Solemate Runners - The Podcast

Solemate Runners recorded this episode on 25/05/26 to mark Paul’s 1,000 days sober, with a warning about swearing and discussion of addiction, drugs, and drinking. Paul explains his history with drugs and heavy drinking, describes giving up alcohol for eight years before returning to it after relationship changes, and shares the turning point that led him to quit again after blacking out at a family barbecue. He discusses how social situations feel harder without alcohol, why he can’t stop at one or two drinks and why he avoids non-alcoholic tipples. They connect sobriety loosely to running, address claims he’s swapped addictions, explore why he chooses extreme ultramarathons, touch on ADHD questions and dyslexia, and end with Paul accepting he is an alcoholic and encouraging others to keep trying to quit.

00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners

00:30 Why This Episode Exists

00:54 Content Warning and Themes

01:29 The 1000 Days Milestone

04:07 Setting the Interview Format

04:42 Early Drinking and Drugs

06:54 Childhood and Drinking Culture

10:00 Trying to Quit Before

12:47 The Barbecue Turning Point

20:03 Living Sober Around Drinkers

27:36 Will He Ever Drink Again?

28:27 Running and Sobriety Link

31:36 Addiction and Ultramarathons

35:24 All In On Ultras

36:30 Chasing Extreme Events

37:40 Tunnel 200 DNF

38:11 Bridge 200 Comeback Plan

39:41 Why Push So Hard

46:00 ADHD And Labels

52:55 No Regrets Mindset

54:51 Hospital Reality Check

01:00:28 Am I An Alcoholic

01:04:51 Final Wrap And Thanks

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Welcome to Episode 4 of Solemate Runners, The Podcast! Join hosts Paul and Aimee as they share their adventures doing Big Bear Events’ Elephant Challenge. They dive deep into their experiences, including Paul's ill-fated attempt with new carbon fibre trainers, Aimee's determination to beat her previous records, and the fun of volunteering at race events. Listen as they recount running through beautiful Salcey Forest, battling inner demons, and facing unexpected challenges. Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner or just love a good tale of endurance, this episode has it all!

00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners

01:28 Big Bear Events Overview

01:58 The Elephant Challenge Explained

05:01 Canicross and Other Unique Features

06:55 Training and Nutrition Tips

11:42 Medals and Rewards

15:43 First Big Bear Event Experience

20:11 Unexpected Challenges and Lessons

30:59 Discussing the Pros and Cons of Altra Trainers

31:41 Trying Out Altra Shoes at Events

32:24 Petzl Head Torches: A Game Changer?

33:38 Marshaling at the Petzl Night Trail

34:25 Balancing Training and Events

35:39 The Elephant Challenge: Goals and Strategies

36:29 Overcoming Mental and Physical Challenges

43:54 Aimee's Marathon PB Attempt

48:38 Unexpected Obstacles on the Last Lap

56:52 Volunteering at Big Bear Events

58:45 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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In this episode (recorded in April 2025) Paul and Aimee delve into their recent experience running 'Run Walk Crawl''s Vale Coastal Ultra, a challenging 32-mile race. Broadcasting from their quirky railway carriage in Wales, they share highs and lows, recount technical issues, and provide insights on ultra-running. Notably, Aimee celebrates her impressive achievement as the second female finisher while Paul discusses lessons learned, including the importance of problem-solving on the go. This is all to help them prepare for their biggest challenge yet—the Winter Downs 200 in December. Tune in for an hour of engaging stories and key takeaways for any ultra-running enthusiast.

00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners

00:42 Technical Glitches and Location Setup

01:24 Race Introduction: Winter Downs 200

01:46 Vale Coastal Ultra: Race Recap

02:12 Aimee's Achievement: Second Female

02:28 Reflecting on Past Races

02:47 Birthday Ultra: The Tradition

05:43 Race Day Logistics and Registration

13:09 Race Start: Penarth Pier

20:09 Navigating the Course and Checkpoints

33:21 Challenges and Setbacks

38:51 Aimee's Quick Decision

39:15 Pain Management and Pep Talk

42:21 Navigational Challenges

44:20 Concrete Path and Overtaking

47:07 Electrolytes and Fueling Strategy

48:06 Beach Detour and Recovery

49:30 Tackling the Hills

54:37 Final Stretch and Finish Line

01:07:28 Post-Race Reflections

01:17:23 Conclusion and Future Plans

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In Episode 2 of Solemate Runners The Podcast (recorded in March 2025), Paul and Aimee dive deep into their experience running the Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultramarathon. Tune in as they share the highs and lows of tackling one of the UK’s toughest winter ultras. From harsh weather conditions to the gruelling terrain, they recount every detail of their journey, including struggles with nutrition, unforeseen challenges, and the bittersweet outcome. Whether you're an experienced ultra runner or just curious about the extreme sport, this episode is packed with insightful reflections and valuable lessons that can help anyone preparing for a long-distance race. It is an honest and heartfelt look at what it takes to push one's limits in the world of ultrarunning.

00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners

00:42 Introducing the Arc of Attrition

02:04 The Journey to Ultra Running

03:43 Signing Up for the Arc 50

05:16 The Arc 50 Experience

09:20 Challenges and Triumphs

13:05 The Arc of Attrition: A New Challenge

20:48 Preparing for the Big Race

21:43 Race Day: The Arc 100

32:00 Arrival and Pre-Race Observations

32:39 Wave Two Start Experience

34:31 Navigating the Early Miles

36:44 Struggles with Nutrition and Hydration

40:16 Battling the Elements

42:27 Checkpoint Challenges and Crew Support

45:44 Pushing Through the Night

52:29 The Brutal Final Stretch

55:04 Missing the Cutoff and Emotional Finish

57:32 Reflections and Future Plans

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In this inaugural episode of Solemate Runners The Podcast, meet Paul and Aimee, a middle-aged couple with a passion for running. Join them in their running room filled with all things running as they share their motivation behind starting the podcast and YouTube channel. Learn about their background and how they've evolved from casual runners to tackling ultra-marathons and 100-mile races. They discuss their running experiences, the ups and downs, and their future race plans, including a quest to conquer the Arc of Attrition and other challenging events including the Winter Downs 200 in December 2025. Tune in for an honest, humorous, and inspiring dive into their journey in the world of ultra-running.

00:00 Welcome to Our Running Room

00:26 Meet the Hosts: Paul and Aimee

00:45 The Journey to Podcasting

02:03 Aimee's Running Background

03:59 Paul's Running and Sobriety Story

06:45 Our Running Dynamics as a Couple

10:01 From Couch to 100 Miles

14:58 Our First Official Races

16:45 Annual Running Mileage Progress

21:02 The Alcester 10k Races

28:29 Discovering Ultra Running

30:31 Our First Ultra Marathon Experience

37:11 Subsequent Ultra Marathons and Lessons Learned

39:07 Confidence and Preparation for Endure 24

39:29 Heatwave Challenges and Technical Issues

40:08 Aimee's Success and Paul's Struggles

42:06 The Joust and Lessons Learned

43:57 Run Walk Crawl as Arc 50 Training

45:17 The Arc 50: A Proudest Achievement

46:21 Big Bear Events Elephant Challenge

49:25 The Bridge 100: A Unique Challenge

54:51 Endure 24: A Sensible Approach

57:31 The Joust: A Successful Race

59:38 Escape from Meriden Chained

01:05:46 Arc of Attrition 100: A Tough Experience

01:09:20 Upcoming Races and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening!
Please give us a follow on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr