In this episode, we’re joined by ultra-runner and registered sport and exercise nutritionist James Hudson, founder of Nutrition for Energy, to explore what effective fueling really looks like for ultra-endurance performance.

We unpack the nutrition and hydration strategies behind James’ successful first attempt at the Dragon’s Back Race, including carb intake, sodium balance, and how gut training plays a key role in race execution. James also shares lessons learned from earlier ultras, why pacing and adaptability matter for digestion, and how liquid carbs can be a powerful tool when solid food stops working.

The conversation goes deeper into hydration - the importance of balancing water and sodium, how sweat sodium concentration varies hugely between athletes, and why post-stage rehydration can make or break multi-day races.

We also explore James’ coaching philosophy around fueling for performance, not restriction, including his “traffic light” system for matching carbohydrate intake to training load, and how better fueling unlocks consistency, recovery, and long-term progress.

Find out more about Nutrition for Energy here: https://www.nutritionforenergy.co.uk/

Follow James on Instagram: @jamesohudson

Watch James' videos on making your own homemade gels :   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj4oYcRLxEo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7LKSXegvc4&t=576s

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Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

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In this episode, Jon and Amie dig into the details of Jon’s recent VO₂ max and lactate testing at Oxford Brookes University — what it involved, what data he'll get from it, and how it’ll shape his training in 2026.

We also do a low-key kit roundup after some Christmas additions, covering what’s working well and what hasn’t lived up to expectations — including shorts, soft flasks, watches and poles.

Jon also talks through his recent entry into Centurion’s 100 Hills and how it fits into the bigger training picture as preparation ramps up for his South Downs Way 100 miler in June.

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Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

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In this episode, Amie and Jon sit down to reflect on the year that’s been — both on the run and behind the mic.

We share some of our personal running highlights from the past year, the moments that challenged us, and reminded us why we love this sport. We also look back on some of our favourite conversations from the podcast, celebrating the stories, lessons, and people who’ve shaped 2025.

To wrap things up, we chat about what we’re excited for in 2026.

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Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show

In this episode, we sit down with Hayley Langley to talk through her journey into ultra running and one of her standout performances at this year's Centurion Autumn 100.

Hayley reflects on returning to the 100-mile distance for the second time and dropping her time from 26 hours to an incredible 19 hours 44 in the process, earning a 3rd place finish in the women’s field. We unpack what changed between the two races, how her training has evolved, the process of overcoming injuries and how the race unfolded.

We explore some of her biggest lessons - including the importance of strength training, dialling in fuelling in training, and racing efficiently. 

This episode is a lovely reminder to be grateful for what our bodies can do, to back ourselves when we’re feeling good, and trust our bodies when it’s time to push.

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Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show

In this episode, we dive into the world of adventure racing with Ian Furlong. Ian talks us through one of his most recent 3-day, 450km race in Scotland - complete with sleep deprivation, rough navigation patches, a food-less paddle on Loch Ness, and the teamwork that carried them to a 2nd-place finish. 

We explore what draws Ian to adventure racing, how he trains to stay injury-free across multiple disciplines, and the mental strategies that help him break huge challenges down to make them feel more manageable. 

Ian shares some great practical advice for anyone curious about getting started in adventure racing, from short beginner events to multi-day races.

 For more info on next years ITERA-lite adventure race (17th-21st July) visit: 

https://itera.co.uk/

To watch the BBC documentary of the 2025 ITERA Scotland event, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hrzk

Ian’s own videos 

Faroe isles 2023

https://youtu.be/yrk2NdZ94VY?si=E8KG4nUuthwDBGbB

Itera Scotland 2022

https://youtu.be/mbrJuY4Y9Mk?si=_fzNLIbp26cqYG8u

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Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show

In this episode, we break down Jon's recent experience running Freedom Racing’s Five Trails Ultra, a beautiful 50k race on and around the South Downs.

We talk through his lead-up to the race, the training block that shaped his preparation, and his mindset going into the day. Jon walks us through the course itself - its challenges, and standout moments - and shares how the race unfolded from start to finish. 

Send us a text

Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show

In this episode, Max Naughton talks us through the unlikely year he ended up getting into both UTMB and Western States (with just one ballot ticket..!). 

While Western States turned out to be surprisingly runnable, UTMB became a 44-hour grind through storms, snow, and a rolled ankle he picked up two miles in.

Max shares how he used a 50/50 run–bike training split to build mountain fitness from the flat Midlands, what gear actually helped (and what didn’t), and how he kept going when things got properly grim. We also look back at his path from OCRs to Ironman to ultras, and what’s next on the cards.

A conversation about big goals, working through rough moments, and what can happen with a little bit of luck 🌠.

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Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show

In this week's episode, we speak to good friends James and Kev, who share the story behind James' 40-mile run for Myositis UK - an challenge rooted in friendship and community. Starting at the charity’s Southampton HQ and ending in Sherfield-on-Loddon, the run became a shared journey, with Kev crewing the challenge and joining for the final mile.

Kev talks about his experience living with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), from the early signs he didn’t recognise to the adjustments he makes now to keep doing what he loves. He and James reflect on  how their running club, Sherfield Park Runners, has been a steady source of support, and why staying positive matters on the tough days.

A story of grit, humour, and the power of community.

You can find the fundraising link for this and James's future challenges here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-loud-1

P.s. use discount code LONGRUN20 for 20% off your next order with Veloforte.

Send us a text

Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show

In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Ball, who went from couch to 5k, to completing a 250km ultramarathon across the Jordanian desert - all within just 18 months and at the age of 46. Adrian shares how ultrarunning transformed his life, teaching him powerful lessons about resilience, planning, and mindset that now shape the way he approaches both running and business.

Adrian’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to take on something extraordinary - and that the mental tools we build on the trail can help us navigate the rest of life’s challenges.

Send us a text

Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show

In this episode, Jon shares his first experience of the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM), joined by friends Tim and Sarah. Together, they offer an honest look at tackling one of the UK’s toughest navigational running events.

Featuring an audio diary recorded across the weekend, the episode drops you right into the mud, mist, and mindset of the challenge. Jon, Tim, and Sarah reflect on the highs, lows, teamwork, and the unique demands of orienteering in unpredictable mountain terrain.

Whether you’re eyeing the OMM or just curious about endurance navigation events, this episode gives a glimpse into the adventure, camaraderie, and resilience that define the OMM experience.

Send us a text

Most businesses significantly underinvest in leadership development.

Leadership development should be bespoke and appropriate for the needs of your business, adding value by improving the performance of everyone involved with immediately deployable tools and techniques.

Jon helps organisations serious about creating high performing leaders and organisations to create meaningful, memorable and lasting leadership engagements. 

Support the show