Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

Spring marathon season reached it's crescendo on The Mall last Sunday, Stevie Boy was on the ground to witness it all. London Marathon debrief anyone? Step on in. John grills Steven on his weekend in the big smoke. The focus is on his race however the all-important pre-race activities and post-race festivities are also meticulously discussed. From travelling, expo, race day logistics, race execution, dealing with issues and the crucial feel goods after the finish line John covers all the ground in braw detail. The atmosphere and the sense of occasion make London an unforgettable experience, John's questioning and Stevie Boy's responses make for a honest fun-filled account of another memorable marathon major. Run, Run, Run boy........ It's not too late to sponsor Steven who was running the marathon the charity The Rooprai Spinal Trust visit here to throw anything you can into his pot FUNDRAISING LINK --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Blow the conch baby and rock on into another belter of an episode! This week our guest is Chamonix based runner & coach Kaz Williams. Living on the doorstep of the UTMB route it's no surprise we start in the Alps finding out why she's also known as 'Mountain Kaz' along the way. Kaz then treats us to a world tour of her running adventures, peppered with golden nuggets a plenty. We find out all about Mettle Running, Kaz's coaching platform is so much more than just plain old run coaching! Having had the pleasure(?) of taking part in the Barkley Marathons it would be remiss of us not to spend some time on that. We also take the oppo to get tore into Kaz's experience at the lesser known but equally as sadistic Vol State 500k Road Race, another from the mind of Lazarus Lake. With another huge race and endeavour coming into sharp focus for Kaz she leads us through her prep, it's a tricky one when you call home the mountains! You'll love this one, you might even need a few listens! We take the oppo in the intro to preview Steven's London Marathon trip, look back at Manchester and Boston Marathon's and there's even been bonus content published for your listening pleasure!! Sponsor Steven as he takes on the London Marathon for the Rooprai Spinal Trust here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steven-watt Listen to John and Steven on the Greenock Glenpark Harriers Pod here or search your fave pod player https://open.spotify.com/episode/5x1MItMKF9qxgiz38onnBB?si=ldzZihV5Q52a8cPYUvtvbA Find out all about Kaz's Mettle Running here https://www.mettlerunning.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

We are bouncing along in our season of unpredicatability just fine, this week we're being purposely predictable though! Just to twist your melons eh. Joining the fray for a chat is Dougle Selman, the men's 100k winner at the 2024 Anglo Celtic Plate 100k. He's a fella with running in his DNA. We find out how he's moved through the distances from track to road before making the leap to ultra marathon in 2023. With running a way of life for Dougie this blether allows us to home in on how he's taken his track speed, added endurance and found himself at the top of the tree in the 100k distance. We make no apology of covering his glory run on the North Inch, Perth in detail. We're fascinated with the answers Dougie responds with, particularly a blow by blow account of hie final lap. That'll go down in history that one, high octane stuff! With the aftermath still settling down we get Dougie's thoughts on making the grade for Team GB's 100k squad at the World Champs in India later this year. And should podiums in other ultras feel threatened, is Selman ready to batter some other races? We find out in 'What's next for Dougie' And it's not til the very end of the show that Dougie lets us in on his big secret! What could that be then? Please sponsor Steven in his London Marathon attempt for a small charity close to both his and John's heart The Rooprai Spinal Trust here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steven-watt --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

In this episode we catch up with Sarah Webster. We had the privilege of watching up close as Sarah set a New European 100k record of 7:03:48 at the Gathering of Awesomeness in March 2024. This works out to an average pace of approx 6min 49 sec per mile, or 4 min 14 sec per km. The previous record of 7:04:03 was set by Florianne Hot in 2022. Sarah has represented England and the GB team at championship events, and the Isle of Man in the Commonwealth games, we hear about how all of that has come together. The Island Games...who knew? Sarah fills us in with what the Island Games are all about. A learning experience indeed. We hear about how Sarah got back into running after a few years out after Uni and then having a baby, her intro back was running home from dropping her daughter off at school and then running back to pick to pick her up and look at what can happen! Sarah is heavily involved in running activities in the Isle of Man, and we chat about the commitment of the athletes and coaches, parents, and guardians about attending events in the UK and what's involved with the logistics around this. We hear about Sarah's training plan for 100k, and how she fits that in around a busy working life. The training plan for the 100k is quite fascinating, there are loads of golden nuggets in there, get a notepad! Of course we speak about nutrition, what does a European 100k Champion have for breakfast on the day of the event, people have to know! In our intro we speak about what Steven and John are up to and launch our latest competition for 'prizes money can't buy!' Oh...anyone for Race or Not? Another wee nudge for donations to Steven's Rooprai Spinal Trust fundraising at the London Marathon, use the following link to donate: Stevie Boys London Calling Link to Chris Sutherlands Kicks and Clicks --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

When we started the podcast back in 2020 this week’s guest was on our hit list, 4 years later we’ve managed to pin him down for a chat. It’s well worth the wait. Paul Giblin is that man, John and Stevie Boy are primed to unearth his story. Just who is Paul Giblin? From familiar begginings as he took his foray into running through to his recent epic journey along New Zealand’s Te Aroroa Trail we cover a heap of ground. He’s created quite the story for himself picking up a ton of pals, experiences and accolades along the way. We uncover what makes Paul tick, what drives his motivation to search for new boundaries of what’s possible and home in on his evolution not only as a runner but as a human-being. Paul talks most passionately when on the topic of sharing experiences with others, a passion that kick started his Pyllon Ultra community. He’s maybe at the helm of this community but so many other people make it what it has grown to become. With many life objectives already conquered we get a feeling that Paul show’s no sign of losing his appetite and love for the sport. Buoyed by his network of connections across the globe we get a wee glimpse of bigger adventures that lie ahead. Big bold adventures. That’s the main takeaway. Now go be inspired and seek out your own! In our intro we get the chance to have a quick Anglo Celtic Plate debrief, gush over the magnificent Jasmin Paris and Steven reveals a spring marathon trip! Please if you can donate to Steven’s marathon fundraising attempts for the Rooprai Spinal Trust here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steven-watt --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

The gathering of awesomeness, you've maybe heard us mention it. In this week's episode we're joined by Adrian Stott to discuss all things Anglo Celtic Plate ahead of the event on Sunday 24 March. The Home International battle for the ACP takes top billing but there are many other sub plots and stories waiting to unfold on the North Inch in Perth both in the 100k event and the 50k. We chat through just some of them. Adrian takes us through the runners and riders to watch out for across both distances as well as regaling some of the fantastic history of the race. Whether you're taking part, coming along to support, watching the live tracking from afar or even a fan of ultra-running in general you'll love this appetite whetter ahead of the biggie! So, it's all down to 21 or 42 nods to the owl now, conditions are looking perfect, the path is looking fast. We'll be back next week with all the post race results and banter. Full race details here SRI CHIMNOY 50 & 100K Check out the race preview HERE Get on to the event live tracking HERE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Unpredictable? Well this week Steven bails after the intro leaving John to fly solo!! The cheek! In this episode we welcome to the podcast Sarah Perry. Fresh off setting a new Backyard Ultra British female record of 41 laps/yards at the Rasselbock Backyard Ultra. Sarah snatched the record from oor pal and inspiration UltraKazy aka Karen Nicol. For those not aware backyard ultras (BYU) involve completing laps (known as yards) of 4.167 miles on the hour, every hour. Runners drop out if they don’t complete a lap within the allotted hour, or fail to make the start line for the next lap. The last runner standing is the winner. Previous guest Mike Raffan took the overall win at Rasselbock. We get the lowdown on how Sarah prepares for Backyard events, hear about her running background, and tap into the mental side of her game Sarah lets us know who inspires her, what running means/brings to her, and we get a wee appearance from Murphy (Sarah's dog) as a wee bonus. Sarah ran the Rasselbock Backyard Ultra completely unsupported, we find out how that came about to be also how she approaches each lap/yard, strategies are very unique to the individual and we find her take very fascinating. No stranger to the BYU scene, Sarah informs us of her previous experiences, and how they helped shape her imperious performance at Rasselbock. And you know what, there's more...much more to come for Sarah Perry, you'll love this, go get tore in! As mentioned in our intro, check out #17 - To finish the Barkley Marathons --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

The Tunnel. A 200 mile (ish) ultra-marathon through the darkness of the UKs longest pedestrian tunnel. 100 out n backs. Who's in?? In this episode we speak to Alan Risk. He said yes to The Tunnel and he's with us to tell the tale. We caught up with Alan a mere day after his race. Listen in to get his superb immediate take on taking part. As is routine we first get to know about Alan, what brought him to be on a start line of The Tunnel? We unpack a lot as this chatty fella takes us on a whistlestop tour of his running story. Adventuring with his other half to take in new events, in new countries and making new connections in the running community rank high on his priority list. It's his recent partaking in the Tunnel though that we zoom in on. Buoyed by the knowledge that nobody under the age of 40 had ever successfully finished, 30 year old Alan takes us through his pre race mindset before letting us hear all about how the race panned out for him. With unexpected twists along the way and with the reality of the prospect of finishing within the 55 hour time limit dawning Alan recounts his time in the black hole of The Tunnel. Did he get the prize of finishing? You're gonnae have to listen to find that one out. A self confessed blether Alan's energy and vigour for running is always evident, he's achieved much already but we reckon he's only getting started! Decide for yourself by tuning into this proud Falkirk dafty. John and Steven also take the chance to unveil the winner of our David Miller / Allie Bailley framed print as well as round up the week's happenings in our quick intro! Interested in the Tunnel? Find out all about it HERE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

It was last summer we last caught up with our Yorkshire correspondent Mel Sykes. Since then, much has happened, this week Mel gives us a huge update. After successful outings last year, Ultra Trail Snowdonia, Summer Spine Challenger and Lakeland 50 amongst them, Mel has been hampered. After suffering from blurry vision and some balance issues Mel was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. The result? Brain surgery, a scar that tells the tale and a temporary pause on her upward trajectory in the world of ultra running. We find out how Mel noticed the symptoms, how her major operation went and, of course, get all the updates on her road to recovery as she looks to make up for lost time. Mel, in typical positive mood, also tells us all about her gig volunteering at this year's Spine Race, an event she was due to compete in. Is she in for the Winter Spine 2025 though? A run through her plans for the rest of 2024 reveals she's cracking on with her recovery and we even let you all know about our own planned race meet up in September. Oh, and we've a bumper intro for you too as John and Stevie Boy take the oppo to get caught up on all their chat, a race or not segment thrown into the equation too. Spoiling you we are! We love our catch up's with Mel, we are sure you will too. Enter Auchterarder Running Festival 2024 HERE - Opens Sunday 3 March at 7pm --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Continuing Season 10's highly unpredictable nature this week's episode takes a look at the sport we love through a different lens. We welcome along to chat all things running and photography with the renowned David Miller. His expertise has become increasingly well appreciated in the last few years, it's easy to see why. David first shares his own running story with us, and we unearth a highly capable runner with a clutch of ultra finishes of his own tucked in his belt. It's in the world of photography though that David shines brightest. Only seriously picking up a camera for the first time at the beginning of lock-down David has found an uncanny knack of capturing events like no other. His work soon coming to the attention of a global audience for its unique story-telling style. Now in high demand by race organisers around the world David remains firmly grounded, still striving to improve and learn from the world's best. He prob doesn't even realise that he is amongst that elite group himself. We delve into the most memorable races he's shot with Barkley Marathons and getting the money shots at UTMB taking centre billing. David also lifts the lid on the capture of his already famed snap of Allie Bailley, the cover for her bestselling book 'There is No Wall'. David's photo-journalist style is what really catches the eye, a breath of fresh air from the usual event pictures, he gives us an enticing glimpse into life on the other side of the lens and what it takes to get those vital shots. We don't let David go without covering your YHRF favs getting tore into his fav gear, his fav long day out snackages before finding out about some of his own bucklet list events. We clicked with David. We're sure you'll click with this episode. Check out David's website here https://david-miller.uk/ Be sure to give David a follow and check out his Instagram here David Miller Photography Podcast photo credit Jake Baggaley --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

It's only been a wee while since Kayleigh Webster started running, like 3 years! Starting with Couch to 5K in 2020 and completing the final 5k run on Christmas Day was a great way to start. Then things started to change... May the 4th be with you? Why indeedy! A significant date in 2022 for Kayleigh as it started a change in direction of going alcohol free and transitioned to a plant based diet (more on that later) Kayleigh shares her thoughts on social media (it's not always a bad thing!) and the running community that's developed (and that she plays a big part in) for her as part of this. 5ks to half marathons to marathons to ultras it's been some escalation! A now... big fan of the backyard ultra format Kayleigh has it in her sights to go again at this type of event, who knows how long she will go next time? For Kayleigh, it's about distance not time, and the beautiful thing is she ain't in no rush to get there, the joy of running oozes out of Kayleigh and we LOVE that! We discuss the benefits of being a plant based athlete, and Kayleigh has also taken that a wee bit further, and published her very own cookbook, and it's a belter! We get the lowdown on the Kayleigh Buff style (it's a finger poke!), and also enquire about how many buffs Kayleigh actually owns! Did we mention the 3x3x3 challenge for Kayleighs 33rd birthday? Always dreaming up (dream big) ways to celebrate life differently Kayleigh is true inspration both as a runner and as a human. The Happy Diet Website Kayleigh on Instagram Kayleigh on Strava --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

'Follow your nose, follow your heart and run, run hard' It was so predictable, wasn't it? This week we welcome the man himself, Winter Spine Race 2024 winner, Jack Scott along for a chat. And it's incredible. Jack, still in recovery phase after the race of his life, is in compelling form as he recounts his astonishing tale. Not only do we get to understand his ruthless approach to racing on the Pennine Way we are treated to so so much more. With a back story covering his discovery of running as an outlet for a gambling addiction and how quickly it grew as Jack discovered a love and talent for the sport. His honesty and openness shines throughout. We then take one of those famed deep dives of ours into his 2024 Spine. It's a frightening insight into the steely mind of Jack, compulsive listening for runners or for anyone keen to understand the limits of human endeavour. From race prep right through to post race recovery, nowt is left uncovered. With an obvious admiration and respect for his peers and for those who have trail blazed before him Jack is a refreshing mix of meticulous and uncomplicated. He has time on his side too, the 29-year-old looks to the future and teases us with his future plans. With plans to widen his horizons the world is his oyster. Could anyone dig deeper than Jack Scott? We're not sure of the answer to that but this straight-talking steel fixer from Stoke-on-Trent will take a helluva beating. We also take the chance to launch our new LeBuffBuff 'The Unpredictable Owl' head on over to our socials to get your grubby mitts on one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Season 10? Come on in, make yourself comfy the kettle is just off the boil! We've a magic guest to get the season motoring along. Carla Molinaro, 2023 World 50k Champion, joins us all the way from her base in Cape Town. First up John n Steven have a feature length intro as we peel back the skin on the unpredictable plans for the next 20 episodes! This could go in any direction! We take the oppo for a look back the way oh and we've an ask.....please share the podcast with your pals, interact with us on socials and even (if ye can be ersed) leave us a review on Spotify, Apple etc etc! CHEERS! Our headline act Carla enters the chat and she is in fine form. We fire through her running origin story including her time spent in Glasgow, a city where her running really started to flourish. We then hurl through her multiple finishes at the largest Ultra Marathon on the globe, the Comrades Marathon. A race that her affection for is obvious. Carla's phenomenal 2020 Lands End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) FKT then rightly dominates as she regales her approach as well as the rigours of her 874 mile epic adventure. We then zoom into something more recent; Carla ran out victorious at the 2023 IAU 50k World Championships in Hyderabad, India. Find out how she proudly wore the Team GB vest in a sweltering city to triumph. We finish up hearing all about Carla's Strength, Conditioning and Yoga program for runners, see links below, and finding out what's next on her racing schedule. Of course, it wouldn't be YHRF without covering the essentials, fav kit, fav refuelling, fav dialect word and a starter song for our new Le BuffBuff collection Vol 7 playlist. Season 10, we're only getting started, twit twoo. Try out Carla's SCY program by enjoying a week's free trial here https://www.carlamolinaro.com/scy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

And here we are, SEASON FINALE, and we're off to Cornwall. Unchartered territory for your dynamic duo! On the eve of the 2024 edition of the Arc of Attrition we were mega chuffed to snare a sit down chat with the uber busy Andrew 'Fergy' Ferguson, one of the race directors. It makes for a fitting close to an epic season. In customary fashion we first find out about Fergy the runner, quite some CV of races and adventures is uncovered with a wanderlust to explore new places with pals massively apparent. The ARC, now considered as one of the winter classics, then takes centre stage and Fergy give us a wonderful insight into the history of the race, the logistics involved in staging it in often challenging conditions and recounts some of his own memories of past event highlights. With tales of 78% DNF rates, the best starting location to any race in the UK and a huge nod to the race volunteers (The Arc Angels!) this is definitive listening with Fergy's passion for the sport and for putting on unforgettable experiences abundant throughout. We finish up with a quick preview for this years race as runners prep for the off! Be warned, once you catch this episode you'll find yourself hovering over the enter now button for 2025. And you know just what to do? Get that button pressed! Season 9? It's a wrap!! Find out all about the ARC of Attrition and the RAT at Mudcrew events website here https://www.mudcrew.co.uk/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Most podcasts don't have 20 episodes in a season. We're not most podcasts! In our penultimate episode of Season 9 we welcome Andy Campbell to the party, and with good reason. John and Stevie Boy have a quick round up of this week's happenings with Jack Scott's Spine Pennine Way heroics taking centre stage. Pitlochry based Andy then enters the chat! Andy is fresh off a superhuman effort tackling the West Highland Way in it's winter glory and snatching the winter season ‘Fastest Known Time’. We find out first about Andy the runner, a hiker to trade, and certainly an outdoor enthusiast. Only what do you do when you have reached your top speed in hiking? Well naturally you start running. Andy soon discovered running up hills and on trails was his thing and so began his foray into ultra marathons. And, as can be the case, soon became entranced with the West Highland Way. Putting in the training miles, learning his running craft and learning from past experiences put Andy in a great place to have a stab at the WHW winter record. We are treated to hearing all about it. Andy beams most when chatting about his support crew, his other half Gilly and his hill buddy Graham played an immeasurable part in the attempt. We find out how crucial they were to what was a hugely successful day on the way. Andy then reveals to us his own new venture, Highland Trails Guided Running, offers adventures in the Scottish Highlands on iconic routes and stunning places led by the experienced Andy. See show notes for links! We finish up in traditional fashion finding out what Andy is up to next, a cracking dialect dictionary entry and his submission into the YHRF playlist (incredibly a song JC had never heard of!! Find out all about Andy's HIGHLAND TRAILS GUIDED RUNNING Adrian Stotts tribute to British ultrarunner and orienteer, Ed Catmur --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Dinnae fret, after our short festive hiatus we're back and we're ready for a tumultuous 2024. We find out just why in this weeks episode. Appetites are whetted, new kicks are ready for action and renewed energy for adventure is abundant. We've hundreds of inspirational guests lined up for ye but this weeks 2024 curtain raiser is the pair of us previewing the year ahead. What we're upto, what's happening soon (Spine tingling stuff) and what you guys have let us know you are up to (that was quite some response you gave us to our ask on our socials!) It's a veritable miscellany of races, goals and dreams. It might even fuel some new adventures for your own 2024. We also take time to catch up on what we've been up to with John starting his Lakeland 100 prep in style (and in esteemed company) by getting his foot on the route and getting a wee bit lost. Steven meantime continues his romancing of Beluga Lagoon who we (kinda officially) appoint as the soundtrack of YHRF! We've even our first competition of the year to anounce with Devilla (or is it Devilia?) Forest Trail Race places up for grabs courtesy of our good pals over at Carnegie Harriers! 2024, here we f*ckin' GO!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

It was take two in Spain for Stevie Boy last weekend as he made a return trip to the continent for the 2023 edition of the Malaga Maraton. In this weeks episode we chart not only a weekend on the Costa Del Sol but find out how Steven has managed his training since his endeavours at the Chicago Marathon back in October. A full episode of John and Steven chewin' the fat about running and dain' braw hings with even brawer people. We cover more than just happenings in Espana though with a veritible feast of chatter as we pore over the last weeks running headlines plus plenty of irrelative sh*te you've grown accustomed to! We've news too that nominations for the YHRF Unawards 2023 are now open, follow this link to get involved YHRF UNAWARDS 2023 The meat of the episode then ensues with our Malaga Marathon debrief. If you ever fancy a wee trip abroad for some winter sun whilst ticking off a marathon (or a half if you cannae be ersed with 26.2 miles) with the enjoyment of savouring the post race highs along with good food, apt hydration and fine folk then you'll love this trip recount. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

We might've mentioned Season 9 would be different. Our gift this week is a video version of our chat with Nicky Spinks of course you can still access the audio version if you prefer. Nicky has been on our wish list of 'guests' since round about day one, it's well worth the wait! We start off with an intro from Nicky about her running journey, her 'why' and her love of the outdoors life. We then get the best description ever of the 'big rounds' in the UK, a passion of Nicky's which she has both set records on and also racked up an amazing number of support runs playing a part in many other runners successful rounds. Listen in to find out more......even the coveted double rounds are covered? From being inspired by runners including Joss Naylor and Roger Baumeister, Nicky has picked up the mantle and now inspires runners far and wide with her endeavour and fortitude, motivating others to push themselves and see what is possible. Nicky celebrated 10 years of surviving cancer in 2016 by taking on a Double Bob Graham round, the film crew invited to follow her got a right treat! And what a celebration it is... Run Forever: The film of Nicky Spinks & The Double Bob Graham Nicky likes it dark n gnarly, she's pretty good over the flatter ground too, it's just a means of getting to the harder stuff quicker is our guess! We criss-cross the globe as we speak about some of Nicky's many adventures running long distances over many days and of course the subject of food is covered, took us a record breaking 23 minutes to get there! There are golden nuggets aplenty and shared wisdom from one of the greatest runners to ever lace up a pair of shoes. Nicky is part of running folklore, it was an absolutely honour for us to spend some time in her company. To quote a line from Nicky's songs choice: I can climb the highest mountain... You'll love this, you'll likely listen to it more than once! Nicky's fundraising link for Odyssey --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Wrapped, it’s what all you Spotify-ers are getting tore in about this week. Well, here's another 120 minutes of (mostly) quality podcasting to add to your 2023 YHRF listening total! This week we cast our net far to catch another eclectic guest, as we're joined John O'Donnell. John has plenty to talk about, let's waste no time. A relative late comer into running John, as is customary, first takes us through his running story. From discovering the power of Parkrun, tackling marathons, and ending up falling head over heals in love with Ultras'! It's been a steep trajectory for Uplawmoor based laddie with a fair modicum of running talent in his legs. The marathon time was soon skittled down to the always impressive sub 3 hour marker and race podiums soon appeared within his reach. John recounts memorable days out on the West Highland Way and a watermark moment on the Great Glen Way as he honed his ultra marathon race craft. It's not all glorious successes though as John remains grounded with honest tales of the day's things didn't quite go to plan with a hat-trick of learning from his DNFs (we all need a few DNFs in our CV right?) Run Llama? Whits that all about then? John reveals all.....and more. A mega 2024 looms large on John's horizon, a half century birthday to be celebrated in style by taking on the gruelling Marathon Des Sables. Every wandered what training and prepping for the iconic multi stage desert marathon is like? Johns got you covered! See fundraising link at bottom of show notes! With Berlin Marathon 2024 also in his sights it's awfully apparent John has no intention of slowing up, the exact opposite in fact. With a running pal circle as valuable as any motivating and encouraging him along the way we cannae think of much that will stop him. With his Ella Kitchen in hand and more bromances flourishing we're sure you'll lap up our chat with Run Llama's John O'Donnell! John is raising funds and awareness for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) as he takes part in the Marathon Des Sables, throw him whatever you can spare here https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-odonnell-1700811484654?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjohn-odonnell-1700811484654&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

We continue to hurtle through Season 9. Join us in this episode for a ‘feature lengther’! Ye might want to make sure your earbuds are fully charged for our extended chat with this week’s guest, the cultured Mr Ally McColl. You may recall Ally featured recently along with Graham Connolly (Season 9 Episode 4) to give us the lowdown on their Barkley Fall Classic adventures. Now it’s time for Ally to go solo and have the floor to himself, he grabs it with both hands or as he might say himself ‘baithe tatties’. Ally provides us with a thorough look back at his running story, it’s part podcast part biography as we delve into a blow-by-blow account of Ally’s foray into the world of ultra running. From being a wet behind the lug novice, to mastering his race craft and transitioning into a competitive racer. That might sound a bit wanky, thankfully it's only yir show note scribe who is, Ally is anything but. Tales of a torturous first marathon, discovering the wonder of the trails and hills, finding pals with similar fires in their bellies and the good karma of volunteering ensue as Ally recounts his experiences. Ally’s passion for running comes over loud and clear, his love of the area he calls home along with a drive and determination to batter his former self’s performances. What did he do when racing was snatched away from him in the COVID years, sit on his arse and mope? Nah, this fella made sweet potato brownie and went for a few wee runs. He’s achieved a lot in a short number of years, who egged him on? That often mentioned ‘mate at work’ might just have played a part. Enjoy our full 90 min plus extra time with the exquisite Ally McColl! P.S. John and Stevie Boy have a wee ask, a regular and loyal listener to the show is currently undertaking a survey of ultra marathon runners and we’d love it if you took 15 mins to fill it in. Please follow this link to help us help a pal out https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uhi/ultra-running --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message