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Episode 83 — Naked Running (Minimalist Running & Why It Might Make You Better)

Ever heard of “naked running”? Don’t worry, you’re not getting arrested.

In this episode, I’m talking about running without the extras: no headphones, no watch, no constant tracking… just you and the run.

As I record this, I’m in week 9 of marathon training, right in the belly of the beast (weeks 8–14), where the mileage ramps up, fatigue builds, and you’ve got to manage your energy properly. And it’s got me thinking about something I’m passionate about — minimalism in running.

Because the more tired you get, the more you realise: distraction is the enemy.

In this episode, we cover:

• What “naked running” actually means (and why it matters)
• The difference between what you need versus what you’ve just got used to
• Whydo  some runners feel like they have to run with music, a vest, a phone, or gadgets
• How external crutches can quietly limit your confidence and performance
• Why learning to run “with yourself” is a superpower — especially for marathon training
• How simplifying your setup can help you focus, race better, and enjoy the experience more

This isn’t about being anti-tech or anti-Strava — it’s about asking one simple question:

Is this helping your running, or just feeding the noise?

If you’re training for a spring marathon (or just want to feel more in control of your running), this one will get you thinking.

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