Need more inspiration? We speak with Rima Chang (aka Tyre Lady), who's dragging a tyre around marathons and ultras in a bid to raise awareness about reducing waste @tyrelady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the news last week that Kenenisa Bekele will be running the London Marathon this year and thus racing against Eliud Kipchoge, we discuss what an amazing race this could be if both runners bring their A-game and how it could be too close to call. We also discuss the impact that a possible banning of the Nike NEXT% could have and finally on a lighter night, with the imminent arrival of Rick's first child, he and Ben have a chat about kids, running and great it can all be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices