Paula's Run Club – Details, episodes & analysis

Join world record-breaking runner, Paula Radcliffe and her co-host, double Olympic runner, Chris Thompson for an inspiring 16-week series designed to guide runners of all levels through their London Marathon training journey. Whether you're taking your first steps toward marathon greatness or aiming to beat your personal best, this series is packed with practical advice, uplifting stories, and a chance to learn from world-class athletes. This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK, raising awareness about the fight against childhood cancer. Visit childrenwithcancer.org.uk to donate and discover how you can run for this incredible cause in the future. "Marathon running is an individual pursuit, but it’s the camaraderie and spirit that make it truly special. Together, we can achieve more." – Paula Radcliffe Launches January 6th, with episodes dropping every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner, Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian and 2010 European 10,000m silver medallist, Chris Thompson guide you through the first week of marathon training. Learn how to build essential habits, condition your body, and avoid common pitfalls. Special guest: Tony Bignell, VP of Running Footwear at Nike, shares his insights on running shoes, from performance to picking the perfect pair. Plus, Paula's daughter, Isla shares something very special. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 0:57 - Overview of the Training Plan 4:44 - Week 1 Training Essentials 10:14 - The camaraderie of marathon training. 12:15 - Guest Interview: Tony Bignell - The the science behind modern running shoes. 22:52 - Tips for maximizing shoe lifespan and choosing the right pair. 36:33 - Why pacing and preparation matter. 38:20 - Future of Running Shoes This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner, Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian and 2010 European 10,000m silver medallist, Chris Thompson guide you through your second week of marathon training, tackling the challenges of winter marathon training. In this episode, they're joined by former middle and long-distance runner, founder of the Brighton Marathon and commentator, Tim Hutchings, to share their tips to stay motivated, especially when facing setbacks. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 5:00 - 7:30: Tips for running safely in icy conditions and when to consider cross-training. 10:00 - 12:00: Paula shares her personal marathon mind games and fueling strategies. 14:29 - 15:40: Tim Hutchings on staying motivated and the mental benefits of running. 20:00 - 23:02: Chris' embarrassing race story and the lesson it taught him about perseverance. 30:00 - 32:00: Listener tips and mantras for marathon success. This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner, Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian, Chris Thompson guide you through week three of your marathon training, with expert Dr. Georgie Bruinvels. They share the best strategies for recovery, nutrition, and managing the mental and physical stresses of running. From the science behind ice baths to the link between hydration and glycogen replenishment. Plus, discover how hormones impact training, the best ways to stay healthy during winter, and the small daily habits that make a big difference. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 1:40 - The importance of letting go of fear in marathon training 5:00 - Dr. Georgie Bruinvels shares top recovery tips 7:52 - Fuelling and sleep: The two pillars of marathon success 12:47 - Self-monitoring tools: Resting heart rate, hydration, and mood 19:04 - Signs of overtraining and how to adjust 22:44 - Nutrition tips to boost immunity and avoid illness 29:19 - How hormones affect training for both men and women 34:00 - Ice baths: When, why, and how they benefit recovery 40:00 - Small habits for sustained training improvements This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week 4 of marathon training. For this episode, they're joined by McFly drummer and Binge! podcast host Harry Judd. Harry shares his inspiring journey from smoker to running his first marathon, training alongside Joel Dommett for the Amsterdam Marathon, and now chasing sub-3-hour goal at the 2025 London Marathon. You'll also hear expert advice on pacing, recovery, and building confidence! Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Listen to Harry's podcast 'Binge!' with Alex Jones: https://podfollow.com/1761851010 Timecodes: 02:00 - Week 4 training insights: checking in with your body, shoes, and recovery. 07:30 - Harry Judd’s running journey: from a casual runner to sub-3-hour aspirations. 13:00 - Importance of pacing, flexibility, and mental strategies during training. 17:30 - Tips for long runs, visualisation techniques, and finding motivation. 25:00 - Harry’s specific training plan and tweaks to reach his sub-3 goal. 31:30 - Listener Q&A on treadmills, fueling strategies, and marathon footwear. This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week 5 of marathon training. For this episode, they're joined by renowned sports physiologist Dr. Andy Jones, who has worked with elite marathoners (including Paula!) and even played a role in the Breaking2 project. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 10:15 – Why economy matters more than VO2 Max 14:00 – Should you change your running form? 17:30 – The importance of running faster than marathon pace in training 22:45 – Marathon fuelling strategies & how avoid the hitting the ‘wall’ 28:00 – The Kenyan secret to marathon success 32:40 – How to adapt your training as you age (Listener Q&A) 37:50 – Training for a marathon in a different time zone (Listener Q&A) 42:15 – Keeping your heart rate in check during training runs (Listener Q&A) This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week 6 of marathon training. For this episode, they're joined by model-turned-impressive runner, Nell McAndrew - who went from running just for fun to clocking a 2:54 marathon! She shares her training secrets, biggest lessons, and how she balanced running with life as a busy mum. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Talking Points: 1:50 – The Importance of Timing Long Runs Around Race Day 4:37 – Morning vs. Evening Running – Which is Better? 6:07 – Recovery Tips After Long Runs & Balancing Training Load 8:22 – How Paula Structured Her Marathon Training Week 10:13 – Adapting Training Due to Injury or Illness 13:21 – Knowing When to Push & When to Rest 15:50 – How Nell McAndrew Went from Running for Charity to Breaking 3 Hours 18:04 – How Nell Trained for a Huge Marathon Time Drop 25:38 – Why Nell Trained 100 Miles a Week & Her Speed Work Strategy 34:15 – Listener Q&A: Should You Add Speed Work to Your Training? 39:03 – Listener Q&A: How to Avoid Cramping in the Marathon 42:14 – Listener Q&A: How to Run Back-to-Back Marathons Without Injury This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through a crucial stage of marathon training—week seven! They discuss long-run strategies, fuelling for performance, and how to train your gut for marathon day. Paula also shares insights on overcoming illness while training and her fuelling experiments leading up to Tokyo. Plus, expert guest Wendy Rogers breaks down the science behind gels, hydration, and how to avoid the dreaded marathon wall.  Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 4:25 – How Paula's adjusted her running after illness. 10:00 – The science behind glycogen depletion. 12:06 – Expert Wendy Rogers on Gels & Hydration 25:00 – Why plain water isn’t enough. 35:18 – Should You Use Caffeine Gels? 39:40 – Should you wear your carbon racing shoes in training? (Q&A) This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week eight! In this episode, they're joined by renowned performance psychiatrist and author of 'The Chimp Paradox', Dr. Steve Peters to explore the mental strategies essential for marathon training. They talk about the importance of mindset, the psychological aspects of hitting 'the wall', techniques for pushing through fatigue, and strategies for managing anxiety and adrenaline on race day. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 4:43 – Steady Pacing 10:59 – Introducing mental training and how a strong mindset is crucial. 11:52 – Pre-planning responses to fatigue. 17:30 – Mental rehearsal for unforeseen race events and having a clear plan. 19:14 – Tackling the Wall 29:27 – Facing Doubt: Using rational decision-making to counter inner fears. 31:07 – Fuel vs. Feelings 39:22 – Overcoming Late-Race Fatigue: Techniques like distraction and visualising This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week nine of marathon training. We start though, with Paula's return to marathon running with the highs and lows of her Tokyo Marathon journey, breaking down her sub-3 performance, the perils of going out too fast, and what she learned from the race. Sitting next to Paula is Nicola Carragher, who was running for Alder Hey Children's Charity. Plus, legendary runner, commentator and coach Steve Cram, talks about the importance of pacing, race-day tactics, and how to best prepare before the London Marathon on the day itself. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 1:21 - Paula’s Tokyo Marathon Experience 5:48 - Mid-Race Struggles & Adjustments 13:05 - Biggest Takeaways from Tokyo 18:08 - The importance of pacing yourself early 23:19 - Time on feet vs. distance-based training 31:49 – The Power of Mental Strength in Marathons 46:36 – Preparing for the London Marathon Start Line 53:46 – Listener Questions & Recovery Tips This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices