Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

By Steven Watt

The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt (and a range of guests) as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning.... more

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The podcast currently has 320 episodes available.

Best of Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

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Number 1: Dunoon Ultra Marathon 2026 The Debrief- Season 16 Eps 5
Welcome back to Season 16, Episode 5 of the Young Hearts Run Free podcast! Just the two of us behind the mics this week as we sit down for a full debrief of our latest racing exploits at the 10th Anniversary of the Dunoon Ultra Marathon. A return to the ultra scene for Steven and John conjuring up another race in a magnificent 2026 for himself! With the battle lines temporarily cleared, we dig into the highs, the lows, the recovery process, and go through a who's who of friends of the show we bumped into over an epic weekend. We also take a look ahead at what’s filling up the calendar. We chat through race directing duties for the upcoming Auchterarder Running Festival (ARF), balancing peak training with the return of football season(!), and race plans on the horizon—including the Newton Road Runners 10K. Grab a brew, kick your feet up, and join us for an hour and a bit of proper running chat. If you fancy taking on the Dunoon Ultra Marathon next time keep an eye on entries opening here https://www.entrycentral.com/dunoonultra You can still join John and other on the start line of the Newton Road Races on Sat 24 Oct using this link https://www.entrycentral.com/NewtonRoadRaces
August 28, 20261h 15min
Number 2: Will Howard - Lakeland 100 Podium and the Joy of the Climb - Season 16 Eps 4
Will Howard joins us to share the remarkable story behind his debut at the Lakeland 100, where he stunned the field by finishing 3rd place in a phenomenal 20:44. From a childhood spent trying every sport imaginable, through modern pentathlon, marathon running, and a breakthrough ultra victory in Minnesota, Will's running journey has taken him to the sharp end of one of the UK's toughest ultra races. In this episode, Will talks about:Growing up around sport and how running always seemed to be the constant thread. Competing internationally in modern pentathlon and representing Great Britain at junior level. Falling out of love with running during Covid and rediscovering it through marathon racing. Chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time and running 2:40 at Boston. Winning the Minnesota Voyager 50 Mile in extreme heat while working in the United States. Volunteering at Lakeland 100 before racing it himself. The surreal experience of unknowingly leading the race overnight. Fuel strategy and taking in more than 100g of carbohydrates per hour. A particular highlight is Will's answer to this season's theme, Everest, where he reflects on the idea that the real reward is not the summit but the journey itself. For a runner who only recently stepped up to the 100-mile distance, Will's combination of talent, humility, perspective and sheer enthusiasm shines throughout this conversation. This is an uplifting chat packed with practical ultra-running insights, Lakeland 100 stories, and a reminder to enjoy every step of the climb. Will Howard Instagram: @wilzo
August 21, 20261h 35min
Number 3: Race Across Scotland 2026 with Jessi Morton-Langehaug - Season 16 Eps 7
From Utah’s mountains to Scotland’s bogs, this one gets wild... This week we're joined by ultrarunning powerhouse Jessi Morton-Langehaug, who travelled from the USA to tackle the 215-mile Race Across Scotland and came away with a second-place finish, countless stories, and a whole new respect for Scottish terrain. We chat about overcoming Lyme disease, racing through bogs, fog and torrential rain, surviving on minimal sleep, falling into peat bogs, seeing imaginary dragons in the darkness, and the unexpected friendship that developed with fellow runner George Jones over three days on the Southern Upland Way. Along the way, Jessi shares her no-nonsense approach to foot care, fuelling, mental resilience, and why Scottish race organisers and volunteers are among the best in the world. In this episode:Lyme disease and running against the oddsRace Across Scotland from an American perspectiveBogs, blisters (or lack of them) and foot care hacksSleep deprivation and trail hallucinationsReal food fuelling for 200+ mile racesScottish hospitality, yum yums and baked potatoesThe power of kindness in ultrarunning "Positivity and kindness is just a full circle." - Jessi Morton-Langehaug, 2026 Runners Are Smilers Megan Eckert Blog
September 11, 20261h 23min
Number 4: David Miller v2.0 📸 - Season 16 Eps 6
When Jasmin Paris sprinted toward the yellow gate at Frozen Head in March 2024 with barely 99 seconds to spare, documentary photographer David Miller was there to capture what instantly became one of the most iconic images in endurance sport history. But behind that single frame lies a much bigger story about storytelling, creative grit, and the raw underbelly of ultra running. This week, returning guest David joins John and Steven for a deep dive into the craft of seeing what everyone else walks past. From living out of his car for seven days in brutal winter conditions to document the Montane Winter Spine Race for his upcoming photo book, to taking water pistols and dry ice into the 55°C furnace of Death Valley crewing and pacing Sophie Power at Badwater 135. We talk about:The reality behind that historic Barkley Marathons finish line moment and resisting the trap of being defined by a single shot. Why documentary photography isn't about shiny finish lines, but rather aid stations, toilet blocks, exhaustion, and the messy "in-between" moments.The painstaking anatomy of creating SPINE: scouting 100 course locations, sleeping trailside, and assembling a visual jigsaw of winter suffering.Pacing through Death Valley at Badwater: cooling strategies, dry ice logistics, and the pure team dynamic of crossing the line together.Cutting through the social media noise and visual saturation at mega-events like UTMB and Lakeland.Balancing life as a working gas engineer while maintaining the freedom to shoot running purely on your own terms.Plus, we talk personal running journeys, navigating creative slumps, and stick around for David’s track pick to close out the show. We've also some major news on the podcasts Autumnal March Drop!! Get in quick on that one! Hit play, lace your sneaks or grab a brew, and enjoy our blether.
September 04, 20261h 34min
Number 5: Did Not Fail: Chris Marritt on DNFs, Redemption and the Ring of Fire - Season 16 Eps 3
What happens when your greatest strength becomes your biggest vulnerability?In this episode we sit down with ultra runner, journalist and first-time author Chris Marritt to discuss his forthcoming book Did Not Fail, a deeply personal exploration of what happens when a runner encounters their first ever DNF after 24 years of always finding a way to the finish line.Chris takes us through the highs and lows of the legendary Ring of Fire around Anglesey, a race that broke him emotionally, challenged his identity as a runner, and ultimately taught him more than any finish line ever could. From sleepless nights in tents and self-doubt on the coastal path, to returning a year later for redemption, this is a conversation about failure, resilience, self-awareness and discovering your true "why". Whether you've DNF'd, missed a target, struggled through a race, or wrestled with disappointment in any area of life, this episode will resonate."I now think of that first DNF as the best race of my life. It wasn't the most enjoyable, far from it, but the impact it had on my running and beyond running was enormous." Chris Marritt, 2026Look out for Did Not Fail, available from 19 August, where Chris shares the full story of failure, growth, resilience and eventual redemption. If you've ever experienced a DNF, a setback, or a race that taught you more than success ever could, we'd love to hear your story. Because sometimes the most important finish line isn't the one you cross... it's the one that changes you.
August 14, 20261h 48min