🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #107

In this compelling episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard sits down with ultra-endurance athlete Jack Pitcher to unpack his extraordinary journey running across the vast and unforgiving landscape of Australia. 

Jack opens up about the mental and physical toll of covering thousands of kilometres on foot, the intense pressures of high-stakes goals, and the unexpected obstacles—including a serious car accident—that changed the trajectory of his run and his life.

From sleepless nights in the outback to moments of deep self-doubt, Jack shares how he navigated some of the toughest days on the road and what kept him moving forward when everything was telling him to stop.

🏃‍♂️ In this episode, you'll hear:

🚗 How a sudden car accident forced Jack to shift his plans
🧠 The mental fortitude needed to face extreme isolation and physical pain💪 What drives someone to chase such ambitious goals in the first place
🛌 The harsh realities of post-run recovery and burnout
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The essential role of family, friendship, and emotional support
🔥 How Jack’s story is inspiring others—and where he's headed next

This isn’t just a story about running. It’s about resilience, vulnerability, self-belief, and pursuing something bigger than yourself. Jack Pitcher’s journey will move you, motivate you, and make you think differently about your limits.

🎧 Hit play, lace up, and go on a journey with us.

#GoneRunningPodcast #JackPitcher #Ultramarathon #RunningAcrossAustralia #EnduranceAthlete #RunningMotivation #mentalresilience 
 

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Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

Jack Pitcher - https://www.instagram.com/jack_pitcher_/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #106 

In this powerful and honest conversation, elite runner Holly Archer joins us to share her journey from a young athlete to a fierce competitor, looking ahead to her debut marathon this week in London! Ben and Holly’s conversation dives deep into the highs, lows, and everything in between that comes with chasing big goals in endurance sports.

Holly opens up about the mental and physical challenges of training for her first marathon, the mindset shifts that helped her stay focused, and how she’s learned to embrace discomfort, trust the process, and redefine what it means to be an athlete. 💪

We also chat about:

🏁 Navigating the mental side of marathon prep

🍽️ The importance of fueling right with Science in Sport

🌍 How the environment and community shape performance

🧠 Strategies for overcoming self-doubt

🔥 The grit it takes to grow as a runner—and a person

✨ Finding joy in trying new things and pushing limits

Whether you're deep into your training block, gearing up for race day, or just need a boost of motivation, Holly’s story will leave you inspired to keep going— one stride at a time.

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Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Holly Archer - https://www.instagram.com/hollyaarcher/
SIS - https://www.instagram.com/scienceinsport/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #105 

In this genuinely inspiring episode of RunThrough Presents Gone Running, we sit down with Helen Ryvar – a single mum from Wrexham who ran 1,000 consecutive half marathons. Yep, you read that right! 

Helen opens up about the highs, lows, and mindset it took to achieve such an extraordinary milestone.

We dive into:

🏃‍♀️ The mental and physical challenges of daily running
 💬 The impact on her family and personal life
 💖 Her deep motivation to support charities
 🥗 How she prioritises consistency, nutrition, and recovery
 📱 The role social media played in sharing her journey
 🌱 What’s next as she steps into a new chapter of life

Whether you're a runner, a dream chaser, or someone looking for a spark of motivation, Helen’s story will move you. She reminds us that anything is possible with the right mindset and that it’s never too late to go all in on your passion.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share if Helen’s story inspired you.

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Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

Helen Ryvar - https://www.instagram.com/helenryvar/

#GoneRunning #HelenRyvar #RunningPodcast #Endurance #Motivation #HalfMarathon #CharityRunning #Podcast

On this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard has the privilege of talking to Ben West, a leading light in the mental health campaigning space.

In this conversation, Ben West shares his profound journey into mental health advocacy following the tragic loss of his brother, Sam, to suicide. 

He discusses the importance of emotional education, the need for systemic change in mental health care, and how he channels his grief into action. Ben emphasises the significance of feeling emotions, the brain's role in endurance, and the therapeutic process of writing. 

He also highlights the power of nature and perspective in healing and how his experiences connect him to his brother's legacy. Ben is running his first Ultra in May. If you’d like to support him and 'Shout' the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone struggling, all of the links are in the description of this episode.

Ben West  - https://www.instagram.com/iambenwest/

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

Shout - https://giveusashout.org/

On this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running Ben Sheppard speaks to Troy ‘The Trojan’ Williamson, ahead of his middleweight debut against Jahi Tucker in Las Vegas.

In this conversation, professional boxer Troy Williamson shares his journey in boxing, from his early experiences to his current aspirations in the middleweight division. He discusses the sacrifices made for the sport, the challenges of weight management, and the mental resilience required to succeed. 

Troy also talks about his love for running, having just run a 1.24 half with us in Middlesbrough, and his goal to get below 1.20 outside of training camp. As he prepares for his upcoming fight (which, if you are listening or watching on the day of release, is this weekend), he reflects on his achievements and aims for the future, which include becoming a two-time British Champion and eventually a World Champion.

Troy Williamson  - https://www.instagram.com/troywilliamson_/

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

On this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard speaks to Sam Matthew, the man behind the incredibly popular Instagram page exploding in popularity, ‘PeaksAndPubs’.

In this conversation, Sam shares his journey from a vintage clothing seller to a full-time content creator focused on particularly hiking, trail running and living a life of balance. He discusses the evolution of his social media presence, the joy of enjoying a pint after a hike and how his life is now the polar opposite of his early 20s. 

Sam also reflects on his challenges and successes, including his account’s viral growth and the impact of his recommendations on followers, both positive and negative. He offers insights into beginner-friendly hiking and running locations and what’s next for his ever-growing brand.

Sam will also be returning to another RunThrough Trails event later in the year, something which feels full circle having run his first trail race with us a couple of years ago before he’d given up his full-time job to pursue a life in the outdoors creating content.

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Sam Matthew (PeaksAndPubs) - https://www.instagram.com/peaksandpubs/
Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

On this Episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running Ben Sheppard sits down with Annabel Wellington AKA Annabel Active, The Gluten Free PT.

In this conversation, Annabel, a personal trainer and online coach, shares her journey with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition that requires a strict gluten-free diet.

She discusses her diagnosis at a young age, the challenges she faced growing up, and how her condition has shaped her approach to fitness and nutrition. Annabel also talks about her passion for running, her training for the Rome Marathon, and the evolution of her social media presence

Through her platform, Annabel continues to break stereotypes around gluten-free living and coeliac disease. She offers advice and support in relatability for those newly diagnosed with coeliac disease, emphasising patience and the value of shared experiences.

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Annabel Wellington - https://www.instagram.com/annabel_active/
Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

On this episode of RunThrough Presents ‘Gone Running’ Ben Sheppard talks to the awe-inspiring David Wetherill.

David shares his story from a three-time Paralympian table tennis player to becoming a marathon runner attempting the crutch world record, all while overcoming the challenges of living with a disability.

He discusses the importance of purpose, resilience, and the impact of community support in his life. 

David reflects on his transition from elite sports to running, the mental battles he faced, and how he channels his experiences into helping others through charity work. His life is a testament to the power of determination and the belief that any obstacle, no matter how big or life-altering has a way of being overcome!

David Wetherill - https://www.instagram.com/wetherill.para.fit/

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

Donate to David’s World Record Attempt - https://www.justgiving.com/page/teamjdrfplymouthtake2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

On this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard talks to Canaan Solomon, who shares his journey from being an elite runner to his decision to step away from competition due to injuries and a loss of passion, something he now realises he needed to find his love for the sport again.

Canaan discusses the challenges of finding that joy, the impact of ego on running, and the evolution of running culture in recent years. 

He emphasises the importance of consistency, enjoyment, and running’s accessibility as a sport. Ben and Canaan also reflect on the disconnect between elite and recreational runners and the potential future of running in the age of social media.

Canaan Soloman - https://www.instagram.com/canaansolomon/

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

On this week’s RunThrough Presents Gone Running episode, Ben Sheppard talks to Charlie Watson, AKA ‘The Runner Beans’.

In this conversation, Charlie Watson shares her journey as a runner, dietician, and mother, discussing the challenges of balancing life and running. She reflects on her first marathon, the transformative power of running on her mental health, and her transition from working in magazines to becoming a dietician. 

Charlie emphasises the importance of enjoyment in running, the community spirit among runners, and the impact of sharing personal stories, particularly regarding surrogacy and fertility, while continuing to move the dialogue forward.

An open, honest and very invaluable discussion.

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Charlie Watson - https://www.instagram.com/therunnerbeans/

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/