RunPod

This mini-series of bonus RunPod episodes is intended to help you come up with ideas for the best gizmos, gadgets and gear for runners this Christmas. Jenni is joined by expert Esther Newman, editor of the brilliant Women’s Running magazine. If you need ideas for gifts, or fancy updating your own kit, this series is bursting with suggestions, top tips and excellent advice. This time it's: UNDERWEAR To join the RunPod Run Club Facebook group, please visit this link: Facebook.com/groups/runpodrunclub *** L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off full-sized products to help with your festive purchases online* and in-store*, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid 30th November – 29th December 2021. *exclusions apply: 10% off on full-price items only (excluding Advent Calendars, Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum, Immortelle Overnight Reset Eye Serum, Gift Sets, Gift Cards and all discounted items)

This week on RunPod, Jenni welcomes a real life Forrest Gump. Rob Pope ran across America 5 times, running for 422 days and completing 15,621 miles. Jenni chats to Rob about why he took on such a massive challenge, the 33 pairs of trainers he ran through, the extreme colds and extreme heats he ran through, the animals he came across, the injuries he confronted, the route he took, procrastinating distances, the running community and warmth he had from supporters and the obstacles that tried to stop him. An incredible story by anyone's standard and Rob has even written a book 'Becoming Forrest: One Man's Epic Run Across America' about his experience. A story it will be hard to forget. To join the RunPod Run Club Facebook group, please visit this link: Facebook.com/groups/runpodrunclub *** L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off full-sized products to help with your festive purchases online* and in-store*, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid 30th November – 29th December 2021. *exclusions apply: 10% off on full-price items only (excluding Advent Calendars, Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum, Immortelle Overnight Reset Eye Serum, Gift Sets, Gift Cards and all discounted items)

This mini-series of bonus RunPod episodes is 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 Aaron Toumazou, Shopping Editor for British GQ. Between them, they have the guide to the best running gear out there on the market. If you need ideas for gifts, or fancy updating your own kit, this series is bursting with suggestions, top tips and excellent advice. This time it's: CLOTHING To join the RunPod Run Club Facebook group, please visit this link: Facebook.com/groups/runpodrunclub *** L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off full-sized products to help with your festive purchases online* and in-store*, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid 30th November – 29th December 2021. *exclusions apply: 10% off on full-price items only (excluding Advent Calendars, Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum, Immortelle Overnight Reset Eye Serum, Gift Sets, Gift Cards and all discounted items)

On Friday you heard from the brilliant Susie Chan about ultras, treadmillls and more and now we have a mini episode where we'll hear Susie answering your questions! Find out if it's worth getting a treadmill, how to start your running journey, Susie's worst mistake she's made in a race and the race she'd recommend to do! To join the RunPod Run Club Facebook group, please visit this link: Facebook.com/groups/runpodrunclub *** L'OCCITANE have given me an exclusive discount code for RunPod listeners, so you can get 10% off full-sized products to help with your festive purchases online* and in-store*, as well as FREE delivery on all online orders with the code RUNPOD. Code valid 30th November – 29th December 2021. *exclusions apply: 10% off on full-price items only (excluding Advent Calendars, Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum, Immortelle Overnight Reset Eye Serum, Gift Sets, Gift Cards and all discounted items)

This week Jenni is chatting to a returner to Runpod, here ready to renew her subscription is the fabulous Susie Chan. Susie is still one of the most recognisable faces in the British running community, and now even more so, becoming one of the Peloton Tread instructors in the UK. Susie and Jenni chat finding running a little bit later in life, treadmill running and all the classes Susie and the team at Peloton are offering, her amazing world record, running the Marathon des Sables, crewing previous Runpod members like Iwan Thomas and Mike Seaman on their humungous ultra-marathon efforts and running after cancer. It's impossible not to feel inspired. Enjoy!

This mini-series of bonus RunPod episodes is 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 Aaron Toumazou, Shopping Editor for British GQ. Between them, they have the guide to the best running gear out there on the market. If you need ideas for gifts, or fancy updating your own kit, this series is bursting with suggestions, top tips and excellent advice. First up: TRAINERS

We all know that running and exercise can often aid a good night's sleep, but how can sleep aid our running? This week Jenni is chatting to chartered physiotherapist and sleep expert Sammy Margo. Jenni and Sammy chat how much sleep is enough sleep, how the position you sleep in can change your dreams, the benefits of a nap, tracking your sleep and the dreaded snooze button. Run and sleep well!

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni chats to Head of Nutrition at the English Institute of Sport, Mike Naylor. We all know the right, or wrong, food can really impact our fitness and performance. But truly how important is it to assess what you consume? Mike works with many athletes from Olympians and Paralympians to footballers and rugby players, and of course many runners. Being a runner himself he absolutely knows his stuff. He has some great advice and brilliant tips on small changes we can all make that could make a big difference to our running. Enjoy. X

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by one of the legends of the running world. A man we all know, a runner we all cheered on in London 2012 and Rio 2016 and watched him win gold, four times. He has broken numerous world records, has his own celebratory dance - The Mobot - and is the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympics. It is of course Sir Mo Farah. Enjoy.

The Marathon des Sables is known as the toughest footrace on earth. 6 days running over 250 kilometres, carrying all of your supplies on your back. It's not for the faint hearted, and this week, we're talking to a man who crossed the finish line just a month ago. It's former Made in Chelsea star, podcaster, entrepreneur, founder of CleanCo, Spencer Matthews. Spencer and Jenni talk about what it was really like running in the hottest recorded Marathon des Sables, the places you go to mentally when undertaking such a challenge, blisters, the endless sand dunes, staying in a bivouac, the celebratory tattoo idea that never came to fruition and his next challenge idea. This may not get you wanting to sign up, but it will definitely motivate you to get out there challenging yourself. Enjoy.

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by entrepreneur, bestselling author, presenter, former Loose Woman and runner, Andrea McLean. Andrea has run in the past but after years without it, recently decided to give it another go and so embarked on the Couch to 5k programme. She explains how it’s been a revelation, giving her a rare opportunity to have some time to herself. This episode is a joy, hearing how the enjoyment someone gets when discovering running and truly appreciating the benefits. If you’re thinking of stepping out in trainers for your first jog, this episode will truly inspire you. And if you’re someone who’s got a ton of miles ticked off, this episode will absolutely remind you of the joy and the feelgood of something as simple as running. A brilliant, motivating listen. Enjoy.

This week's guest is a man you'd know for his voice before his passion for running, but don't let that fool you. Kevin Simm, formerly of Liberty X, winner of The Voice and now lead singer of Wet Wet Wet hasn't always been a runner, but is now passionate pounder of the pavement, this year completing two marathons within two days! Kevin and Jenni discuss how running transforms his mental health, helping him out of dark places, how it helps his singing, nipple chafing, running two marathons on consecutive days and how Runpod has helped motivate him whilst out running. Here's hoping this will motivate you! Enjoy!

This week on RunPod, Jenni chats to a husband and wife team who are life change therapists. Nik and Eva Speakman will help eliminate any negative thoughts and instead promote that glass half full approach to life….and to running. Sometimes we all need some motivational chat to remind us why we love getting out there and maybe even to encourage us to get up off the sofa. Well this episode will absolutely give you that boost you may well need. So if you’re procrastinating, delaying going out for that run, stick this episode on and before you can say ‘Speakmans’, you’ll be reaching for the trainers! Enjoy!

This week is a very special episode of RunPod supporting the brilliant charity, Global’s Make Some Noise. Welcome to the first ever ‘RunPod Relay’. Who better to kickstart the relay than the man who motivated us all throughout lockdown, Mr Body coach himself, Joe Wicks. We also hear from the wonderful Ella Davies who works with Changing Faces, one of the smaller charities which will benefit from any donations to Global’s Make Some noise. And the final relay runner is Radio X presenter Johnny Vaughan who shares key reasons why we should all keep active. A truly inspiring listen which will absolutely motivate you to get up off that sofa and will also hopefully encourage you to donate to a brilliant cause! To donate £5, simply text RUNPOD5 to 70766.

Next up in this series of minisodes meeting the RunPod Run Club, Jenni meets Sarah Stephenson-Hunter & Hannah Webber. Many people bond through their love of running, and these two women are no different. Hannah and Sarah met 12 years ago and Hannah got Sarah into running, soon becoming her guide. The pair speak about the struggles of running with impaired sight, running for headspace, and their reliance on each other for motivation and support.

This weekend thousands of runners will take to the streets of London to take on the 41st Virgin Money London Marathon. It’s one of the most iconic marathons on the planet and is set to be the biggest marathon not just since Covid but the biggest mass participation marathon ever. Even if you’re not taking part, in this episode you’ll get a little taster of what it’s like and perhaps this will encourage you to enter the ballot for next year! Jenni speaks to Race Director, Hugh Brasher, who shares news of when that 2022 ballot opens. He also gives a great insight into what we can expect from 2021’s race and how things have changed in light of the pandemic. Jenni also speaks to London Marathon officials, Fran Ridler and Chris Davey who work on the start and finish line. Other guests include Eleanor Mahmoud and Alistair Douglas who share their reasons to run. Whilst Helen Thorne and Ellie Gibson, aka The Scummy Mummies return to RunPod to chat big day nerves, preparations and post-race plans. You might be listening whilst you’re running in the actual event, in which case, good luck, run like the wind and enjoy this special episode.

This week, joining the RunPod run club is a man who is in another running club. His club formed 41 years ago and only has a few members, it’s that exclusive! What’s more, you can’t join this group, you can only leave... The group is called the ‘Ever Presents’, because they have been present at every single London Marathon since its inception in 1981. In this episode, Jenni is joined by the youngest member of the group, Chris Finill. Chris talks about being a member of such a special group whilst also sharing his marathon memories and experiences. A truly perfect episode for someone preparing to run the actual London Marathon but even if you’re not, it is an equally insightful and inspiring listen. Enjoy. Happy running.

In this series of bonus episodes we meet the members of the RunPod Run Club and this week Jenni chats to Simon Truscott. Everyone gets something out of running - whether that be improved fitness, time out or perhaps it’s a way to help you cope with loss, and that is something which is touched upon in this episode. The last year has been tough for everyone but particularly hard for Simon and his boys, in this episode he reveals why and explains how he has turned to running to help get through the dark times.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by the greatest marathon runner of all time, there’s no denying it. He just confirmed his ‘G.O.A.T.’ status at the Tokyo Olympics where he picked up his second Olympic gold medal for the marathon; he is also the marathon world record holder and he is the only person to have ever run a sub-2 hour marathon...it is the one and only Eliud Kipchoge. Jenni and Eliud discuss making the history books, marathon training, his reason to run and they chat about his favourite marathon. Eliud also gives some key tips for all runners. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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.