Explore every episode of the podcast Go! Running Talks

This past Monday, three Go! Running Tours guides crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. Alan from Montreal. Emily from New York. Jose from Chicago. Three different training cycles, three different race days - and one thing in common: they earned every kilometer.

In this special episode of Go! Running Talks, Lena sits down with Alan, Emily, and Jose days after the race to talk about what Boston actually feels like from the inside. The hills. The crowds. The moments where you're ready to quit and somehow don't.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Why Boston ruins your quads in the first four miles - before you even feel it
• The Wellesley Scream Tunnel: you can hear it a kilometer before you reach it
• Alan's Gollum analogy for the mental battle on the Newton Hills
• Emily's tip that made strangers cheer for her the entire 42.2K
• The real story behind why Heartbreak Hill is called Heartbreak Hill - from 1936
• Is Heartbreak Hill actually as hard as they say? Three runners answer
• Emily's journey from charity runner to four-time Boston qualifier
• Jose's first Boston - and why he's already signing up again
• What all three would do differently next time
  

Alan guides in Montreal. Emily guides in New York City. Jose guides in Chicago. Want to run with a Boston Marathon finisher? gorunningtours.com/p/canada/montreal/ - gorunningtours.com/p/usa/new-york-city/ - gorunningtours.com/p/usa/chicago/

Go! Running Tours connects runners with local guides in 70+ cities across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Whether you're a business traveler, a marathon tourist, or just someone who loves to explore cities on foot - there's a tour for you at https://gorunningtours.com/

Tokyo is not one city. It never was.

Ihor, Go! Running Tours' lead guide in Tokyo, has been exploring the city on foot, by bike, and through a camera lens for five years. His conclusion: Tokyo has 23 different wards, and each one is its own world. The 7K and 12K tours he runs with guests cover what would be an entire city center in most European capitals - and still only scratch the surface.

In this episode, Lena sits down with Ihor to talk about what it means to find your Tokyo, why the best itinerary is the one that leaves room for the unexpected, and what happens when a runner who loves books, music, and field recording becomes a guide in one of the most layered cities on earth.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Growing up running 5K every morning in a Ukrainian military boarding school - and  loving it
• The Japanese running culture shock: masks, gear, and runners who look like they came from another planet
• Running a marathon in Okinawa where a farm handed out  eggs and a man with salt appeared 10 meters later
• The "Find Your Tokyo" philosophy - and what Ihor's own Tokyo looks like
• The toilet tour: a 20K half marathon dedicated to Tokyo's most iconic public bathrooms, built for the Olympics
• Why Ihor never runs the same road twice on tour
• "Nerds meeting nerds" - what happens when a guide and a guest are equally obsessed with the same city
• One piece of advice for every runner, beginner or experienced

Ihor's tours in Tokyo: 7K, 12K, and the 20K Toilet Tour Book a running tour in Tokyo

Ready to run Tokyo? Find your route with Ihor at gorunningtours.com/p/japan/tokyo/

Go! Running Tours is the global leader in running tours and connects runners with local guides in 70+ cities across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Whether you're a business traveler, a marathon tourist, or just someone who loves to explore cities on foot - there's a tour for you at https://gorunningtours.com/

Sara Amato wasn't sure anyone would want to run Denver. "It doesn't have the cool architecture and history that European cities do," she told us. She built the tours anyway.

Sara is Go! Running Tours' lead guide in Denver - ultra runner, trail lover, and the person behind a running community that turned strangers into lifelong friends on a 42-mile day at the Grand Canyon.

In this episode, Lena sits down with Sara to talk about imposter syndrome in running and in guiding, what it's like to show a city you had to learn to believe in, and why Denver's elevation will humble any runner - no matter how fast they are.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Imposter syndrome in running and in guiding - and how Sara moved through it
• What rim to rim to rim at the Grand Canyon actually feels like (42 miles, one day, last half is a death march)
• Building tours in a city without centuries of European history - and why Denver doesn't need it
• Why Denver's elevation at 5,280 ft hits every runner the same way, no exceptions
• The RiNo Arts District - murals that change every season, and why it's one of Sara's favorite routes
• Denver tours from 5K to half marathon - and why Sara recommends going for the longest one
• Coffee Run Club: the all-female running community built to be welcoming, not intimidating
• Sara's #1 advice for every runner: fuel your body, no matter what

Sara's tours in Denver: gorunningtours.com/p/usa/denver/ 

Go! Running Tours connects runners with local guides in 70+ cities across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Whether you're a business traveler, a marathon tourist, or just someone who loves to explore cities on foot - there's a tour for you at https://gorunningtours.com/ 

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago partnered with Go! Running Tours to offer guests something most hotels don't: a guided running service that starts at the hotel door and takes you into the city.

Two routes. Both 6K. One along Lake Michigan - past Soldier Field and the Adler Planetarium. One south through Chinatown's Dragon Gate to Ping Tom Memorial Park. Private, guided, available every day, adapted to your pace.

The partnership came from a simple observation: business travelers and conference guests want to stay active on the road, but they don't always know where to run or how to make it happen before a full day of meetings. A bespoke running service removes that friction - and adds a layer to the hotel experience that a gym simply can't replicate.

In this episode of Go! Running Talks, Lena sits down with Matt Schalk, General Manager of Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, to talk about:

• Why Hyatt Regency McCormick Place invested in a running service for guests
• What hotels gain by catering to active travelers and conference attendees
• How running fits the rhythm of business travel
• Chicago's South Loop and lakefront trail - what makes them worth running
• His best running memory: a hidden oceanfront trail near a San Francisco airport hotel
• What running has taught him about leading a large team

Book a running tour from Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: https://gorunningtours.com/hyatt-regency-mccormick/

About Go! Running Tours: We're a global network of local running guides offering tours in 80+ cities worldwide. Discover cities by running, with locals who live and love their city.

Book your next running experience at https://www.gorunningtours.com

Subscribe for more conversations and follow us for new interviews.

What's it like to run in one of the world's fastest-growing cities? In this episode of Go! Running Talks, Lena talks with Sha (runner, guide, and Shanghai local) about the city's booming running scene, her most unforgettable race experiences, and what makes Shanghai a must-visit for runners.

🏃 In this episode:

➔ How Sha got into running and what kept her going for over a decade

➔ What it was like to run the Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea

➔ How Shanghai's running culture compares to New York and Boston

➔ The best running tours and routes in Shanghai

➔ Post-run food spots and hidden gems for travelers

➔ Tips and advice for runners of all levels

🌍 About Go! Running Tours:

We're a global network of local running guides offering tours in 80+ cities worldwide. Discover cities by running, with locals who live and love their city.

➡️ Book your next running experience at http://www.gorunningtours.com

🏃 Subscribe for more inspiring stories and follow us for new interviews.

In this episode of Go Running Talks, Lena interviews Alex Grady, a running tour guide based in Atlanta. Alex shares his journey into running, from his childhood experiences to his achievements in marathons, including a memorable run in the London Marathon where he set a Guinness World Record. He discusses the importance of community in running, his recognition for community service, and his passion for writing children's books that teach valuable life lessons. Alex also highlights the various running tours he offers in Atlanta, emphasizing the city's rich history and culture, and shares hidden gems for visitors. At the end you’re going to find quickfire questions and Alex's advice for runners to find their tribe and build connections through running.

🌍 About Go! Running Tours:

We're a global network of local running guides offering tours in 80+ cities worldwide. Discover cities by running, with locals who live and love their city.

➡️ Book your next running experience at www.gorunningtours.com

🏃 Subscribe for more inspiring stories and follow us for new interviews.

In this episode of Go! Running Talks, our host Lena talks with Citla about her journey with Go! Running Tours since 2015, the most popular running tours in Mexico City, and what runners should know before visiting - from altitude challenges to local culture and food.

They discuss the famous 15K Mexico City running tour, the unforgettable experience of running on a volcano, and practical tips for runners traveling to the city. Citla also shares advice on pacing, adapting to altitude, and why exploring the city at a relaxed rhythm makes every run more enjoyable.

🎙 Topics covered:
• Running tours in Mexico City and what makes them special
• The most popular routes, including the 15K tour
• What it’s like to run on a volcano
• How altitude impacts running performance
• Travel and safety tips for runners visiting Mexico City
• Why connecting with runners from different cultures matters

🌍 About Go! Running Tours
We’re a global network of local running guides offering tours in 80+ cities worldwide.
Discover cities by running, with locals who live and love their city.

➡️ Explore all tours at www.gorunningtours.com

🏃‍♂️ Subscribe for more running stories, city guides and interviews with our local guides around the world!

Meet François, lead guide of Go! Running Tours in Geneva. In this episode, François shares a memorable experience guiding an Indian Olympic champion in Javelin through the streets of Geneva, and what it was like to create a personal moment away from the cameras and media spotlight.

François talks about the joy of helping athletes find solitude during high-pressure moments, the importance of personal connections beyond filming and communication, and how some of the most meaningful memories happen when you step away from the public eye. He also shares local insights on what to do in Geneva and what makes running in this city special. This conversation highlights how running tourism creates authentic experiences and lasting memories that go beyond the miles.

🎙 Topics covered:
Running with an Indian Olympic Javelin champion
Creating moments of solitude for athletes

The balance between public appearances and personal time

What makes Geneva a unique running destination

Local tips and hidden gems in Geneva

How running connects people in meaningful ways

🌍 About Go! Running Tours:

We're a global network of local running guides offering tours in 80+ cities worldwide. Discover cities by running, with locals who live and love their city.

➡️ Book your next running experience at www.gorunningtours.com

🏃 Subscribe for more inspiring stories and follow us for new interviews.

Meet Daniel, lead guide of Go Running Tours in Nairobi and a long-time colleague in our global network.

In this episode, he takes us into the world of elite Kenyan runners and what it is like to train in the legendary Ngong Hills, home to some of the fastest athletes on the planet. Daniel shares stories from his running journey, including unexpected encounters with giraffes on the trails and the incredible story of a woman who survived a crocodile attack and went on to become an ultra runner. He also talks about Nairobi’s unique running culture, community life, and the handcrafted bracelets made by local artisans that support families in the area.

This conversation is a look into running in Nairobi, training with elite athletes, and understanding why Kenya remains a global hub for distance running.
🎙 Topics covered:
• Kenyan running culture and life in Ngong Hills
• Training with elite runners in Nairobi • Wildlife encounters while running
• The story of the woman who became an ultra runner after a crocodile attack
• Cultural insights and travel tips for visiting Kenya
• Community projects and handcrafted bracelets
🌍 About Go Running Tours: We operate in more than 80 cities worldwide. Discover cities by running with local guides who live and love their home.

➡️ Book your next running experience at www.gorunningtours.com 🏃 Subscribe for more stories and interviews

Meet Marc - long time runner and a valued Go! Running Tours guest. For the first time, we're featuring one of our guests. Marc joined our colleague Mattia in Barcelona and has been part of the Go! Running tours community since then. In this episode, Marc shares his running journey - how he started, how he got serious about it, and the physical and mental health benefits he's experienced along the way. He also introduces us to F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith), a global community of free workout groups for men across the US and beyond. Lena and Marc also talk about running with family. Marc shares how his daughters join him on runs and hikes, and how it's become a great way to disconnect from screens and connect with nature (and dad 😉).

🎙 Topics covered:

Marc's running journey - from beginner to committed runner

Physical and mental health benefits of running

F3: the free fitness community for men

Memorable running experiences around the world

Exploring Barcelona with Go! Running Tours

Running in Davidson, North Carolina

Advice for runners of all levels

🌍 About Go! Running Tours: We're a global network of local running guides offering tours in 80+ cities worldwide. Discover cities by running, with locals who live and love their city. ➡️ Book your next running experience at www.gorunningtours.com 🏃 Subscribe for more inspiring stories and follow us for new interviews.

Meet Andrew, our running guide in Washington DC.

In this interview, he shares fun, emotional, and memorable stories from his experiences leading running tours in the U.S. capital (including how he became part of a local running club that supports cancer survivors.)

At Go! Running Tours, we offer running tours and walking tours in 80+ cities worldwide, connecting travelers, locals, and corporate teams through movement, culture, and authentic human stories. And today, Andrew shares what it’s really like to guide runners through the capital of the United States. If you want to explore more cities, meet other guides, or book a running experience, visit: gorunningtours.com.

Meet Ben, one of our running guides in San Antonio, Texas. An example of determination and faith.

After a motorcycle accident that left him in a wheelchair, doctors told Ben he would never run again. But with patience, perseverance he not only walked again, he went on to run half marathons, ultra marathons, and now leads running tours through San Antonio’s historic streets.

In this episode of Go! Running Talks, Ben shares his journey through recovery, the mental strength behind ultra running, and his favorite hidden gems in San Antonio - beyond the Alamo and the River Walk.

Topics covered:

• From wheelchair to running again - the comeback story that inspires us all

• How ultra marathons became a tool for healing and helping others

• Why running without music changed his mindset

• Hidden gems of San Antonio that every runner should explore

• Ben’s best advice for runners of all levels

🌍 About Go! Running Tours: We’re a global network of local running guides offering tours in 80+ cities worldwide. Discover cities by running, with locals who live and love their city.

➡️ Book your next running experience at www.gorunningtours.com 🏃‍♂️ Subscribe for more inspiring stories from our guides around the world and follow us for new interviews every month.

Meet Emily, our New York City running guide, in this inspiring conversation about how running shapes the way we experience the Big Apple. From her most memorable tours to her funniest on-the-run moments.

In this episode, Emily discusses:

• How she started her journey into running
• Running with her dad and what inspired her to keep going
• Her most memorable and most challenging tours in NYC
• The biggest mistakes runners make (and her best advice to avoid them)
• The importance of staying consistent and enjoying every step
• A hilarious story involving a “very New York” moment you won’t forget! 😄

Whether you’re planning to run in New York City, curious about the local running culture, or simply looking for motivation to stay active, this conversation gives you an authentic glimpse into NYC through the eyes of a passionate runner and guide.

Watch the full interview, get inspired, and connect with us at Go! Running Tours New York to explore the city like a local- one stride at a time. 👉 Book your running experience at gorunningtours.com

Meet Michael, our Copenhagen running guide, in this conversation about Denmark's capital and the intersection of running with local culture and values.

In this episode, Michael discusses:

• What to do and what not to do when visiting Copenhagen
• The city's approach to sustainability and how it connects to tourism
• His personal insights about Copenhagen from a local runner's perspective

Whether you're planning a visit to Copenhagen or interested in how cities can promote sustainable tourism through active experiences, this conversation offers insights from a local guide who knows the city well.

Connect with Go! Running Tours Copenhagen and book your city exploration at gorunningtours.com