The Runna Podcast

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya are joined by Jenny Mannion, founder of Runners & Stunners, one of the most inclusive and fast-growing running communities in the UK. Jenny’s personal fitness journey, which began as a way to escape unhealthy habits while travelling, has blossomed into a story of strength, resilience, and community-building.

Highlights include:

- Fitness Beginnings: How Jenny went from struggling to run 5km to becoming a passionate ultra-marathon runner, fueled by her commitment to strength and wellness.

- Building a Community: The creation of *Runners & Stunners*, an inclusive and supportive running group that has transformed the way women and slower runners experience the sport.

- Hyrox to Running: Her transition from focusing on strength training to discovering her love for running through Hyrox, which was the catalyst for her long-distance running achievements.

- The Road to NYC Marathon: Jenny’s upcoming challenge as she prepares to take on the New York Marathon with *Runna*, marking a significant milestone in her running journey.

- Changing the Game: How Jenny has redefined what it means to be a runner, encouraging others to embrace fitness as a fun, empowering experience, regardless of their speed or experience.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jenny Mannion as we explore her transformation from a fitness novice to a running community leader, and how she’s empowering others to find joy in running.

Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!

As always, share your running stories or questions with us at [email protected] or tag us on Instagram.

Use the code 'RUNNAPODCAST' for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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In this exciting episode of The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sit down with Beth Potter, the incredible 2023 Triathlon World Champion, Runna coach, and double Olympian. Beth’s journey from competing in the 10,000m at the Rio Olympics to becoming a world-class triathlete is truly inspiring.

Highlights include:

• From Track to Triathlon: Beth shares her journey from competitive swimmer and Olympic runner to focusing on triathlon, winning Gold at the European Championships and Bronze at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
• World Record Pace: How she set an unofficial world record for the 5km road race
• Behind the Race: Beth dives into the tactical side of cycling and the critical importance of bike skills in triathlon.
• Paris 2024 & Post-Olympic Blues: Beth reflects on her experience at the Paris Olympics, the intense photo finish in the mixed triathlon, and the thrill of winning two bronze medals, along with her post-race celebrations at a Taylor Swift concert!
• Life Beyond Sport: As a former physics teacher, Beth opens up about the uncertainty of elite sport, dealing with injuries, and the challenges that come with balancing a competitive career.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of elite sport, filled with personal insights, triumphs, and the reality of navigating the pressure that comes with being one of the world’s top athletes.

Don't forget to subscribe to catch all future episodes, and use the code 'RUNNAPODCAST' for 2 weeks free on the Runna app!

See you next week!

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In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya are joined by Steph Joshi, known as @nuttyfoodiefitness on Instagram and YouTube. Steph’s journey from being the least sporty child in class to qualifying for the Ironman World Championships is nothing short of extraordinary.

Highlights include:

• Marathon Milestone: Her experience running the London Marathon in 2023 as her first official marathon with very little training 
• Ironman Triumph: Insights into her recent Ironman Barcelona completion, where she not only conquered the challenge but also qualified for the Ironman World Championships.
• L’Étape du Tour: How Steph took on the prestigious cycling race, pushing her limits as one of the hardest things she has done
• From Zero to Hero: Her remarkable transition from a non-athletic background, to creating inspiring content around fitness, food, and mindset, to an Ironman World Championship qualifier, showcasing the power of dedication, passion and talent 

Join us for an energetic and motivational conversation with Stephannie Joshi, diving into stories bound to inspire you. 

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or share them with us on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya sit down with Jake Williamson, a trailblazing advocate for LGBT+ inclusion in sports and a powerhouse in the Hyrox arena. From a promising football career to becoming an elite Hyrox athlete and founder of BTND (Better The Next Day), Jake's journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport and a positive mindset.

Highlights include:

• Advocacy for LGBT+ Inclusion: Jake discusses his passion for promoting LGBT+ acceptance in sports and his efforts to create a supportive community for everyone, especially within the football culture where coming out can be particularly challenging.
• BTND: Insights into his initiative, BTND, which focuses on daily mindset improvement and fostering a community of encouragement and growth.
• Hyrox Achievements: How Jake transitioned from football to Hyrox, winning his first-ever Hyrox competition and leading the relay team to victory for England in Nice
• Endurance challenges: Amazing stories including how Jake ridiculously recently ran a 100k race with just a water bottle and his trainers 
• Mental Health Advocacy: The importance of mental health in sports and how Jake uses his platform and community to provide a safe space for discussing sexuality and mental well-being.

Jake has brought so much to the fitness world through ensuring so many people feel comfortable being exclusively themselves in spaces where this can sometimes feel difficult. Join us as we have important conversations and learn more about the amazing things Jake has achieved. 

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or share them with us on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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

In this inspiring episode of The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sit down with endurance athlete Susie Chan, whose incredible journey proves that it’s never too late to transform your life through running. Starting her running career later in life as a single mum with an unhealthy lifestyle, she went on to break World Records, complete multiple Marathon De Sables and beat Cancer.

Highlights include:

• Late Start, Big Impact: How Susie went from a novice runner who signed up for a half marathon with no experience to not being able to imagine her life without it
• Marathon des Sables: A deep dive into Susie’s experience with the Marathon des Sables, the gruelling ultra marathon in the Sahara Desert, known as "the toughest foot race on Earth."
• Susie’s incredible achievement of setting the 12-hour treadmill World Record and completing all of the World Marathon Majors.
• Overcoming Adversity: The challenges Susie faced, including her battle with cancer, diagnosed after collapsing at the Chicago Marathon
• Lessons for Beginners: Susie’s advice for those just starting out, highlighting that everyone has to begin somewhere 
• Tips and tricks from Ben and Anya on how to improve your running

Join us for an episode filled with motivation, resilience, and the message that age and circumstances are no barriers to achieving greatness in the world of endurance running.

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, don’t forget to send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or send us a voice-note on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free or 'MYFASTSOCKS' for 15% of Runna kit!

See you next week!

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In this week’s episode of The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sit down with Holly Archer, a 1500m European silver medalist who narrowly missed out on the Olympics. Holly’s journey to becoming a professional athlete is nothing short of extraordinary, especially as she balances her athletic career with a full-time job in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Highlights include:

• European Success: The journey to winning a 1500m European silver medal while juggling her full-time career.
• Going pro: Insights into what it really takes to become a professional athlete, from narrowly missing out on the Olympics to athletics politics
• Childhood Challenges: From being accused of cheating as a child to proving her talent on the global stage.
• Ben and Anya debunk popular running myths and provide tips and tricks to level up your running 

Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into the highs and lows of Holly’s career, offering a unique look at the realities of life as a professional athlete.

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, don’t forget to send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or send us a voice-note on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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

In this week's podcast episode, Ben and Anya sit down with Yahya Pandor (@yahyapandor94), a remarkable blind marathon runner who made history as the first person to complete a marathon unaided. Despite losing his sight nearly three years ago due to macular degeneration, Yahya continues to live life to the fullest with the most positive mindset and outlook on life, fuelling his extraordinary achievements.

Highlights include:

• Beginnings in Running: How Yahya discovered his love for running after losing his sight and the experiences that fueled his dedication.
• Overcoming Adversity: Yahya shares his journey to becoming the first blind person to run a marathon unaided, detailing the challenges and triumphs along the way.
• Raising Awareness: Yahya discussing the importance of raising awareness about blind running and guides and details the amazing impact him and his brother have made via their tik tok account
• Positive Attitude: The motivational philosophy that drives Yahya’s life and achievements, proving that a positive attitude and determination can overcome any obstacle.
• They discuss useful running tips and debunk common running myths about runners knee, running shoes and marathon running 

Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, perseverance, and the incredible story of Yahya Pandor’s can-do attitude and commitment to raising awareness about visual impairments.

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, don’t forget to send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or send us a voice-note on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya sit down with a woman of steel, Sophie Grace Holmes (@sophiegraceholmes). She is a remarkable athlete who has defied all odds. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a life threatening lung disease, and not expected to live past 16, Sophie took up running to prove her doctors wrong and extend her lifespan. Now over 30, she has surpassed all expectations and achieved extraordinary feats, demonstrating that anything is possible with determination and a positive mindset.

Highlights include:

• Incredible Achievements: Completing 36 marathons in 36 days and an ultra Ironman in Lake Como, including a 5km swim in pitch black and a 50km ultra marathon.
• Defying Expectations: How Sophie used running to challenge her diagnosis and extend her lifespan beyond what was thought possible.
• Breaking Barriers: Her role in inspiring and breaking barriers for those with cystic fibrosis, showing that a life-threatening disease doesn't define one's capabilities.
• Mental Fortitude: Insights into her incredible mindset and mental strength in the face of her challenging condition.
• Lighter Moments: Humorous and uplifting stories from Sophie’s incredible journey that will inspire and entertain.
• Running tips and tricks and debunking common myths

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, don’t forget to send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or send us a voice-note on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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

In this inspiring episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya sit down with Andre Coggins (@andrecoggins), a passionate advocate for inspiring the younger generation and the founder of Mafia Moves.

As a Lululemon-sponsored ambassador and community leader, Andre's dedication to fostering physical fitness, confidence, and community shines through. 

Highlights include:

• Inspiring the Next Generation: How Andre channels his background as a sports teacher to motivate and empower young people through fun and engaging physical activities.
• Mafia Moves and Community Impact: The creation and growth of his running club, which unites diverse communities, fosters friendships, builds confidence, and encourages hundreds to embark on their running journeys.
• Personal Struggles: Andre’s candid sharing of his own health challenges and the personal difficulties he has overcome to get where he is today.
• Lighter Moments: Humorous and embarrassing stories from Andre’s running adventures that will bring a smile to your face.
• Runnings tips on how to get faster!

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, don’t forget to send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or send us a voice-note on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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

Join Ben and Anya in this episode of The Runna Podcast as they sit down with the amazing Savannah Sachdev (@savannahsachdev). Savannah shares how running has transformed her life in many ways, from her headspace and mood to her social presence and relationships.

Savannah’s down to earth and realistic approach to running is inspiring, highlighting the huge benefit of getting your body moving - even just for 10 minutes a day. 

Highlights include:

• How Savannah's approach to running focuses on mental well-being and personal fulfilment.
• Life Transformations: The profound changes running has brought to her outlook on life and daily routines.
• Running streak:Would you run on a plane and on the day you give birth?!
• Ultra-Marathon Adventures: Insights from her incredible journey through the Dolomites and The Speed Project
• Balancing Roles: How she manages her running passion alongside her role as a stepmom and her social presence.

Join us for an episode filled with Savannah's contagious laugh and inspirational outlook on life. 

Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.

As always, don’t forget to send in your embarrassing running stories to [email protected] or send us a voice-note on Instagram.

Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!

See you next week!

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