This week on RunPod, fresh from her samba on the Strictly dance floor. Jenni catches up with former Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Jacqui Smith. 
Ok, so Jacqui might not have what it takes to win the Strictly glitterball but she is a nifty runner. 
She first turned to running about 10 years ago and claims it was her time in the Cabinet that led her to switching things up. 
Jacqui’s life has changed somewhat in the past decade, not just in terms of work but she’s also in a new relationship. Running is also key to helping her feel fantastic and is her happy place. 
A joy to listen to and should help keep you going on your run too!

Jacqui Smith

Welcome to RunPod, the weekly run club you can join simply by listening. In this series Jenni Falconer welcomes special guests who share that passion for running. Together they’ll discuss the challenge, reward and sometimes obsession of pounding the pavement whilst asking what drives us to run, why some catch the bug more than others, and how it can transform the lives of those who do it. Along the way, you'll hear top training tips, monumental mistakes and some inspirational stories. So, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, treadmill trainer, fitness guru or simply putting off that Sunday jog, RunPod is here for you.

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Today's incredible guest Yahya Pandor is running The Manchester Marathon 2024 and is attempting to set a record as The First Blind Runner to run without a Guide Runner. Yahya is amazing, and his story is remarkable. After losing his sight to a variation of macular degeneration, he decided to have more good days than bad days and leant into the positive side of life. On the side of his day job, he started making TikTok videos together with his brother Isa, to show people what having a vision impairment is like, and has since become an inspiration online. The RunPod RunClub wants to wish Yahya the best of luck with the Marathon - he's going to kill it! TikTok: @yahya_pandor + @isapandor AD - Jenni has written a book and surprise surprise, it’s all about running! Inspired by the RunPod Run Club and featuring many anecdotes from the podcast and her own experiences. It’s also full of great tips for runners new and old. The book is called ‘Runners High’ and is out now. To order a copy to read – or listen to the audio version whilst you run – tap this link https://geni.us/RunnersHigh

Yahya Pandor

This weekend is the 'London Landmarks Half Marathon' and joining Jenni at this incredible event is today's amazing guest, Vicky Pattison! Vicky is many things - A top gal to start, a Presenter, Podcaster, Former I'm A Celebrity 'Queen of the Jungle', and SHE IS A RUNNER!  Running is something that Vicky always does to change her Base Fitness Level, and when she's out there she loves it (once she's made it past that f*cking 3K marker that is!) AD - Jenni has written a book and surprise surprise, it’s all about running! Inspired by the RunPod Run Club and featuring many anecdotes from the podcast and her own experiences. It’s also full of great tips for runners new and old. The book is called ‘Runners High’ and is out now. To order a copy to read – or listen to the audio version whilst you run – tap this link https://geni.us/RunnersHigh

Vicky Pattison

You don't get a better friend than today's incredible RunPod guest, Daniel Fairbrother. Daniel's best friend Sam has Type 1 Diabetes, so to raise money for Diabetes UK Daniel is attempting to break the world record for "the fastest marathon while carrying a household appliance".  This is where we introduce you to 'Tallulah' the name he's given to the Fridge which he's strapping on his back and running The London Marathon with! Named after his favourite film 'Cool Runnings', Tallulah has caused quite the media surge so we had to get her in the studio - even if security were suspicious! Daniel started running after his divorce, as a way to find balance and clear away his stress.  It's had a huge positive impact on his health, and Daniel believes that running is 70% about mentality and 30% about physicality. If anyone is going to get you running today, it's a guy with a fridge tied to his back. Think he needs to carry a cold beer in there for the finish line! AD - Jenni has written a book and surprise surprise, it’s all about running! Inspired by the RunPod Run Club and featuring many anecdotes from the podcast and her own experiences. It’s also full of great tips for runners new and old. The book is called ‘Runners High’ and is out now. To order a copy to read – or listen to the audio version whilst you run – tap this link https://geni.us/RunnersHigh

Daniel Fairbrother - FRIDGE MAN!

Fitness Influencer Courtney Black is today's incredible guest on RunPod!  The 'Courtney Black App' is the Number 1 'At Home' Fitness App for home workouts, and every day Courtney inspires and motivates her followers with workout routines and tasty meal ideas. Best of all...she's also a Runner! If anyone is going to motivate you for a run today it's Courtney - joining us all the way from sunny Dubai! AD - Jenni has written a book and surprise surprise, it’s all about running! Inspired by the RunPod Run Club and featuring many anecdotes from the podcast and her own experiences. It’s also full of great tips for runners new and old. The book is called ‘Runners High’ and is out now. To order a copy to read – or listen to the audio version whilst you run – tap this link https://geni.us/RunnersHigh

Courtney Black

It's time to smash a bagel with honey and start pounding the pavements like today's incredible guest - the very lovely, and charismatic online coach Tom Trotter! If you're into Instagram, TikTok and Running hit follow @tomtrotter_ to get your daily dose of motivation and positivity from a man transforming lives via his challenges on reels. Tom's confidence is a testament to the work and habits he's put in over the years, and now he's sharing it with you - He's a CHAMP! if anyone is going to make you feel grateful, and motivated to go for a run it's him AD - Jenni has written a book and surprise surprise, it’s all about running! Inspired by the RunPod Run Club and featuring many anecdotes from the podcast and her own experiences. It’s also full of great tips for runners new and old. The book is called ‘Runners High’ and is out on March 14th. To order a copy to read – or listen to the audio version whilst you run – tap this link https://geni.us/RunnersHigh

Jacqui Smith

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