Phil emailed me to let me know about his most recent book 'Character and Chemistry'. A man after my own heart, he is passionate about self improvement and personal change and about relationship. He has explored relationship deeply and is still doing so and has written about the importance of being mindful of how big a part both the character of a person and the chemistry between one another is in forming a long term relationship that has the potential for growth and deepening and maturing in the long term.

We called him in Austin Texas, where it was 9am for him and the sun was just getting going to reach its full heat of 35 degrees later in the day! It was really enjoyable and stimulating talking to Phil, especially as relationship has been a driving force all my life and I have been eternally curious and explorative in seeking to understand what occurs in the spaces between us where the relationships exist!

Phil's Twitter is: [philosophistry](http://twitter.com/philosophistry)

I lived in Bath in the 80's and there was a big group of runners who were the fabric of my daily life, a few in particular became friends and Mike Holgate was one. He joined our Health Club - Springs - in 1982, not long after we had opened, and was a member for the whole time we ran the gym until we left Bath in 1988.

Mike and I haven't been in touch since, but recently reconnected through a mutual friend and twitter!

It was wonderful to speak to him after 24 years! He was only 24 when we first met and speaking to him over the phone to record this podcast, I could only imagine the 20 something Mike; he sounded the same! He was interested in running and living from a holistic philosophical position then and of course this has only deepened as he has explored going further in competition and facing his fear of water to become a triathlete - an ironman triathlete!

I met paul 14 years ago when I was working to unlock the patterns and pain of injuries from the disappointments and lows as well as successes and highs of a long running career. I was nearly 40 years old and wanted to run in to my old age, rather than live the story of the ex international athlete side-lined by injury. So began a long working relationship and friendship with Paul. I found his work and his energy behind it transformational and still do; he has moved north and now I only get to see him twice a year, but I still experience huge benefit from his input. Paul is a hypnotherapist, but he is also a life coach, a psychologist, a dream therapist and much more. He has a magic ingredient that makes him a magician - an alchemist...

I met Rob in 2001 when I called him at brighton University to see if he would help me in my training and put me through some physiological testing, so that I might find a way to enjoy my running again and run to the best of my abilities in my 40's.

We started to run together over the downs and 11 years on we are still running over the downs and I am now enjoying my running in my 50's!

I enjoy being in a conversation that never ends with Rob, that takes place mainly over the downs, exploring and sharing as the years pass by.

Rob is a principal lecturer at the university and has always inspired me with his passion focus and integrity. He is a true friend and I admire the way he lives, the way he is and who he is.

Here he talks to Andy and I about running with the torch for the alternative relay - and his preparation for the Antwerp half ironman which he completed last Sunday in 4 hours 58 minutes, and he finished 30 seconds ahead of his brother in law!

Josie and Ross are cycling to Gibraltar from London in August - listen to them talk about their training and the causes they are raising money for and the logistics of organising a long long journey.

I met Josie about a year ago and so heard about the idea from its seed. Josie has an adventurous creative spirt and so I wasn't surprised when she decided to accept the challenge. Ross was looking for someone to go with him; Josie was already fit from being a competing triathlete and Ross was used to organising tours but as a music manager. So Ross needed to get fit and Josie simply to say 'yes' and then meet Ross and get to know him as they rode around the roads together building up for a journey into the unknown for both of them...

Pat is a great friend - so it was a delight to spend time with her in Beanzz interviewing her about her very well deserved League of Mercy award for her services to the hospice. Pat is also a wonderful artist and I am very privileged to be in the receipt of a series of her hand painted cards featuring Maude! Who you will hear all about...!

I met John a year ago. I was directed to him because my knee was hurting; and my historical 'left side' troubles were needing a deeper look at.

John has been practising and teaching yoga for 35 years and practicing as an osteopath for 25 years.

He has a passion for how we move. He teaches that 'How we move is how we are'.

I have found John's work to be transformative, his understanding of the body and the mind is demonstrated in the moves he teaches and in his hands when he works on the body.

He is a true healer and a true master of his work.

He talked to Andy and I about shifting the mind to a space of quietness and stillness and softening both the mind and the body to allow more ease within and therefore more ease in life.

Julia had some great news recently regardng her running and I asked her to explain to us what's been going on. I have to admit it all sounds rather good. Me interviewing Julia is always a dangerous thing - expect much giggling, laughter and general mayhem. At least we avoided talking about her sex life or strange running habits (listen to episode 70 for those).

Seriously though, I'm very exciting for Julia and I wish her the best as she leaps (literally) into this new phase of her running career. Part two is to follow...

I was introduced to Peter through his father in law who is looking to publish something I've written about running - he showed my musings to Peter. He was very affirming about the stream of consciousness that tends to come from me if I'm asked to write about running!... But I discovered in speaking with him a kindred spirit; a lifelong runner and now triathlete, he described his recent challenge of training for an ironman triathlon as the race of truth.

Speaking with Peter, and hearing about his joy of the movement of sport and of stretching how own boundaries, it was evident that his love of running is because he loves to run, and it was an inspirational message that ultimately must be the core reason we all run - because we love it.

I discovered Beanzz one day whilst walking along Grove road; I can sniff out a good coffee shop a mile away and so was instantly drawn in...

I sat with my friend Si who is also a 'coffee person' and we both agreed that it was a truly great coffee experience.

I also felt at ease and Tracy and Mikel were welcoming and open and made us feel welcome whilst giving us the space it seemed to while away our time for as long as we desired.

I went back - and back again - and have been known to spend hours at a time in Beanzz; it has become my 'second office' - or 'Home' as Tracy commented once!

I love it that I can eat healthy food should I want; but also enjoy the cakes and croissants too.

And my coffee is always perfect...

Andy and I really enjoyed finding out their secret and we are now resolved to record a podcast in the cafe ....!