The RunAlive Podcast

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This week

Ro is away, so Ed and Gill are holding the fort and reflect on

• Marathon is excluded from the Commonwealth Games
• Valencia Half is coming up and might we see a British record?
• Future guest on the podcast Jacob Fincham Dukes gets some funding from UKA.

Win and Fail of the week

• Positive vibes only this week as Gill has been learning to rest well and not be too hung up on a plan over half term while parenting.
• Ed is full of the joys of Autumn running as he's finally feeling like the injury is behind him

Our Guest this week:

James Thie is the head coach at Coopah, as well as a senior lecturer and Performance advisor for Athletics at Cardiff Metropolitan University. A former International middle-distance runner, who was a finalist at World, European and Commonwealth championships. To add to this, a multiple British champion and sub 4 minute miler both indoors and outdoors. Not done with running into his 40’s, he’s a 4 World masters champion & recent World masters record breaker.

Summary:

We chat to James about the life-changing impact of running, from competing to coaching athletes at all levels. He reflects on the importance of perseverance, belief, and community, emphasising that the greatest victories often come from personal growth rather than race results. Whether it's pushing limits, overcoming setbacks, or finding joy in running with others, James sees running as a lifelong journey.

Key Takeaways:

Running is a lifelong journey – It's not just about race results, but about continually pushing your limits and discovering new strengths over time.

Community is essential – The relationships and support systems built through running are as important as the individual achievements, providing motivation and joy along the way.

Perseverance and belief are key – Success in running, as in life, comes from having self-belief and the resilience to overcome setbacks, learning from challenges to keep moving forward.

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! Please subscribe, leave a review and share! Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you enjoying the podcast? Help us cover some of the costs: buymeacoffee.com/runalive

In this first RunAlive Interval of Season 4, Ro, Gill, and Ed dive into something that's made a few people quite upset: the recent changes to Championship and Good For Age qualifying times for both the London and Boston Marathons. We explore how these changes are impacting runners at various levels—from club runners to those chasing lifelong goals. Gill shares her personal experience with the championship start, and we ask whether major marathons should be looking to be inclusive or exclusive.

Is this a natural progression given the advancements in running technology, or are marathon organisers moving the goalposts unfairly in the middle of a qualifying window?

We reference Kara Goucher and Des Linden's podcast on Boston Marathon times which you can find here

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! Please subscribe, leave a review and share! Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Season 4 of the RunAlive Podcast - so excited to be back with you and welcoming 2 new CoHosts in Gill and Rohan.

Are you enjoying the podcast? Help us cover some of the costs: buymeacoffee.com/runalive

This week:

We introduce Gill and Rohan to the podcast and we've been thinking about:

• Ruth Chepngetich's groundbreaking performance at the Chicago Marathon - can we believe it?
• London Marathon Champs times have been lowered - we're not happy. We reference Des and Kara's podcast on Boston times which you can find here
• Later in the episode we'll hear from Jenny with an expert slot, reflecting on Mario's interview.

Win and fail of the week

• Gill runs 1:28 at the Leicester Half in her first race since having her second child
• She also had a technology fail - did that actually help?
• Ro had a transport nightmare and failed to even make it to the start of XC this weekend
• Ed went too far with the S&C and is regretting it still.

Our guest this week:

Mario Fraioli is a Bay Area-based running coach who works with a number of Olympic Trials-level marathoners, top ultrarunners, and competitive age-group athletes. He also writes and publishes the morning shakeout, a weekly email newsletter and occasional podcast that covers running and other topics that interest him.

Summary

In this episode, Mario shares how running serves as a powerful lens through which he views and navigates life. He opens up about the evolution of his relationship with running, which began in high school as a way to stay fit for basketball but has since grown into a lifelong passion that shapes his approach to coaching, personal growth, and self-discovery.

Key Takeaways:

Coaching as Holistic Development:

Mario emphasises that coaching goes beyond physical training—it's about nurturing the whole person. He aims to understand how running fits into an athlete's life and help ensure it occupies a healthy space.

Curiosity as a Driver for Growth:

Mario highlights curiosity as a motivating force. Rather than comparing himself to his past achievements, he remains curious about what he can accomplish at his current stage in life.

Knowing When to Quit with Confidence:

Mario talks about the importance of quitting when something isn’t working, framing it as a positive and brave choice. He sees it as essential for avoiding unnecessary suffering and reevaluating one's approach.

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! Please subscribe, leave a review and share! Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special wrap-up episode of the RunAlive Podcast, Ed, Gary, and Jenny come together to reflect on their highlights of Season 3.

They kick things off with a nostalgic look back at their conversation with ultra-running legend Nicky Spinks, whose inspiring journey as a breast cancer survivor and her "rule of three" left a lasting impact on the team.

Gary shares his admiration for Marcus Brown, whose advocacy for athletes of colour and personal story of discovering his autism later in life resonated deeply. Jenny recalls the conversation with Innes Fitzgerald highlighting the importance of pursuing one's passion despite challenges. Ed discusses the privilege of running, a lesson he learned from Gary Laybourne, whose work with coachcore emphasises the joy and opportunity that running and sport provides. The team also delves into the community aspect of running, with Jenny highlighting Ben Pochee's dedication to grassroots events like the Night of the 10,000m PBs, and Ed emphasizing the fun and camaraderie he experienced at the Greenbelt Relay. The episode also revisits memorable insights from guests like Steph McCall, who reminded listeners about finding joy in new challenges, and Mike Peace, the ever-present London Marathon runner whose humility and cause-driven motivation were truly inspiring.

As the hosts reminisce, they underscore the importance of perspective, community, and the shared passion that binds runners together. With plans already underway for Season 4, make sure you catch up on any episodes you missed, stay connected on social media, and look forward to more inspiring stories in the upcoming season.

Thank You:

Thank you for being part of the RunAlive podcast this season, please leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by the stories we've told. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking to Ben Pochee, the passionate race director behind the Night of the 10,000m PBs. The UK's premier track running event. From his personal journey as a competitive runner to the inception of one of the most unique track events in the UK, Ben shares his deep insights into the world of running, community building, and event innovation. Tune in to discover how a love for Afro-funk and a desire to fill a gap in domestic competitive opportunities led to a revolutionary approach to track meets that focuses on athlete experience and community participation.

Three Key Learnings from This Episode:

1. Community and Identity in Running: Ben illustrates the profound impact that running can have on personal identity and community formation. Starting from his own experiences in school and local clubs, he emphasises how running extends beyond physical activity to become a significant social connector and a source of lifelong friendships and memories.
2. Innovation in Athletic Events: We dive into the story behind the creation of the Night of the 10,000m PBs, an event born out of necessity and sheer creative will. Ben discusses how overcoming the logistical challenges of traditional track events with innovative solutions like Facebook-driven athlete recruitment and creating a festival-like atmosphere can dramatically enhance participant engagement and performance.
3. The Power of Inclusive Event Planning: Learn about Ben's approach to making athletic events more inclusive and engaging. By involving athletes in the success of the event and experimenting with new ideas like the WaveLight pacing system, Ben has redefined what it means to participate in and spectate at track events, making them more accessible and enjoyable for the broader community.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports management, community engagement, and how traditional sports can adapt to modern demands while maintaining their core values.

Go along to the Night of the 10k PBs next weekend! All details here: www.nightofthe10kpbs.com/

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by Gill's story. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's RunAlive interval Ed is joined by distance runner and finance professional Steph McCall. Steph shares her running journey from sprinting as a kid to just recently tackling 2 Oceans marathon in South Africa (and coming 10th!) She delves into the communal joy of running, the psychological shifts required for tackling ultra-marathons, and her ongoing passion project, the Five Miles Easy podcast, which she hosts with Rose Harvey, who's just been selected for Team GB at the Olympics! (Whoop!) Tune in to discover how Steph balances her love for running with a demanding career and why she believes running is more than just a sport—it's a metaphor for life.

Three Key Learnings:

1. Community and Connection: Steph emphasises the importance of community in running, illustrating how shared experiences, regardless of pace or ability, enhance her joy and engagement in the sport. This sense of community not only enriches her running experience but also extends to her podcast.
2. Adaptability in Goals: Transitioning from marathons to ultra-marathons was a strategic choice for Steph to alleviate pressure and rediscover enjoyment in racing. This shift highlights the importance of adaptability in athletic goals and the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone to maintain motivation and excitement in sports.
3. Running as a Life Metaphor: Steph articulates how running mirrors life's ups and downs, teaching resilience and providing perspective on overcoming challenges. Through running, she has learned valuable life lessons about enduring hardships and maintaining balance between personal passions and professional responsibilities.

Find out more:

Search for Five Miles Easy wherever you get your podcast

Steph is on instagram: @stephmccall

Offers and Discounts:

Race Day Prints:

Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout.

Hardlines Coffee:

Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Follow us on Social Media:

We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk to Gill Bland, a seasoned marathon runner, soon to be mother for the second time, and self confessed running geek! Join us as Gill shares her transformation from a non-athlete to a marathon winner, and how running is her "me time" in the busyness of life as a mother.

We talk about:

• How Gill's attempt to catch a train sparked her passion for running and led her to complete over 30 marathons around the world.
• Balance: Gain insight into how Gill balances her roles as a mother, wife, and runner, and how these aspects of her life interconnect and influence each other.
• The Role of Community: Hear about the importance of community in Gill's running career, including how moving to a new village and connecting with a local running group profoundly impacted her life and running practice.
• Overcoming Challenges: Learn about the challenges Gill faced, from injuries to balancing training with family life, and how she navigated setbacks with resilience and a positive mindset.
• Running Through Pregnancy: Gill offers advice and shares her personal experiences with running during pregnancy, emphasising the importance of listening to your body and adjusting expectations.
• Future Footprints: Looking ahead, Gill discusses her aspirations to expand her coaching career, her involvement in the running community, and how she plans to continue influencing and participating in the sport she loves.

Gill's story is not just about running; it's about finding what makes you come alive, pushing your limits, and the unexpected paths life can take you on. Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone just thinking about starting, there's inspiration and wisdom to be found in Gill's journey.

Connect with Gill:

Follow Gill on Instagram at @BlandOnTheRun and check out her contributions on the Run Testers YouTube channel for more running insights and gear reviews.

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by Gill's story. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If you’re ever losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon”

This is a very special episode of the RunAlive Podcast celebrating all that is great about the London Marathon! This week we are plunging into the stories of 4 runners from the London Marathon each of whom have very different experiences of running the race.

We'll hear from 2:25 Welsh marathoner Clara Evans, who's starting on the elite start and pacing the British women. We talk to her about the practicalities of pacing, how to decide what pace to run, and what it's like running the London Marathon as an elite runner.

We speak to one of 6 remaining London Marathon Ever Presents, one of the people who have run all 44 London Marathons, Mike Peace, on how he got in to it, and what it's meant to him to be part of the "club you can never join".

It wouldn't be the London Marathon without a Guinness World Record Attempt, and we speak to James Whistler who is going for the world record as fastest Harlequin to run a marathon to raise money for 3 awesome charities that are close to his heart. His outfit is quite something - complete with dress shoes! (ouch!) Spoiler: He did it!

And of course, we check in with Ed at the start and the finish to hear how he gets on! This episode is a feast and celebration of everything that is great about the London Marathon!

Clara is on instagram: @claraa_louise

Mike's Fundraising Page

James is on Instagram: @jimmywhizz

James' GiveStar page

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to former Marathon Age Group champion and Founder and CEO of Coach Core Gary Laybourne

In today's RunAlive Interval we welcome Gary Laybourne, co-founder and CEO of CoachCore. Gary shares his fascinating journey from a promising young athlete to a champion for change through sport. We talk about the London Marathon (of course) where in 2022 Gary unexpectedly became age group world champion, and we talk about the power of sport for change.

Coach Core has a mission to empower young people through sport, and has made a significant impact since its inception in 2012. Gary's dedication to fostering opportunities for young athletes and his insights into the broader benefits of sports are both inspiring and enlightening.

This episode not only explores Gary's accomplishments and the highs of his sporting career but also delves into the profound lessons running has taught him about life. His belief in running as a privilege—a tool for personal and community transformation—is a compelling message for all of us.

Find out more about Coach core: www.coachcore.org.uk

Offers and Discounts:

Race Day Prints:

Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout.

Hardline Coffee:

Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Follow us on Social Media:

We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we dive into the life and insights of Brady Threlfall, a distance runner, and the vibrant voice behind the Inside Running podcast. Through Inside Running Brady has brought the stories and personalities of Australian distance running alive to millions around the world.

In this episode we talk about, Brady's most memorable and thrilling race day experiences, highlighting the rush of crossing the finish line and setting personal bests in the 5k and 10k races at iconic venues. He delves into the mental and emotional aspects of racing and gives us a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive under pressure and the exhilaration of achieving what once seemed just out of reach.

Beyond the track, Brady opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing life as a runner, teacher, and podcaster. He discusses the creation and evolution of the Inside Running podcast, revealing how it has become a cornerstone of community and inspiration for runners worldwide. Listen as Brady reflects on the importance of setting ambitious goals, embracing the imperfections of training, and the power of good friends and community support in pushing boundaries and doing something really worthwhile. We discover how to harness your passion for running and turn it into a driving force in every area of your life.

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.