RunPod

Welcome back to The RunPod Run Club, where members of all running abilities, styles, speeds, shapes and sizes are welcome. Your stories are all different, your running journeys have taken you on different paths and so let's continue in this series of bonus mid-week episodes, meeting another member of the ‘RunPod Run Club’. This week in the Run Club is Ashley Fraser. Ashley started running when she got a place in the London marathon in 2017 and it changed her life. She talks to Jenni about the wonderful running community, how she isn't a competitive runner but how running makes her a better person physically and mentally, the motivation of small wins, going from running 3k up to full marathons and how the day of the London marathon can be one of the best in your life.

Another gathering of the RunPod Run Club and this time Jenni is joined by one of the our greatest 400m sprinters, the current UK record holder, Iwan Thomas. Iwan may well have retired from competing in the 400m after winning medals at all major championships but he has most certainly not stopped running! In fact, he’s run further this year than ever before…this year, Iwan decided to enter a 100 mile race. In this episode, we hear why he decided to set himself this epic challenge, how he prepared and can a sprinter really also be an ultra-marathoner? It’s a truly inspiring listen and you will without doubt be in awe of Iwan once you hear his ultra marathon story. Enjoy.

The RunPod Run Club has grown so much since it first started and in that time, has become a wonderful, friendly and supportive community of runners. There are members of all running abilities, styles, speeds, shapes and sizes. Everyone is welcome. With that in mind, it soon became clear that some of the best guests are in fact you, the members of the club, the ones who listen to the podcast. Your stories are all different, your running journeys have taken you on different paths and so now in this series of bonus mid-week episodes, we are going to meet the ‘RunPod Run Club’. First up, Neil Holmes shares his story. Neil has always been very fit and active, until last year when something happened which turned his world upside down. Neil tells his tale and explains why running is now a little more challenging, yet something he’s determined to do. It’s a truly inspiring listen.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by someone who brings new words to running lexicon. No matter which words you use to describe your run-positive, or less complimentary, you will find this episode of Runpod insightful - from a running tips point of view or from a vocabulary perspective for Jenni is joined by a one of the most eloquently spoken people on the box. Tom Read Wilson has a truly fabulous and unique way with words. He is best known as the ‘Celebs Go Dating’ receptionist but is about to give you a lesson in all words running related - thankfully he is also a runner. How to motivate yourself, reasons to run and the joy of a morning run routine are all discussed in this fun episode which will absolutely keep you going on your next outing. Happy running.

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni chats to a man who’s known for being mega-fit. He is James Crossley, aka Hunter from the long-running ITV series, ‘Gladiators’. James and Jenni discuss all things running as well as what you can do to compliment your run fitness. If you would like to see performance improvement, physique enhancement and fitness gains, then James has a ton of tips which will come in very handy. It’s a great listen about a bodybuilder who took up running. Truly perfect for those wanting to be motivated whilst out for a run. Enjoy. --- L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off all purchases online and in-store, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid until 12th September 2021, exclusions apply.

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by relatively new runner and reality star, Josh Patterson. JP is known well for his time in ‘Made in Chelsea’ but is gaining a new following of runners due to his might impressive recent challenges. Although Josh only started running in the last 2 years, he’s already pushed himself to the absolute limit. Not many of us would be able to run continuously for 24 hours but Josh can, and by the way he might well make you want to rise to the challenge too. What’s most impressive about JP is that he’s new to running yet has already achieved more than most of us. In saying this, his reason to run is entirely inspiring and will inevitably motivate you to keep you going whilst out. Enjoy. Happy running! --- L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off all purchases online and in-store, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid until 12th September 2021, exclusions apply.

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by a Gold medal winning Olympian fresh off the jet from Tokyo! Joe Choong represented Team GB in the Modern Pentathlon and returned to Britain with a lovely bit of bling! The first British man to take gold in this event. Joe chats to Jenni about the moment he knew he was going to win the gold medal and what it feels like to be the world number one in the sport. They discuss fellow Team GB competitor, Kate French, who also won Gold in the Women’s Pentathlon. You’ll hear about training for an event like this and how intensive it is when you have to excel at 5 different disciplines. We learn which of those 5 modern pentathlon disciplines is the hardest, which is the preferred and Joe shares a ton of tips for anyone keen to improve their own running. Also he touches on how training for the modern pentathlon compares to other running events. A great listen with a brilliant athlete who has most certainly made us all incredibly proud and after this episode you never know he might even inspire you to join a local modern Pentathlon club! --- L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off all purchases online and in-store, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid until 12th September 2021, exclusions apply.

Races are back! After so much time without pinning a number to your tshirt and picking up a finishers' medal, finally many events are back up and…running! It’s a welcome return and for many it’s the chance to put all those lockdown runs to the test. If you’re someone who’s gearing up for a first half marathon, then in this episode you will hear what it feels like to take part. In this episode Jenni is kept company by 2 brothers, professional dancers and first time half marathoners. Former Strictly dancer AJ and Love Island star Curtis Pritchard describe their experience of the London Landmarks Half. From pre-race nerves, to start-line atmosphere, the tough parts, the lessons learnt and the emotion of crossing the finish-line, you’ll get a real insight as to what taking part in a half marathon really feels like. In addition, you get an insight into AJ and Curtis’ home-life, the fitness advice they learnt from their parents, as well as maybe get on board with them in the new challenge they set themselves mid-episode. Perhaps you’ll want to try it too? It’s a great, fun episode, which will make you want to sign up for a race as soon as possible. Happy running. --- L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off all purchases online and in-store, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid until 12th September 2021, exclusions apply.

Mike Seaman loves running. He loves it so much, his life revolves around it - even his work is running related! Only a few years ago Mike realised there was a gap in the market for a place where runners could go and buy, talk, live and breathe all things running and so he created ‘The National Running Show’. In this episode we learn why he was absolutely the right man to be the founder of such an event, he shares his passion for running, his reasons to run and explains the overwhelming pride he feels when crowds turn up to his events. It’s a wonderful episode which will just make you want to grab your trainers, get out there and of course, book your tickets for the next National Running show!

After 18 months of everything and anything being cancelled, races being rescheduled and us all getting used to the 'virtual run', at long last we are seeing the return of actual organised running events and this weekend it’s The London Landmarks Half Marathon. In this episode Jenni speaks with the woman in charge, race director Lia Fyles, about the build up to the big day as well as chatting about the impact Covid has had on running events in the UK. Even if you are not taking part in this particular half marathon, it’s a great listen and will get you fired up and excited about the prospect of signing up for a race in the coming months. You’ll also get plenty of great race day tips. Races are so much more than just getting a PB, they’re about the camaraderie, the atmosphere and uniting with the running community and this episode certainly celebrates that. Enjoy.

It’s been said many times, everyone has their own reason to run - whether that be for fitness, mental health, weight loss, a personal challenge or for some, it is a mechanism to help cope with grief. In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by Will Goodge whose first run was only a few years ago along a boardwalk in California. It was a pivotal moment in his life, one that he associates with extreme joy. Within a year, life had done a complete u-turn. His mum had lost her battle with cancer and he was looking for something to help him cope with his grief. This is where the running comes in…. Will started running on days that meant something to his mum, Christmas, her birthday and then progressively he challenged himself a little more until he was running the length of the country, raising money in her honour. It’s a truly inspiring story of someone who’s reason to run was to partly escape, yet by running, he’s found something that’s now become a huge part of his life. Enjoy.

This week on RunPod, joining the RunPod Run Club is a comedian, podcaster, radio host and runner Ed Gamble! Ed talks to Jenni about his eureka moment when he lost weight and found out he liked to exercise at 23, running smugness, identifying as a plodder, coming up with ideas for jokes whilst running, not being a vegan, eating to run or running to eat and how his diabetes affects his running. A really entertaining listen. Enjoy!

This week joining Jenni in the Runpod Run Club is someone who knows something about motivation...and he's made a name out of it. It's Derrick Errol Evans MBE, a.k.a Mr Motivator! Derrick talks about the curative power of exercise, how he became Mr Motivator, adopting lessons from the past year, how its never too late to take up running, becoming more disciplined and how the healthier you are the better it is for everyone who matters in your life. Hopefully he can give you the motivation to put your runners on and get out there! Enjoy!

The new recruit this week is known more for the cha cha, the rumba and the salsa, than the jog, the sprint or the tabata. She’s a World Dance Champion and a regular on Strictly, in this episode Jenni is joined by the uber fun and incredibly talented Katya Jones! Now Katya took up running to maintain her fitness levels when she’s not dancing, which was most of lockdown. She quickly realised that although she is very much ‘dance-fit’, she really needed to get ‘run-fit’. Jenni and Katya discuss how fitness requirements for different sports vary so much; Katya explains why she never did any running whilst growing up in Russia. They also talk about how you can do decent dance training on a treadmill and why running is such a great way to get to know your local community. It was a lot of fun recording this episode - so we hope you enjoy listening.

In this week's episode of RunPod Jenni speaks to the lady who coached Jenni to her marathon PB. Yes, if you're in training for one of the many races coming up this year, this is definitely one for you. Karen Weir is a running and triathlon coach and PT, as well as being a parkrun ambassador and pioneer. She chats Jenni through the steps we all should be taking to help us achieve the goals we set, how walking can actually help us get that PB, the importance of weight training as we get older and she walks us through the different types of runs we should be incorporating into our running schedules. Enjoy!

Colin Jackson’s been in the public eye since he was a teenager, he’s had a hugely successful career as a sprinter and hurdler with some incredibly impressive world records. In this episode Colin explains race start-line tactics, the ‘dip’ at the finish line and how it can all go very wrong with a touch of over-confidence. Jenni and Colin take a look at some of the real issues affecting athletes heading out to Tokyo for the Olympic Games and touch on the pressure of being at the top of your game. They also discuss the negative impact of all that training and the upcoming medical treatment Colin now requires. Throughout the episode Colin offers great tips from his years of experience not only as a phenomenal athlete but also as a top trainer and coach. A truly wonderful listen with a lovely man, a brilliant coach and someone who remained unbeaten for almost 3 decades. Enjoy

For all runners, there is a distance that you dream of running. It could be a 5k, a 10k, a half or a full marathon. Or perhaps after hearing people enthuse about even longer runs, you’ve been tempted by an ultra. Well in this episode, mum, lawyer and runner, Anna Rutherford does a brilliant job at describing a race she completed a couple of months ago. Anna ran over 200 miles, smashing the race record in the process. Her story is incredible. She’d just given birth a few months earlier, she napped in 11 minute bursts and her secret weapon is something you may want to try yourself….it’s a food (of sorts) and was a huge help on her journey. After hearing Anna’s account of this epic run, I would be surprised if you don’t ask yourself ‘Could I do an ultra?’ Or perhaps you’ll ask, ‘When can I do an ultra?!’ Enjoy this hugely inspiring episode with a superwoman who said she’s 'nothing special’. I beg to differ. Happy running!

Returning to RunPod this week is Colson Smith, aka Craig from Corrie! He found running during lockdown and ever since it has quite literally changed his life for the better. He has documented his running journey in a new film, which is out now. ‘Bored of being the Fat Kid’ follows Colson as he embarks on a new health and fitness regime which has now become a way of life. Colson’s commitment to running is so inspiring and will absolutely motivate you to get off the sofa and head out for a run. He offers tons of brilliant tips and advice for new runners or anyone keen to improve and discusses at what point you can officially refer to yourself as ‘a runner’. A great episode with someone who has truly been bitten by the run bug. Enjoy.

Do you consider yourself a runner, a jogger or a plodder? In this episode of RunPod, the guest is adamant he’s a plodder! He also fully expected to have exhausted all running chat in approximately 5 minutes, then surprised himself by enthusing about the feelgood of running for a good 40 minutes. Journalist, quiz show host and former presenter of the ‘Today’ show, John Humphrys, is known for asking questions, yet for a change, here you hear him answer them. John’s been running for almost 50 years and started whilst in Washington DC reporting on the Watergate scandal. Despite his reluctance to admit he truly loves running, he gives a passionate account of exactly what he enjoys about it. He represents anyone who believes they’re ‘not really a runner’....but soon realises that actually, perhaps they really are! A great listen with the longtime Mastermind quizmaster. In this episode his specialized subject is running. Enjoy.

Some people like a challenge and they always seem like a good idea, at the time... Suzanne Shaw decided to set herself a running challenge that really wasn’t for the faint hearted. Running for 19 hours straight. Having only started her running journey at the start of lockdown last year, you’d have thought a marathon would be impressive enough but no, she went one further. She took on her challenge this week and so this episode of RunPod is all about it covering the highs, lows and everything in between. Jenni catches up with Suzi directly beforehand to find out how she’s feeling ahead of stepping, or should that be jogging, out her comfort zone. Then they catch up again immediately afterwards to find out if it went to plan, how it went and whether Suzi enjoyed the experience. A hugely inspiring episode which may leave you setting yourself your own epic challenge. Happy running!

It’s mental health awareness week and so this episode is particularly poignant. Jake Tyler has struggled with his mental health for a number of years. From the outside everything looked rosy, but in reality, he was fighting a private internal battle and was truly struggling. Jake’s honesty is humbling as he discusses the challenges he experienced whilst suffering from depression - and what he did to try and take control of it. One thing that helped was exercise. He started with going for a walk and developing a routine, a simple moment in the day that was something to focus on. Over time he walked further and further until the walking turned to running. Whilst not every run is fast and easy, each run does take him to a happier, more positive place, where he feels a little better. This sentiment is certainly something most of us can relate to. This episode is a discussion of how something as simple and pure as a run can help you to turn your life around, and lead you to feel more empowered, more in control and have a far more optimistic outlook. Jake’s story and experiences are incredibly inspiring, they might also make you consider setting some challenges so you too can feel even more alive. Happy running.

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by fellow radio presenter, podcaster and friend, Zoe Hardman. Zoe loves running but her experience of it has been limited in recent years due to injury. However now she’s back, giving it a go once again and absolutely loving being back out pounding the pavements. Jenni and Zoe discuss how being a runner doesn’t mean you have to sign up for long distance races and how making time for a run can make a huge difference to your mental health. It’s a totally relatable listen and will inspire you to grab your trainers and get out there!! Happy running.

There is much excitement about races and running events gradually starting back in the coming months and if you are tempted to sign up to run somewhere exotic, try something challenging or have a go at getting your first medal, well this episode of RunPod is just what you need. Tobias Mews is a journalist and adventure athlete who likes a serious challenge and has experienced most running events out there. In fact if there isn’t one on the cards, he’ll invent one! He’s run so many different races, he’s even written a book about them! He’s got bounds of energy, is ridiculously enthusiastic and a great raconteur making this episode an absolute must-listen. So which race is the most gruelling, which is the most ‘romantic’ and which is for beginners?.... Tobes tells Jenni about so many fascinating events that you’ll certainly fancy signing up for (at least) one. Enjoy. Happy running.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by two comedians who love to run and who are fellow podcasters. Just like all good ideas, their podcast was born whilst out running! Rob Deering and Paul Tonkinson’s friendship developed through their mutual love for pounding the pavements. So this episode is a totally relatable conversation between 3 people who all fully appreciate the joys of going for a simple run. They also all admit they savour the benefits and the feel-good effect of a decent run session and recognise that after time out in your trainers, running is the best therapy that gives an incredible natural boost of positivity. They chat hills, training, talking whilst running, hitting the wall, getting lost, gaining weight, losing weight and taking up running due to a mid-life crisis. A great episode that will be your perfect companion on your next run. Enjoy.

Some people discovered a love for running in lockdown, others found it in recent years but the guest on this week’s RunPod has been loving running as long as he can remember. In fact growing up, his dream was to be a triathlete.... Well, Daniel MacPherson is indeed a pretty nifty triathlete and runner but he’s also very well known as an actor. In the UK, he’s most recently been on our screens in ‘Strike Back’ but first grabbed our attention when he bagged his debut acting role in Neighbours. Ever since, he’s carved a hugely successful, international career alongside maintaining incredible fitness and has also added being a dad to the mix. He’s a busy boy but he made time to talk to Jenni and join the RunPod Run Club....whilst locked in quarantine in a hotel in Sydney!! So in this episode, they chat coping with 2 weeks isolated in a hotel room without getting out for fresh air and exercise. Why running is so much more than smashing PBs and the 3 words you need to repeat over and over on the days you’re struggling for motivation. A great listen that will inspire you to just get out there. Enjoy.

Whether you’re a new runner or you’ve been lacing up those trainers for years, we all know it can sometimes be difficult to fit in that run with work, life and family getting in the way, especially if you’re a mum. So this week Jenni speaks to the lady who’s responsible for setting up the world’s largest community for Mums, This Mum Runs. Joining the RunPod Run Club is Mel Bound. In this episode Mel discusses how and why she set up This Mum Runs, her mission to get a million mums on board in the next couple of years, the importance of community, her love of trail running and safety whilst running at night. An inspiring listen that'll make you want to get out there!

This long Easter weekend Jenni is joined by two reluctant runners and our first sibling duo on the podcast! Radio X's Toby Tarrant and Heart's Fia Tarrant not only share profession and parents, but both blame Jenni for getting them into trainers and pounding the pavements. They talk Toby's marathon motivation (beating his fiancées time), Fia's marathon to come and her enviable treadmill, how Jenni left Toby panting outside a Pret à Manger on a run, their competitive nature, the incredible pace of improvement that running allows and we find out which celeb loves a chicken nugget from the kids' menu.

Joining the Runpod run club this week is someone who shares more in common with Jenni than just a love of running, he also works in breakfast radio! Vassos Alexander is part of the Virgin Radio breakfast team, and isn’t one to shy away from turning up to work in running shorts. In this uplifting episode hear Vassos and Jenni talk about their shared early mornings, the return of parkrun, how he started just running down his road and ended up breaking 3 hours in the marathon, how he’ll miss when his daughter no longer runs alongside him holding his hand and his new love of fresh water swimming!

As runners we are often obsessed about whether or not we are eating the right food to fuel our runs. Are we eating enough? Are we eating too much? Should we be avoiding certain foods? Well this week joining the RunPod Run Club, we have someone who can guide us along the right path when it comes to all things nutrition... Charlie Watson is an NHS dietician as well as a very keen runner...and she has the answers to many of our food related questions! So what should we eat before a run? How should we refuel afterwards? Should we carb load? When does Charlie recommend we eat roast potatoes?! These questions and more are answered in this episode. Jenni and Charlie also talk about losing your running mojo and more importantly, how to get it back...and if you are training for your first ever marathon, there are tips on how to get started. A great listen, with lots of handy hints and recommendations along the way! Enjoy and happy running.

This week on RunPod, joining the RunPod Run Club is top hairdresser to the stars, and longtime friend, Richard Ward. Richard tells Jenni all about picking up running in his 30s, travelling the world (always with trainers), the freedom that running affords him, his new found addiction to podcasts (including Runpod of course!), getting aches and niggles, how he’ll miss exercising outdoors every day once lockdown is over and we couldn’t let Richard onto the podcast without his haircare tips, especially for runners. A fun listen that will make you smile and want to get out there pounding the pavements!

This week, Jenni is joined by Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete of all time. Yes, it’s Eilidh Doyle. She’s seen the podium at European, World, Commonwealth and Olympic levels, and not only dominates in 400m, but 400m hurdles too. Eilidh is one of the few thanking lockdown for an extra year in preparation for the Olympics after giving birth a year ago. In this episode of RunPod, Eilidh and Jenni chat about how pregnancy and birth affected her running and training afterwards, her hopes to add the the medal collection in Tokyo, the very impressive just 3 second addition to her 400m time that hurdles adds, plus a ton of helpful tips for hill running and new runners alike. A fantastic listen with another incredible athlete who we’ll all be cheering on in 2021.

This week RunPod recruits its first fighter pilot as we welcome Squadron Leader Martin Pert to the RunPod run club. Martin has been in the RAF for over 20 years and has just finished his 3 year tour of duty leading the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, also known as the Red Arrows. In this episide we get an insight into life as a Red Arrow pilot and why fitness is so crucial in this role. Martin is a passionate runner and he shares stories of some of the incredible places he has been able to run and reveals which races he would love to tick off the bucket list. It is a fascinating episode that truly is a must-listen and will absolutely urge you to get your trainers on and get out there.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by Dr Zoe Williams, NHS GP, regular on ITV’s This Morning and of course, a runner. They talk all things running and at this time of COVID-19, get the lowdown on the impact of Coronavirus on your fitness. They also discuss running whilst pregnant as Zoe has recently revealed that she’s expecting her first baby. She explains what you can and can’t do when preparing for motherhood. What’s more, did you know Zoe was a Gladiator? Yup, she was a regular on the show battling contestants as Amazon. She talks Gladiator fitness and reveals secrets about the show. So, in my best voiceover voice RunPod run club ready? Gladiator ready? 3, 2, 1, listen! Happy running. X

Joining the RunPod run club this week is someone who is having a great year so far. She’s just run her first ever sub 4 minute 1500m indoors and nabbed herself a British Record in the process. She’s one to watch for sure. Not only that, alongside her intense training she also managed to graduate from uni and qualify as a vet. There is no end to her talents! It is 1500m European and World medallist, Dr Laura Muir. Laura talks all things running, training and shares her top tips on how you can run that first 5k, or how you might improve on it. We discuss juggling studies with training, nerves at the start line and how it felt to break Dame Kelly Holmes’ Olympic gold winning record. A truly great listen with a brilliant athlete who we’ll all be cheering on in 2021.

In the RunPod Run Club we know how good running makes us feel, but a bonus is feeling like we look good whilst we run. And this week joining Jenni on Runpod is a man who knows a thing or two about fashion. It’s fashion designer (and nifty runner), Henry Holland. Henry and Jenni chat being overly competitive with himself, using running as a form of meditation, marathon faux pas, the spectrum of fitness throughout the various lockdowns, and of course fashion. It turns out not even designers get it right when going for that first run. A hugely enjoyable listen, and you may get a bit of inspiration to jazz up your running gear too!

Joining the RunPod Run Club in this episode is someone who has been working relentlessly, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, since March 2020. Olivia Tompkins is a nurse working for the NHS in intensive care, where her patients have, or are recovering from, Covid-19. It’s a high pressure job which requires great strength of mind so after a long shift, you’d think it’s time to head home and relax.....not for this nurse: Livvy turns to running and CrossFit. Jenni and Livvy discuss a day in the life of an NHS intensive care nurse, how challenging it is, how on earth she has the energy to work out and why actually it’s so important to her to go running and lift some weights. It’s a fascinating, moving and emotional insight into life at the hospital and a deeply inspiring, motivating and humbling account of Livvy’s day to day experiences. A must-listen which will make you realise you truly have no excuse to get out of that run yourself.

There have been a lot of new runners out pounding the pavement in the last year and the guest on this episode of RunPod is one of them. Out the blue she felt the urge to go for her very first run and quite frankly has never looked back. Singer Lucy Spraggan now loves running. Along with cross fit and an incredibly committed workout regimen, she's lost weight, become incredibly fit (she even loves running up hills!) and has shared it all with her followers on social media. Lucy and Jenni chat never wanting to run again after her first run, to running 10k after three weeks, her song 'Run', sharing her weight loss and boob job online, and her huge desire to do a marathon.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by someone who wasn’t content with his multiple Ironman victories and world duathlon championship wins, he wanted to leave an even greater impression on the running world. After retiring from competing on a professional level, Olivier Bernhard devoted himself to creating the ultimate running shoe. One that would give the perfect running sensation. He began by cutting up garden hoses at home and gluing them to the soles of his shoes, this was the start of the On Running Revolution. Together with his fellow co-founders, they officially founded On Running in 2010 and in the years which have followed, their game has picked up a pace. You’ll see their shoes on athletes on the world stage, they’ve been on podiums, broken records and they’re worn by millions of regular runners round the globe. In this episode, Olivier talks about the brand, its growth, which On trainers are right for you and their new sustainable initiative which will be the first in the trainer world. It’s a thoroughly interesting conversation with someone who has turned their passion for running in the Swiss Alps into a business, which has become a major player in the fitness world.

This week joining the Runpod Run Club is a Lord. Yes, the first Lord of Runpod, and a man who needs no introduction. In 1980 he held all four middle distance World Records simultaneously and went on two be a two time Olympic Gold Medal Winner, part of the International Olympic Committee and President of World Athletics, it is of course, Seb Coe! Seb chats to Jenni about his incredible career, starting out at the Hallamshire Harriers and working his way to Gold at not one but two very unique Olympic games, how his family will notice if he doesn't run, and what the odds are on Team GB getting more that 67 medals at the Olympics this year. An incredible listen!

Happy New Year! Now unless you’re someone with the most incredible willpower on the planet, chances are that over the festive period you have eaten mince pies, drunk some wine and gorged on festive feelgood. It's at this moment, you possibly need to find a helping hand to motivate you to get back on track, working on your health, well-being and fitness levels. Well this episode is exactly what you need. Jenni is joined by Hannah Beecham, the founder of RED January. A brilliant initiative that has one mission - to get the nation active in the first month of the year. It's been a challenging time for us all and perhaps RED January is exactly what you need to start 2021 with a purpose, with a positive attitude and feeling fantastic. It's a thoroughly motivating listen... by the end of the episode, you will be desperate to sign up and get yourself out running.

After the year we've all had it's fair to say that we're ready for some eating, drinking and being merry... but perhaps in amongst all the celebrating you might find a little time to get out there for a run? In the final episode of 2020, Jenni is joined by a comedian, actor, writer and a runner….in fact she's run so much over the last few years, it's hard to believe she actually has time for anything else! Eddie Izzard runs marathons - a lot of them, back to back. She claims she likes to challenge herself. Her epic running challenges started back in 2009 and have escalated ever since and in January she will embark on yet another impressive mission and so in this episode she talks all about it. Eddie also shares tips on finding motivation, how to keep going if you 'hit the wall', she discusses reasons for running and explains what she gets out of it. It's a fascinating listen that may have you wondering what you can also do to challenge yourself in 2021

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by Michelin starred chef, Tom Kerridge. Now traditionally a chef’s lifestyle isn’t the healthiest and until recently, Tom was certainly living his life to the full....a lot of fun but perhaps not great for longevity. So when he got a reality check a few years ago, he decided to do something about it, embarking on a new fitness regime which included a lot of running! Tom had never considered himself a runner before (and to be fair, he’s a reluctant runner now) but he credits his new physique to running. In addition to pounding the pavement, Tom’s changed many elements in his life and it’s fascinating to hear his new approach to health and well-being. What’s more as we her ever closer to Christmas, we discuss fitness over the festive period, the perfect ‘healthy’ turkey dinner and debate whether running on the 25th is acceptable behaviour. A great listen with a truly lovely man and utterly brilliant chef. Enjoy.

On this week's #RunPod, Jenni is joined by a very familiar face to many of us. The brilliant actress Angela Griffin. Angela talks to Jenni about how she went from thinking running outside was for professionals only, definitely not for her, to running not only for fitness reasons, but for the mind too! Running in new cities, training regimes for jobs, wanting to do a marathon at some point and whether she'll be out hitting the pavements over the Christmas period. Have a listen!

On this week's Runpod, Jenni is joined by not just a talented runner, but a Gold medal winning jumper. Yes, it's Greg Rutherford! Although retired now, Greg continues to run, and not just those short distances his sport required. Greg and Jenni talk the difference between training as a professional and training now, how he got into long jump, Super Saturday (how could they not?!), his nippy 5k time, running a half marathon with close to zero training, Strava excuses, and if Greg will be running on Christmas day. A fascinating listen!

This is a special bonus episode of Runpod intended to help you come up with ideas for the best gizmos, gadgets and gear for runners this Christmas. Jenni is joined by 2 experts in this field - Esther Newman, editor of the brilliant Women’s Running magazine; and Jessie Watts from Runners Need, one of the UK’s leading running retailers. Between them, they have the guide to the best GPS watches, earphones, jackets, tops, trainers, undies, socks and accessories out there. If you need ideas for gifts, or fancy updating your own kit, this episode is bursting with suggestions, top tips and excellent advice.

Striding into the RunPod Run Club this week is actress, fellow podcaster and founder of The Capsule, Natalie Anderson. Natalie chats to Jenni about taking to running in her 20s, finding that time for you, competing against herself, weight training to compliment her runs, some amazing places she's been able to run and celebrating the fit, active older woman. An upbeat listen to keep you going, go on grab those trainers!

We know he has ‘The Voice of an Angel’, he is after all the boy who sang the song from ‘The Snowman’ but now the question is, can he run like a gazelle?!! This week on RunPod, I’m joined by TV presenter, singer and Welsh wonder, Aled Jones. Like many other people in 2020, @realaled has taken to running to get him through periods of lockdown. Fitness is important to Aled not just to help him perhaps burn off the excess of lockdown life but also because of the mental health benefits. The struggle is often juggling work and life alongside a fitness regime but we discuss how he manages to fit in exercise. We also hear about his experiences growing up when fitness was far from a concern and when he found himself hanging out with pop royalty. This is a lovely episode with a guest who is brilliant and totally relatable on many levels. Enjoy and happy running.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by former 400m sprinter, Roger Black. Although Roger has since retired, he still runs daily but now he gets to relax the pace, run for enjoyment and more importantly to maintain his health. Despite the fact he was so fast on the track, even picking up a silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, throughout he had an underlying heart issue. We discuss how he didn’t let that stop him becoming a world class athlete and what it was like to face the pressure racing against the legendary Michael Johnson. Roger also has great tips for newbies, so if you’re just started running this year, he’ll give you reason to keep going!! A fascinating listen from a man who was at the top of his game for many years and who now still prioritises the opportunity to run because he knows the benefits make it so incredibly worthwhile.

This week on RunPod, fresh from her samba on the Strictly dance floor. Jenni catches up with former Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Jacqui Smith. Ok, so Jacqui might not have what it takes to win the Strictly glitterball but she is a nifty runner. She first turned to running about 10 years ago and claims it was her time in the Cabinet that led her to switching things up. Jacqui’s life has changed somewhat in the past decade, not just in terms of work but she’s also in a new relationship. Running is also key to helping her feel fantastic and is her happy place. A joy to listen to and should help keep you going on your run too!

This week, Jenni is joined by British runner Eilish McColgan. Only a decade ago, Eilish was a student living it up at university: Late nights and a typical student lifestyle are not what you’d expect from one of Team GBs elite runners but Eilish didn’t yet realise that was her true calling. One day she decided to switch things up and only a year later found herself competing at London 2012. In this episode of RunPod, Eilish and Jenni discuss the commitment required to be at the top and what it’s like to follow in her mum, Liz McColgan’s footsteps. Also since Eilish is known for running the 5000m, she has plenty of tips for us to improve our own 5k time. A great insight to life as an elite but ultimately we all have one thing in common, and that is an appreciation for the joy of running.