The Runna Podcast

Runna

Join Coach Ben Parker and Anya Culling every Friday as they deep-dive into running with Olympians, world-class coaches, and inspiring runners - from Romesh Ranganathan to Alex Yee and Lucy Charles-Barclay. Expect captivating stories, hilarious mishaps, and actionable coaching tips (incl. weekly tips from Olympian Steph Davis) on training, injury prevention, mindset, recovery, and performance. Whether it’s your first 5K or a marathon PB, we’ll fuel your next run. New episodes every Friday.

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124 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes124

Newest first

Friday · 29 min
Running in Hot Weather: How to Adapt & Still Hit Your PBs
Does heat training actually make you faster? Running in hot weather isn't about pushing harder - it's about adjusting smarter. This week, Ben and Anya break down the science behind heat acclimatisation: what's happening to your body when temperatures rise, why adaptation kicks in faster than most runners expect, and the five practical adjustments that actually make the difference - when and where to run, how to reset your pace, what to wear, how to hydrate, and when to dial it back. What You’ll Learn: ☀️ Why running in the heat feels so hard - and why that's actually a good sign 🧠 The science behind heat adaptation and VO2 max gains 👟 What to wear to stay cool, comfortable, and chafe-free 💧 How to hydrate and fuel properly in hot weather 🥵 How Runna's Adapt for Heat feature automatically adjusts your paces 🚨 Safety tips and knowing when to stop Want to give Runna a go? 🆓 Try it FREE for 2 weeks with code: PODCAST26 👉 https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📱 Follow for more running content: Instagram → @runna TikTok → @runna 📺 Watch more episodes → @therunnapodcast Data sources: Runna Customer Product Survey (2026), Lorenzo (2010) via GOREWEAR & Runners Connect - runnersconnect.net/heatacclimatization, The Weather Channel (2025) - weather.com, iRunFar (2021) - irunfar.com/handle-the-heat-heat-acclimation-for-endurance-running Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 24 · 23 min
Josh Kerr on Breaking the World Record & the Incredible Mindset Behind It
"I knew exactly what was wrapped under the tree. I just had to go downstairs and open it." 🏆 This week on The Runna Podcast, Izzy speaks to Olympic and World medallist Josh Kerr just days after he broke the men's world record for the mile. Josh's run made history: the first British-held mile world record since Roger Bannister's era, run in front of a home crowd of 60,000 people. But this conversation goes beyond the stopwatch. Josh shares how he came back from a serious calf injury in Tokyo, why he announced his goal to the world before he knew he could pull it off, and how he learned to sit with doubt instead of fighting it. In this episode: 🏆 The Fastest Mile Ever: 3:42.66, and what it took to get there 🧠 "Analysis Is Your Paralysis": The Mindset Behind a World Record 📣 Going Public: Announcing the Goal Before He'd Achieved It 💔 The Comeback: Coming Back From a Serious Calf Injury in Tokyo 🎯 "Don't Let Anyone Tell You, You Can't Do It": His Advice for Anyone Chasing a Big Goal 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 17 · 51 min
Tilly Ramsay on Cooking, Running & Doing Hard Things | "Good Food Doesn't Have to Be Fancy"
Tilly Ramsay is one of the most joyful people you'll meet. She's also quietly one of the most competitive. You probably know her from her cookery shows and as Gordon Ramsay's daughter. What you might not know is that she beat both her parents in a triathlon, set her 10K PB during her first marathon, and is already hunting for the next scary thing to sign up to. This week, Anya sits down with TV presenter, cook and marathon runner Tilly Ramsay to talk about her 16-week training block, the recipes that fuelled it, and why running and cooking have more in common than anyone expects. In this episode: 🍕 Recipes for Runners - Tilly's top 3 meals from her 16-week marathon training block 🍳 Cooking & Running - Why practice, discipline and mistakes connect them - and Gordon Ramsay’s running advice 💃 Strictly to Start Line - What the youngest ever Strictly contestant learned about doing scary things 🎯 "When I Commit I Give It My All" - The mindset behind every race and every recipe 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 10 · 1 hr 2 min
"I Started Running Because of You" | Mary McCarthy on Marathon Training, Self-Belief & Running Motivation
Most people found her two years ago. She's been running for 19. This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sat down with running content creator Mary McCarthy to go behind the times, the content, and the self-belief of one of the UK's most exciting marathon runners right now. From competitive swimmer to cross-country champion to 2:50 marathoner. From zero followers to hundreds of thousands of women who started running because of her. And a sub-2:30 marathon goal she's only just getting started on. Whether you're chasing your own marathon PB, searching for running motivation, or just curious how someone builds that kind of quiet belief - this one's worth your next long run. In this episode: 🏊 The Hidden Base: The 19-year athletic base behind a 2:50 marathon 🎯 Training First, Always: Marathon training and her race day strategy 🍽️ Fuelling Like an Athlete: Why underfuelling is quietly holding your running back 💬 Beat the Boys: Beat the Boys: where it came from, and why it resonates far beyond running 🏃‍♀️ Motivating Women to Move: Why "I started running because of you" means everything 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 3 · 48 min
From Rock Bottom to Sub-3 Marathons: How Running Rebuilt Austyn Farrell's Life
"Last year, I was learning about myself. Now, I am myself." This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya speak to dancer, content creator, and marathoner Austyn Farrell. Austyn Farrell's online feed is full of joy, from hilarious skits to viral dance videos. But this conversation goes deeper. Austyn shares his history of mental health struggles, substance misuse and a loneliness that performing couldn't fix - and how everything changed two years ago when he started running. He joined us in the studio having just run a sub-3 marathon in London! This episode is a perfect mixture of inspiring honesty and comedic gold. Listen for more on: 🎭 From Rock Bottom to Sub-3: Two years from substance misuse to 2:58 🧠 "You Can't Fake a Run": The one thing that was entirely his 💜 Running for Mind: In memory of Nathan Williams and Cherry Valentine 🌈 Running as Identity: Big Games Run Club, Rainbow Road, HYROX in a Pride vest 🏃‍♂️ "It's All Mental": Mindset, marathon PB, sobriety - all connected 🎯 "You Cannot Fail Unless You Try": For anyone who feels where he was *Please note, this episode contains discussion of substance misuse and suicide, which some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional support.* 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://join.runna.com/lKmc/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 26 · 43 min
"You’ve Got to Learn to Love the Journey" | Coach Ben’s Final Farewell, Best Bits & Top Coaching Tips
"My passion has always been in helping people achieve their active goals - which is how this all started." After 5 years building Runna from an idea to the world's top-rated running coaching app, Coach Ben has made the decision to move on and take a well-earned break. In this special farewell episode, Ben and Anya look back at over 100 weekly episodes together: the most inspiring conversations, the moments that had them in stitches, and the guests they'll never forget. And in true Ben style, he signs off with two coaching tips to help you keep running for life. Ben's passion has always been helping people achieve their active goals - it's what started Runna, and it's what will shape whatever comes next for him. For now, he's stepping back to focus on his own training, spend more time with Jess and Scoobie, and work out the next chapter. The Runna Podcast isn’t going anywhere. But this episode is our chance to say thank you - for the coaching, the laughs, and everything Ben has built. We hope to see you on the start line soon. Listen for more on: ✨ Ben’s most inspiring moments: Alex Yee & Lucy Charles-Barclay 😂 The moments that made us laugh: Harry Judd & Romesh Ranganathan 🧠 Why nerves mean you're ready to race 💚 Why enjoyment is the only sustainable training plan 🔮 What's next for Ben: His 10th Ironman, coaching, and life beyond Runna 🎙️ Share your thoughts on The Runna Podcast: https://runna.typeform.com/to/QaEpqhlk 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 19 · 35 min
How to Train for Ultra Marathons with a Full-Time Job | Mike Wardian
Mike Wardian's ultra marathon training schedule is unlike anything you've heard. Full-time job. Two kids. 4:45am starts. And at 52 years old, he recently won the World Marathon Challenge for the third time - breaking the world record for seven 50Ks on seven continents in seven days by almost four hours! This week Kayla sits down with Mike to find out exactly how he does it. From early morning alarms to his positive mindset and focus on fun, this is a masterclass from a man who's stayed at the top of ultra marathon running for nearly 30 years. Whether you're training for your first ultramarathon or trying to fit marathon training around a full-time job and family, Mike's approach to consistency, recovery, and longevity will change how you think about the sport. In this episode: 🌍 The 7-7-7 challenge: What it takes to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days 💼 Training around a full-time job: His daily routine from 4:45am 🏃 The depletion mile: His unconventional recovery method after 100-milers 🧠 "Just be water": The mindset behind 30 years of consistent ultra racing 🎯 Longevity at 52: How Mike stays competitive, injury-free and motivated For anyone who wants to run further, last longer, and never stop enjoying it. 🎙️ Share your thoughts on The Runna Podcast in our new audience survey here: https://runna.typeform.com/to/QaEpqhlk 🎧 New episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices from the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you're just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 12 · 48 min
Reggie Yates, BBC Filmmaker | "If You Can Lace Up Your Trainers, You're a Runner"
Reggie Yates thought a 5k would finish him. Then he trained for a marathon - and fell completely in love with running. In this episode of The Runna Podcast, British broadcaster and filmmaker Reggie Yates joins Anya Culling for an honest conversation about his first marathon training journey. The early treadmill sessions that nearly broke him with boredom. The outdoor runs that set him free. The race day that didn't go to plan - and why he wants to race again more than ever. Reggie has spent his career stepping into uncomfortable environments - prisons, refugee camps, war zones. This time he made himself the subject. And what he discovered about running, identity, and his own limits is worth hearing. In this episode: 🎙️ From 5k Fear to Marathon Start Line: The beginner running journey that changed everything 🧠 Marathon Training Reality: Treadmill sessions, long runs, ego - and the moment it clicked 🏃‍♂️The Runner's High: Why running outside became "so freeing and so liberating" 💜 Sickle Cell Society: Why running for a cause makes the hardest training days meaningful 🌡️ Race Day: What really happened and what comes next 🎯 What's Next: 10k PB, half marathon PB - and a runner for life Whether you're just starting out or wondering if marathon training is really for someone like you - this episode will make you think differently about what's possible. 🎙️ Share your thoughts on The Runna Podcast in our new audience survey here: https://runna.typeform.com/to/QaEpqhlk 🎧 New episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices from the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you're just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 5 · 48 min
Olly Murs: 400km Challenge After 5 Knee Surgeries | "I Enjoyed How Horrible It Was"
Whether you're chasing a marathon PB or simply wondering what you're actually capable of - Olly Murs just raised the bar for everyone. The X Factor star ran, rowed, and cycled 400km across England in 5 days, raising over £1 million for Soccer Aid for UNICEF! No marathon experience. No route until each morning. A knee that's had five operations. And he loved every horrible second of it. Anya Culling and Coach Ben dive deeper into his Into the Unknown challenge, the endurance feat that pushed him further than anything in his career, and what every runner can take from it. In this episode: 🎤 From Stage to Start Line - zero running background, zero marathon experience. How Olly built an endurance mindset from scratch 🦵 The 50-Year-Old Knee - five operations, 400km. Training through injury for the biggest endurance challenge of his life 🧠 Fitness Mindset vs Physical Training - what actually carries you to the finish line when your body says stop 🎯 What's Next? - Half marathon fear, marathon dreams, will he follow in the footsteps of Harry Styles? 🚀 For even more, watch Olly Murs: Into The Unknown on ITVX: https://www.itv.com/watch/olly-murs-steps-into-the-unknown-for-soccer-aid/10a7768a0001B/10a7768a0001 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 29 · 45 min
"I Was a Runner the Moment I Started Running" | Why Running Is for Everybody With Tatiana Forbes
Tatiana Forbes started running postpartum in 2023, unable to run for more than 30 seconds. She joined us on The Runna Podcast after crossing the finish line of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. Anya Culling and Kayla Jeter sit down with runner, content creator, and founder of the Best for Last Run Club. The self-proclaimed 'slow runner' shares the struggle of being left behind at a run club, and not seeing herself in the runners around her. Tatiana will help you answer the question most beginner runners quietly ask themselves: am I actually a runner? Tatiana's answer - and her journey to get there - is worth hearing. In this episode: 🏃‍♀️ Postpartum running: starting from zero, 30 seconds at a time 🚶‍♀️ Run/walk strategy: why it works from mile one - not just when you're struggling 💬 Left behind: the run club moment that built Best for Last 🧠 Watchless racing: ditching GPS at the NYC Half - and what happened 🪞 Runner identity: pace, body confidence & belonging in the sport 🏁 Race inclusivity: what races need to do to actually serve slower runners Whether you're just starting out, returning after a break, or have always wondered if running is really for someone like you - this one's for you. 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22 · 43 min
"I Was More Dangerous to Race” | Keira D'Amato on Breaking the American Marathon Record
Keira D’Amato broke the American marathon record at 37. She did it after a decade away from the sport - while raising two kids, building a real estate career, and rediscovering what running meant to her. In this episode, Keira sits down with Anya and Kayla to unpack one of the most remarkable stories in modern running. From the injury that forced her out of the sport, to the identity crisis that followed, to the mindset shift that helped her run faster than ever before. They talk about motherhood, longevity, learning not to fear failure, and why having fun became the key to her success. Now 41 and recovering from hip surgery, Keira is chasing even bigger goals - including the 2028 Olympic Trials - and proving there’s no single path to greatness. In this episode: 🏃‍♀️ How she went from walking away from running to breaking a 16-year-old American record 🧠 Why the mindset of "I don't care if I fail" makes you dangerous to race against 💥 Mile 16 of the Houston Marathon - the deal she made with herself to keep going 👶 What motherhood taught her about perspective, identity, and choosing your "hard" 🔄 Why she refuses to call this a comeback - and what she calls it instead 🎯 Her 2028 Olympic Trials goal and why she's more excited now than ever 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15 · 57 min
"I Never Expected to Be Back on the Start Line" | Ben Shephard on Running Marathons at 50
From a devastating back injury to a 3:29 marathon at 50 - Ben Shephard just ran his first marathon in 16 years. Whether you're returning from injury, chasing a marathon comeback, or trying to stay fit as you get older - this conversation will make you rethink what's possible. Just days after crossing the finish line in London, the beloved British TV presenter sits down with Ben and Anya to talk honestly about the back injury that stopped him running, the long road back, and why consistency - not perfection - was the thing that got him there. In this episode: 🏃 Why Ben's ADHD became his biggest asset in sport, his career, and marathon running 💔 The back injury that stopped him running - and the marathon comeback nobody expected 🎯 How he trained for a 3:29 marathon at 50 around a full-time TV career 🧠 Why consistency beats strictness - and how to apply it to your own training 👨‍👦 What he hopes his sons take from watching him fail, and keep going 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8 · 52 min
"I Can Feel Him Kicking Before the Run" | Podiums & Parenthood with with Calli & Nick Hauger
Calli Hauger-Thackery won a marathon at 8 weeks pregnant. The world had no idea. She joined us before lining up in Boston at 22 weeks - with her husband, coach, and training partner Nick Hauger racing alongside her. This episode goes behind the scenes of one of the most unusual high-performance partnerships in elite running: how they train together, compete individually, and what it really means to chase world-class performances while stepping into parenthood. In this episode, you'll hear: 🤫 The Houston secret - winning a marathon 8 weeks pregnant, and what Nick said at the finish line 🏃‍♀️From unsponsored and working every job going, to 2nd fastest British marathoner ever 🧠 How Calli's mindset broke the ceiling other coaches had put on Nick 👶 What training through pregnancy actually looks like week by week 🤝 How being each other's coach, competitor, and life partner works in practice 🎯 What elite athletes get right about balancing training with real life, and what most runners get wrong 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 1 · 37 min
"The Award Is You Didn't Die" | Russ Cook ‘Hardest Geezer’ on Running Africa and Marathon Training
Russ Cook, ‘Hardest Geezer’, joins Coach Ben and Anya Culling for a special live recording in London, chasing a blistering 2:35 marathon goal. Despite running across a continent, he shares how marathon training is pushing him in new ways. From raw, often hilarious stories from Africa to his broader journey from rock bottom, Russ reflects on completing one of the toughest endurance feats in history - admitting he could never do it again. From raw, hilarious stories of life on the road in Africa to his broader journey from rock bottom, Russ reflects on the grit required to keep going when things get tough. This episode explores why the real value of doing hard things isn’t the finish line, but the self-belief you build along the way. If you're training for a marathon, chasing a PB, or need a shot of running motivation, you'll love this one. Listen for more on: 🏃‍♂️ Why marathon training feels harder than ultra-endurance challenges 🧠 The marathon training mindset that got Russ through Africa 💪 How a “nothing to lose” mindset changes your running performance 🎯 What actually matters most on race day (pacing, fitness, and mindset) 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 24 · 46 min
“The Most Painful Race of My Life” | Boston Finish Line EXCLUSIVE with Sara Hall
"Everyone told me I'd peaked. Then I ran my fastest marathon at 40." Whether you're questioning your running longevity, chasing a marathon PB after a setback, or wondering if the best is really behind you - this conversation with Sara Hall will make you think differently about what's possible. Sara raced in Boston this week and called it the most painful race of her life. Hours later, she sat down with Anya - honestly, openly, and with the kind of perspective that only comes from two decades competing at the elite level. At 43, she's one of the fastest American marathon runners in history. And she's still not done. In this episode, Sara opens up about winning the Masters field in Boston, her Olympic Trials DNF, and the mindset it takes to keep going when everyone assumes you've peaked. Listen for more on: 🏃‍♀️The exact details of Sara’s 2:20 marathon training and recovery 🗓️ How she maximises longevity and prevents injury 🧠 The race-day mindset secrets for pushing through the "pain cave" 🚀 How to rebuild self-confidence after a major athletic setback 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast 📖 Check out Sara’s new book, ‘For The Love of The Grind’ here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Grind-Memoir-Sara-Hall/dp/1250404282 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 17 · 1 hr 5 min
“There’s no such thing as a good or bad food” | The Nutrition Advice All Runners Need to Hear
If you’re underfuelled, you will underperform. Most runners are unintentionally holding back their PBs because of "carb fear"-this week, we’re fixing that. In this episode of The Runna Podcast, sports nutritionist Sian Seccombe explains why underfuelling is one of the most common mistakes runners make. From ‘hitting the wall’ to the serious risks of RED-S, Sian breaks down sports nutrition for runners in a way you can understand and apply. Whether you're training for a marathon or just started your running journey, this is your ultimate guide to how to fuel for a marathon and beyond. In this episode, Sian explains: 🍝 Why carbs aren’t the enemy (and why you need more of them) ⏱️ What to eat before a run, during, and after your sessions ⚖️ Why weight loss and marathon training often don’t mix ⚠️ Signs you’re underfuelling (even if you think you’re not) 🧠 What RED-S is-and why it’s frequently missed Remember, the goal isn’t to eat less 👉 it’s to fuel enough to perform at your best. 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 10 · 50 min
Your Ultimate Marathon Race Day Guide | A Complete Run-Through with Runna Coaches
What should you actually do before a marathon? And how do you stay calm, confident, and in control on race day? In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Coach Ben and Anya guide you through your entire marathon race day - from the night before to the start line, through the race itself, and into post-race recovery. Whether you're running London, Boston, your first marathon or your fiftieth, this episode is your complete marathon race day guide. We cover how to prepare, what to eat, how to pace, and how to stay in control so you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy the experience. Ben and Anya share practical coaching tips and personal routines, breaking down exactly what to do (and what not to do) so you can arrive at the start line feeling calm - and finish feeling proud. In this episode, we cover: 🎒 Pre-Race Prep: What to Do the Day Before a Marathon 🍝 Carb Loading: What to Eat Before a Marathon 🌅 Race Morning Routine: What to Eat & When to Wake Up ⏱️ Marathon Pacing Strategy: Why Starting Slower Leads to a Stronger Finish 🏁 Post-Race Recovery: What to Do After a Marathon From laying out your kit to pacing and fuelling right, this episode walks you through race day step-by-step - so you can stay calm and run your best race. 📥 Download Your Free Marathon Race Day Checklist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sq8og6BVKLNbNdgSo_6U-nOnfNZ3B_WI/view?usp=drive_link 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 3 · 1 hr 3 min
From Wall Street Millionaire to Rock Bottom - Then a 2:29 Marathon | Ken Rideout
**Please note, this episode contains discussion of drug addiction, substance misuse, and suicide, which some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional support.** "Discipline is the only thing that will set you free" He beat opioid addiction. Then ran a 2:29 marathon at 50. Ken Rideout is the fastest masters marathon runner in the world - and this week, he brings his story of addiction recovery, discipline, and complete reinvention to The Runna Podcast. This isn't just a running tips episode. It's a story about what it takes to rebuild your life from scratch - and how running became the framework that made it possible. Ken didn't just get clean - he replaced chaos with consistency, turned pain into purpose, and became living proof that it's never too late. In this episode: 🧠 The mindset behind taking risks vs playing it safe 🏃‍♂️ What really happened in his NYC Half debut 📊 His pacing strategy - and where it went wrong ⚖️ The biggest mistakes runners make stepping up to the half 🚀 Why just starting is the hardest - and most important - step Whether you're a runner chasing a big goal, struggling with consistency, or need some proof that reinvention is possible - this one's for you. 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast And you can find Ken’s new book here: Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard: Amazon.co.uk: Rideout, Ken: 9781529956030: Books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 27 · 46 min
Grant Fisher: Behind The Scenes of an Olympian's Half Marathon Debut
"It's a home Olympics. The goal is to WIN." So why did a 2x Olympic medalist choose a race where success wasn't guaranteed? Grant Fisher joins us the day after his half marathon debut at the United Airlines NYC Half - where he ran 1:00:53, one of the fastest American-born debuts ever. But this wasn't a perfect race. He went out hard, took risks, and learned more because of it. This is a real-time look at how an Olympian approaches a new distance - the pacing decisions, the mindset under pressure, and what it all means for his long-term pursuit of Olympic gold. In this episode: 🧠 The mindset behind taking risks vs playing it safe 🏃‍♂️ What really happened in his NYC Half debut 📊 His pacing strategy - and where it went wrong ⚖️ The biggest mistakes runners make stepping up to the half 🚀 Why just starting is the hardest - and most important - step Whether you’re running your first half marathon or chasing a PB, this is a rare insight into how elites train, race, and avoid the mistakes most runners make. 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 20 · 47 min
Will Zouhair Talbi Win Boston? | The Quiet Rise of America's Third-Fastest Marathoner
Zouhair Talbi just ran 59:41, placing 1st American at the United Airlines NYC Half - and we got the inside scoop. Fresh off a 2nd place finish last weekend, elite runner and Olympian Zouhair Talbi joins us to break down the mindset, decisions, and race instincts behind elite performance - and what it means heading into Boston in five weeks. Zouhair takes us inside the race - sharing how he reads his body within the first mile, how he decides when to surge, and why sometimes the smartest move is not to follow the pack. Highlights include: 🎯 How Zouhair ran a 59:41 PB 🏃‍♀️ Behind his 2:05 marathon breakthrough 🏅 His Olympic career and handling setbacks 🚀 His Boston strategy and goals This episode is for runners who want to understand what elite performance actually looks like - and the mindset required when the margins are small and the stakes are high. 🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26 And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛 📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Will Zouhair Talbi Win Boston? | The Quiet Rise of America's Third-Fastest Marathoner