We catch up with our Yorkshire Correspondent Mel Sykes to talk all about her 268 mile traverse along the Pennine Way during the Montane Winter Spine Race 2025

Think 'challenging' weather, think sleep deprivation, think sleeping in public toilets and churches.

Think Alston Lasagne!

Mel replays her pre race thoughts and preparations, takes us on a detailed journey from Edale to Kirk Yetholm and reflects on the challenge and adventure of such an undertaking.

This is an absolute belter of an episode, Mel done it for Yorkshire, Mel done it to inspire, Mel done it because..she is Mel Sykes, our Yorkshire Correspondent.

Winter Spine Race...completed it mate.

It's taken a wee bit of organising to get Dr Jamie Pugh on the podcast. Jamie is a senior lecturer and researcher at Liverpool John Moores University, Jamie is also a coach at Centurion Running.

An expert in nutrition and all things to do with the gut, Jamie shares golden nuggets aplenty that will benefit runners and athletes of many disciplines. Coached by Robbie Britton, Jamie has a wealth of running expertise under his belt too, from a first marathon (Nottingham Robin Hood marathon) to training simply for fun, Jamie now is more interested in the world of ultramarathons, and has his sights set on some big things.

How do you run when you have ankles made of Weetabix as a result of football injuries? Jamie talks us through ankle rolls and how he copes with these and how the technical trails bring that heady mix of joy and challenges.

Being a coach and having specific information is one of Jamie's passions, coaching for Centurion Running since 2023, Jamie looks to bring and share knowledge from academia and his own experiences to invest in athletes across an array of distances to help them achieve their dreams, this is a fascinating listen.

Jamie's work at Liverpool John Moores University is all about understanding what can be done to make improvements (big or small) to athletes at all levels. We also talk a wee bit about muscle biopsy, say what? Find out more by listening in...

Testing what works for himself and athletes takes us to chatting about what we put in our gut to fuel us during our running activities, does what we put in deliver what we need? Jamie explains it all perfectly, you may listen to this section more than once!

The chat is a latest product up=to-date conversation full of golden nuggets from someone in the know, we talk about athletes aid station management, how to deal with nausea, do you remember the cartoon the Numbskulls, maybe a first ever mention on a podcast?

Lots of food (pun intended) for thought in here in a perfectly timed episode as we move towards the running season to come. See what others are doing, that's cool, but it might not work for you, there's so many things to think about and it's all discussed in our chat with Dr Jamie Pugh.

How much has sports science changed in the last decade, and what's to come for sports science in the future...we get Jamie's thoughts. There's chat too about Jamie's recent running and his tinkering with shoes to find out what works for him, and Jamie's dialect dictionary entry, a belter...

In this inspiring episode, Marcus Smith, founder of InnerFight, shares his journey and the philosophy behind the InnerFight brand (and how it got its name!) Marcus discusses the importance of mental toughness, pushing beyond physical limits, and the significance of building a supportive community.

This episode is also a first for our co-host, none other than our Yorkshire Correspondent Mel Sykes, massive thank you to Mel for adding her own style and guiding us through this episode.

Marcus delves into his personal experiences and guides us through a quite amazing and transformational 2018, when his life and fitness literally came crashing down. Marcus speaks about the comeback from injury, highlighting how these have shaped his approach to fitness and life, and also completing 30 marathons in 30 days!

Marcus explains the motivation behind starting InnerFight and its mission to improve people’s lives through fitness and mental resilience. We speak about how it’s important to be ‘holistically ready’ and what that means.

How do we push ourselves beyond our perceived limits and develop the mindset required to achieve extraordinary feats. The key is to keep it simple, clear your mind, this can be achieved through journalling, setting intentions and showing gratitude, Marcus describes this in his own style, you’ll be hooked, we guarantee it.

You’ll find this episode motivating and empowering, as Marcus provides practical advice and shares his experiences to help us unlock our full potential.

Marcus Smith Website

Innerfight Website

Fight For Every Breath Video

The Untethered Soul Book

The Barkley Marathons. From the mind of a genius has spawned a phenomenon. We’ve been lucky to chat to some guests about taking part in Barkley. But what about behind the scenes?
We’re joined by Larry Kelley to find out. Larry has the privilege to see the Barkley going-ons through a very different lens than most. He’s part of the extensive event team who together make the Lazarus Lake magic happen.

Larry, a seasoned ultra-runner in his own right with multiple finishes on his CV tends to follow his ‘a lot of stupid in me’ moto. This is a man who run all the way across Iowa after all, just the 310 miles!

We’re treated to an unprecedented insight as Larry respectfully lifts the lid into not only the Barkley Marathons but also the Barkley Fall Classic. The routes, the characters, the challenges along with some sensational stories from his time supporting the races in Frozen Head State Park.

Larry gives us his take on what attributes make a Barkley starter a good candidate to become a Barkley finisher. He dishes out tips and anecdotes galore.  It’s gold. So is Larry who describes the races as magical, is there another race on the planet requires athletes to show aggressive patience??! What even is aggressive patience?!?
Strap yourself in. Larry delivers in spades.
Warning, after listening you may find yourself checking out ways to get to Tennessee. We know we are!

In this episode we’re joined by returning guest Robbie Britton. We’ve plenty to ask him and, as always, he has plenty to tell us! It’s not every day you break GB records after all!

After a chunky opening intro segment covering Twenty Along the Forth, an Anglo Celtic Plate preview and a little bit of empathy for those starting to taper for spring marathons the wee man joins us for high paced run down of what’s been going down since we last spoke.

Robbie is back at the very top of his game, his recent outing at the 24-hour race in Torino, Italy testimony to that. He walked away with a freshly baked new GB 24-hour record tucked under his arm and boy does it suit him.

We get the full monte low-down on his prep and execution of a spectacular day (and night) in Piedmont. Robbie is super generous with his time and knowledge, we delve into an intricate look at his fuelling, training, and mindset. The record he breeched had stood for an incredible 40 years!!

We spend a plenty time just chewing the fat with Robbie and hearing his take on all sorts, mostly but not exclusively running related. The cadence is high, the takeaways are endless. This one might well take you 2 listens.
Phew, we’re outta breath even thinking about it, enjoy gettin’ yir lugs roond this!

Get the full run down of Robbie’s nutrition plan from his record breaking 24 hour race HERE Keep up with goings-ons over at the Anglo Celtic Plate in Northern Ireland HERE

A big welcome back to the Young Hearts, Run Free podcast. We were thrilled to have the pleasure of catching up with the legend that is Jasmin Paris.

She needs little introduction, so we dive right in to find out what brought Jasmin to where she is today, her intro to fell-running and how she found a love for ‘the longer stuff’.

Still recovering from her very recent outing at the 2023 Barkley Marathons we’re able to grill Jasmin on her 2nd experience over in Tennessee and just what it took for her to finish 4 loops of the daunting 20-mile (in Laz miles)) course. Whether you’re a Barkley newbie or seasoned Barkley fanatic it makes for compulsive listening!

We also chat plenty about Jasmin’s iconic Spine Race course-record as she regales how she found her love for wild places and how she unearthed a world-class knack of moving effectively over tricky terrain. There’s simply no doubting that last statement.

Passionate about her role within The Green Runners, a movement she is proud to have co-founded, Jasmin enlightens us all in ways we can contribute to reducing our footprint, as their moto puts it ‘You don’t need to be perfect, just keep improving by putting the planet first when making decisions’.

It was a privilege to speak to Jasmin and we can’t wait for you to get your lugs around this.

‘Messieurs, wiz zese bonus episodes you are really spoiling us…..’ Find out more and sign up to a pledge on THE GREEN RUNNERS

We love to welcome back former guests for a catch-up. The last time we spoke to Nikki Johnstone was 2 years ago, you might remember him, the quickest Elvis Pressley on the planet, ah ah ah.

So, jetting in from Germany, with a freshly baked new Scottish 50k record under his belt and a refreshed lust for racing in tow it was a joyous occasion for us to reconnect with Nikki in this week’s episode.

Of course, we start the show with our usual rip snorting intro featuring a stacked agenda topped with a close inspection of the state of John’s undercarriage obliterators! It’s the content ye all crave!

Nikki then joins the craic. It’s been far from plain sailing the last couple of years, he admits to his running being a bit up and down. Curtailed by injury and even a temporary loss of mojo (it happens to us all!).

But boy has he got his swagger back now topped off with a landmark 50k time set over on the continent that took him by surprise as much as anyone else. Nikki gives us a lap-by-lap account of his race day, that lovable alternative mindset of his is apparent throughout.

With a 2023 planned around ‘New faces. New places. New races.’ We can’t wait to see how far this lad can stretch his ability, we know our prediction.

It’s a brilliantly honest account as Nikki lets us know how he’s battled back to the top of his game and rekindled his love for the sport, for life and for racing. MR RACE DAY IS BACK!!

That inspirational Zach Miller North Face 50 video clip - take 3 mins of your time to watch it HERE

We have proper running royalty join us in this episode as Liz McColgan dials in from Qatar to talk all things running with John and Steven.

From humble beginnings Liz stormed on to the world athletics stage back in 1986 with heroics at Meadowbank Stadium. We find out her story from way back before then as she entertains us with her running story.

Memories are recalled from all her major outings both on the track and out on the world marathon circuit. A real glittering career.

Liz also treats us to her pride in watching her daughter Eilish follow in her footsteps culminating with a that tear jerking last lap in the 10,000m in Birmingham in 2022.

Full of tips, advice and spade loads of inspiration we were just over the moon to get the opportunity to speak to Liz, she takes time to give John some stellar marathon training advice as well as give us her take on the evolution of the running shoe.

Settle in and join us as we meet Liz McColgan. One of our running heroes.

A video of out interview is also available on our You Tube Channel here LIZ MCCOLGAN MEETS YHRF YOU TUBE INTERVIEW

Marco Consani is our guest this week, it was smashing to finally catch up with him after having him in our sights for ages.

Marco, who has repped Scotland and GB in a glittering ultra-running career takes us through his running story.

We loved this chat with Marco who kicks us off with his introduction to running in the early noughties and takes us right through to his recent foray on the Pennine Way as he took on the 2023 Winter Spine Race.

Peppered with insights and a heap of fond reflection our blether entertains throughout as we find out just how Marco is adapting his running and his mindset to prolong his love affair with the sport.

Tales from the West Highland Way, the Lakes and beyond ensue along with coping with the set-back of injury. Adapt, adapt, adapt is the message that rings out loud and clear as we are treated to the evolution of an ultra-runner.

Thing is though, we kinda underestimated just how big a story he has to tell. It feels like we’ve barely scratched the surface, a return appearance for chapter 2 will be a necessity!

A magic episode featuring not 1, not 2 but 3 bawbags.

John and Steven kick off proceedings with a thorough intro rounding up a hot week of action as the Scottish half marathon season gets well underway in Inverness and Alloa along with the iconic D33 Ultra. We also take a hurl over to Tennessee for a Barkley Marathon update and figure out what we’re up to ourselves as John starts shitting his breeks ahead of the Manchester Marathon.

Now come on in, grab a comfy seat or your comfy shwanks and settle in for a few hours of proper class YHRF chit chat.

This week we meet Phil Shin and Mark Murphy, they’ve an immense story share with you all.

A chance meeting with Steven in Boston last April resulted in us learning about the reason they’d completed the Boston Marathon that very same day. Phil is a 2-time liver cancer survivor. Mark is his liver donor, or as Phil prefers to call him his hero.

In our most uplifting episode to date we are lead through Phil and Mark’s story. From their own running history right through to the here and now. Simply put, this is an unmissable edition that will inspire and warm your heart.

Phil has given cancer the boot, running has played a huge part in that. Mark, a much more reluctant long-distance runner, has embraced the role he has played with a humbleness, the selfless act of organ donation almost whimsically passed off.

The result is an incredible conversation touching on mortality, the bond of running connections and being inspired by the people you meet along life’s unpredictable path.

West Coast USA based Phil and Mark quickly get into the spirit of some of our YHRF fav questions. Food, fuel, fav places to run, unique dialect dictionary entries and music choices all covered.

We also find out that they show no signs of resting on their running laurels, 2023 has big plans in store for both these super-human beings. Life is being richly grabbed. Sensational.

John and Steven have a raft of matters to discuss in their intro chatter, the weeks break since our last episode has seen shed loads happening as listeners and former/future guests take on the start of the year with gusto. We’ve also not 1 but 2 competitions to announce, you can get yir name in for those over on our socials!

Welcome back to Access All Areas. Your one stop shop for all things Lakeland 50 and 100!

In Episode 2 your hosts, John and Steven, welcome along the marvellous Nikki Knappet and Morven Walsh to the show. Nikki and Morven are part of the army of volunteers who make the Lakeland magic work.

The Chapel Stile checkpoint is located approx. 95 miles into the Lakeland 100, or 40 miles into the Lakeland 50. Like all checkpoints it's a vibrant place to be! We get to find out heaps from our guests about what to expect at checkpoints along with some stories from past years.

Nikki and Morven met through the Lakeland family, it's evident how much the experience of participating in and subsequently volunteering for the race means to them. We're sure you'll learn something new from this fun chat.

There is one message we'd like to reinforce....remember to be nice and show your appreciation to all volunteers, the superstar army who make the race happen!!

Let us know in the comments your own Lakeland checkpoint experience or if you have a question for Nikki and Morven (we'll do our best to get it to them).

Lastly, remember to hammer that subscribe button to make sure you don't miss a future episode of Access All Areas.

You can catch the audio only version of this episode along with a virtual shed full of other content on your hosts pod platform here Young Hearts Run Free Podcast here https://t.co/4PnqqFBGpa

How do you follow up last week’s episode with Eilish McColgan then? Ah, we've got just the ticket.

This week one half of your hosting team takes centre stage, yip the man, the myth, the legend Mr John Cassidy is our main talking point as we get a mid-term update on his preps for April's fast approaching Manchester Marathon.

And we've a special guest join us, John's coach. A familiar face. Who can it be?

We hear from both John and his coach on how he is steadily progressing, building confidence, and adapting to a whole new approach.

On the agenda is fuelling strategies, mobility work and even *whisper it* a growing love for strength and conditioning.

From Burst Baw to Race Ready this revealing and honest chat gives a new insight into the resilient runner John has always been, throw in some structured training and accountability and we're cooking up a real tour de force, fully conditioned athlete to take on 26.2 Mancunian miles!!

So grab yir under-carriage obliterators and listen in tae find out how our man JC is rolling.

Find out more about John's coach on Facebook here Five Star Run Club and Instagram here Five Star Run Club Insta

We also discuss entries opening for September's Auchterarder Running Festival, if you'd like to join John n Steven enter here now ENTER ARF 2023 HERE

As regular listeners are aware we like to welcome guests from right across the running spectrum on to the podcast. This week that guest is super popular Scottish track superstar Eilish McColgan who joins John and Steven for a chatter. From her early beginnings into running, we get the lowdown from Eilish on all manner of things, the ups and downs, the highs and lows. For Eilish the highs have come thick and fast over the last few years, but it's taken grit, belief, and determination to get there. A sensational 2022 for Eilish was capped with that unforgettable performance in Birmingham as she stormed to the 10,000m Commonwealth gold with a spine-tingling final lap that had us all up off the sofas cheering. Eilish lifts the lid on the race of her life, it's every bit as emotional hearing it from the girl herself. With 2023 now underway Eilish shares her hopes for the future as she enters her final preps for her marathon debut on the famous London course in April. We cover tons more from her inspirations, the importance of the running community she's part of as well as plenty of insights into just what it's like being a full-time athlete. Eilish is a busy lady, she also lets us know about her 1:1 coaching as well as her exciting foundation Giving Back to Track as she looks to continue to inspire and support the next generation of athletes. With pride of her family abundant throughout we couldn’t leave her mum Liz McColgan out of our chat, it's obvious just how much family mean to Eilish. Episode Links - Giving Back to Track https://givingbacktotrack.org/ Running Made Easy 1:1 Coaching https://runningmadeeasy.co.uk/ Please follow this link to access hours and hours of Young Hearts Run Free podcast episodes, our light-hearted and relatable take on running featuring weekly guests and plenty laughs https://linktr.ee/youngheartsrunfreepodcast You can also give us a follow on twitter and instagram to keep up with latest episode releases and join in the general fun.

Konnichiwa!! Welcome to season 12. Welcome to our voyage to the Land of the Rising Sun! In this season opener we reveal what it's all about as Stevie Boy exclusively announces a springtime trip to Tokyo. Another marathon major beckons, and it's an important one for all sorts of reasons. We find out how he got his Tokyo Marathon spot and some initial plans for a bucket-list trip of a lifetime. The best part, you're all invited along! We then spend time having a look back at the UK's premier trail race, yes, the Auchterarder 10k Chilli Trail Race took place last weekend. It proved to be an absolute stonker! 2025 race entries open now, link at bottom of show notes! Lastly, it's the hotly anticipated debrief of John's astounding efforts at the recent Track 100 25-hour event. John is in reflective mood as he recounts a life affirming weekend down south. Oh, and we've not just one race reveal for 2025, we've two!! It's gonnae be an epic year. The best yet. So, listeners, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened, and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. We're off to JAPAN baby!! https://www.entrycentral.com/chillitrail25 https://www.cockbainevents.com/track-100

Well, it’s been a tumultuous week at YHRF HQ. And here comes the icing on the cake as we catch up with Spine Race 2023 finisher and all-round inspiration Aly Caldwell.

We cover all 268 miles (and mare) of the Pennine Way with Aly as we dissect her 6 plus days out racing. Yes, like many others we watched her dot shift efficiently to Kirk Yetholm, and now we get the lowdown straight from the horse’s mouth!

Listen in to find out what drove Aly to enter the race, how she trained for it, her unique techniques for assembling the required kit and how her race experience panned out, nae spoiler alert needed, she finished it. Blimin’ terrific.

As is mandatory on the Young Hearts Run Free podcast, we cover food and fuel in detail and get the insight we need on important matters such as Alston Lasagne and Aly reveals what was in her ‘bowl of heaven’!

Of course, we cover a pile more than just the Spine in our refreshing, and often candid, blether with Aly as she reveals her running journey hasn’t quite been plain sailing all the way.

With the race still fresh in her memory this first-hand account of just what it’s like competing in ‘Britain’s Toughest Race’ is an absolute treat from start to finish.

John n Steven cover a wee bit of happenings in our intro with Forfar Multi Terrain Half, Pride BuffBuffs, Auchterarder Running Festival 2023 entry news and competitions all grabbing some air time. Oh, and the small matter of our new venture with the Montane Lakeland 100 is kinda mentioned too!

ENTER AUCHTERARDER RUNNING FESTIVAL 2023 HERE - Entries open Sunday 12 Feb at 7pm

ACCESS ALL AREAS LAKELAND 50 100 YOU TUBE CHANNEL - Episode 1 featuring Emma Stuart avail now, remember to subscribe

Welcome to Access All Areas. In episode 1 of our spin off collaboration with the Montane Lakeland 100 your hosts, John Cassidy and Steven Watt are joined by the super talented Emma Stuart. Emma is well qualified to give us her chat on the Montane Lakeland 100 (and 50) having placed first place female in the 50 in 2021 and the 100 in 2022. John and Steven grill Emma on a variety of (mostly) related topics including her own journey into ultra running, her recent day out at the Arc of Attrition 100 plus of course grab Emma's insight into all things Lakeland with tips, hacks and inspiration coming by bucketload along the way. We reckon there's something for everyone in this magic chat so whether you're toeing the line for the first time in July or are a seasoned Lakeland vet you'll hopefully find something to takeaway! Catch the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast here https://t.co/4PnqqFBGpa

This week we are joined by man of many talents Daniel Bye. One of those talents is even running related and was in full display just a few weeks ago when he competed in the infamous Montane Spine Challenger Race.

We get the lowdown on how that 108 mile jaunt turned out but not after finding out heaps more about Daniel and his long term love affair with running.

Now a proud member of Lonsdale Fell Running Club Daniel hasn’t always been accustomed to the trails and hills. We grill Daniel on how he graduated from running on the urban canal toe paths of Leeds to running half the length of the Pennine Way in one fell swoop.

Daniel’s day job is to ‘write, direct and perform’ plays and pieces, his running passion and that day job collided in his (and his pals) touring show ‘These Hills are Ours’. Turns out his pal, Boff Whaley of Chumbawamba fame, was a no bad fell runner too.

Our main topic of conversation soon returns to ultra-running, Daniel discovered ultras in 2016 when he took part in the Lakeland Trails 55k. The fact he now considers that to be ‘quite a short race’ tells you how far he’s come since.

We get a sneaky glimmer at his triumphant Bob Graham Round, his day of days.  But filling us all in and whetting our own appetite for an outing on the Pennine Way soon dominates the YHRF airwaves.

With tips, tricks and motivation abound your expectations will be matched by the excellent and charismatic Daniel Bye, a born storyteller.

Find out more about Daniel on his website here http://www.danielbye.co.uk/

When someone as awesome as Wild Ginger Running approaches you to have a wee chat on the pod you seize the moment with gusto. This week we’re awfully chuffed to welcome Claire Maxted to the Young Hearts Run Free podcast.

Writer. Author. Media entrepreneur. But most importantly, runner. Claire has spent a huge chunk of her life following her passion and in this week’s episode we get the lowdown.

Claire, co-founder, and former editor of Trail Running magazine, created Wild Ginger Running back in 2017 as a way for trail and ultra-runners to get tips, advice, and inspiration in a plain, jargon free and accessible way.

With gear reviews (and tests), training pointers and race inspiration sprinkled with the magical wild ginger running fairy dust her website and You Tube channel is a resource with something for all.

Claire is also a published author with her book, The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook (links below), offering pages upon pages of easy-to-read content covering all of the above and much much more. Trail Running Hacks? We all need as many of them in our lives as possible, right?

Even better than all of this though we get to hear about Claire’s own running history. We find out how she settled on finding her preferred race distance, how Bob Graham has played a big part in her running evolution and how the disappointment of her only DNF has simply fuelled her fire.

Our favourite kit segment is littered with Claire’s preferences, and John finds a kindred spirit in his quest to find other folk who love their big knacks.

With an immense 2023 in the pipeline, we are 100% (a hunner %) positive you’ll lap up this quality blether with the Wild Ginger Runner Claire Maxted.

So, grab your shwanks, get the headphones on and settle in for an hour and a bit of classic YHRF listening.

The links for The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook here https://amzn.to/36tuO8x 

Wild Ginger Running Website https://wildgingerrunning.co.uk/

Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWEw4ys-SlXU1pCp6oyMemQ

Wild Ginger Running Patreon (your chance to win monthly £400 worth of prizes) https://www.patreon.com/WildGingerRunning

Is that a week passed already? Just where does January go 😉

We are back to chase away the blues with another corking episode to jangle your senses.

We are thrilled to welcome Catriona Bruce to the show, Catriona is the owner of Edinburgh based race organisers Blast Running. She’s also an accomplished and experienced runner herself with multiple marathon and ultra-marathon finishes to her name. We take time to speak about her own running evolution then hear all about the Blast Running story.

We start with our familiar weekly chinwag though with ice, undercarriages and spines dominating proceedings. Oh, and with John’s 2023 race debut at Maryhill Harriers Nigel Barge 10k this weekend we get tore into racing too.

Catriona then joins in. After finding out how she made her way to become a proud member of the Hunter Bog Trotters via Fife, London, back to Fife, Perth and eventually Edinburgh we delve into some of her own running highs, lows, and everything in between. From favourite places to run and a great list of running kit favourites, we cover tons.

Blast Running was born in 2019 and Catriona is rightly proud of how popular and established it has become. We hear all about how she has grown the races Blast Running offer to an impressive 27 events in 2023. With unique distances, settings and formats she’s catering for everyone. Her passion mixed with creativity is obvious and she’s certainly found a recipe for success. With a side hustle of Edinburgh Running Tours this entrepreneurial lass has all the bases covered!

Ready for Blast Off?

Find out all about Blast Running and their exciting events calendar here BLAST RUNNING WEBSITE

Fit like? Proud Aberdonian Ultra-runner David Scott has inspired many people. He’s honest, genuine and isn’t afraid to go that extra mile when the going gets tough. In this week’s episode we meet David to find out about both his own running story and the stories he’s helped create as we delve into Fit Like Joggers and the Brewdog Run.

David took up running himself in his mid-30s, like many we speak to he thought he’d get the marathon ticked off the list and that would be that. It turned out a big bit different to that.

After hearing all about his own spectacular foray into running we settle on a couple of lengthy conversations. Fit Like Joggers is a movement that David is rightly very proud of. What started as a couch to 5k group in Aberdeen has grown into so much more. David shares with us the evolution of the Fit Like Joggers.

We then shift to a monster David has created, the Brewdog Run also had small beginnings. It quickly ‘hopped’ its way forward and is now 3 times a year outing enjoyed by hundreds; it’s even went on tour. You don’t even have to like beer to get involved!

David then shares with us his fav running kit, his fav place to run, his fuelling essentials and some startlingly simple yet inspirational running tips. We end in traditional fashion with a dialect dictionary and song choice that’ll please tons of ye.

Find out all ab out Fit Like Joggers here https://www.fitlikejoggers.com/
Catch up on all things Brewdog Run on the Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/brewdogrun/

No other way to start a new year than battering out our first episode of 2023. YHRF, we never stop.

And we’ve a guest in da house! Joining us for a blether about all manner of things (mostly but not exclusively running related) is Amanda Woodrow. She certainly brings the fun along with her.

Of course we kick off with our customary chat where the headline news is the heightening of John’s 2023 plans, a trip to Germany beckons!

Then Amanda joins the equation, and a belter of a conversation follows.

Amanda has run competitively since she was 12 years old, she’s went from chasing down speedsters on the track to scurrying herself along the Lands End to John O’Groats route with lots in between.

In 2017 Amanda suffered from septic shock, resulting in a long hospital stay where she eventually emerged minus half a butt cheek. To say she has bounced back from this life changing experience would be the understatement of the year.

In her own words it allowed her to ‘sack the track’ and instead concentrate on going slower for further, much further. This forced adaption though has opened new doors for Amanda and she’s set on blootering those doors off the hinges.

We talk through some of her finer moments out racing along with a few not so fine moments, she does love an adventure. With a 2022 filled with 50k wins, the small matter of a LEJOG attempt and participating in the Pyllon Endeavour 192 we hear plenty about it. With an equally cracking 2023 plan already hatching we can’t wait to see what this lass can achieve in the sport.

Amanda touches on her fav run kit, now hold on to your seats for that one, it’s not all shwanks and skorts, trust us!

So go lube yourself up, the last thing you want to is a chaffed arse crack right, settle in and listen to the lass who’s chasing the sunset and winning.

Tune in to the new YHRF Listener's Choice Playlist on Spotify here https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Sj3cbzo9He1UWfRMxpOIT?si=bcf243af636c42d6

Well, that was 2022! Happy Hogmanay guys!

This is a first for a number of reasons! Our first ever ‘Unawards’ AND our first bash at a video edition of the pod. Filmed live and uncut, eeek!

We devote this episode to the ton of you who interacted with our social media posts during the month of December. 

Our categories were a wee bit different to the norm, here they are in all their YHRF glory -

Beard of the Year
Outfit of the Year
Video of the Year
Inspiration of the Year
Event of the Year
Bit of Kit of the Year
Best Dropbag Item
Proudest Moment of the Year

John n Steven yap thru all of the above and pick out their winners and runners-up, some categories we didn’t even bother picking a winner cos, after all, we’re all winners in our own way.

Batter on in and get involved in the discussions over on our Insta and Twitter. We’ve even a competition for you all to enter!!!! RACE PLACES up for grabs!

Have an awesome new year folks, tell awbody ye love that ye love them, even folk ye kinda like tell them you love them too. Us? We’ll be back pronto in the new year with oodles of stuff planned and in the pipeline. We cannae wait, ye coming along for the ride?

Twas the week afore Chrimbo, when aw thru the hoose, no a creature wiz stirrin’ no even a moose.

Ye didn’t think we’d let you down and not have a pre-Christmas episode up our sleeves, did you?!

Firstly we spin through our weekly intro chit-chat in style, covering the fall-out from Stevie Boy’s Malaga Marathon endeavours (and of course his Twitter food thread!) plus we take a look in the rear view mirror at our own 2022 highs. Seems we packed a fair bit in!

Then we’ve got a festive treat for you as we welcome to the YHRF pod Gayle Tait. Gayle completed the fabled UTMB in 2022, you’d think that would take centre stage in our conversation with her, you’d be wrong. Something much more valuable has happened during Gayle’s running journey.

Gayle realised she had a talent for ultra-running after segway-ing into the distance from marathon. Already a very accomplished road-runner she soon found her love of trails and hills, a smattering of podium finishes, 1st places and a blossoming romance with the West Highland Way followed.

We do spend time chatting all things UTMB, a dramatic aborted attempt in 2019 and how that led to a triumphant race in 2022. The itch of not finishing in 2019 not only scratched but obliterated, or beast-ed as Gayle would put it!

A sense of what running means and does for Gayle is evident throughout. Whether that’s finding solace spending hours on the hills and trails on her own or chatting the miles away with a plethora of running pals she’s acquired over the years. Running is Gayle’s game-changer, mood-changer and lifeline all wrapped up in one.

And she’s no intention of stopping now, Gayle lifts the lid on her 2023 plans and if racing across Scotland is your thing, you’ll be keen to hear all about it!

So come listen in, find out about Gayle and take away some running and life lessons. Check in with your pals this festive, you might just be their game-changer.

Massive Yuletide greetings from your Sexy LeBuffBuff host team y’all!

It’s beginning to look a lot like………Season 7!

We get our new season off to a flyer with a trip to the continent. That’s right, Stevie Boy has been on his travels again and this time he was joined by some big pals of the show. Destination Malaga.

Of course we’re ready to take you along and get the inside track on the Malaga Marathon experience. Ever wondered what it’d be like taking on a winter marathon in warmer climes? Now’s your chance to find out in delectable YHRF stylie.

We do kick off with a round up of the latest wonderful goings-ons in our world of running. Plenty of you have been in touch lately as we launched our ‘2022 Unwards’ and plenty of you have swooped to grab one of our now sold out LeBuffBuff’s v2. Mr John Cassidy also reveals more about his Manchester Marathon plans…..we’re even given a peaks into his training!

Then it’s off to Espana for the lowdown, the city highlights, the people we met, the marathon and of course the food are all covered in detail. Steven gives us his thoughts on how he got on and ponders what his next move is as he bookends 2023 with another medal in his collection.

We had the hairy toy along for the ride too and it’s made its European debut on the Iberian peninsula. The real highlight of the episode ensues as we spend some brilliant moments dissecting the race with Steven’s fellow travel compadres made up of Stuart McNeish, Martin Gray, Paul Stoddart and Gerry Healy. Aka the Malaga 5.

We’ve the customary launch of our new LeBuffBuff Collection Vol 4 playlist (see link below) with some belters added already by our guests as well as a dialect dictionary word that must be one of the most apt for the day after a long run!

So look out the shades, ye might even need some sunscreen as we take our deep dive into the pleasant Mediterranean waters for our season opener!!

Links - YHRF Le BuffBuff Collection Vol 4

A bonus episode where we get the lowdown from our man on the street (literally) Adrian Stott...

In an event like no other, to meet their goal of 3100 miles (4989km) in 52 days, athletes must log an average of 59.6 miles (95.9 km) per day. This is just one statistic of a fascinating event known as the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race which takes place annually in New York.

Adrian provides the detail of what's involved for athletes, the organisation of the race and the history behind this heid birler' of an ultramarathon.

You'll shake your head many times and have a barrow-load of questions, we're pretty sure Adrian manages to answer them all.

We also get an insight into Adrian's personal journey with Sri Chimnoy and hear more about his absolute love for running and what is possible for us mere mortals if we simply, believe we can...

For context, this recording took place 10 days before the final day of the 2024 Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race.

You can check out the results and loads more information from the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race webiste

Welcome back to the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast. Welcome to the Good Life.

It’s time for the curtain to come down on Season 6! And as promised it’s a belter!

Our season finale is headlined by someone well qualified to do so, we’re thrilled to be joined from Orkney by Scottish running royalty William Sichel.

Whilst most of us were either young (and wayward?) or indeed still an apple in our parent’s eyes William’s running story was already well underway.

An early foray into marathon running, a life changing move to Orkney and the fire catching on what turned into a passion for long (long, long, long) distance endurance races. William takes us along for a ride through his many running chapters.

Already a very accomplished marathon runner William talks us through his method, approach and transition into ultra distances. Ever ran a marathon completely fasted? No.

Hear how chance meetings with others in the running community, nae spoilers but lots of familiar well kent faces, opened the door to ultra-running for William. The arrival of the internet in the 90s plays a key role in this Orkney treasure discovering more and finding his tribe.

We home in on William’s greatest ever running achievement.  The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Self-Transcendence 3100 mile in New York City, to hear about its format it itself is hard to absorb. To hear about the highs, lows, and triumphs of competing in it is simply absorbing.

William has a new book out charting his running journey (see link below) and we are treated to some stories from the book that simply whet the appetite.

William treats us to a dialect dictionary spectacular along with a song choice that’s simply transcends the generations. We loved meeting William and his running CV contents are altogether next level for most of us, the fact he makes what sounds like the impossible possible for us all is what makes this episode quite so entrancing.

Finally, we’d like to thank you so much for all your support and for listening to the podcast. We’ll be back for Season 7 before you know it, and we’ve big plans in place, oh yes, YHRF is not going anywhere!

Grab a copy of Williams Book A Head for Running here https://williamsichel.co.uk/shop/
Read more about the 3100 mile race here https://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/

We’ve no guest this week so you’ve an hour of your host team chewin’ the fat to see you through our penultimate episode of season 6!

First up, John makes a sensationally big reveal on his 2023 plans. It’s gonnae provide us some really riveting content, what’s more it’s running related!!

After settling down from the fall-out of that we get to some of this week’s talking points as the West Highland Way Race 2023 entry window slams closed. We discuss too the news of the Highland Fling having a year off in 2023 and get excited already about it’s triumphant return in 2024.

We’ve got a couple of new running rants to get yir heckles up, car drivers AND other runners beware, you’re both in our sights this week. Even the usually mild-mannered John is raging!

We also introduce our Young Hearts Run Free 2023 awards! We are looking for category ideas with a little YHRF twist to them, head on over our insta and twitter to contribute to that one!

Last weekends sad news with the passing of Doddie Weir brings our recent episode with Greg Lee into sharp focus, whilst the fantastic accomplishment of the Pylon Endeavour 192 in aid of The British Heart Foundation triggers an emotional memory.

Also it’s December, for many of us that means only one thing, no not the visit of Auld Sandy Claus it’s Marcothon month…..time to lace up and get in aboot it!

And lastly, a message to never travel without a saltire is raised with big friend of the show Adrian Stott reminding us of the importance of always being in the right place, at the right time with the right flag!

Oh we’ve also some merch news, there’s defo going to be more about that magic over on our social channels very very soon 😉

Next week it’s our season finale, no spoilers but we’ve a fitting smasher lined up for you!

Join the Marcothon movement here https://www.facebook.com/groups/284884195701656
Enter the Nigel Barge 10k here https://www.entrycentral.com/NigelBarge10k

Read Adrians Stott’s latest blog on travelling with a saltire here https://runnersaresmilers.com/always-travel-with-a-saltire/

Contribute to the terrific fund raising attempts of the Pyllon Endeavour 192 here https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-nicol-1667573595679?utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=page%2Fkaren-nicol-1667573595679&utm_medium=one_page&utm_source=copyLink&utm_term=5871ae3c35a74af1a7a7a7a4a64d380b

We like to throw our net far and wide in our search for inspiring guests, this week that net came up trumps yet again!

Helen Wyatt joins us to take us (and you!) on a VIP tour of her own running journey all the way from starting out back in 2010 right up to the present day. That present day being the finish line of the Centurion Running Wendover Woods 50 miler just last weekend.

In fact it turns out Helen has had quite the year of 50 milers with her Wendover Woods outing being the culmination of her Centurion Grand Slam of 50s. What does that consist of? Listen in to find out all the details as Helen recounts her race experiences and lifts the lid on her training and motivation.

We find out just why Helen runs, it started out as a way of making new friends but has grown to be such a part of her DNA. It becomes pretty obvious from early on that there aint much else Helen would rather be doing than running. But that doesn’t always come easily to a busy mum working full-time, right?

It's a great account of an exceptional 2022 and so much more. Helen also lets us know about all her favourite things. What’s in her drop bags? What’s her fav bit of running kit? What’s on her feet? All your fav YHRF topics are covered in this over-flowing episode.

If you too fancy the holy trinity of Soreen Loaf, Babybel Cheese and Tunnocks Caramel logs to fuel your running dreams then you’ll adore our fab catch up with Helen.

Find out more about Centurion Running Races CLICK HERE
Find out about the up and coming Pyllon 192 CLICK HERE
Support the Ban on Pavement Parking in Scotland CLICK HERE

Edging towards our season 6 finale now, and in episode 17 we’ve got a treat to get your lugs round.

Joining us this week is Ruchill’s very own Lynsey McLaughlin. And she has quite the tale to tell.

Before welcoming Lynsey we speak about all sorts of happenings in the world of running in our now customary weekly roundup. Main topic, John’s beard, should it stay, or should it go?! Baby, we will let you know.

Lynsey though is at the very top of our bill. She’s been at the running for around 25 years, her running journey is captivating. Full of highs with some lows it’s an extraordinary reminder of that age old saying ‘when life gives you melons, make melonade’ (or is it lemons?)

2022 has seen Lynsey reach new heights as she not only completed a much dreamed about, and somewhat delayed, Triple Crown on the West Highland Way but topped that off by a trip Stateside to take part in the Chir-Car-Go Marathon (that’s the Chicago Marathon to new listeners!)

We find out who lit the fuse to get Lynsey up n running back in the late 90s, discover how she filled buckets full of resilience as she found running solace to help her through some major life events and discover where she keeps her literal mountain of running bling (where do you keep yours?)

We do zoom in on her 2022 and chat about the race experiences in some detail. Focus is of course on your Young Hearts, Run Free favourites such as what shwanks did ye wear and what was in your drop bags. We do talk about running too, honest.

Lynsey is also very proud of her part in starting up the Ruchill Parkrun, it’s been a rip-roaring success and one we’ve got our eye on visiting for a day trip. Bunty insists.

Lynsey’s year has been topped off by getting a call up to the Pyllon Ultra team for their forthcoming Pyllon Endeavour on the West Highland Way. We chat about that as well as find out more about Lynsey’s foray into being coached under the eagle eye of Pyllon coach Kevin Banks.

It’s a phenomenal chat with a phenomenal lass, one that will likely get you thinking about your own mindset and goals. There’s even time for a quick greet, we love a greet here at YHRF. So go get your lugs roond this belter!

Would you run 500 miles? Greg Lee did. Have you planned and delivered on your own adventure? Greg Lee did.

And he's very kindly given us an insight to what inspired him to do so.

A number of Greg's extended family have been have been diagnosed with various illnesses which would be categorised under the umbrella of Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

We talk about the planning involved, the logistics, the kit, the support and obviously the scran!

Join us with Greg on a journey around:

• Arran Coastal Trail
• Speyside Way
• Ayrshire Coastal Path
• West Highland Way
• Skye Trail
• Speyside Way
• Cumbrae Cycle

Oh...there's a wee FKT in there an aw!

Greg's Just Giving Page link for you to donate.

We’re closing in on the final quarter of season 6 in style. John Beveridge joins us this week to chronicle his running story.  We take the sharpest focus at his recent trip to Chicago where he claimed his 5th World Marathon major star.

We know John well, you’ll have maybe even heard us mention him before, John is after all The Ballingry Bolt. He hasn’t always been jet heeled, we are fascinated to find out how as a late starter to road running he’s now enroute to conquering the world.

What started as a familiar tale of feeling a little unfit, a bit overweight and needing to do something positive to help his health. John’s running evolution soon caught fire; he found a love of the marathon distance. It’s fair to say that he’s since become a devout disciple to the 26.2 miles.

He became a student of the distance, picking up tips from running friends he’s made along the way and striving to squeeze every drop of ability he had mixed in with a discipline and work ethic that’s second to none. He’s only to happy to share his approach with us and we’re sure that you’ll pick up some brilliant inspiration and golden nuggets throughout our chat.

We find out about his recent foray into being coached, and how it’s helped him break a barrier he once considered out of his reach. A reminder to us all that age really is just a number.  We do get into the nitty gritty of favourite run rewards, one that both your hosts fully back.

With a brilliant outcome on the streets of Chir Car Go under his belt you’d forgive John for being satisfied with his lot. Not the case, a no holds barred acknowledgement that there is even more to come from the Fife Flyer merely whets the appetite for John’s next running chapter. A trip to the far east beckons…..land of the rising sun and of PBs.

So come on in and settle down to our fantastic chat with Kinross Road Runners very own *Ballingry Bolt.

*6th World Marathon Major Star pending

We're keepin' the episodes rolling and we've another topper for you this week. Were joined by a lad we've got to know well during 2022. Martin Heggie, the pride of Whitburn. We kick off the show with our usual anecdotal review of what's been happening in the world of running. That takes us on a world tour to Chicago via Glasgow with even a hint of Arabia thrown in for good measure. Martin then makes it a threesomse as he recaps his year to date. He last joined us in January after completing the Spine Race. We're glad to report that the rest of his running season has conjured up some more memorable outings. With a new coach in his armoury Marty has blasted through 2022 in style. His race craft evolving and his results improving. It's been a busy year peppered with PBs and new experiences. North Inch in Perth, last one standing and that's before we even mention a West Highland Way Triple Crown. Martin tells us the highs along with some lows and startles us with his undying passion to keep learning, to keep improving and to keep loving the sport of running. Our main topic covers his recent exploits at the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon. A day when the stars aligned for him but that alignment was earned, course records don't just happen, right? Find out how Martin has found his strengths and identified his weaknesses. It makes for a sparkling tale with a fairytale ending. And he lets us in on what's next on his big running adventure, needless to say it's reaching for the stars and there's no way we're not backing him to hit new heights. His Nan agrees. Mind hang in til the end as Martin gives us a belter of a dialect dictionary entry along with a LeBuffBuff song choice that epitomises the fella he is. Run Free Y'All 💪🏼

We love speaking to folk from right across the running world. This week's guest we discovered by chance. We love chance. Ellis Bland, there's a surname to set expectations for life, kindly took our chance offering to blether to us on the pod. Ellis was raised on the fells, he dipped away from the fells for a bit before they called him back. When they called him back Ellis found renewed vigour, and then decided to run further by saying hello to ultra marathon. Ellis takes us on a tour de force of his running career. It's delightful stuff from start to finish. A wonderful story, anecdotes galore and many words of wisdom. He has a beautiful take on the world of running, keeping things simple yet complicated. Strong views and values mixed with some whimsical storytelling. We also find out about Vaga. The unmistakably recognisable hat brand that's swept into races over the last 3 years. Ellis is co-founder of Vaga, he lets us know about their mission goal and how the business grew from a nutshell. Our main topic of discussion though is Ellis. He's had some unforgettable race experiences, not all end well sometimes the stars align. With his sights firmly set on Double Bob Graham's and a running holy grail we should all embrace Ellis will leave an indelible mark on you. Ellis is a dude. He's our kinda dude. Whether you like to run hills, run ultras or just run you'll be absolutely buoyed by this feature length cracker of an episode. ENJOY. ENJOY. ENJOY.

Ellis on Instagram: @ells_fells_

Nadir Khan book link: Extreme Lakeland: A photographic journey through Lake District adventure sports

This week we welcome back one of our biggest pals, a lad who helped us set the podcast well on its way, he’s had multiple appearances but we’re well overdue a catch-up with the boy fae Croy himself, James Stewart.

And James, as always, indulges us in a chat peppered with inspiration and wisdom. We’ve got plenty content to cover with James who’s hot off an appearance for Team GB at the European 24-Hour Championships over in Verona, Italy.

After a meticulous and consistent summer spent piecing together one of his most solid training blocks ever James’ race didn’t quite pan out the way he wanted. That though didn’t stop him having an unforgettable experience. James is a master of adaptability, hear how he reframed his own race and still managed to slingshot his team collective to new levels.

James shares his whole experience with us as well on his views as to where, as a nation, GB are in the ultra-running world along with his take on the incredible Alekszandr Sorokin’s relentless quest to go further faster.

But don’t think that’s all we cover, not a chance. James chats to us about Run with Pyllon, about his own upcoming plans and even his own radio show. It’s a chat pebble dashed with golden nuggets; you wouldn’t expect anything less from the wise owl that is James Stewart.

Find out about the next Run with Pyllon event here RUN WITH PYLLON MOUNTAIN DAY 

Dad Lawson's Re Run Clothing here RE RUN CLOTHING 

Sign Up to hear James talk at Jog Scotland event here (Registered Jog Leaders Only) Jog Scotland Jog Leaders Conference

Catch James show on Cumbernauld FM here FROM SCOTIA WITH LOVE

Earlier this month saw the 7th edition of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race, a multi-day race dissecting Wales. With a distance of 236 miles and an elevation gain of over 57,000 ft it’s a 6 day event not for the faint of heart!

This week we get a first-hand, up close, and personal account of just what it takes to complete what is a gruelling route. Our guest Alasdair Meldrum enlightens us with his 2022 Dragon’s Back Race story.

Still on a high after completing the vaunted Cape Wrath Ultra in 2021 Ayr based Alasdair threw his hat in the ring and signed up for the 2022 Dragon’s Back. Feeling prepped by success in the north of Scotland little did he realise the challenge that lay ahead.

Tackling Wales beautiful yet rugged terrain the Dragon takes the high road from the North of Wales to Cardiff in the South. So what does prepping, taking part and the aftermath of look like? Listen to Alasdair tell us all, and of course there is a good delve into the food on offer.

We hear of never-ending climbs, of spine-tingling ridges and daunting descents. A big focus of our conversation centres on Alasdair's race management for the event, not just the running and moving part but the meticulous approach needed to camp-life routine to aid success.

Fighting cramps, looking after feet, fuelling, and sleeping.  We cover plenty ground as we make our way down the Dragon’s Back in pursuit of the finish line.

Alasdair had a race plan, that race plan was executed exquisitely. So, whether you fancy a multistage event yourself or baulk at the mere thought we’re certain you’ll be inspired and informed by Alasdair’s story. Come join us and get mingin’ along the way.

Our Season 11 Finale is here!!

Join us as we round off our long and winding journey into the 'Danger Zone' with Back Yard Ultra specialist Keith Russell.
A fitting guest in a week that saw the BYU world best smashed by our pals in Belgium. An enormous achievement and one that will now be firmly in Keith's sights.
Keith is something else, an incredible athlete yes, however that's not all. With a fire in his belly fuelled by matters as close to his heart as possible Keith has risen to prominence with his awe-inspiring race performances.
To do that whilst contending with adversity is a measure of the man himself.
Of course, the icing on the cake is that he is one of us, a golden fella with wisdom to share.
And share he does. Openly talking us through his story from start to finish, well we say finish, we're not even sure he's past the first chapter yet.
You'll laugh, you'll greet, you'll sign up for a BYU. It's a truly fitting climax to the 'Danger Zone'.
Thank you to all of you who tune in. Please leave us a review if you can, it helps immeasurably. Interact with us by leaving a comment on our socials or in this episode on your chosen platform. Oh, and need a BuffBuff, gie us a shout and we'll sort it out.
We'll be back real soon as we flip the switch into Season 12, and what awaits will blow your mind.

The Triple Crown. All 3 footraces run on Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way. All in the same year. A halcyon objective for many an Ultra Runner. This week’s guest not only completed this year’s Triple Crown, she smashed it out of the park.

Jacqueline MacIntyre joins us to recount her epic 2022 Ultra Running season. The 53-mile Highland Fling, the 43-mile Devil of the Highlands and the famed 96-mile West Highland Way Race, all within 4 months.

We start with a longer than usual introduction segment as we cover Tor Des Geants, European 24-Hour running championships and review last weekends Auchterarder Running Festival. There might be (there defo is) mention of pies.

Jac then blows us away with our favourite ever response to our standard first question, ‘so Jac, what got you into running?’ We’ll let the guest batter on from here, another talent from the never-ending pool of ultra-runners Fife manages to produce. We aren’t sure what they put in the water there? But, we want (need) some of it!

Jac leads us threw her running story and takes us along on that West Highland Way adventure she’s so enjoyed this year. From bursting an arm in training to crossing the finish lines in Fort William, it’s quite the journey.

It's obvious how much talent Jac possesses (and it’s growing by the year!) but even more obvious is how much others inspire her, and she’s plenty inspiration to call on from her running pals.

So come on in and find out how you too could complete 192 miles in 35 hours, yip, that quick!

John and Steven spoke about the up and coming 10K Chilli Trail Race in the intro – ENTER HERE NOW!

Glenmore 24, move for 12 or 24 hours, sounds easy...right? Think again!

This episode is focused on an insight into G24, which is organised by Rockets Events

Your hosts Steven (support role) and John (athlete...read that again) ventured up the A9 to Glenmore Forest, and had themselves a ball of a time.

What does it take to run/walk/move for 12 or 24 hours (there are two options)? Well, that takes a lot of things including: kit, food, hydration, mindset, a smile, did we mention food?

Most importantly, it takes people, an army of people who support each other with a special kinda (sometimes) tough love.

DISCLAIMER: Listening to this episode may end up with you standing in the Hayfield one September thinking "what happened there!"

Our one-week hiatus is over, long live YHRF!! And we reckon you deserve a belting episode; this week certainly fits that bill. We kick off proceedings with a wee host catch up. We’ve a fair smattering of stuff to cover after what has been a busy few weeks in the world of running. 100k World Champs featuring plenty pals of the show, UTMB with Jim Walmsley wearing tights as the GOAT delivered yet again. On top of all that there is the small matter of John toeing the start line this weekend at Glenmore, 24 hours of forward momentum pending! Then we are delighted to welcome our guest, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys. Sabrina classes herself as a passionate amateur athlete, after spending an hour plus in her company she is all that plus lots lots more. It's fair to say that Sabrina has coped with a lot during her life. In an honest, frank and powerful way she explains just how she fell in love with running and how that love for running helped fuel the activist in her. Sabrina co-founded Black Trail Runners in 2020. Black Trail Runners are a campaigning group and registered charity who strive to diversify trail running, encouraging, inspiring and supporting black people to participate. Black Trail Runners has quickly grown into a movement that campaigns to remove the barriers for black people to take part in trail running. Our conversation with Sabrina surrounding this is emotive and thought-provoking. Her energy and desire shining brightly. Now a published author Sabrina talks about her book and what compelled her to write it. Black Sheep: A Story of Rural Racism, Identity and Hope has already received 5-star reviews across the board and we can’t wait to get our copy to be inspired. We then discover Sabrina the Ultra-Marathoner. The coach. The leader. The inspiration. She’s quite the woman and we are 100% sure you’ll love to hear her story. Visit Black Trail Runners website HERE Give Sabrina a follow on Instagram here, you won't regeret it HERE Grab https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/sabrina-pace-humphreys/black-sheep/9781529418552/

In this week’s episode we focus on our trip last weekend to the inaugural Run with Pyllon event held in shadow of the Cairngorms at Badaguish Outdoor Centre.

If gleaning knowledge from inspirational coaches, mixing with other like-minded folks from across the running community or indeed running in the breath-taking Scottish Highlands is your thing you’ll be keen to hear our review of what turned out to be a memorable day.

None of that turn you on? Well, there was scran and, unsurprisingly, we cover that in great detail.

Leading the day were our pals (and joint YHRF appearance record holders!), James Stewart and Debbie Martin-Consani heading up an all-star Pyllon cast. Ably abetted by fellow coach Grant MacDonald and the amazing Karen Nicoll providing the icing on the cake we knew from the off the day would be special.

Under blue blue skies we got to take full advantage of our location as we were taken on a tour of the iconic Glenmore 24 loop on the banks of Loch Morlich, describing the setting doesn’t quite do it justice, Scotland in its fullest pomp.

A run workshop with an opportunity to pick the brains of the coaches as well as other athletes flew by, meeting some of you guys who listen to the pod provided the cherry on top of that already tasty cake. That’s before we got the oppo to take a dip in the Loch….yip taps aff the lot!

With an avo spent refuelling whilst getting to hear from James, Debs, Grant and Karen in a workshop designed to help mindset and approaches to endurance events a rich day of learning was complete.

We had a treat of a day mixing with all the other participants and learning so much about how to approach 24-hour or looped racing. A whole new set of tactics were gleaned and are now sitting pretty in our toolbox waiting to be unleashed.

Good luck to anyone racing at Glenmore in a fortnight, that includes Jamie Marshall our Run with Pyllon competition winner who had a blast at the event, go get that ton Jamie!!

Find out more about the event and any future Pyllon events here Run with Pyllon

Get in touch with Pyllon Ultra to find out about coaching options here Pyllon Ultra Website

Clicking Click it’s Season 6 Episode 6.  And we’re going running up that hill this week in pursuit of yards, lot’s of yards as we welcome a familiar face to the show for a long overdue debut. Joining us to have a deep dive into her recent outing at The Highlander Last One Standing is Fiona Watt (aka Steven’s other half).  

With John asking the questions we get to know about Fiona the runner and Fiona the coach. A potted history of her running story takes us to a first ever marathon in Glasgow in the year 2000 as well as (frequent visits) to Newcastle for 13 Great North Runs.  

Before moving on to the main topic we also discover more about Five Star Run Club where Fiona is head coach and get an insight into how run coaching has helped both her athletes and herself.  
We spend the majority of the time though talking through Fiona’s recent experience in Blair Atholl where she took part in her first ever Last One Standing Backyard Ultra. An epic weekend in Highland Perthshire ensued and we get the full nitty gritty of her high’s and lows.   Her tactics, her fuelling strategies, frequent loo visits, failing head-torches and camaraderie with other runners. No stone is left unturned. How many yards did she complete? You’ll need to listen to that one out. Oh and fish suppers were involved…….  

We finish off by finding out about Fiona’s race director role at the Auchterarder Running Festival and the famous Chilli Trail Race. Links to both these events are noted below.  

Fiona offers 1-1 virtual run coaching as well as hosting 11 coached run sessions a week in Auchterarder. Again links below to all the info, message the page to contact Fiona.

Auchterarder Running Festival Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Auchterarderrunningfestival/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/auchterarderrunningfestival/
Twitter https://twitter.com/auchterarderrun?s=21&t=MYAap0wonbvSlslfrcVoAw

Five Star Run Club & Coaching Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FiveStarActive/groups
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fivestarrunclub/

Here it is our Lakeland 50 race report and review. 

Warts and all, a no-holds barred episode all around our weekend down in Coniston.

We had an agenda for the weekend, and top of that agenda was to cross both start and finish lines. What transpired was a whole lot better than we could have dreamed and that's because of the people.

Listen in to hear the frustrations, the smiles, the pain and the suffering, all in the name of having fun...right?

What happens at the Lakeland 50 is quite special, unique actually, an experience like no other. If your considering taking part in a future Lakeland event, all the info you will ever need as a runner is in this episode...no even joking!

Renee McGregor is a renowned sports dietician, she has worked with elite athletes across a spectrum of sports. You might wonder then why she agreed to speak to John n Steven.... We aren't sure either, but we made the most of our time in her company, and the result is an episode chock full of priceless golden nuggets any runner will benefit from. We not only find out about Renee the dietitian we also unearth Renee the ultra runner by taking a deep dive into her own running story. Including a detailed blether about her recent superb outing at the Spine Sprint. Renee is an authority on nutrition and with your hosts liking their grub getting the lowdown on approaches they could adopt, things we should all be considering and how there is no one size fits all solution is a wonderful insight. Renee makes the science of it all simple and understandable. The big takeaway....keep it simple. Enjoy learning from the entrancing Renee McGregor. P.S next stop for us is the Lakeland 50, full round up next week! You can grab her book here https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/more-fuel-you Make sure to give Renee's educational Instagram a follow here https://instagram.com/r_mcgregor?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Coming at ya with our Young Hearts Run Free Summer Special!

As you will be aware (if no where have ye been?) our gal Debbie was over in the U S of A taking on Badwater 135

We get the lowdown, delivered in Debbie's inimitable style about her adventure, the training, the crew, the build-up...the whole shebang!

Debbie also describes a very personal part of the build-up to her race, one that turned into an opportunity to raise some awareness and also funds for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, if you are able we would urge you to donate using the following link.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Debbie-Martin-Consani

'John Connolly of Dumbarton, Scotland' the immortal words spoken as this week's guest's name was pulled out of the Western States 100 tombola earlier this year.

We were as thrilled for John, as everyone was when we heard the news, in fact we'd even say it got us up to high-doh. Our enthusiasm though also got us into a wee bit of a bother with John......eeek. This week's episode is sensational. 

Note: Adult Language from start to finish

We start with a quick hop, skip and jump over to Eugene, Oregon for some Track n Field action, then a preview of this weekend's Last One Standing, The Highlander and a stark reminder that your lovable hosts are just a week away from a return visit to the Lakeland 50.

John then treats us to a warts n all chat unearthing not just his 2022 foray over to compete in the Western States 100 but his full end to end running story.

What started with throwing an entry into Toughmudder 8 years ago cumulated on the track at Placer High School in Auburn, California. His coach and best mate Paul Giblin at his side.

John had the time of his life, we'll leave it to the man himself to tell his compelling story.

It's authentic, it's moving and it's absolutely compulsive listening.

Hello Season 6, we’ve been expecting you.

And we are off to a flyer, quite literally, with this week’s guest Robbie Dunlop. Robbie has enjoyed a remarkable 2022 so far and we were super keen to get the lowdown from the man himself.

We start with a look at happenings over in California as our gal Debbie Martin-Consani mastered the conditions at the Badwater 135 AND we’ve a competition for all you to enter!! And it is well worth winning, we’ve a place at the Run with Pyllon event on 13 August up for grabs! Listen to find out how you can join Debbie and James Stewart in Aviemore!

With two outstanding outings under the belt this year bringing 2nd place finishes at the Highland Fling and West Highland Way Race our guest Robbie is enjoying the time of his life out on the trails. His year-on-year improvement since a debut marathon in 2016 has been astonishing.

Robbie gives us the story of his running journey. From a footballing background to finding running. Learning his craft from some of the best, understanding the importance of structured training and consistency along the way.

We then home in on those 2 recent great outings on the West Highland Way. In Robbie’s own words they both ‘couldn’t have gone much better’. We get under the skin of all that though, a 16 hour and some loose change West Highland Way doesn’t just happen after all right?

We have our first shwank discussion of the season (quell surprise!) as well as find out Robbie’s nutrition/hydration fav choices. Robbie unveils how his own motivation and inspiration was super-powered by his daughter Maisie. A real personal reason for stoking the fire.

Robbie offers us an honest and refreshing take on his own progression into the world of ultra-marathons, a super talented athlete with a super humble outlook. We know fine well there is plenty more to come from Robbie, his dedication to learning and improving is meticulous, he’s only getting started!

So, grab your ear buds, give Alexa a shout or whatever you do and settle down for our amazing season opener with Robbie Dunlop.

Find out more about Run with Pyllon event here RUN WITH PYLLON

In our penultimate episode of a tumultuous Season 11 we're joined by Rachel Macpherson.
It's fair to say that Rachel's running story has exceeded her own expectations. 2024 has given her a taste for some of the UK's most iconic ultra marathons and the chance to test out her growing prowess.
We find out from Rachel how, from a standing start, she's moved rapidly up through the distances. From tackling her first marathon in spring 2023 to conquering in style the Highland Fling and Lakeland 50 in 2024.
We're then whisked away to the Scottish Highlands as Rachel takes us to the hayfield for some virtual loops of her recent outing at Glenmore 24. It turned in to quite a spectacular weekend for Rachel.
With an awesome supporting cast driving her on Rachel touches on the folks who inspire her most, all your YHRF favs are also covered in our awesome chat. Cover your ears if you are sensitive for dialect dictionary!
Rachel shows no signs of stopping learning either and reveals plans for the next chapter, 2025 better watch out!

It is our Season 5 finale!! It is episode 100!! Best make it a good one eh!

A massive thanks for tuning in, it has been the most unexpected of times since we launched the podcast back in 2020. Meeting new folks and being constantly inspired. Life enhancing, we really hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have.

Our guest this week is quite fitting for us hitting the big century. We’re going transatlantic baby!

20 years ago, when she was 26, Jacky Hunt-Broersma lost her left leg to cancer.  She did not run back then, but it started a quite remarkable journey into running that makes for a jaw dropping story cumulating in an inspirational world record earlier this year.

104 marathons in 104 days, it’s quite something.

We were excited to catch up with Jacky, you should be excited about hearing her story, our chat with her is amazing. You’re in for a treat.

Jacky is a gem to speak too, easy going but with a steely determination. She is so open to speak about the challenges of adapting to being an amputee. From the moment she decided to invest in her first ever running blade the freedom she felt became an unstoppable force. Not one to ever be told she could not do ‘anything’ Jacky’s positivity and attitude shine bright, that led her to running marathons, which led to running trail marathons, which led to running ultra-marathons…..which led to, well we’ll let you listen to see where it took her.

Her gratefulness for life and love is abundant throughout, using the power of her mind to overcome personal challenges once perceived to be impossible. Jacky is proud to be an amputee. She has not let it stop her so far and with more adventures and exploits planned for her next chapter we cannot see anything stopping her either.

Jacky has a passion for bringing the joy of running to other amputee’s. As part of her 104 marathons challenge she has already raised an eye watering amount of money for the Amputee Blade Runners charity.  You can still donate to that effort here https://www.gofundme.com/f/102-marathons-in-102-days

Jacky has a fab Twitter account charting her day to day, follow her here https://twitter.com/NCrunnerjacky

Welcome to another episode of YHRF, it’s our 99th, it’s our penultimate of season 5 and needless to say….it’s a belter.

Joining us this week is none other than the incredible Lynne Allen. Hot off the heels of her magnificent West Highland Way Race victory we were stoked to get the chance to catch up with Lynne. We cover her superb day on the Way, but we discover much much more too.

We start tho with our pre-guest amble through the latest weeks happenings including a look back at the Moray Way Ultra, Race 2 the Towers, Lairig Ghru Hill Race and of course the Western States Endurance Race, some brill action to keep our agenda packed!

We then pose the questions to Lynne who offers us her take on all sorts. We cover her journey into running as Lynne reveals part of her why and her unearthing ultra-running as her ‘thing’.  We find out about the critical role that the friends she has found along the way have played as she was embraced by the always supportive community.

Lynne then leads us through how her planning and execution of her West Highland Way Race went as well as she could have hoped for. Race management was nailed, and Lynne is happy to let us in on what that looked like and how she stayed in control of her day as the battle for the win heightened. Crucially Lynne also speaks about what she ate, spoiler alert pot noodles and chips are to the fore!

With many running honours already under her belt Lynne lets us know what it felt like to pull on the Scotland vest, she’s had the privilege of a two-time appearance at the 100k Anglo Celtic Plate in Perth.

What shines through though is quite how humble Lynne is.  Despite being at the sharp end of her sport she speaks more passionately about the importance of human connection and what being part of the running family means to her. Tipping her hat firmly towards the people who help both her and the sport blossom.

Lynne has big plans remaining for 2022 and even bigger ones for 2023, the mountains are calling, and she must go. With a massive list of golden nuggets for you to pick up along the way Lynne brings an honest and refreshing angle to the chat, we hope you enjoy this one as much we enjoyed speaking to Lynne.

You might've heard of Stranger Things but have ye heard of Hairy Things? No? Well step on in.

Last weekend was a busy one, this weekend is a busy one, in this episode we do our best to unpack it all. From West Highland Ways to Western States with plenty stops along the way.

With John undertaking his support duties for Gillian McGale (Team 67) and Steven managing a flying visit to Bridge of Orchy the West Highland Way Race unsurprisingly dominates our agenda. The iconic race was back, and back with a bang. We even managed a half successful outing of the hairy toy so expect some unprecedented snippets from out on the Way.

We’ve shed loads more to discuss too. Summer Spine Races, , LEJOGs, Belfast 24, and a LeBuffBuff travelling all the way to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

We also take a quick look ahead at what’s coming up, are you getting Twatted in Orkney, will you be glued to the Western States this weekend? We even managed a quick trip over to the Dolomites for the Laveredo Ultra Trail.

It's all happening and we’ve not even got to John’s lengthy waterproof trousers kit review yet. Oh, and there’s even some hint of new YHRF merch on the horizon, form an orderly queue!

Roll up to the show, and get your lugs roond this……