Two Men On The Run

2020 has been a very weird year for us all but it was great to see the London Marathon take place in some capacity from the 45,000+ runners who took part virtually across the world and the Elite who ran 19 laps around St. James' Park in London. There were shocks and upsets, divides over running shoes and breakthrough performances. So after watching this year's London Marathon the Two Men on the Run discussed their thoughts from Jon-Jo's very controversial thoughts on the commentators, to some of their highlights and Matt's annoyance at the continued shoe debate.

This week after a season that included one 5km race, Jon-Jo is taking his end of season break and Matt is more than happy to get his own back after the stick he's taken the last couples with regards to his racing and training from Jon-Jo, the saying goes "who needs enemies, when you've got friends like these".

But jokes aside the guys discuss just what makes up a season in their minds and the different phases of the training cycle.

And to wrap up the last half of the show Jon-Jo asks Matt about the man he hails as possible the greatest distance runner of all time, and the only athlete to win Olympic Gold in the 5,000m, 10,000m and Marathon all in the same Games, Emil Zátopek.

In this episode the Two Men on the Run discuss a range of topics from Matt's race at the Antrim Half Marathon running alongside Sir Mo Farah, the continued effect of COVID and lockdown on the return to racing front with Cross Country season looking like it's going to be delayed to possibly the new year, while parkrun is planning to return in October (since announced it won't be) and Jon-Jo updates us on how he is doing going back to basics and training without the restraints of a watch.

The Two Men on the Run are joined in the studio by English Teacher and St. Helens Strider Kane Green A.K.A. The Professor.

Kane talks us through his running carer before delving into the world of journalism and discussing how the great sport and activity of running is portrayed both positively and negatively in the media from the old newspaper to television and online stratosphere.

The Two Men on the Run reflect on their first race since lockdown which really didn't go to plan for either of them.

Jon-Jo talks about Bill Rodgers 'Marathon Man' and his successes and failures, and the pair discuss the mindsets, genetics and training physiology of some of the greatest runners of all time.

It's with great pleasure that we bring you a wonderful discussion with the amazing Charlie Spedding.

Charlie is winner of the 1984 London Marathon, Bronze Medallist in the 1984 Olympic Marathon and remains the 4th fastest British Marathon runner of all time with 2:08:33 which he ran at the London Marathon in 1985.

This interview is a long one, with just over 2 hours recording time in total, but it can be split into two very different discussion using the timing points below:

0:00:00 - 1:26:30 - Charlie, Matt and Jon-Jo discuss Charlie's running career from his very first experiencing of racing in school, through to some of his greatest success and failures.

1:26:31 - 2:12:10 - Charlie introduces the guys to his research and study since retiring from competitive athletics, that are compiled and published in his latest book Stop Feeding Us Lies, where Charlie asks why our authorities keep promising to spend more and more money on healthcare, instead of simply determining why so many people are ill. Covering topics such as diet, Type-2 diabetes, rest and recovery and the importance of exercise.

In Episode 8 Jon-Jo has a bee in his bonnet about races, prizes and charity, on the eve of the return to the British racing calendar.

And the guys discuss finding the balance between training and life, is it possible? Are the sacrifices we have to make for running worth it? Love to hear our listeners thoughts on this topic as well.

An often discussed topic by Jon-Jo and Matt during their daily training sessions - legal running aids both natural and artificial.

With Jon-Jo taking an approach of trying to find balance in his diet and sleep patterns, while Matt searches and tests the latest technology from sports watches and Strava to Altitude Tents, Massage Guns and the new found 'Super Racing Shoes' the two discuss their thoughts on them all here.

1. Sleep
2. Nutrition
3. Vitamins and Supplements
4. Altitude Tents - https://affinityaltitude.com/
5. Strava and Running Watches
6. Massage Guns, Foam Rollers and Sports Massage
7. Running Shoes

Jon-Jo's coach and Liverpool Harrier Tony Clarke joins the Two Men on the Run for the first 'Guest Spot' episode. Discussing growing up in Liverpool in the 70's and how he was drawn to running and athletics, which has allowed him a career filled with training and coaching alongside World Record holders, Olympic medalists and stars of the future.

The guys then quiz Tony on his training philosophy, how lockdown has affected him and his athletes, his thoughts on virtual racing, parkrun and his love of the sport.

Thanks again to Tony Clarke

In this week's show Matt and Jon-Jo discuss the tough topic of mental health, something that both have struggled with at various times in their lives, from deep depression, mental breakdowns and even thoughts of suicide, and just how running has helped them both. This was a tough episode to record but the guys hope discussing these topics might help raise the discussion further of mental health.

Show Breakdown:

• The last weeks training.
• Mental health
• Philosophy of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
• Using the darker times and pain as a motivation to train and race.