Running the London marathon in a few days. The taper is forcing me to deal with the mental side of training and these events. It’s going to be great to see runners at all different points in the progress. After all running is for everyone.

This weeks episode was a real pleasure to welcome Chris Ryan, founder of Chris Ryan Fitness. Chris gives us a brief insight on ways to create a fit, strong and sustainable body. How consistency and ‘Showing up’ week in week out holds the key. Clever insights on how to balance your fitness within our every day lives. Longevity and his perspective on the marathon.

Links to his Instagram, TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/chrisryanfitness?igsh=aGUzMWcyNnpxNHo3

https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisryanfitness?_r=1&_t=ZN-95aHAznmOeM

7 day free trial of his fitness app:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/chris-ryan-fitness-home-gym/id6479923896

Finished running your training block. Maranoia - phantom pains, doubt the training , restlessness, urge to run. No confirmation of your fitness just time to think. This is a good time to delve into your thought processes.

We can be so focused on the running. Increasing speed, strength and endurance while marathon training. Trying to create an unstoppable mind that we forget rest and recovery. We will ache and be tired mentally and physically but watch out for signs of over training.

Weekly refocus. Running can improve your cardio quickly but sometimes to quickly for you body. Strength training to help your tendons, ligaments and joints keep up with the load as you grow into your running. Progress isn’t just adding it can be releasing old habits to create room for new. Finished off with a poem.

Thank you to Podcasthon for inviting me to be a part of this global movement. My chosen charity to bring awareness to is VICTA - Visually Impaired Children Taking Action. There is also a link below for Michael Peachey’s fund raising page. Raising money for VICTA by running the London Marathon this year. Thank you for listening.

https://www.victa.org.uk/

https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/michael-peachey

https://podcasthon.org/

Wow! I done it! These bodies are great. Cambridge Half marathon PB four days after running the St Edmund’s Way Ultra.

Thank you to Feedspot for listing me on the top 80 ultra running podcasts. Please see link below.

https://www.feedspot.com/fs/tk/GEbRwJNP6esc4RQeBslMzRVDzLORH%2BruS%2BYUHdTGGv7iFMSwZCIU5x0TFxjX%2BEf7EQ7A9Y9S8PYR3R9KHAkj2RdWCPChI%2BLlVSAVSAUIWscVR%2FnkoVkiKhMUIFLTClINIUPz8qNXIR9TGBBVE%2FlJ%2BiJWB69tTxgbSRoVItzMFtLlGsymjVwlGSIX40QK%2BkcNJFT55I1OIBdOHd0RGA5W%2Fuwi%2Bu%2BaVSItWiE%3D

I take on the St Edmund’s path with my buddy Julian. 80 miles trail running self supported. What an adventure of a day, I got out of it everything I wanted and needed. Not so much more fitness but the fuelling, kit and time on feet.

With the Tarpley 20 road race completed successfully focus is now on the St Edmunds Way self supported trail ultra. Julian and I start our second attempt next week and hope for completion this time.

Benefits of barefoot running, keeping your mind at peace with the ups and downs of training and weight loss. Focus on the process and the pb’s will follow.