Explore every episode of the podcast Running Tales
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sho Gray: Aiming for 24-hours of running glory | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:38:19 | |
Sho Gray has a big goal in 2024. The professional runner, who is the Tennessee state record holder for the 100-mile distance, is betting on himself to make the US national 24-hour race team. Sho is using his savings to dedicate himself to running in the hope of winning the American 24-hour race championship in November, and in doing so qualifying for the national team. It’s all a far cry from his first manoeuvrings in the world of running, when as a youngster at a Japanese international school he started taking part in the sport - with the somewhat disputed aim of beating his sister in the cross-country. Running Tales spoke to Sho about going from enthusiastic amateur to professional, entering the pain cave and exercising his toes, and how he wants to inspire everyone to do whatever their version of better is… -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Stan Robertson: The street pastor who feeds rough sleepers - and the run to help him do it | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:30:09 | |
This week's Running Tales Podcast has a somewhat different theme. Our guest is Stan Robertson, the man behind Northampton-based rough sleeper charity Project 16:15. Running Tales is once again backing the 16:15 Charity Run, which will take place at The Racecourse in Northampton, England on Saturday, March 23. The event, which aims to raise awareness of and funding for rough sleepers in the town, will take place over six hours - with runners encouraged to run as long or as short a distance as they like over that period. There is more information about the event on our Substack newsletter page and on the 16:15 Charity Run Facebook group. Stan started Project 16:15 back in 2018, during the infamous Beast from the East cold snap, when he began delivering hot drinks and food to rough sleepers in Northampton town centre. His over-riding aim is bring dignity and respect to those on the streets. You can help fundraise for the 16:15 Charity Run here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/fun-run2024 Running Tales spoke to Stan about the dangers rough sleepers face on the streets, how his own experiences of homelessness and addiction help him connect to those he now helps, and whether he will be doing any running himself on March 23... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Natasha Swartley: Ultra marathoner on how life in the Navy helped foster a don’t quit attitude | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:34:16 | |
Natasha Swartley wasn't particularly sporty growing up - and running certainly didn't feature on her to do list. Even after she joined the US Navy at just 18, fitness was a punishment for being 'sarcastic' with push-ups and squats proving particularly unpopular. But Tasha slowly developed a love of fitness and eventually running, ending up being responsible for training 3,000 men under her watch. By 2019, she had completed her first ultra marathon - a 50-miler which she conquered despite neglecting race nutrition and training on a treadmill. Tasha has since left the Navy to become a wilderness EMT, but her love of ultra running has blossomed - despite two DNFs at the 100-mile distance. Running Tales spoke to her about life in the Navy as a high-ranking woman, hauling ammunition across ships and how it prepared her for running long distances, and the power of three little letters: DFQ. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Doug Richards: Going from being out of breath climbing the stairs to the Marathon des Sables | 15 Jan 2021 | 00:52:37 | |
Doug Richards was only in his 30s when he found himself out of breath having run up the stairs to see his son. It was then he decided to get fit - and start running. It's a habit he's found hard to shift since with Doug having run across all seven continents, including in Antarctica and across the Sahara and Gobi Deserts. He's also become an author, penning 'Running Hot & Cold' which tells the story of his varied running career. I spoke to Doug about everything from how running helped his mental health to scaling the Great Wall of China... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. The music in this podcast is:"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | |||
| Lorraine Lewis: Running to help adult cancer patients | 13 Nov 2020 | 00:30:33 | |
This week's guest is Lorraine Lewis, the driving force behind a charity which provides support and companionship for adult cancer patients. The Lewis Foundation sources, packages and - in normal, non-Covid times at least - hand delivers free gifts and support packs to people enduring the often lonely, frightening trial of cancer treatment. One way Lorraine funds the charity is through running, tackling events such as Tough Mudder and even a 26 mile obstacle challenge. I asked her why and how she started the charity, and whether she fancied taking on that extra 0.2 miles to go full marathon... -------- This is, incredibly, the 40th episode of Running Tales. The podcast, originally meant to capture people's running experiences - where possible - at running events or parkrun or at least on a face to face basis, has lived most of its life during the coronavirus pandemic. With a second lockdown upon us and Christmas round the corner, we've decided to take a break. There are hundreds - if not thousands - of inspirational running tales still out there, so we'll be back in 2021. In the meantime, please check out all our previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Podbean and all good podcast providers. Thanks for your support. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Kevin Orchard: Redway Runners co-founder on how he became a British multisport international | 06 Nov 2020 | 00:12:32 | |
Kevin Orchard loves running - but it's not always enough. The Redway Runners co-founder decided to add cycling into the fray.Before too long he was excelling as a multisport athlete, competing for Great Britain in his age group. I caught up with Kevin at Redway Runners' Daytona 5,000 event earlier this year... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Rob Pope: The real life Forrest Gump who ran across America | 30 Oct 2020 | 00:39:37 | |
If 'life is like a box of chocolates' it's fair to say Rob Pope's chocolate of choice is running. Seeking a challenge no-one had completed before, he decided to follow the route Tom Hanks' celebrated Forrest Gump character took in the film of the same name. In all he covered 15,000 miles and travelled six times across America, even growing a Gump style beard in the process. It's far from the only challenge Rob has completed. I talked to him about everything from winning the Nottingham Marathon, competing for America and Australia in elite races despite being a born and bred Liverpudlian and taking part in the gruelling Marathon des Sables. Run Rob, run... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Emma Timmis: The girl who ran across Africa | 23 Oct 2020 | 00:41:57 | |
In 2014, Emma Timmis became the first person in the world to run across Africa, completing the equivalent of 94 marathons in 89 days. It's just one of a series of incredible challenges and experiences Emma has embarked upon, from roller skating across Holland to riding an Elliptigo bike across Australia. As if that wasn't enough she's just finished writing and illustrating a children's book about her African adventure, entitled 'The Girl Who Ran Across Africa'. It's safe to say we had plenty to talk about... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Sarah Lightman: "I find race walking easier than running" | 16 Oct 2020 | 00:21:28 | |
I met Sarah Lightman as she whizzed round Salcey Forest at a recent Big Bear Events race. Sarah, however, wasn't running, she was race walking - and the event was her second Ultra in as many days. It perhaps shouldn't have been a surprise though. Sarah's dad, Shaun Lightman, finished 18th in the Men's 50km walk at the 1968 Summer Olympics. I spoke to Sarah about why she prefers race walking to running... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Lizzie Tovey: Visually impaired runner takes on cancer to complete the Virtual London Marathon | 09 Oct 2020 | 00:38:17 | |
Lizzie Tovey is remarkable. Despite only recently taken up running when she started to struggle with her eyesight, the visually impaired runner completed the 2019 London Marathon. This year was to bring more battles though. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she had original planned to drop out of the 2020 race. But when it became a virtual event, she decided to take it on over three stages, including a gruelling night run.Did she do it? Of course she did! Along the way, Lizzie's journey has also seen her campaign to have guide runners given London Marathon finishers medals, while she completed a self-isolated 26.2 miles on the treadmill - complete with an array of fancy dress outfits. Personally, I think she needs to write a book next... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Wayne Chalmers: Running in memory of my daughter, Daisy | 02 Oct 2020 | 00:32:56 | |
Running had never been a big part of Wayne Chalmers' life. Aside from the odd bit of training to keep fit as a referee, he - in his own words - "didn't really like running". His relationship with the sport changed, though, when his baby daughter Daisy sadly died just an hour after being born. Not one to stand idle, Wayne launched Team Daisy; a charity aimed at raising money for local causes and honouring the memory of his daughter. A host of fundraising events followed, including a number of running challenges. The latest of those will see Wayne attempt to run four miles, every four hours for 48 hours - that's a lot of doing something you don't like... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. Picture courtesy of Stu Vincent Photography | |||
| Menna Evans: Smashing the world record time to run the length of New Zealand | 25 Sep 2020 | 00:28:03 | |
Menna Evans only started running seriously two-and-a-half years ago. This year she ran from the tip of New Zealand's north island to the depths of the south in an incredible 35 days and 27 minutes. In doing so, she smashed the previous fastest time for a woman to run the length of the country, becoming a Guinness World Record holder in the process. Menna started running in memory of her dad, completing the John O'Groats to Land's End run (JOGLE), a distance they had hoped to walk together. She loved the experience so much, she's barely stopped running since. I spoke to her about why she loves ultra running, training during Covid and what she plans to do next... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Martin Lawrence: The man who turned a lunch time run into a 3,500 member club | 18 Sep 2020 | 00:32:05 | |
Martin Lawrence started running during his lunch time at work. He grew to love the sport so much that when he was made redundant, he was determined to carry on. He originally took part in running sessions at Milton Keynes' David Lloyd gym, but after it decided to end them he took the mantle on himself. Soon afterwards Redway Runners was born, and ten years later the club is one - if not the - biggest in the country boasting more than 3,500 members. This is his story... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Rohan Kallicharan: How Olympic legacy runner went from mental health crisis to cusp of 100 marathons | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:48:28 | |
Rohan Kallicharan, a sub-three hour marathoner, is on the verge of something extraordinary. With more than 80 marathons - including 10 in 10 days - already behind him, the man dubbed by friends as 'Ro Farah' is aiming to reach 100 marathons before he turns 50 next June. But that achievement will barely touch the surface of Rohan's story. Over a 15 year period, starting when he was a teenager, he struggled with his mental health, attempting suicide three times before eventually being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With a lot of hard work, Rohan was able to move forward with his life, but in confronting his mental demons he began to neglect his physical wellbeing, ballooning up to 19 stone. It was only when he visited the London Olympic Games in 2012 that Rohan realised it was time to do something about his weight. Shortly afterwards he started running - and he's barely stopped since. Running Tales talked to Rohan about the mental health benefits of running - and how when he became too focused on times he briefly fell out of love with the sport, his 100 marathon goal, and raising tens of thousands of pounds for Mind, the mental health charity... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. Visit Rohan's website, Run With Perseverance, at https://run-with-perseverance.co.uk/ Sponsor Rohan in his efforts to run 100 marathons before he reaches 50 - all monies go to Mind: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ro-fun-before-fifty | |||
| Emergency podcast: Redway Runners Daytona 5,000 | 13 Sep 2020 | 00:14:28 | |
It's been a long hard year for those of us who like to get out and do some races. Coronavirus locked us down in our homes, limited us to one run a day and stopped us getting together to run for fun, PBs and those much valued medals. Now, finally, some races are starting again and today I travelled to Milton Keynes to speak to some of those people taking part in Redway Runners' first ever Daytona 5,000 event. The whole race was incredible well organised, social distancing was paramount and everyone had a great time out on the track in the sun. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Jeff Kase: ‘How running helped me overcome alcoholism’ | 11 Sep 2020 | 00:54:28 | |
Jeff Kase was a star runner growing up in Michigan, but when he went to university partying and alcohol took over his life. For decades, Jeff was caught up in the pain of alcoholism, experiencing personal tragedy along the way. I spoke to Jeff about how he finally managed to kick the habit and how how he embraced a new addiction - running - not only all the way to complete 100 mile races and the American National Senior Games, but also to the point where he could barely move due to over training... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Kath Kirkland: How one woman's baby weight inspired her first novel | 04 Sep 2020 | 00:17:34 | |
Kath Kirkland wrote her debut novel 'Mum Runners' after her own journey saw her start running to lose her baby weight and take on the iconic London Marathon. It was such a success she has a sequel on the way. We chatted about running in the rain, how snooker sometimes beats marathons and the freedom you get on a good run... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Tony Audenshaw: From serving pints in Emmerdale's Woolpack to running marathons dressed as a smurf | 28 Aug 2020 | 00:30:24 | |
You might know him better as Bob Hope, but Emmerdale star Tony Audenshaw is something of a running fanatic in his spare time. When he's not serving fictional pints, Tony can often be found pounding the pavements or talking about his favourite sport on the Marathon Talk podcast. He's recorded some pretty quick times as well and is prone to the occasional fancy dress costume, which regular listeners will know is a big plus for us on the Running Tales Podcast. I spoke to Tony about how his Emmerdale co-stars also love running, taking part in marathons beginning in 'B' and how wearing a fake bum brought him loads of attention... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Bryan Lewin: From marathon runner to parkrun legend - with some fancy dress thrown in along the way! | 21 Aug 2020 | 00:20:39 | |
Bryan Lewin is one of my favourite runners - but he's so much more than that. Every parkrun has that special volunteer who turns out in wind, rain and shine and Bryan is Northampton's. He even has his own special corner at the Racecourse where he cheers on every runner, walker and wheelchair user. I spoke to him about how he came to take up temporary residence at Bryan's Corner, running marathons and his love of fancy dress... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Josh Lay: The 1,500m star with his sights set on the Tokyo Olympics | 14 Aug 2020 | 00:33:42 | |
Josh Lay is an athlete with a bright future ahead of him. The Loughborough University scholar and 1,500m runner has one eye on the Tokyo Olympics - and he's a Northampton lad so we had plenty to talk about. Josh's local 'claim to fame' may not be one he hopes to be remembered for - he sent two-time Olympian Andrew Baddeley the wrong way round the Northampton parkrun course (Baddeley still set a course record!) - but he's got every chance of creating some great memories in the future. I spoke to him about knocking off precious seconds to meet the Olympic qualification time, enjoying the odd beer and his training regime. Have a listen - and remember the name. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Mags Doyle: The woman who didn't start running until her 50s, but now run, walks many miles away | 07 Aug 2020 | 00:22:51 | |
Mags Doyle didn't take up running until she was in her 50s, but there's no stopping her now. Her love of the sport started after she did a number of long distance walking events, got bored one day and just started running. Mags tells me she switches between running and walking while taking part in races, but that hasn't stopped her completing around 80 to 90 events including more than 20 marathons. I spoke to her about coming to running late, her love of parkrun and how speed isn't everything... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Emergency podcast: Brendan Rendall completes Chester Zoo challenge | 04 Aug 2020 | 00:07:55 | |
You might remember that back in episode 15 of the Running Tales Podcast we spoke to Brendan Rendall. Brendan put his hedonistic lifestyle behind him to complete a series of spectacular challenges, including running across Africa - if you haven't listened yet, it's well worth checking out. His latest challenge saw him attempting to raise money for Chester Zoo, which has been struggling financially due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions. For the last two month, Brendan has been doing little else than running - completing a half-marathon every day in June, a marathon every day in July and on Monday (August 3) running an ultra from Media City in Salford to the zoo. I met him at the zoo as he completed his run and asked him how it all went... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Katie Brown: 'Was Northamptonshire blogger supposed to say this?' | 31 Jul 2020 | 00:27:34 | |
Katie Brown's mission is to share how to live your best possible life. The Northamptonshire blogger does that through her inspiring and informative Cake vs Scales blog and her shiny, new podcast, 'Am I Supposed To Say This?' Part of Katie's journey has been to develop a love of running, and in between chatting about everything from cake to mental health we also discussed half marathons, podcasts and parkrun... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Suzanne Smith: "Running is my therapy" | 24 Jul 2020 | 00:52:32 | |
Suzanne Smith began running seriously when she tragically lost her twin son Jamie in childbirth. As she told me, she started running and just hasn't stopped - it has become therapy for her. Suzanne told me Jamie is on every run with her, and he's inspired her to half marathon PBs - and race wins - multiple marathons and even ultras. I talked to Suzanne about everything running related, from coping with Covid and the joys of parkrun to her unique marathon diet... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Christopher McDougall: Born to Run author on war reporting, running with donkeys and the B-52’s | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:50:32 | |
Christopher McDougall wasn't even a runner when he came across the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. He'd been told he was too big. He'd be better off guarding the President or riding a bike than running. But what he found not only changed his life, but those of thousands of runners across the globe. In 2009, Christopher published his now famous book on the Tarahumara, 'Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen'. Not only did it uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara, who could run incredible distances in super fast times, it opened up his eyes to a whole new way of running. Christopher has gone on to write two more masterpieces on running, 'Natural Born Heroes' and 'Running With Sherman'.But Running Tales wanted to find out a little bit more about the man behind the books that have inspired so many runners all over the world - and caused headaches among those in the big shoe companies. We spoke to Christopher about how his father both embarrassed and inspired him by running laps round his school and going on to run three hour 30 marathons while in his 60s, his life as a war correspondent, and what is it like running with donkeys... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. Visit Christopher's website at https://www.chrismcdougall.com/ to find out more about his work and writing. | |||
| Michael Aldridge: The uncertain future of Milton Keynes Marathon winner | 17 Jul 2020 | 00:41:46 | |
Michael Aldridge is one of Northamptonshire's most talented athletes. From 5km all the way up to the marathon distance, he is one of the best around on the British Masters circuit. A superb 2019 was topped off by victory in the Milton Keynes Marathon and Northampton Half. I spoke to Michael about how he swapped rugby for running, his training methods and how some surprising news has meant he may have to hang up his racing shoes for good... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Steve Edwards: The man inside the machine trying to reach 1,000 marathons | 10 Jul 2020 | 01:02:12 | |
For some people, one marathon is a lifetime's dream. Others get the bug and go back for more, while the more hardy - and some would say foolish - push on into ultra races or towards the 100 Marathon Club. Steve Edwards, the self-styled Man Inside The Machine, takes all that to another level.He has already run 903 marathons, and is aiming to reach the 1,000 mark. As if that isn't impressive enough, Steve only counts official races - no virtual runs for him, doesn't count marathons he has to walk in and is aiming to get to his goal with an average time of less than three hours and 30 minutes per marathon. Unsurprisingly, he's set a host of world records along the way, including becoming the youngest person to reach 100 marathons and the most marathons run in a year. I spoke to him about how and why he started out on such an enormous task, and how he manages to stay fit when running so much... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Bonus podcast: What do you get when you add wife-carrying and a swimming pool? | 08 Jul 2020 | 00:24:37 | |
The answer to the question in our episode title is Ovasinax. In this bonus episode of the Running Tales podcast, we've taken a slight detour from our normal format to meet a Canadian couple who've come up with a unique sport all of their own. Jerome and Lucy are the creators of Ovasinax, and got in contact after hearing the efforts of Northampton runner Chris Lamb in the UK wife-carrying competition (go and have a listen to episode 14 of Running Tales if you haven't already). Combining gymastics with a game show feel and set in a swimming pool, it's a unique game to say the least. I caught up with with Jerome to try and find out a little bit more about it... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Liz Yelling: How an Olympian and Commonwealth gold medalist didn’t make the start of her first race | 03 Jul 2020 | 00:39:55 | |
It's not every week you get to speak to a two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games bronze medal winner. Liz Yelling is one of the very best long British long-distance runners of the last 20 years. She finished 25th in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 and 26th at Beijing 2008, but her greatest moment came in Melbourne, Australia when she finished third in the Commonwealth Games. Liz's other achievements include holding course records at Bath and Reading half-marathons. At Bath, she clocked a half-marathon PB of one hour, nine minutes and 28 seconds; while her marathon best is a superb two hours 28 minutes and 33 seconds, recorded at the London Marathon in 2007. Not only has she competed against the very best, but she was the long time training partner of one of the greatest runners of all time, Paula Radcliffe. It might come as a surprise then, that she didn't even make the starting line at one of her earliest races - nice to know it can happen to the very, very best of us! Liz had some great tips for all runners out there, so I'd encourage everyone to listen to this very special episode. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Simon Elliott: Guide runner on how running for two can be the ultimate achievement | 26 Jun 2020 | 00:35:47 | |
Guide runner Simon Elliott has helped visually-impaired runners complete everything from 5km parkruns to marathons, and even cross-country ultras. It was something he only took up after his wife volunteered him to help twin girls complete the Daventry parkrun course, but it's become a huge part of his life since then. As well as talking about what it takes to be a good guide runner and how people can get involved, I spoke to Simon about some of the things he's been doing during the coronavirus lockdown to help visually impaired people stay part of the running community. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Emergency podcast: Saving Wicksteed Park - Ben Currington's parkrun to parkrun 15 miler | 20 Jun 2020 | 00:09:33 | |
Kettering's popular Wicksteed Park is in trouble - and that is, in my eyes, worth a special emergency podcast. The 99-year-old attraction is struggling financially due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, leading to a huge fundraising effort. One man raising money for the park is Ben Currington and earlier today (Saturday, June 20) he ran from Northampton parkrun's Racecourse home to Kettering parkrun, which takes place at Wicksteed Park itself. I spoke to him at the end of his 15 mile run… -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Brendan Rendall: From profligacy to philanthropy - how a bet a run turned one man's life around | 19 Jun 2020 | 00:42:39 | |
Brendan Rendall loves a challenge. He's currently running a half-marathon every day in June, to be followed by a marathon a day in July and - on August 1 - he'll take on the 35 miles from Salford Quays to Chester Zoo. It's all to raise money to save the zoo, which is struggling financially due to the impacts of the coronavirus. You can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brendan-rendall3 This is not the first time Brendan has taking part in an incredible series of runs. From completing the Jogle (from John O'Groats to Lands' End) to running across Africa, he's put some miles in his (several pairs of) trainers. His greatest challenge, though, may have been ditching drink and drugs for a life pounding the world's pavements. There was certainly plenty to catch-up with him about... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Chris Lamb: Meet the man who does everything from sub-17 minute 5ks to wife carrying | 12 Jun 2020 | 00:25:41 | |
If you’re looking for someone who makes the most of everything running has to offer, Chris Lamb is your man. A British Masters athlete he recently completed 5kms in an impressive 16 minutes 16 seconds, while his marathon times take some beating as well. Chris isn't one of those super serious running types though. When he's not travelling at speed, he can usually be found taking place in some bizarre race or other, from the UK wife carrying championships to putting on his own Quirky Races. Meanwhile, as a coach, Chris helps train other runners through his successful Parklands Jog and Run group. Safe to say we had plenty to talk about... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Eric Xiocca: A marathon a month, bears as running 'companions' and dreams of the American big three | 05 Jun 2020 | 00:45:58 | |
Eric Xiocca likes a challenge. When he turned 40 he decided to run a marathon every month for each month of his 40th year. He enjoyed it so much he's kept going, and as he approaches 43 his next big goal is to run a marathon in every US state before he turns 50. Even Covid-19 hasn't stopped him, although it has at least delayed his hopes of running in three of the world's biggest marathons: Boston, Chicago and New York. He's hoping that dream can still be realised, but in the meantime we had plenty to talk about; from dietary preferences to keeping an eye out for bears during training runs... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| John Eales: Joining the 100 marathon club | 29 May 2020 | 00:28:36 | |
John Eales only started running to lose a bit of weight - but he quickly became addicted. In less than a year he had jumped from a 5km jog to his first marathon, and after that he just didn't stop. John told me how he would run "mile after mile" on the way to joining the exclusive 100 marathon club. We talk about what it's like to run seven marathons in as many days, and how he may have to swap his trainers for cycling shorts in the future. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Anthony Swain: The ultra runner who started jogging to beat a back injury and the pandemic | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:35:29 | |
Anthony Swain has always been active, with martial arts and karate his first love. But, after suffering from asthma as a child, running was never on his to do list. That all changed during the coronavirus pandemic, when with contact sports off the menu and an aggravating back injury requiring him to keep moving, Anthony decided to try running again.He's not stopped since. A resident of Japan, Anthony has embraced that country's love of running, graduating from regular runs to taking on a marathon and soon after an ultra event. Running Tales spoke to Anthony about how he finished tenth in his first ever marathon - don't mention there were only 27 competitors(!), how running has helped him with his martial arts, and why he's moved into writing about the sport... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. You can read Anthony's Substack - Bunburyoudou - at https://bunburyoudou.substack.com/ | |||
| Michael Williams: 860 miles in 17 days? No problem... until the coronavirus came along | 22 May 2020 | 00:44:07 | |
Running 860 miles in 17 days probably seems a nigh on impossible task.At 69 years old? I'm tired just thinking about it! Michael Williams, however, is a different kind of person. The Jogle - a lung-busting run from John O'Groats to Lands' End - was top of his bucket list this year. Sadly, his attempt was cut short by the coronavirus outbreak, but he told me he aims to be back having another go next year. Not that Michael's running CV is lacking in achievements already. After starting running to raise money in aid of pancreatic cancer following his sister's sad death from the disease, Michael took part in ten consecutive London Marathons and a host of ultra races. I spoke to him about what makes long distance running so special and what else is on his challenging looking bucket list... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Claire Hedges: Profoundly deaf parkrunner aims to create running group for all | 15 May 2020 | 00:27:24 | |
When Claire Hedges was at school, she used to hang around with the back markers at cross-country events - so she could have a sneaky cigarette! These days Claire is a committed parkrunner and aiming to run her first half-marathon, despite only taking up running seriously last year. Born profoundly deaf, Claire is now a run leader at All Together Running, a running group set up to include both deaf runners and those with normal hearing. I spoke to her about the parkrun experience as a deaf runner and how other people learning sign language gives her a huge boost... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Leonie Heard: Taking on cancer and making new Breast Friends | 08 May 2020 | 00:31:11 | |
Leonie Heard is one of the most inspirational people I know. I call her 'superwoman' in this podcast, a description she disputes but I'm sticking to. That's because Leonie not only overcame breast cancer - using the power of running to help her through - but has since formed her own support group to help others do the same. Breast Friends Northamptonshire has gone from strength to strength, being named the winners of the Community Group/Organisation of the Year at the Northampton Leisure Trust Sports Awards 2019. The coronavirus and lockdown have created their own challenges, but as with everything else Leonie has turned this into more opportunities. I talked to Leonie about everything from Zoom meetings to turning up late at parkrun and having to 'run bald' for the first time. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Paul Albon: Big Bear Events run director on Covid, organising races and being bored of jelly babies | 01 May 2020 | 00:52:06 | |
If you've never taken part in a Big Bear event, it's a pretty amazing experience. On a very basic level, they consist of running as many - or as few - loops of a variety of picturesque forest-based courses as you can/fancy in (generally) six hours. These very relaxed races attract everyone from gentle joggers to serious marathon and ultra runners. I spoke to race director Paul Albon on how he came up with the idea, the pressures of coping with the coronavirus... and plying entrants with beer and cider at the end of events. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Susan Wheatcroft: 'The mad idea was a virtual race, within months we were getting over 1,000 people' | 24 Apr 2020 | 00:26:28 | |
When Susan Wheatcroft decided to run the London Marathon, she needed a sure-fire way to reach her funding target. What she came up with was offering people a reward to take part in a virtual race. The money they paid to do so went to her charity. The idea was such a success that 400 people took part. It was the start of Virtual Runner UK. These days Susan holds virtual races all over the world, with people's entrance fees going to charity. Virtual running works in the same way as any other type of running, but the difference is that the entered race can be run at any location, at any pace, inside on a treadmill or outside in another country. All people have to do is enter a race and provide evidence that you have done it; and Susan will send them a medal in return. I spoke to her about running virtually during the coronavirus crisis, her own running journey and how Virtual Runner can work for everyone. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Leo de Awa: 'Race walking was funny... then it became my Olympic dream' | 17 Apr 2020 | 00:53:17 | |
This week I spoke to one of favourite people, Leo de Awa. He was responsible for the start of my own running journey, persuading me during a meal in Seville that I could run a marathon. I trained pretty hard for that I can tell you, but nothing like as hard as Leo trains. That's because he's a race walker with his sights set on the Olympic Games. He also makes me laugh. A lot... I hope you enjoy his story. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Deon Ehlers: The ultra marathon runner who took on South Africa's toughest race | 10 Apr 2020 | 00:37:42 | |
Imagine running almost 90km and then not getting a medal or finishing time because you missed the cut off point by 33 seconds? That's what happened to Deon Ehlers when he took on the gruelling Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa. Fortunately for him it wasn't his first go at the race - in all he's officially completed it five times. I spoke to Deon about his numerous Comrades experiences, as well as being a parkrun event director, running for fun and working as a policeman in South Africa during the coronavirus outbreak. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Carole James: The 'Maverick' whose love of wheelchair racing beat depression | 03 Apr 2020 | 00:24:33 | |
Carole James was left wheelchair bound after a car accident, suffering from constant pain, PTSD and depression. Her competitive streak wouldn't allow life to keep her down though and before too long she was trying all sorts of wheelchair sports. At first archery proved most attractive, but ultimately it was wheelchair racing that became her passion. Through Northamptonshire Sport and Northampton parkrun, she started to love life again. These days, she's one of the faces of Sport England's This Girl Can campaign, promoting women in sport. This is Carole' story. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Mark Kennedy: How a brain injury didn't stop one runner | 27 Mar 2020 | 00:26:22 | |
Mark Kennedy was enjoying the holiday of a lifetime when he suddenly passed out. He was diagnosed with a brain injury that affects his mood, making him tired and anxious. His doctor said contact sport was out of the question, but he might be able to carry on running. Thankfully he could and Mark remains one of the most popular runners at Northampton parkrun and with Northampton Road Runners. Now he's written a book about his experience - entitled 'What the Hell Just Happened' (the reaction of his wife Jules when she found him passed out). I talked to him about coping with his brain injury, running marathons and becoming an author. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Peter Currington: Mental Health Champion on facing up to the coronavirus and his own demons | 20 Mar 2020 | 00:28:52 | |
Peter Currington is a mental health champion with England Athletics, helping people to confront their problems and giving practical advice. One reason he is so good at that is because Peter has been there. He overcame drink, drugs and a spell in prison to get his life back on track. These days he gets his endorphins from running rather than any other kind of drug. Peter is brutally honest about his own journey and how he still has to work on his mental health. I also spoke to him about how he recently ran a sub-three hour marathon, and the crash that followed; coaching not only his own family but Eritrean refugee Abedom Beyene, who has run the 5km parkrun in under 16 minutes; and, of course, in these strange times, coping with the coronavirus. -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Richard Wilcox: The runner who went from couch to 100-miles in a year | 24 Oct 2023 | 01:00:52 | |
After a particularly troubled end to a family holiday, Richard Wilcox's wife gave him an ultimatum: 'Change or we're finished'. The former Army man was overweight - his five four inch frame carrying 18 stone. He was suffering from mental health issues and going nowhere fast.It was then he chanced upon a documentary about ultra running that changed his life. Inspired, Richard declared he would run a 100-mile race within a year.Most people laughed, but he started walking, then jogging and before long he was running hundreds of miles every week. Within a year, he was ready to take on the Snowdon Ultra 100. It was a race that was to test him to his limits, but one which would help Richard prove the doubters wrong once and for all. Running Tales spoke to him about his incredible journey to success and the power - for good and bad - of an addictive personality... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Catherine Hickford: "Running turned my life around in so many ways" | 13 Mar 2020 | 00:21:56 | |
When Catherine Hickford first started at Northampton parkrun she was more than 21 stone, running at the very back of the field and piling on more weight under the pressure of taking a degree. These days, she says running has turned her life around. Catherine has lost more than eight stones, been honoured at Northamptonshire Sports Awards, completed not only her degree but a Masters and made new, valued friendships. Who better than Catherine to have my first Running Tales chat with? -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Nigel Watson: How one man’s prostate cancer diagnosis didn’t stop him running MDS | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:25:33 | |
The Marathon des Sables had always been on Nigel Watson's bucket list. But with his plans to tackle the six day, 250km ultra marathon through the heat of the Sahara Desert barely underway, Nigel was rocked by a diagnosis of prostate cancer. An experienced runner with several marathons under his belt and a history of tackling triathlons that included representing Great Britain for his age group, Nigel was determined not to be beaten by the news and upped his training. Part of his preparation saw him meet with Doug Richards, a friend of this podcast and Marathon des Sables finisher. Inspired, Nigel set out to complete his extreme goal. Running Tales spoke to him about how the event went, his previous running success and tackling prostate cancer... -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||
| Peter Vickers: The ‘one time’ parkrunner who beat Covid to finish an ultra | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:24:35 | |
From deciding to try parkrun once - and then getting hooked on it - to completing a 35-mile ultra despite contracting Covid, Peter Vickers has fully embraced the world of running. At 55, he saw people running parkrun around Northampton’s Racecourse and decided to take part the next week - not long later he was running the London Marathon. In all, Peter has had to come back from three bouts of Covid - the first of which left him feeling he might die and which still sees him battling with his breathing at times. Along the way, he's raised money for a host of charities and made friends at every corner, aid station and finishing line of his many runs. Running Tales spoke to him about everything from pacing at parkrun to his ultra endeavours… -------- Visit Running Tales on Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com Search for Running Tales wherever you listen to podcasts to find our audio version of episodes. | |||