I Did A Runner Podcast

Joining me on the podcast is one of the most recognised faces in fitness, peloton instructor & high performance coach Ben Alldis.

This episode really signifies how taking risks into the unknown can change your life forever. Do you find yourself in a position that doesn’t fulfil you, taking that first step can be difficult, Bens story highlights what taking that step can look like.

Trauma is something that we all incur, it can affect us in different ways. Ben opens up about navigating the heartbreaking loss of his best friend and his wife's subsequent cancer diagnosis, revealing how these experiences reshaped his approach to life.

Ben has been instrumental in the success of peloton, now a billion dollar business, we hear how that success has changed his life at such a young age, and what that looks like.

With so much influence around the world it’s fascinating to hear what direction in which he wishes to take it.

This episode was inspired by a conversation I had with my coach where for the first time I said I can’t. I have been so open about my struggles in the past with my mental health and I have found myself in that difficult place once again. Recording this was incredibly tough, but something I felt I needed to do. 2024 has been a testing year with many lessons learnt. Although I wish I didn’t feel this way, I know with hard work on myself something special can come from it. Some of my biggest achievements have come from some of my toughest times. 

I really hope this episode will contribute to normalising how we feel, and enable more people to find the strength to speak out when in need. 

Nothing lasts forever both good and bad, this is just one of those bad moments which I believe in my heart will eventually turn good. This episode is the beginning of me getting myself back into the place I wish to be, happy and in peace. 

Joining me on the podcast today is Fatima Painda, her story is one of the most powerful I’ve come across as to why she became a runner.

Fleeing Afghanistan from the regime to live a life of freedom is a reminder of what a gift each day is. Coming from a life so restricted she finds herself invested into a sport that empowers her and offers freedom.

Running isn't about winning for her, every step she takes is a step of hope for her friends and family who remain in her native land. Fatima is a beacon of hope and is a pillar of strength for so many. When you think of resilience, think of Fatima.

Joining me on the podcast today is elite marathon runner, coach, and content creator, Phily Bowden. Phily is joining us fresh off her most recent marathon in Berlin which catapulted her presence in the sport running an impressive time of 2.25, and a PB. Phily is not your typical athlete, with an unconventional journey to get her where she is today. Her openness and honesty is what has drawn so many to be invested in her journey. You can’t help but want her to succeed and achieve her ultimate dream of performing at the highest stage, the olympics. 

Running has changed her life and the person she wants to be, from a disruptive childhood, it has given her a purpose, and enabled her to channel her energy into something positive. Like many others, Phily has faced personal challenges, including battling an eating disorder at a young age. In a high-pressure career, the question arises: how can she maintain her well-being and prevent facing such a difficult struggle again, in this conversation she shares how?

Returning to the podcast today after his toughest challenge yet is Jonny Davies. Jonny recently completed RUN THE CAPITALS running all 5 capitals in the UK and Ireland, covering 960km in 12 days.

This conversation so close to the challenge was an incredibly vulnerable and an honest one.

I saw a different side to Jonny I’ve never seen before, with some time to reflect on what he’s done, it really unearthed some profound moments that clearly had a deeper impact on him.

It really highlights how powerful your past can be on your future self, and the decisions that you make.

To donate to Jonny's challenge see the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jdrunthecapitals?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjdrunthecapitals&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Joining me on the podcast today is Maliha Abdul-Hakim, known to most as the Marathon runner.

But there is so much more to her and her story of how she got there. In this episode we hear for the first time the adversity she has had to overcome to even step foot on that start line.

She was subjected to parental abduction as a young child, before being rescued by her mother. She and her five siblings moved with their mother from the Middle East to England for a new beginning, and to support her mothers health condition affecting her sight, which later Maliha too would be diagnosed with the same condition.

Maliha’s outlook on life is an incredible powerful one, her past is what makes her ambitions even stronger, with her heart set on representing the middle east, it’s not a case of if, but when.

Joining me on today’s podcast is transformation coach James Middleton.

James’s no nonsense, and realistic approach as a coach has built him a successful community that continues to grow. His presence in a highly lucrative industry is refreshing for some, and controversial to others.

The world has so many varied opinions on training and nutrition, with so many qualified professionals it’s hard to know who to believe, with so much noise people desire to be heard can come at a cost to the consumer. In this chat James has the stage to debunk some of these views and highlight what he feels will lead to a healthier and more positive approach.

Joining me on the podcast is model & athlete Kori Sampson. Kori is currently in the middle of facing his biggest challenge yet, running the entire circumference of Ibiza, over 250km to cover in only 48 hours.

The meaning behind this challenge is incredibly powerful, now living a new life under sobriety, he’s returning to the island under very different circumstances to his previous trips. He’s on a journey to change his narrative, and inspire others and show them what is possible. It’s a reminder that it is never too late to make changes to yourself to ensure a happier life.

This episode highlights the importance of self belief, discipline, timing, and the difference an environment can make to your development in life.

Joining me on the podcast today is Matt Kaminer, the youngest person to qualify for the Ironman Man World Champs and full time medical student.

Last year, while I was taking on the challenge of running 76 marathons around the uk, Matt joined me in Bristol for one of the runs. I was captivated by his story and how he manages to balance his time despite having so many responsibilities. He had committed himself to one of the most demanding sports while simultaneously pursuing a medical degree at university.

The big question for many is whether it's possible to achieve both goals at the same time. He is determined that it is. Matt has since earned his professional license and now represents South Africa at a professional level, while also getting closer to his other dream of becoming a qualified doctor.

This episode is special because we witness a young adult showcasing and fulfilling his biggest dreams. Now, we get to join him on his journey, be a part of it, and one day celebrate his successes.

Joining me on the podcast today is extreme adventurer, motivational speaker and world record holder Ash Dykes. I had the privilege to sit down with Ash just a couple of weeks before he embarks on his next world record first in the Amazon, arguably his most dangerous challenge yet, exploring a territory no human is believed to have been before. This really is a challenge where every decision could be the difference between life and death.

Ash’s story is one of hardships, determination, and resilience. There have been moments when it seemed like the world was against him, but his unwavering belief in his work drives him forward until he achieves his dreams.

One of the most important lessons we can take from this episode is realising how crucial the decisions we make during our most vulnerable moments are, and how those choices can shape both who we are and the final outcome.