What happens when marathon training meets Christmas chaos?

This week, Rob, Ben and Emma dive into all things running, recovery, and festive madness as they reflect on recent races, training wins, and the realities of staying consistent through the busiest time of the year.

From post-race recovery and the impact of new gear (including a head torch that might be better suited to Doctor Who) to pacing duties, track sessions, and triathlon plans that are definitely happening after payday, the trio share honest reflections on the ups and downs of training. They also explore how family life, cross country races, and unpredictable schedules can test even the most motivated runners.

The conversation dives deeper into the importance of structured marathon training, listening to your body, building long-term consistency, and learning to cherish those rare “perfect” runs when everything just clicks. Along the way, there’s plenty of festive fun, personal stories, and community updates—including the latest on the Run Up to Christmas challenge and Couch to Coached initiatives supporting local runners.

Whether you’re deep in a training block, struggling to balance life and running, or just looking for a relatable, festive running chat—this episode has you covered.

• The importance of recovery after big races
• How new gear can affect performance and comfort
• Balancing marathon training with family life
• Track sessions, pacing duties, and triathlon plans
• Cross country chaos and consistency in training
• Finding flow state and learning to cherish good runs
• Community motivation through Parkrun and festive challenges
• Updates on Run Up to Christmas and Couch to Coached initiatives

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And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava.

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