Send us a text From the challenges of shin splints and gout to the triumph of crossing the finish line, this episode chronicles my intense journey through half marathons and the art of preparation. Despite setbacks and limited training, the Winter Half Marathon in the Royal Borough of Windsor remains a beloved tradition, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a personal goal to conquer it under two hours. Along the way, you'll hear about the camaraderie of 4,000 runners and the unforgettable m...
Send us a text What if running a marathon could teach you life's toughest lessons? Join me as I recount my humbling experience at the Burnham Beaches half marathon, a race that held deep personal significance due to my late grandmother. Despite my long history with running, the challenging hilly terrain and my lack of preparation reminded me that no race should ever be underestimated. From juggling a new job to sporadic training, I faced numerous obstacles, all of which underscored the necess...
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how something as simple as running could transform your mental and physical health? Join me as I unravel my 30-year journey with running, from the exhilaration of major marathons like London and Dublin to those solitary, introspective runs during harsh winter months. Together, we'll uncover how running nurtures discipline, fosters goal-setting, and builds self-resilience, all while combating the sedentary lifestyles that dominate our modern world. We'll ...
Send us a text Ever wondered what it’s like to race against a boat while nursing a hangover? Join me as I recount my exhilarating experience at the Beat the Boat 10K, where I managed to cross the finish line in 54 minutes and 46 seconds despite a few too many drinks the night before. From the intensity of the race to unwinding in the lap of luxury at a spa hotel in Hayling Island, I share how I balanced indulgence with the pain of my hereditary gout and what it takes to maintain an active lif...
Send us a text Ever wondered what it feels like to race against a boat? Join me in this riveting episode of "30 Years of Running Marathons" as I recount my rollercoaster journey through the "Beat the Boat" 10k race. Battling shin splints and unpredictable training, I set a 55-minute target and faced the ultimate pre-race dilemma—whether to indulge in alcohol. Find out how England's European Championship quarterfinal against Switzerland added an electrifying twist to the pre-race atmosphere, f...
Send us a text What if you had to race against boats on a soggy trail? Join me as I gear up for the adrenaline-pumping "Beat the Boat" 10K race in Eton and Windsor, where the excitement of running alongside boats adds a unique twist. I'll share my previous experiences, the muddy challenges we might face, and how park runs have helped me improve my speed work, despite my preference for solo runs. With unpredictable weather and inconsistent training, I'm determined to finish under 55 minutes an...
Send us a text Ever felt the unpredictable nature of marathon training? Join me as I share the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that come with smashing personal records and facing unexpected physical challenges. From achieving my fastest 5K of the year in the early morning to feeling utterly drained afterward, we’ll discuss how meticulous planning sometimes falls short and why listening to your body is crucial. Whether you're an early bird runner or fitting training around a busy sch...
Send us a text What does it take to stay motivated when the grind of marathon training is wearing you down? Join me as I recount my struggle to maintain my running routine amidst work stress and physical setbacks like shin splints and gout. Throughout my journey, I've learned the importance of setting personal goals and steering clear of the pitfalls of comparison. From the exhilarating moments of the Reading Half Marathon to the challenges of the Clifton 10k, I'll share how these races reign...
Send us a text What does it take to conquer a challenging trail race set amidst the stunning backdrop of a historic estate? Join me as I relive the Cliveden 10K Trail Race experience, running through the breathtaking grounds of Cliveden House just outside London. The majestic mansion and picturesque trails filled us with awe even as we faced the arduous terrain. This is not your typical flat road race; it’s part of an exciting three-race series organized by Burnham Joggers, and the sense of c...
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how a simple activity like running could transform your life? Join me on an emotional journey as I recount how the Reading Green Park 10k rekindled my passion for running after facing a series of personal hardships in 2017, including the heartbreaking loss of my nan. Discover the power of community and support, as a Facebook group of fellow runners gave me the encouragement I needed to lace up my shoes again. Listen as I share the heartwarming story of me...
Send us a text Have you ever faced the challenge of running with shin splints or a gout flare-up? That’s exactly what I'm dealing with as I prepare for an exhilarating 10K race at Green Park. Join me as I share my personal story of overcoming these hurdles, reflecting on how a 10K back in 2017 rekindled my passion for running. You’ll hear about the scenic, flat route that’s keeping my spirits high and how I'm determined to savor every moment of the race, despite the setbacks. Our conversatio...
Send us a text Ever been out on a run, feeling the rhythm of your feet against the pavement, when life throws you an unexpected invitation to the golf course? That's exactly what happened to me this week, and I'm here to take you through the delightful chaos that ensued. My training plan for the marathon was cruising along until a former colleague rang me up for a round of golf - let's just say my three-mile run turned into a nine-mile journey, fueled by the perfect weather and the sheer joy ...
Send us a text Every stride tells a story, and I'm excited to bring you along on a narrative that winds through three decades of running, from the exhilaration of early morning dashes to the companionship of community park runs. Running is more than just a physical act for me—it's a tapestry of experiences, woven with the threads of endurance, community, and personal growth. As I lace up for my 58th park run, I find myself reflecting on how these weekly 5Ks have unexpectedly shaped my maratho...
Send us a text Every runner knows the bittersweet symphony of aching muscles and the exhilaration of crushing personal bests—it's a journey of countless steps, both literal and metaphorical. Today, I pull back the curtain on my own path through highs, lows, and the winding roads in between. From a humbling stumble to the glory of setting a new record at a local park run, I lace up and take listeners along for the ride, sharing the raw emotions that come with each stride. Navigating the chopp...
Send us a text Imagine conquering what you thought was your most demanding race, only to be blindsided by an even more relentless beast. That's exactly what happened to me with Race to the Tower – a 53-mile ultra-marathon through the undulating Cotswold Way. In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on the raw and unvarnished truth of this epic endurance test. I compare it to my previous ultra challenges, like the Race to the Stones, and confess why, despite being shorter in distance, t...
Send us a text Feeling the pulse of the city and the heartbeats of runners, the London Marathon unfolded with stories that moved us beyond the miles. As I recount the event's emotional spectrum, I can't help but feel a part of it, even though my running shoes didn't hit the pavement this time around. We pay homage to the remarkable Kelvin Kipton, whose absence left a profound silence, and celebrate the EastEnders duo Jay and Honey, who blurred the lines between fiction and reality for a noble...
Send us a text Every runner has a story of a race that tested their limits, and this is mine from the Reading Half Marathon—a true tale of grit, wit, and a surprising twist. Battling back from injury with only a smattering of training under my belt, I take you through the pre-race jitters, the comedic chaos of coordinating with friends amidst a sea of runners, and the strategic decisions that shaped my journey to the finish line. The nerves are real, the bathroom lines are longer, and the cam...
Send us a text As I lace up for the Reading Half Marathon, the familiar dance of nerves and excitement takes hold, a feeling I've come to know as 'paranoia.' This episode peels back the curtain on a runner's mind in the throes of pre-race anxiety, balanced with the thrill of an electric finish line ahead. With limited training under my belt due to an untimely injury, I reflect on the mental gymnastics and the physical grind of tapering, all while keeping the carbs coming and my spirits high. ...
Send us a text Sprint through time with me as we lace up for an epic jog down memory lane – three decades of marathon running condensed into a heart-pounding narrative of personal milestones, communal spirit, and the relentless pursuit of that ever-elusive personal best. From the trials of overcoming injuries and the triumph of crossing finish lines, this episode is a testament to the runner's journey and the sheer grit it takes to keep pushing forward. Feel the pulse of the parkrun community...
Send us a text Every stride tells a story, and mine is woven through the historic trails of the Race to the Stones. Episode after episode, I've chronicled the grit and beauty of marathons, but none quite like this. As I tackled the undulating 100 kilometres of the Ridgeway path, I faced not only the physical demands of the terrain but the solitude of pandemic restrictions. From the strategic approach to fueling and pacing to the mental battles at each milestone, join me as I recount the trial...