Alex Voakes ambitiously signed himself up for his first marathon in New York, 15 years ago on a whim. Since then he has fallen in love with the marathon and ultra marathon distances. Prior to running his first 100 mile Centurion Race last week, he sat down with Tristan Baker to discuss all he has learned in the subsequent years as he approaches completion of the 6 World Marathon Majors in early 2026. 

This is an interview we have been looking forward to doing for several months. It's an inspiring listen for all long distance runners, enjoy!

You can follow Alex on Instagram via: al64_v 

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You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

Sports Science students Amelia and Chelsea are half way through their placement year at GoPerform. In this conversation with placement mentor Jonny they reflect on their experiences so far, the benefits of working across a broad population and finding their feet with coaching and working independently as part of a busy multi-disciplinary team. 

This is a must listen for any Sports Science (or similar subject) students wanting to know more about their options and considering doing a placement year. At GoPerform we have been fortunate enough to offer placements and internships for the past 7 years and these students perform a really important role in the GoPerform community. Amelia (Solent University) and Chelsea (University of Bath) have slotted in seamlessly and we are excited to see them continue to flourish in the second part of their placement year with us. 

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You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

In the first of a two part special P.E Teacher Sophie Mures and Physiotherapist Sarah Holmes discuss their experiences of pre-natal activity and exercise. Their conversation includes:

• The benefits of physical activity when pregnant
• Being aware of when you should stop participating in physical activity
• Being kind to yourself and your changing body and emotions when pregnant 
• Contraindications to participating in physical activity when pregnant 

It's a really good listen and will be followed up in the coming weeks with a special episode on return to physical activity and exercise following birth.

Resources mentioned: 

Active Pregnancy Foundation (also search for them on social media)

Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy

Thanks for listening!
You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

Cheer is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, combining gymnastics with dance and acrobatics. Meg Maynard is a coach at Crimson Heat Tigers and has been immersed in the sport for the past 16 years as both an athlete and coach. 

In addition to her coaching qualifications she has a degree in sport conditioning, rehabilitation and massage and is passionate about supporting Cheer athletes in all aspects of the sport. 

In this conversation with Dan, she describes her journey through the highs and lows of the sport, coping with pressure and dealing with injuries and setbacks. 

She also highlights the importance of eating sufficiently to fuel both training and performance and managing her sleep around late night training and early starts with working as a personal trainer. 

Meg is an experienced Cheer athlete turned coach who has some great insight to share. This is a great listen for all involved in the sport, particularly athletes, parents and coaches. Enjoy :)

Resources mentioned: 

Lets Talk Cheer (Podcast)

The Female Body Bible (Book)

Resources | Kids Back 2 Sport

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You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

Steve is 59 years old and has been a wonderful member of the GoPerform training community for the last 3.5 years. He has a physically active job which also involves management of a team. In this episode with Tristan he discusses the journey he has been on with his health in the past 3-4 years and how his perspective has changed from "living to 100" to being able to run and stay active well into his 90's. 

We meet lots of people turning 60 who want to make drastic changes to their health and lifestyle. Steve is a great example of how simple changes on a daily basis can make a huge difference in all aspects of life, from any age.

They discuss diet, sleep, training, stress management and much more. This is a brilliant and inspiring listen. 

Suggested further reading: 

Outlive - Peter Attia
Why we sleep - Matthew Walker
Breath - James Nestor
Atomic Habits - James Clear
Lifespan - David Sinclair
Why Zebra's don't get ulcers - Robert Sapolsky

Enjoy!

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You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

In this episode sports therapist and nutrition coach Heidi Zymela-Sandy sat down with Tristan Baker to discuss everything we need to know about nutrition as we head into a New Year, the key themes they discussed were: 

• The principles of energy requirement
• Setting goals in January - what to do and what to avoid
• How best to fuel your exercise with food

This is a great episode for anyone wanting to make lifestyle changes, fuel their sport more effectively and for PE and Sport students who want the low down!

You can contact Heidi directly with any follow up questions by email:

[email protected]

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You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

Having both been diagnosed with coeliac disease in the past 12 months, Maddie and Alisa discuss how it's changed their lives. They share all they've learnt about the disease including:

• Their story of diagnosis and advice on how to get tested
• The shock of learning you are coeliac (only 36% of those with CD will be diagnosed). 
• Coeliac disease affects 1/100 people
• Changing staple foods and finding good alternatives
• Understanding the long term effects of the disease
• The current lack of post diagnosis support medically
• Being forced to change to a healthier, more natural diet 

It's a really insightful listen for all of us and will definitely increase your understanding of coeliac disease. 

Thanks for listening!
You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

Shai Bartenbach and Maddison Bennett have been with us on a year long placement from Solent University and University of Bath respectively. They have made huge progress and become much loved members of our team. In this conversation with Dan they discuss how the year has been so far and how they are developing as practitioners and people. 

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You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

Jon Bolding is the England powerchair football captain and one of the top players in the world.  He has a condition called central core myopathy which affected his ability to play football with his friends growing up. Following back surgery for scoliosis he was introduced to powerchair football by the Middlesex FA.

Playing the sport gave him a new lease of life and 22 years later he is still playing at the highest level for club and country.  Jon gives us the low-down on Powerchair football in the UK, what's involved and how to find your local club. He describes the thrill of being part of a team, travelling the world, winning and losing together with his team mates.

He has faced challenges and setbacks on and off the pitch including fracturing his hip and pelvis with a subsequent total hip replacement. He speaks with gratitude about his family and support team (including a story about his incredibly understanding wife!).

Jon is an inspirational man and England powerchair football legend, we know you will enjoy this conversation with physiotherapist Sarah Holmes.

His contact details and links mentioned are below:

Twitter: @jonbolding8

Wheelchair Football Association website
Powerchair Football YouTube Channel

Thanks for listening!
You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.

Becs Bell is a footballer who plays for Worthing FC Women.  She has made a successful return to football after two  ACL reconstructions and holds an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

In this chat with Dan she describes her personal journey and also shares insights from her thesis:

"The impacts of  Social Identity on Returning to Sport After an ACL Injury in Female Footballers in the FA Womens National League."

 She shares her findings on 4 key areas that make all the difference to a successful rehab journey, it's a must listen for athletes, family, friends, coaching and medical staff. Becs is passionate about helping others going through similar challenges and creating great team environments for ALL athletes to thrive in. 

If you'd like to contact Becs directly with any question or for support  feel free to email her directly:  [email protected]

or contact her via instagram: @rebeccabell11

Thanks for listening!
You can find us by searching GoPerform on social media.