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Episode 19: How The Chimp Paradox Helped Me Start Running – with Nigel Richards
How do you go from barely being able to run a mile… to training for one of the toughest races in the UK?
In this episode of the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by Nigel Richards, a former driving instructor from Wrexham who turned his life around with the help of running—and a mindset model from the best-selling book The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters.
Nigel shares how a single book changed the way he thought, moved, and made decisions. With Gary’s coaching and support, Nigel went from running in the rain for one minute at a time to signing up for the Lakeland 50. But this conversation isn’t one-sided—Nigel also helped Gary rethink how he approached his own racing mindset using the Chimp Model.
This episode is a powerful blend of coaching insights, personal breakthroughs, and practical tips for anyone starting their running journey—or looking to get their head back in the game.
What is The Chimp Paradox?
Written by psychiatrist Prof. Steve Peters, the book explains how your brain has two main drivers:
Understanding how these systems work helps you manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve performance. The Chimp Model has been used by elite athletes including:
In This Episode:
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & van trouble banter
01:37 – Meet Nigel Richards
02:33 – Discovering The Chimp Paradox
04:46 – Nigel’s first rainy run session
08:00 – Coaching challenges & transformation
11:06 – How The Chimp Paradox changed everything
15:20 – Gary’s race mindset & helicopter thinking
25:00 – Uncovering your “why” with the Stone of Life
31:35 – Nigel signs up for the Lakeland 50
37:15 – Local running groups & coaching moments
44:00 – Cadence, breathing & habit building
54:00 – Mindset, drills & the 3 stages of a marathon
01:03:45 – The Chimp beyond running
01:04:42 – How the Chimp model applies beyond running
01:05:34 – Steve Peters’ background & elite sport connection
01:07:00 – Final thoughts & the power of timing in mentorship
Why You Should Listen:
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to rediscover your motivation, this episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Nigel’s journey proves that it’s not just about miles—it’s about mindset.
👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow, subscribe, and let us know how you manage your inner chimp.
#RunningPodcast #TheChimpParadox #BeginnerRunning #TrailRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #NigelRichards #MentalResilience #Lakeland50
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4.5
22 ratings
Episode 19: How The Chimp Paradox Helped Me Start Running – with Nigel Richards
How do you go from barely being able to run a mile… to training for one of the toughest races in the UK?
In this episode of the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by Nigel Richards, a former driving instructor from Wrexham who turned his life around with the help of running—and a mindset model from the best-selling book The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters.
Nigel shares how a single book changed the way he thought, moved, and made decisions. With Gary’s coaching and support, Nigel went from running in the rain for one minute at a time to signing up for the Lakeland 50. But this conversation isn’t one-sided—Nigel also helped Gary rethink how he approached his own racing mindset using the Chimp Model.
This episode is a powerful blend of coaching insights, personal breakthroughs, and practical tips for anyone starting their running journey—or looking to get their head back in the game.
What is The Chimp Paradox?
Written by psychiatrist Prof. Steve Peters, the book explains how your brain has two main drivers:
Understanding how these systems work helps you manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve performance. The Chimp Model has been used by elite athletes including:
In This Episode:
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & van trouble banter
01:37 – Meet Nigel Richards
02:33 – Discovering The Chimp Paradox
04:46 – Nigel’s first rainy run session
08:00 – Coaching challenges & transformation
11:06 – How The Chimp Paradox changed everything
15:20 – Gary’s race mindset & helicopter thinking
25:00 – Uncovering your “why” with the Stone of Life
31:35 – Nigel signs up for the Lakeland 50
37:15 – Local running groups & coaching moments
44:00 – Cadence, breathing & habit building
54:00 – Mindset, drills & the 3 stages of a marathon
01:03:45 – The Chimp beyond running
01:04:42 – How the Chimp model applies beyond running
01:05:34 – Steve Peters’ background & elite sport connection
01:07:00 – Final thoughts & the power of timing in mentorship
Why You Should Listen:
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to rediscover your motivation, this episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Nigel’s journey proves that it’s not just about miles—it’s about mindset.
👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow, subscribe, and let us know how you manage your inner chimp.
#RunningPodcast #TheChimpParadox #BeginnerRunning #TrailRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #NigelRichards #MentalResilience #Lakeland50
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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