Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de Ultrarunning Sam . Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.
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18 Mar 2022
Michael Jones - Ultra Trail Snowdonia and the UTMB World Series
In this episode of Understanding Ultra we speak to Michael Jones from Ultra Trail Snowdonia.
Mike tells us about his trail running history and how he became the race director of not one but 3 standout trail running events in North Wales.
He speaks candidly about his pained decision to let his baby (UTS) go to the UTMB group. A decision which with hindsight, was the best decision he could make to ensure his vision of the UK hosting a mountain trail race to rival the European race he loves so dearly, happen.
Mike explains the sometimes complicated system that UTMB now use to organise their ‘World Series’ which aims to bring the global trail running community together under one umbrella.
We speak about the positive effect the acquisition has had not just on UTS, but on his life in general which as a sole race director, can in his words be a very lonely job!
For more information on UTS and the UTMB group contact Mike directly via email michael.jones@utmb.world and on Instagram @ultratrailsnowdonia and @apexrunning.co
UU
05 Apr 2022
Ben Weeks - AKA The Barefoot Daddy! Barefoot half marathon Guinness world record holder
In this episode we speak to Ben Weeks The Barefoot Daddy!
We speak about his recent world record for the most consecutive barefoot half marathons. We talk about the niche sub-culture of barefoot running in the running community. We talk about the pros and cons of going barefoot in the trainer obsessed world of runners!
A great chat and worth a listen if you are considering a foray into the barefoot world!
If you like any of the podcasts please like and subscribe on all platforms.
UU
04 May 2022
Lewis Herridge - How to run a multiday ultra on just 16 miles a week training!
Can you run a tough mountainous multi-day ultramarathon on just 16 miles a week? The Outdoor Bloke can! What's more, he thinks everyone has the potential in them to do it too.
Lewis has spent the past few years living the primal life. He is a big believer in getting outside in green spaces, feeling the grass between your toes or the cold water on your body. In this episode we talk about his holistic approach to exercise and nutrition. We dive into his belief that people trapped in the rat race need to become the 2.0 version of themselves, just like he has done himself!
Lewis is a great guy and it was a pleasure to speak to him!
UU
18 May 2022
Kate Allen | Training Through Menopause and Run Ultra
In this episode we speak to Run Ultra's Kate Allen. We speak about her love of trail and ultra running and how she has adapted her training to cope with the menopause.
We speak openly about this often taboo subject and how her new website - Training Through Menopause, is designed to give women and their partners the resources need to carry on doing the sport they love so much.
We speak about how coaching can be adapted to help this transitional period and her hopes of returning to the big races that she loves to do!
UU
20 Jul 2022
Martin Cox - Small social presence, big personality!
In this episode of Understanding Ultra we speak to Martin Cox.
Martin has gained a cult following in the trail and ultra running world, producing some of the best runners the UK. Runners like Robbie Simpson and Beth Pascal the 2021 Western States champion. Martin is s self confessed big personality and he says it like it is. Maybe that's why he's such a good coach!
I have a feeling that we will be hearing from Martin again on the pod!
As always please like and subscribe on EVERYTHING!!! UU
20 Jul 2022
Dave Stuart - Western States 100 and Bad Boy Running
Dave is a regular on the UK 100 mile scene so I spoke to him to get an Englishman's perspective of the great North American classic ultra. We spoke about his training for the race and the secret to him running injury free for years on end! Dave is a lovely guy and it was a pleasure to speak to him about his running and his plans for the future!
05 Aug 2022
Dylan Bowman - Freetrail, entrepreneurship and becoming a dad!
In this episode of The Understanding Ultra Podcast we speak to the legendary Dylan Bowman, AKA DBo!
We talk about his career as an elite athlete, his growing media empire in Freetrail and the changing landscape of the ultra-trail industry. We speak about his struggle to make the decision to back off from racing in 2022 so he can focus on his business and prepare for his biggest challenge yet.......becoming a dad for the first time!
As always we go into the weeds with training and we dig out some gems for you to take home and apply!
listen and subscribe people!
UU
08 Aug 2022
Tim Lawrenson - Strength and conditioning for ultra-running
On todays podcast we speak to Tim Lawrenson, lead strength and conditioning coach at Nottingham university.
We talk to Tim about his career as a S&C coach, the facilities that the university have and the athletes that Tim had had the privilege to work with over his busy career.
We dive into practical sessions that ultra-runners can use to gain strength and prevent injury. We also look at targeted strength training for injury rehab especially for ones that affect runners specifically.
I learned a lot from the interview so no doubt you will too!
Please like and subscribe on all channels
UU
09 Aug 2022
Abichal Sherrington - The 3100 mile ultramarathon and the Bristol running show
In this episode of the podcast we speak to Abichal Sherrington.
Abichal is the founder and editor of Ultrarunning World Magazine and possibly the ultra trail running worlds answer to Wim Hof! Abichal is a deep thinker and believes that everyone can find themselves during a long run, especially the super long Transcendence 3100 mile race that he holds so dear.
He has spent many years training and racing all over the world specialising in the niche of the already niche area of extremely long ultramarathons!
Now he faces possibly his greatest challenge........organising the inaugural Bristol Running Show on November 26th 2022!
A great guy and I'm looking forward to meeting him in person at the show. If you want to be there too, follow the link below to the show and see his magazine website also.
In this weeks episode we speak to Rickey Gates the real life Forest Gump!
We speak about Transamericana, his solo run across rural America and the film that documented his journey. We talk about his love of travel and the friendships he's made along the way. We also talk about how he basically invented running every street where you live with his project of running every single street in San Francisco.
Rickey was a pleasure to speak to so enjoy listening and watching. Don't forget to like, subscribe and follow on all channels and mediums!
On this episode of the Understanding Ultra podcast I speak to Jody Raynsford.
Jody is somewhat of a ultra-running pioneer in that he popularised the MDS, was a vegan runner way before it was trendy and he founded one of the original podcasts about ultra-running - Bad Boy Running!
In this episode we speak about his route into ultras, his career as a running journalist and how he’s now become a marketing genius!
We dive into his book ‘How to start a cult’ and discuss how he and David Hellard manage to make podcasting look easy.
On a technical note, during the first 10 mins of the recording my internet is rubbish as I’m in a Premier Inn so I miss some of his comments and have to swap to my phone. So apologies in advance for the poor sound from my side. Jody’s however is perfect so don’t be put off!
In this episode of the new and improved Ultrarunning Sam Podcast, we speak to Damian Hall AKA Ultra Damo.
We speak about his recent Jim Walmsley (taking a wrong turn) in TDG and the resulting 24 hour Deja vu episode. We talk about all things Spine Race, cups of tea and why he keeps coming back to Edale for more long course punishment.
Obviously we had to also speak about the causes close to his heart and how we can all do our bit to encourage our beloved trail running brands to become more sustainable!
Please watch the video version on youtube and like and subscribe to everything everywhere!
URS
24 Sep 2022
Rat Race Run Britannia - Allie Bailey, Lorna Spayne and James Campbell
In this episode of the ULTRARUNNING SAM podcast we speak to Allie, Lorna and James about Run Britania!
We talk to James about route planning and juggling being a Rat Race employee whilst simultaneously running the event they are testing!
Lorna and Allie give us the inside knowledge on what it takes to run 1000 miles in a month to cover the full length of Britain! Allie speaks about her prep, James speaks about his lack of prep and Lorna tells us about being injured but carrying on with the event!
If you're signed up for this event in 2023/24 then this episode is a must listen!
URS
28 Sep 2022
Paul Booth - What to eat and what not to eat during your next ultramarathon!
In this episode we speak to Paul Booth the nutritionist to the elites.
Paul gives us the inside info on what Damian Hall fuelled with during his recent TdG. We speak about avoiding GI issues, heat acclimation and how to reverse the mid race nausea.
We speak about ways to drop body fat in a safe way and ways to build a strong fuelling strategy for ultras of any length.
Paul is a super knowledgeable guy and knows his onions! (literally) A must listen for anyone wanting to optimise their pre/mid/post race nutrition plan!
Danny has made a name for himself as an adventurer and a writer. He spends his time helping to make people happy with his motivational speaking and all-round big personality.
Danny was once voted Britain's happiest person, listen to find out why!
URS
15 Oct 2022
Precision Fuelling And Hydration For Ultramarathon And IRONMAN With Andy Blow
In this episode of the Ultrarunning Sam Podcast we speak to Andy Blow from Precision Fuel And Hydration.
Andy had a long career in IRONMAN with multiple top ten finishes and an Xterra age group world championship title to his name. But after lots of issues with sodium loss and dehydration he decided to do some experimenting to try to improve his performance in the heat.
That was the birth of Precision Fuel And Hydration! Over the next decade Andy used his masters degree in science and exercise to build the company that the pros turn to for personalised electrolyte and race fuelling plans.
We speak about his own career and what it taught him. What he would do differently now in hindsight and the leaps that have been made in the electrolyte and race fuelling space in recent years.
We dive into the PFAH products and how they can help you dial in the precision that's been missing from many of our training runs and race day plans.
Andy has a wealth of knowledge for anyone wanting to go further and faster in endurance sports. If you want to learn more about the subjects discussed in this episode, then feel free to follow the links below to find out how PFAH can help you personally achieve the performance you've dreamt about!
As a gift to you loyal viewers and listeners, PFAH have kindly set up a discount code to get 15% off all products on the Precision Hydration website. Just use the code ULTRA15
If you’re not familiar with Fiona already, then you will be soon. Fiona has had a whirlwind introduction to the UK ultra-running scene over the past couple of years.
During the last 2 years Fiona has gone from Bob Graham mule to Lakes 24 record holder! She wins pretty much every race she enters and is fresh from winning @centurianrunning Wendover Woods 50miler in the last few weeks.
Obviously we can’t mention Fiona without mentioning the fact that she is the little sister of the legend herself Beth Pascall! We speak about what it’s like to seemingly be racing in her shadow, but also the fact that she doesn’t actually feel any pressure to follow in her big sisters footsteps.
As her coach Martin Cox told me himself…..Fiona is going to do great things in ultra-running!
Great chat with Steve about all things live-streaming for ultras.
We talk about the technicalities of filming big races and what he has planned for the coming race calendar. We answered some questions from the audience about who exactly watches the livestreams and also how safe competitors are on course with gps tracking and video updates of locations.
Hopefully we will hear more from Steve in the future.
This was a live interview so apologies for the sound quality in places!
URS
11 Dec 2022
Stu Westfield - Race Director, Mountain Leader and Adventurer!
This time we speak to Stu Westfield of Ranger Ultras/Expeditions.
We speak about his route into being a mountain leader. His time leading groups in Tanzania and his growing number of trail races in Peak District and Yorkshire Moors.
We talk about how the pandemic affected his races and what he has planned for the future, including the 2nd running of the hugely successful Pennine Bridleway 270KM. A none stop multi-day ultramarathon following the lesser known but equally impressive national trail over the Pennines.
If you haven't tried a Ranger Ultras race before head on over to https://rangerultras.co.uk/ to find out more!
URS
20 Dec 2022
Will Roberts - The Spine Race And Adventure Photography
In this episode of the Ultrarunning Sam podcast we speak to Will Roberts.
Will is a content creator, adventure geek, social media manager, photographer, videographer, blogger, associate lecturer and podcast producer.
We talk about his media work in the niche area of adventure and ultramarathons. We talk about the amazing locations he’s been privileged to shoot and his ongoing work with the Beyond the ultimate race series.
We speak about his ‘healthy obsession’ with the Spine race and the work that goes into producing all of the social media and race coverage every year in Britains most brutal race.
A great listen if you work in media or are interested in the growing world of trail and ultra media.
URS
29 Dec 2022
Kim Collison - Racing, Coaching and The Spine Race!
In this episode of the podcast we speak to Kim Collison.
Kim is a familiar face to UK trail and ultra runners, known for his multiple records on some of the Britain’s most iconic races and rounds.
We talk about his life starting out as an adventure racer and how it led him to his ultimate destiny as an ultrarunner.
We dive into his most memorable performances and how being a coach helps him to make sensible decisions when racing, which is often at odds with his built in competitive nature.
We talk about his DNF at last years Spine race and his plans and predictions for this years race, being held in just over 2 weeks from when we recorded.
Kim is a great guy and I look forward to catching up with him at some races over the next year.
URS
01 Jan 2023
Jack Scott - The Spine Race and Overcoming Addiction to Gambling
In this episode of the podcast we talk to Alison Walker.
Alison came to the UK from Malaysia to go to university.
Rather than shying away from British culture, she threw herself right into it and joined a local London running club. That was the beginning of her love affair with running and the UK.
Alison is a very humble person and suffers a great deal with what she describes in her own words as ‘imposter syndrome’
Alison is a week away from her debut at The Spine Race. So we talk about her preparation for her biggest race yet. Her previous race experience and how she got into ultras.
Alison may have only discovered trail running recently but she has already racked up podiums in 100 mile races, 24 hour track races and winning the Race Across Scotland.
She has been tipped to be a contender for a podium place at this year’s Spine Race.
On this episode of the podcast we speak to Elaine Bisson.
Elaine is one of the hotly tipped competitors for the podium at this years Spine race.
Despite her French name Elaine actually heralds from the North East of England. Fortunately she forgave my assumption that she was from the continent and we had a good chat about her preparations for this years race.
We talked about her route into ultra trail running, her upbringing in the North East and how she has made a habit of placing 2nd in big races recently. So we talked about what it would take for her to push passed second place and claim a well deserved victory in the Spine.
We talked about her kit of choice and how she has refined it over the years she has been taking part in Britain’s most brutal race!
URS
28 Jan 2023
Hannah Rickman - 2nd Place Woman in the Spine Race 2023
In this episode of the podcast, we speak to Hannah Rickman.
Hannah has progressed to become one of the most consistent competitors in the Spine Race. She has risen through the ranks and put on a Steller performance at this years race.
We talk about her upbringing and route into running. Her training going into the event and what she has learned over the years she has been part of the Spine Family.
We talk about the highs and the lows of Britain's most brutal race, and how she intends to keep coming back to it!
In this episode of the podcast, we talk to the legend that is Damian Hall, or Ultra Damo as he's sometimes known.
We debrief his recent win at the Montane Winter Spine Race this month. We talk about what went right, what went wrong and his battle with the 'bouncing ball of fun' Jack Scott.
You might notice that I recorded this podcast in my van on a lunch break. So if you are watching the video version I'm sometimes out of sync with my picture. The audio quality is fine though.
In this episode of the podcast we speak to Jack Scott.
Jack heroically took second place at this years Winter Spine Race. A race that gained a lot of attention for how close the winner and Jack were as they came in to the finish.
Jack made a slight nav error that ultimately cost him a 40 minute time penalty and the win. We speak about how he thought the race went, his kit and his laser focus from his approach to race psychology.
As always Jack is a great guy to speak to and he really is going places with his running!
In this episode of the podcast I speak to Jon Shield.
Jon recently caught my attention for winning and breaking the course record for the Winter Spine Sprint. Knocking over 2 hours off the winter time.
We talk about his experiences racing around the world and how he now has his sights set on breaking more course records. Starting with the Spine Challenger South this summer and then lining up with the big guns at next years full Winter Spine Race!
Jon is a confident ultra-runner that has his sights set high.
I’m looking forward to seeing how he executes his plan for 2023!
In this episode we speak to Greg Vollet the mastermind behind the GTWS.
We speak about his route into trail running from professional mountain biking and his time developing Salomon's online presence in the global trail running scene.
He speaks about the challenges of putting on the greatest traveling trail running spectacle on earth and how its going from strength to strength every year!
We speak to Kris King, one of the founders of the Beyond The Ultimate race series and now part owner of The Spine Race.
We talk about his route into multiday racing and his love for running ultramarathons around the world. Kris tells us about his approach to risk taking, whether that be in his running or in his need to dive feet first into every challenge and opportunity that comes his way. Some of those opportunities have been helping to grow BTU from its humble beginnings, to partnering with The Spine to help push both businesses to where they are today.
We talk about his love of Gig rowing (google it) and his goal of setting a new FKT on his beloved South West Coast Path near his home in Poole Dorset.
Check out BTU https://www.beyondtheultimate.co.uk/ and The Spine Race https://www.thespinerace.com/
On this episode of the podcast we speak to Gavin Dale
Fresh from his win at the Lakes Traverse 100k at the past weekend, we speak about his training going into the race, his approach to different races and what he has planned for the future.
He’s had a great year so far with his first win of the year at The Arc Of Attrition in January and now the Traverse under his belt.
Gavin talks about his time living in New Zealand and settling back into life in the UK with his new home in the Lake District.
Gavin is a great guy and I’m sure he will get even better results going forward!
URS
12 Apr 2023
Kelsey Wiberley - GB ULTRAS Manchester to Liverpool winner!
On this episode of the podcast we talk to Kelsey Wiberley.
Kelsey is a US born ultra runner that now lives in the UK.
Last weekend she cruised to a win at the GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool 50 Mile ultra, taking first female and 6th overall!
We talk about her running history, her strength training and her openness about her almost lifelong struggle with an eating disorder ED.
Kelsey is a great example of how you can overcome your demons and make positive changes that result in running success. If you have an interest in any of these areas then this episode is a must listen for you!
URS
14 Apr 2023
James Nobles - The Northern Traverse and Dragons Back winner
Lauren has just won the Beyond The Ultimate Highland Ultra. A multi-day self supported ultra covering some spectacular scenery way up in the Scottish Islands.
We speak about her win there, her success at Marathon De Sables and her recent DNF at The Arc Of Attrition in January.
We also talk about horrific blisters and the joys of getting older in our beloved sport of ultra-running!
Lauren is a great example of working hard despite everything that life throws at you.
No doubt she will continue with her success at the big ultras she has her sights set on!
URS
20 May 2023
Anna Harding - AKA Anna The Runner from The Running Channel!
In this episode of the podcast we talk to Anna Harding, aka Anna The Runner from the Running Channel.
We talk about how she got into road and trail running. Her love of all things ultra and the races she has planned for this year.
We also talk about the 2023 UTLAC 250/30 that we both went to review and race in. A beautiful new multi distance trail ultra in the mountains around lake Como Italy.
We talk about the pros and cons of poles for climbing mountains of mud and why I’m a bad descender!
URS
02 Jul 2023
Samuel Hill - The Spine Challenger North and How He Got Into Ultras
In this episode the tables are turned on our host Samuel, because he is the one being interviewed by the one and only Ben Wells.
We talk about Sams recent battle to finish the Spine Challenger North, the 160 mile race on the imfamous Pennine Way. Part of his prep to take on the full winter Spine race this coming January.
We also talk about his running history and how he got started in ultras.
A must view/listen if you are a fan of the podcast.
In this episode I speak to Mel Sykes about her recent win at the Spine Challenger South.
Mel shot to media attention when she inadvertently took 3rd place at GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool race, due to cheating. Not her cheating obviously! You may recall the story made the national news when a prominent international ultrarunner decided to take a car journey during the race. The runner then accepted the trophy for 3rd, only to be called out by the tracking company and checkpoint volunteers.
We talk about the controversy around what happened and if it’s affected her views on racing ultras.
We talk about her recent win at the summer Spine races and what she has planned for the next few months leading up to the Winter Spine.
Mel is a very down to earth person and it was a pleasure to chat to her.
URS
28 Jul 2023
Alan Bateson - Wales Coastal Path and Offa's Dyke FKT
Alan is an incredibly interesting guy who has had a colourful past in his lead up to becoming not only a great ultra runner, but also a shining example of overcoming childhood abuse to become an ambassador for various charities that help young people and adults to live their lives after the trauma of living through abuse.
We talk about his misspent youth in and out of correctional facilities. His drug and alcohol addiction and his mental health issues that have plagued his past.
But on a more positive note, we hear about the amazing feats of endurance that he’s achieved since he went clean and started ultra running.
We talk about his first attempt and failure to run the Welsh coastal path. We talk about his successful attempt at not only running the WCP and setting a new FKT, but also running back home on the Offa’s Dyke Trail to set another FKT!
Alan is a deep and contemplative man and it was a pleasure to speak to him.
Check him and his running adventures out on @therunningmonkshropshire on Instagram and why not enter one of his trail races? @runningmonk_trail_events
On todays episode I speak to Lake District runner and NorthFace sponsored athlete, Josh Wade.
Josh first caught my attention when I saw him win the 2022 Spine Challenger South. This time I speak to him a week removed from his 3rd place podium position at the Eiger Ultratrail in Switzerland. Josh has built up an impressive CV in ultra-trail running over the past 4 or so years that he’s been competing. He has wins and podium places to his name in all of the major UK ultras including The Spine, UTS, Lakeland 5 passes and Lakeland 100 to name a few.
Josh is a great guy and his enthusiasm for trail running is going to take him to great places and see great results.
URS
15 Aug 2023
Charlotte Fisher - From Travel Blogger To NDW100 Winner!
On this episode of the podcast I speak to Charlotte Fisher.
Charlotte has had a whirlwind 6 months. Going from high heels to trail shoes in as many months.
After running a 50k guided trail run last year on ZERO training and swearing she would never run again, she thought she would have another crack at running ultras.
She got herself a coach and entered the Isle of Wight challenge. 106km around the beautiful island just off the Dorset coast.
She won that race, and won it comfortably. Then she set her sights on 100 miles. So she entered the Centurion North Downs Way…….and won that too!
It's quite clear that Charlotte possesses a genetic ability to run long distances and I have the feeling that the sky is the limit for this fashion/travel/dog walking/house sitting blogger!
We talk about her competitive nature, her travel and how she aims to combine her new love for ultra trail running, with her long time passion for travel.
She is also an advocate of early diagnosis for bowel cancer, a subject close to her heart after losing her Aunty to it in recent years. Charlotte was a fun interview and I’m certain she will do great things in the sport
At the ripe old age of just 20 years old, Owen has defied the odds to not only finish the Dragons Back, one of the UK’s most infamous multiday events, but to finish it strong in 23rd place.
Not only did he do this, but he did it despite only starting to run this year!
We talk about his previous races, of which there are only two 50 milers earlier this year and how he prepared by mostly relying on his previous fitness from mountain biking and his 30+ miles a week running.
Owen is a great lad and I’m 100% sure he will go on to do great things in this sport of ours. He’s definitely one to watch!
On this episode I speak to the super talented Tom Joly.
Tom was highest placing Brit at this years UTMB in 16th place. We talk about his performance at the biggest ultra-trail race in the world and how he’s set his sights on becoming the best ultra distance runner he can be.
We dive into his year in races so far and how he prepares mentally for running at such a high level. Tom runs for Team Hour 7 and they provide him with top level athlete support to get him where he need to be.
Tom is a focused and driven guy and I’m excited to see how he’s going continue to prove himself at the highest levels possible!
URS
20 Sep 2023
Mike Stocks - Team Hour 7 and breaking world records in his 50's!
On this episode of the podcast I speak with Mike Stocks from Team Hour 7.
Mike is a 24 hour specialist who has broken age category world records amongst other great things. He is the man behind Team Hour 7, which is attempting to bring elite style support to top level ultra athletes.
On the podcast we talk about how he got into running in his 30’s, his struggles with chronic pain and how he’s managed to keep coming back for more, despite being written off by doubters!
Mike is a great example of what can be achieved later in our running lives and draws his inspiration from other athletes that have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible during later years.
Mike is an author of a book about his experiences as a 24 hour track runner, which you can read here ⬇️
Resources for running can also be found at the Team Hour 7 website below ⬇️
Michael's book is 'One Track Mind’
One Track Mind: What Running 150 Miles in a Day Can Teach You About Life https://amzn.eu/d/ctnNfBu
His Instagram is: @michaelstocksrunner
Michael's website and blog: https://www.michael-stocks.com/
Hour 7 can be found here: https://hour7.com/
The book on solutions to chronic pain is 'The Way Out' by Alan Gordon
URS
21 Sep 2023
Hugh Chatfield and Robyn Cassidy - The Montane Dragons Back 2023 Winners!
In this episode I speak to both the male and female winners of the 2023 Montane Dragons Back Race!
Hugh Chatfield was 1st male in 47:38 and Robyn Cassidy was 1st female and 3rd overall in 54:25!
Robyn and Hugh give me the lowdown on what it takes to win the DBR. We talk about the weather, the route and their individual approaches to training, route recce-ing, nutrition and race plan execution.
This was a great chat to two great runners and it’s a must listen for anyone wanting to slay the dragon!
On this episode of the podcast I speak to the photographer David Miller.
David has become a household name in the trail running media industry, with some now classic shots of the best ultramarathon runners in the world.
We talk about his short lived ultra running career before his transformation into one of the most prolific photographers in the sport. We dive into his low-key approach and what really matters when I comes to getting those iconic shots on the worlds biggest stages.
This is a great listen if you are into trail running media and want to see behind the veil of what it takes to succeed in the industry.
URS
28 Sep 2023
Ben Wells answers your questions about fell running!
Something a bit different for this episode. I speak to friend of the show Ben Wells about all things fell running.
Ben is involved with all things fell running in north Wales. We talk about the history of fell running, the events available to everyone and his favourites.
I also fire your questions about fell running at him. So thanks to everyone that sent in their questions for Ben and hopefully we managed to suitably answer some of them to the best of our ability.
Let me know your thoughts on wether this format works or not and we may have a regular guest spot for Ben going forward!
URS
29 Sep 2023
Damian Hall - Sycamore Gap Tree Vandalism, Single Use Shoes, UTMB And TDG
On this episode of the podcast I speak to Damian Hall.
This is Damo’s third time on the podcast and we wasted no time getting into the nitty gritty of a few things that have happened in the last week, in the world of running and ultramarathons.
Firstly Damo gives his personal thoughts on the sad news about the famous Sycamore Gap tree being felled overnight by vandals.
We then talk about Adidas’s new ‘single use shoe’ and how the Green Runners are obviously most disturbed about it coming to market.
After those two rants, we then get onto another hot topic……UTMB and their recent addition of Dacia as a leading sponsor.
We even have time to talk about his recent 4th place at TDG and his training leading up to the Spine race this coming January.
A great listen if you are interested in keeping up to date with what he and the other Green Runners are up to on our behalf.
In this episode of the podcast I speak to Richard Lazenby about his recent win at the 13 Valleys - 7 valleys race.
We talk about his background in trail and ultra and how he got to be toeing the line at the inaugural Lake District 100km ultra last weekend.
We talk about his approach to training, dealing with niggles in the lead up to this race and how he specifically trained to meet the demands of a tough mountain race.
We talk about his creative side and his day job as a tattoo artist.
Richard is an interesting guy and he was a pleasure to speak to.
On this episode of the podcast I speak to Ellis Bland, fresh off his win at Lakes In A Day.
This was a deep conversation that took me off guard to begin with. We talked at great lengths about body dysmorphia in men, how we seem to perpetuate the notion that “lighter is faster” and the rise of the hybrid athlete in ultramarathons.
We talk about his love of all types of running and his passion for racing in more of a North American style, different to how he’s perceived as a “fell runner”
We obviously talk about Vaga and it’s rise from being an idea, to now dominating the running world selling caps and beanies in 30+ countries globally.
Ellis is a very intelligent and interesting guy and I believe he will go on to become a truly great ultra runner on the world stage!
URS
14 Oct 2023
John Kelly - The Barkley Marathons, Tour De Geants and The Spine Race
On this episode of the podcast I speak to the ultra running legend John Kelly - AKA Random Forest Runner.
We talk about his background as a data scientist. How it helps with the planning and execution of running a really really long way. We dive into his running history and how he ended up running The Barkley Marathons as his first official ultra!
We also answer the question that everyone asked me to put to him, is he coming back to The Spine Race in 2024?
To find out the answer to this and much more, please watch, listen and subscribe on all platforms!
URS
19 Oct 2023
Matt Buck - MDS to Running Adventures and being a nice coach
On this episode of the podcast i speak to Matt Buck - AKA Running Bucky.
Matt has been in the sport of ultra running for many years and has turned his love of trail running, into a profitable business.
After a moment of inspiration at Marathon De Sables, he decided that running coaches don’t all have to be idiots. He also realised that there are many people out there who want to start trail running, but don’t know how to get started. Running Adventures was born out of that idea.
We talk about his long standing relationship with Salomon as part of their trail running team and we talk about his other great passion, music.
Obviously it wouldn’t be an ultra-running Sam podcast if we didn’t talk about The Spine Race. So to keep all of the Spine bingo players out there happy, we dived into his DNF at this years race in January and how he feels about it on reflection.
Matt is a great guy and has had a lot of success coaching and guiding runners up and down the country. It was a pleasure to speak to him.
On this episode of the podcast myself and Ben Wells Runs Fells speak to Kate Allen from the RunUltra website.
Last week I wrote an article for the website discussing the current controversy surrounding the UTMB/Iron Man situation in Whistler.
We have an unbiased conversation about who could be to blame (if anyone even is) and how the trail running community around the world have reacted to the announcement of their new race in British Columbia.
We talk about the ethics of the decision to put the race on the same weekend that Gary Robbins and his Coast mountain trail running normally have their own WAM races. We chat about if it’s intentional, or just bad timing. Have a listen and decide for yourself.
Kate also tells about the new inov8 store that’s opened up in Bakewell, serving the needs of trail runners in the Peak District. We also have the usual catch up about injury and the Spine race, so for those of you who play, get your Spine Bingo cards out!
URS
17 Nov 2023
EXCLUSIVE! Interview With UTMB IRONMAN! They Tell Their Side Of The Story
In this special episode of the podcast I get the exclusive first interview with the IRONMAN UTMB group about the recent events with Gary Robbins WAM races and UTMB’s new Whistler Ultra Trail race. I recently posted on social media that I was worried that we weren’t really hearing directly from them about what happened and their own perspective on what went down. I got the chance to virtually sit down with Paul Huddle - Senior director of global trail running and Keats Mcgonigal - Vice president of North American operations and ask them all the awkward questions that we in the trail running community have been wanting to ask them!
Did they push out WAM intentionally? Or was it just a right place at the right time scenario?
Did they regret their decision to host the race on that same weekend in September? How do they feel about the outpouring of anger towards Ironman for the announcement?
And most importantly, how do they, and how do we, all move on from all of this to get back to the sport that we all love. Trail running in beautiful places!
It was an eye opening interview for myself and I feel a lot more informed about what went down in Whistler.
But don’t just take my word for it. Have a listen and see if you feel any different. Also please share the link for this episode everywhere you can on socials, so that more people get to hear both sides of this story!
URS
23 Nov 2023
James Elson - Centurion Running and The World Trail Majors
In this episode of the podcast I speak to James Elson.
James is well known for his exploits as a long course ultrarunner who’s completed some of the toughest and most prestigious races around the globe. He’s also the race director and head honcho at Centurion Running, who put on some of the best 50-100 mile ultramarathons in the UK. We talk about his own running career competing at The Spine Race, Tour De Geants and Western States. We also dive into the new World Trail Majors series that Centurions very own South Downs Way race is now part of. James also give us his perspective on the whole UTMB saga as it rumbles on in the trail running community and his thoughts on the direction that our sport will go in.
Super nice guy and was a pleasure to interview him.
It’s that time of year again. Spine Race season! From now until the end of the year we will be releasing special Spine race episodes. We will hear from the team behind the scenes from the organisation, from the media team and from the runners themselves. We will deliver the big names hoping to do well again and also throw in some wildcard entries to keep your eyes fixed on the dots.
First up we have Lindley Chambers, who is responsible for finalising the route and overseeing everything kit related. If you’ve had any involvement with the race personally then Lindley’s name will be familiar to you. He may strike fear into the hearts of many, but deep down he is just a passionate runner who shoulders the heavy responsibility of making sure nobody gets hurt or lost on Britain’s most brutal race!
URS
07 Dec 2023
SPINE RACE 2024 Pre-race interviews - Simon Roberts
In this next episode of the pre-Spine race podcast series I speak to Simon Roberts.
Fresh from his recent win at the Montane Cheviot Goat, we talk about his journey into ultra, his experience of previous Spine races and of course his win at the Goat. He talks about his love of the Dragons Back race and his passion for the shorter faster fell races local to him in Wales.
With the Spine now only weeks away, we talk about his choice of gear, nutrition and his relaxed approach to racing tactics.
Simon is a great guy and a pleasure to interview!
URS
13 Dec 2023
SPINE RACE 2024 Pre-race interviews - James Nobles
In this next episode of the pre-Spine race 2024 podcast series, I speak to James Nobles.
James is a returning guest on the podcast so we dive straight into the good stuff. We talk about his recent 2nd place at the Cheviot Goat and how it has set him up for success at the fast approaching Spine Race in January.
We talk about his approach to training, nutrition and racing strategy as he contemplates lining up with some of the best ultra distance athletes assembled on the race.
James is a super humble guy and I have a feeling he will do well at Britain’s most brutal race!
URS
14 Dec 2023
SPINE RACE 2024 Pre-race interviews - Race Media Team
In this episode of the special pre-Spine race series I speak to the race media team.
Regular listeners will know that I’ve been involved with the race for the last couple of years as a volunteer and last year had the privilege to work on the media team. So in this episode I catch up with the media pals to discuss the upcoming race, their predictions for the runners and how they are going to approach covering Britain’s most brutal race!
We also get some insights into Jenny’s recent race success at the Beyond The Ultimate Desert Ultra, where she explained that it is not too dissimilar to racing Citroen 2CV’s!
A short but great catch up with the team that constantly bang out the quality content that we all get to enjoy come January.
In this next episode of the pre-Spine race 2024 podcast series, I speak to Elaine Bisson. We talk about the injury that led to her DNF at last years race, how she feels about returning to The Spine and how she felt about having to cut her race short.
We talk about her success at the Cape Wrath Ultra back in May and how it’s helped prepare her for the upcoming race. We talk about training, nutrition and her race strategy.
In the next instalment of the pre-race interviews I speak to Kim Collison about his prep for this year’s race.
We talk about his experience at last years race and his hopes for this year. Notably, Kim has got to the bottom of his muscular issues and with a change of medication, hopes that he can be foreign on all cylinders come January 14th!
We talk about his training, mental preparation and his racing strategy.
In this episode of the Special pre-Spine race 2024 series, I speak to reigning Spine champion Damian Hall.
We chat about last years race, his training for this year and I probe him on wether he feels any pressure returning to the race that he has invested so many years in.
Damo reveals his tradition of watching an inspiring film the night before the race, in an effort to rev himself up for glory!
Welcome to the last episode in the special pre-race Spine 2024 series! We end with last years 2nd place woman, Hannah Rickman.
We talk about her year of globe trotting l, splitting her time between Malawi in Africa and good old Blighty. We discuss training, sleep strategy, mental preparation and most importantly FOOD!
It was great to catch up with Hannah and I can’t wait to see what she can do at this years race.
I relive the highs and lows of taking on Britain’s most brutal race.
We talk about my path leading me to this years race over many years of prep. We talk about the sleep deprivation, food and the weather that was particularly Spiney! We also talk about that infamous fall that almost ended my race prematurely.
On the latest episode of the podcast I speak to ultra-running royalty Nicky Spinks.
We chat about our shared experiences of this years race and how it went for her. We talk about her sleep strategy, fuelling and kit that she used.
We also discuss hallucinations, the epic weather on course and wether or not she will return to Britains most brutal race.
I’m really pleased to have had this conversation with Nicky as she’s been on my list of people that I’ve wanted to interview since the podcast launched.
In this episode of the podcast I speak to UK ultra-running legend, and now bestselling author, Allie Bailey.
Allie has risen to fame over the years with her no nonsense approach to running and life. She races brutal ultramarathons and has a reputation for her brutal honesty about pretty much everything!
Allie is a recovering alcoholic and she has written a book about her life as an addict. In this podcast we talk about her love of running really really long races all over the world. Her former career in music and her battle with depression and alcohol.
We talk about all things related and at times the conversation went deep on both sides. One thing we did agree on, is that RUNNING WONT SAVE YOU!
Read her new book that’s out in print and on audible. ‘There is no wall’
In this episode of the podcast I speak to Julian Ayres, Senior Lecturer at Wrexham University.
Jules takes his research seriously! In an effort to improve his student’s resilience, he embarked on a mission into ultramarathon to find out how grit and resilience in physical activity can be applied to his students to help them improve outcomes in the workplace.
We talk about that race beginning with S, and lots about the Dragons back and other big ultras and how his experiences helped shape his program for his students.
Jules is a clever guy and it’s great to hear about his experiences helping others to improve their own resilience.
URS
27 Feb 2024
Scott Jenkins - First Brit to complete the Triple Crown of 200's
Scott is the first Brit to complete the gruelling Triple Crown of 200’s in the USA. Scott ran the Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200 and finally the Moab 240 to take 5th place overall. This all happened within 10 weeks!
We chat about all of the 200’s he’s ran over the last few years. His adventures around the world and his plans for a certain UK race that shall remain nameless.
We talk about his preparation, execution and his favourite hallucination featuring his wife! (not a witch)
On this episode of the podcast I speak to Sophie Power.
Sophie shot to infamy in the 2018 UTMB race, when she was photographed breastfeeding at a checkpoint. Due to the races then policy of not allowing race deferrals due to pregnancy, she found herself racing with a 3 month old baby.
When the image went viral around the world, Sophie realised that she now had an obligation to raise awareness of the failings of some race organisations with regard to female runners.
The deferral issue was just the tip of the iceberg and Sophie through her organisation SheRaces, has begun to make a real change in the sport of running for all women. From providing female specific bathroom facilities, to changing wording and images on race websites to provide a more inclusive environment for women in racing.
Many races around the world are now coming to SheRaces to find out how they can encourage female participation in all types of running.
SheRaces now sets the standard for women in running. Go check out the website and socials!
Christina is an Olympic bobsledding athlete residing in Canada, who now works for The Enhanced Games.
If you’re not familiar with the concept of the EG…….it’s set to be the Olympic Games for the next generation.
Imagine the Olympics, but without drug testing. Imagine having a team of scientists and doctors overseeing everything in the name of science and research. Well you don’t have to imagine, because it’s coming!
This isn’t just an idea thought up in a bedroom, it’s backed by a number of wealthy investors and is set to be the ‘formula one’ of sport.
Rather than have strict regulations on athletes supplementing with performance enhancing substances. The EG has a science based approach. They’re allowing athletes to use anything they want to aid them in recovery and performance. Whilst at the same time providing them with medical supervision and conducting research on them.
It sounds wild……and it is, but this conversation wasn’t so much about the prevalence of drug use in professional sport (which is around 44% apparently) but rather it highlights that in a world of testing, the enhanced games can be at the forefront of scientific research and help push athletes to new levels.
I know this will divide opinions on what is morally right, but hear them out. You might be surprised by some of the logic in what they are trying to do.
URS
17 Apr 2024
Emma Stuart - Trans Gran Canaria and Winning Tor des Géants
On this episode of the podcast, I speak to Emma Stuart about her amazing results over the last year. After wins in the 2023 editions of the 100-mile Arc of Attrition, 100-mile Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, and third place in the 120km Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Emma moved up the distance further by entering Italy’s notoriously punishing 205-mile Tor des Géants, which she won 🥇 After a great start to 2024 with a 3rd place at the highly competitive Trans Gran Canaria. She now has UTMB on her radar for the end of her summer race season.
We talk about running in her homeland of Ireland and her new home in The Lake District.
Emma is a very humble and funny person and it was a pleasure to speak to her.
06 May 2024
Jon Shield - Running camps and the new FENIX running team
In this episode of the podcast I speak to returning guest Jon Shield.
Jon is possibly the busiest man in UK ultra running right now. When he’s not racing and winning ultras all over the world, he’s coaching, putting on trail running camps, organising the new FENIX running team and he is currently in the process of setting up his own trail running brand!
It’s no wonder he only gets 4 hours sleep a night!
We talk about his wins since we last spoke. His up and down training with injuries and how he’s got his eyes set on some big races this season.
Jon was a pleasure to speak to as always.
URS
15 May 2024
Daniel Weller - GB ULTRAS Pennine Barrier 50 Champion
Dan grew up in Ohio in the USA before moving to the UK and taking up trail running. Dan has been in the sport for many years, but has started to put down some epic performances at some of the UK’s biggest ultramarathons. Having consistently finished on the podium at many races over the last year, he started this year by winning the winter Spine Challenger South in January. Most recently he won the GB Ultras Pennine Barrier 50 mile.
We talk about his approach to training and racing and why he won’t be jumping into the full Spine anytime soon!
Dan is a very down to earth guy and a pleasure to interview. I’m sure we will be seeing him back on a podium very soon!
In this episode I speak to a veteran of the events industry, who also happens to be an ultra runner himself.
Doug Emslie has been in the events game for over 30 years and now has a major financial investment in Racoon Media, who organise events like the National Running Show, the Outdoor Show and more recently, the US Running Show in Boston earlier this year.
Doug talks about his route into trail running, the events business and his new partnership with Broken Arrow SkyRace, Freetrail’s Dylan Bowman and Western States, to bring us TRAILCON.
This June 26th in Tahoe, the week between the two iconic races, the ensemble are launching “A taste of TrailCon” - a 4 hour introduction to the main event of TrailCon being held in June 2025.
The conference aims to bring together all the movers and shakers from the trail running industry, to discuss the direction that global trail running is taking. The conference aims to eventually be a week long festival of running with panel discussions, brands, race directors and average joe runners all coming together to discuss topics close to the heart of all trail runners in 2024 and beyond.
Although this years event will be just a taste of what’s to come, the 2025 event will be a hot ticket in the lead up to WSER 2025. So have a listen to what’s in store for those fortunate enough to be there.
URS
30 May 2024
Chris Andrade - Hardmoors 110 winner and new Inov8 athlete
On this weeks episode I speak to Chris Andrade about his recent win at the Hardmoors 110.
This wasn’t just any old win for Chris who’s no stranger to the podium. This was his debut at the 100 mile distance and he well and truly won by almost 2 hours!
We talk about his journey into running, his previous career in dramatic theatre and university studies. We talk in depth about his race at Hardmoors and the non traditional training block that led into such a great performance.
Chris is the assistant manager at the Inov8 Bakewell store and is now a fully fledged member of the Inov8 athlete team!
It was a pleasure to talk to Chris and we can expect great things on the horizon for him with Inov8!
URS
11 Jun 2024
Zuzana Nemeckova - Nutrition and the Spring Energy Scam
We talk about her route into trail running from road and her time in New Zealand before moving to the UK. We talk about energy needs for ultramarathon training and racing. The mistakes we make and the ways we can improve our strategy in simple ways
We also talk about the highly discussed subject of Spring Energy's Awesome Sauce, that turns out to be not that awesome after all!
URS
13 Jun 2024
Summer Spine Preview and Jasmin Paris Documentary Announcement!
If you're a regular listener to the podcast you will know all about this documentary. If not, please head to the YouTube channel to watch it.
Obviously I couldn't let this golden content just be available in the video version only, so here's the audio version for anyone who wants to enjoy it while out and about.
Obviously some stuff is visual and ive not edited it into the traditional podcast format, so you'll have to imagine the sweeping visuals that go along with the music etc!
You can watch the video by following the below link.
https://youtu.be/kvGHARr8rBQ?si=cR5RyfMa12hbULuU
If you do head to YouTube then please like/share/comment/subscribe to help me push the series and book in more big names.
I this episode I speak to Rich Gill, also known as Rich Trails and Gillyphotography on socials.
Rich is fast becoming a household name in trail running photography, having shot at UTS, UTMB, the Arc and numerous other events in the UK and Europe.
Rich talks about his route into running and his ever growing photographic experience, having the privilege to shoot for major brands and PR companies involved in the trail running scene.
Rich is a great guy and I’m sure we will be hearing from him in the future!
URS
25 Jun 2024
AJAY HANSPAL - Double Paddy Buckley and Green Runners founder
In this episode I speak with Ajay Hanspal, who at the start of this month set a new DPB round in 52hrs 51mins 35secs. Covering a staggering 131.93 miles with 58,537ft of vertical!
This was over 4 hours quicker than the original record set by Nicky Spinks.
We talk about his route into running, which is an unusual one given that he used running to help his rehab from a serious traumatic brain injury when he was just 18 years old.
We talk about growing up in the sport of trail running, his journey to breaking that record and his involvement with the ever growing community of Green Runners.
Ajay is a super nice guy and a pleasure to interview!
URS
11 Jul 2024
Sarah Woodley-Williams - Author of How To Survive An Injury With Ben
In this episode I speak to Sarah Woodley Williams about her new book for runners, How To Survive An Injury With Ben.
Sarah's book is a lighthearted look at how we as runners try to get navigate the doom of an injury. The book highlights the fact that we're all the same when it comes to having to hang up our runners for any length of time due to the dreaded injury.
We talk about her own running, representing South Wales at cross country, her ventures into ultramarathons and her own experience of being sidelined by injury.
The book contains some valuable insights and practical takeaways to help anyone who is in the unfortunate situation of dealing with time out from our favourite sport!
link to the book on Amazon below. https://amzn.eu/d/07PJju1s
In this episode of the podcast i speak to one of the founders of FREETRAIL the US trail and ultrarunning media empire.
Ryan makes up 1/3 of the Freetrail team along with Dylan Bowman and his wife Harmony. In this chat we talk about Ryan's involvement in the growing business that produces podcasts, short form and long form media projects.
As a dedicated trail runner himself, we talk to Ryan about his recent running of WSER, which was an 8 year project for him. We talk about the highs and lows during that special race and how he's reflecting on it some weeks later.
We also talk about our mutual love of music and how we view it as importantly as we do our running!
This was a great chat and if i look or sound tired, its because i had to stay up until midnight to make our schedules match up for the recording!
Hugh's first appearance on the podcast was after his win at Dragons Back last year. This time we catch up with him as he prepares to race CCC at this years UTMB races.
We talk about what he's been up to since we last spoke, including joining the Elite Trail Team and training like a true professional!
Hugh now has his sights set on the 100K race in the Alps and plans to give it everything he's got!
In this episode I speak to returning guest Fiona Pascall.
We talk about #vanlife as Fiona is already in the Alps to finish her training whilst residing in her 4 wheeled home. We chat about her success at Mozart 100 and how British the weather was! We talk about her training leading up to this point and the injury post Mozart that hampered her plan.
Fiona is one determined Pascall and I'm sure she will live up to the family name and race well at UTMB Mont Blanc!
URS
24 Aug 2024
David Roche - Leadville 100 champion and new course record holder
In this episode I team up with Kate from RunUltra to speak with David.
We talk about his historic race at the Leadville 100 where he not only won his debut 100 miler, but actually broke Matt Carpenters 19 year old course record in the process! Dropping it from 15:42 to 15:26!
We talk about his training and preparation leading into this race. We discuss his specific approach involving numerous interventions designed to give David the edge on the long standing record. We discuss carbon shoes, carb intake, bicarb and tons more!
David is a very open guy and we talk about the issues he's had this year after his road accident and suffering from abuse online.
A great listen with lots of valuable insights!
URS
28 Aug 2024
BONUS EPISODE! - Home Trails ep2 | Jack Scott | Extended audio version
For the super nerds that wanted to hear the first edit before it was cut down for visual aesthetic reasons!
An extra 7 minutes of training talk that was removed from the video version after this version. So it's essentially the same but with some additional insights into his training and prep. More conducive to listening in the podcast format.
Josh returns as a guest to the podcast with an outstanding performance at this years UTMB.
Josh ran himself into a final position of 11th, making him the highest placing Brit at this years race!
When you hear how his race started out, the more you realise what a great result he had on a day that could have ended as a DNF, like it did for so many others at this years race.
As always, we talk about his training leading into this years race. We talk about his reflections on the result and what he has lined up for the rest of the year.
Josh is a genuinely funny guy too, so its always a pleasure to talk to him.
In this episode I speak to US ultra running legend Max King.
Max recently popped over from the USA to win the legendary Dragons Back Race. A 380KM stage race over 6 days traversing the length of Wales from Conwy in the north, to Cardiff in the south!
In this interview we chat about his experience of the iconic British stage race, that tests even the hardest ultra runners. We talk about his nonexistent recces of the course and how everyday was for him, fortunately a nice surprise. We discuss his previous experience of UK trail running and how his love of the British fell running scene keeps him coming back for more!
Max is a great runner and it was an insightful interview that dealt with some of the minutiae of running in what has fast become a legendary race on the UK ultra scene.
As always, please like and subscribe to the channel and audio podcast.
URS
20 Sep 2024
Will Roberts - Extreme Environments Photography and Media
Normally we speak to Will about all things @SpineRace but this time we did a deep dive into his professional career as a photographer in some of the worlds most extreme environments.
We talk about his career in media, his passion for travel and how he essentially blagged his way into his first media job for @BeyondTheUltimateRaces
Obviously we do speak about the Spine Race because we both feel so passionately about Britains most brutal race!
I speak to Kate Allen from RUNULTRA about the Camille Herron controversy.
We talk about what allegedly happened and what the media has to say about it all. We discuss 'trial by social media' and the effect not just on Camille herself, but also how it affects our beloved sport of ultra running.
This isn't an episode of hate towards Camille, just a conversation about what actually happened and what could happen in consequence.
URS
01 Oct 2024
Kim Collison - Swiss Peaks 360 and Spine race 2025 plans
In this episode I speak to returning guest Kim Collison.
Last month, Kim won the Swiss Peaks Trail 360km 85,000ft mountain race. In this interview Kim talks about overcoming past DNF's in long ultras to finally put together the performance he knew he had in him.
Kim talks about how significant this race is in his build to the Spine race in January 2025. With this successful race in place, Kim plans to hit 'Britains Most Brutal' race with everything he's got. With 3 unsuccessful attempts now behind him, he is laser focused on getting the result that we all agree he deserves.
To be honest, I even told him in the interview that he was giving away too much of his plans to his competition. He just shrugged his shoulders and more or less said 'what will be, will be'.
This years race is shaping up to be an interesting one!
URS
08 Oct 2024
Sarah Perry - 13 Valleys Winner and Body Shaming in Ultra
Sarah by her own admission is a reluctant podcast guest, but after months of me asking, she finally relented! I'm so glad she did because we had a great chat about a number of subjects.
We did the obligatory "superhero question" to find out how she got into running. We talk about her successful FKT of the South West Coast Path earlier in the year and we obviously talk about her record setting win at 13 valleys over the weekend.
We also dive int a subject that came up after a post she made on the morning of our interview. At the startline of 13v she was subjected to a comment about her weight. This sparked a conversation about body shaming in our sport.
Listen to the interview to hear how she felt about it.
On this weeks episode I speak to former SAS: Who Dares Wins contestant and now author, James Gwinnett.
James has had a colourful past to say the least! After a serious neck injury ended his rugby career, he fell into a deep depression that turned into alcoholism. But after seeing the London marathon on TV, he decided enough was enough and sought professional help. AA and running helped him quit his drinking and set him up with his new passion of running. The London marathon was just the beginning and he quickly found himself signing top for some big ultras! including the 145 mile Kent and Avon canal race. (where he came a very respectable 2nd place) This is where he met our mutual friend Matt Fynn and struck up a conversation about their shared troubled past.
James realised that in capturing the stories of others that have overcome great odds to achieve something in life, he was building up conversations that could help others navigate similar struggles.
This is how the book was born! Ready Set Life is a collection of his own stories of struggle and change, but also that of many others. From former special forces, doctors, ultra runners, a former heroin addict, polar explorer and an England rugby captain....to name just a few.
The book is in his own words, a cynical look at society and although it deals with some serious subject matter, it is equally as funny as it is serious!
In a break from our usual programming......I speak to Amy Hart.
Amy is, in her own words, 'just a normal runner' which is true, but aren't we all? Even us ultra runners are just normal runners! Well, between snacks and sit downs when we're actually running......
In this interview we talk about Amy's life growing up in foster care, her struggles with moving schools frequently and feeling like she would end up uneducated, jobless or even in prison! But Amy didn't let herself become just another statistic, she threw herself into university and came away with a degree.
Throughout the years Amy has used running to destress, see new places and most importantly to keep her mental health in check. She now believes so strongly about running as therapy that she is running London Landmarks half marathon for the mental health charity Still I Run and is team captain for Just Strong.
Still I Run are a charity dedicated to promoting the benefits of running for mental health, which is a subject close to not only Amy's heart, but mine as well.
We talk candidly about our own struggles with mental health and how running has helped us cope with what life throws at us!
In this episode I speak to Robin about the recent backyard ultra championships.
But firstly we talk about his instagram page "The Running Accountant" where Robin breaks down the past week in ultra running and explains this crazy sport that we love, for newbies and the ultra curious.
'Robins Running Roundup!' breaks down races and events and explains how they work to your average Joe. Robin aims to get more people into trail running and this is one of the avenues he uses. The other way is to organise trail runs in the Peak District through Highpeak Runners where he aims to fill the gap between couch to 5k and trail running.
So who better to come onto the podcast to talk about the recent Backyard Ultra National Championships! Robin breaks down the weird and wonderful world of backyard and speaks about who did well, what the challenges are and what to expect from our own British backyarders next year at the world championships!
Something tells me that Robin might become a regular feature on the pod so keep your eyes peeled for more of Robins Running Roundup!
links to his socials below
@highpeak.runners @the.running.accountant
URS
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