The Runspire Podcast

What’s the best piece of advice you could give to someone who is new to running? When asked this question there are literally hundreds of different answers you could give. This episode features many members of the running community who have kindly given up their time to give you what they believe is the best advice for those who have recently begun their journey into the world of running. You will still take a lot from this episode whether you've just finished your first 5k or you're vastly experienced. This episode also tells the story of the New York Pioneer Club, who were founded in the 1930’s. Their purpose was to support and encourage the youth of New York, regardless of colour, creed or social background. The Pioneer Club certainly left their mark and continue to influence many clubs to this day. This is a snapshot profile of how they have made positive waves in running. Running Coach Dylan Jannetta also has a chat to tell us what he feels are good foundations in becoming a better runner, why it’s important to do a variety of different runs and how he ventured into the world of coaching. Keep on running, and please ensure you leave a review and subscribe. You can discover more about Dylan at instagram.com/novicetoelite and Novice to Elite at novicetoelite.com.

On this episode we throw it back to early April 2020 to a live Instagram broadcast where founder Matt invited Runspire member Dani Page to be a guest on the Runspire: Live and Direct. Live and Direct is where the idea of a podcast came from after enjoying conversations with other runners so much. Dani is a Running Coach and part of the Brooks Run Happy team. She is the founder of Trainer Talk; a Devon based running group that has helped many become active through various running programmes including Couch to 5k. Dani gives Matt an insight on her background and discusses her love of bagels. You can find out more about her at instagram.com/the_colour_runner. Keep on running, and please ensure you leave a review and subscribe. * This episode was revised from a video that was originally posted on Instagram live.

On this episode Matt and Ben look back at how things look incredibly different, even since we last recorded an episode together in July. We discuss our future goals and aspirations, how we have had to adopt and adapt as runners due to COVID-19 and how we have coped during a pandemic that has lasted longer than we both expected. We also go through how the pandemic has made us appreciate life and running with others. We also have a chat about an 85 year old record breaker, how winter running is about to creep up on us and what can help you during the colder months that lie ahead.

We are finally out of podcast quarantine and it feels good!  On this episode Ben is joined by fellow Runspire members Rosa and Gaddy for a conversation about how running is a big part of their life. Both of them talk about how they’ve found 2020, what it’s been like to see race days returning, as well as their take on the London Marathon and how it was inspiring to see so many take part in the virtual event. We also spend vast amounts of time talking about food, beards and have some fun during a (not-so) quick-fire Would You Rather round including a Boris Johnson and Donald Trump related question. You can find out more about Rosa at instagram.com/healthyhappyrosa and Gaddy at instagram.com/gaddy_the_bearded_runner on Instagram. Keep on running, and please ensure you leave a review and subscribe.

On episode 6, Matt and Ben are joined by Jess Robson, the founder of Run Talk Run. Jess while going through a bout of depression discovered running was an outlet where she was able to open up about how she really felt while running with others. Jess found she was opening up far more in this way than she ever did while sat in the same room as a therapist. This gave her the inspiration to start up Run Talk Run in October 2017. In less than three years, Run Talk Run has gone from one group to being a global mental health running movement. There are now 70+ groups worldwide including in California and Dubai! We chat with Jess about how Run Talk Run came to fruition, what mental health means to her, as well as which Run Talk Run group Jess would love to travel to and link up with. You can find out more about Jess and Run Talk Run at instagram.com/runtalkrun.

On episode 5, Matt and Ben continue with their run-through (pun intended) of running jargon and terminology. If you want to find out more about mental demons, naked runs, reps, vo2 max and much more then tune in. If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review.

If you’ve spent any time around runners or you have taken up running, you’ve likely found that running like some sports has a language of it’s own. The terminology can be like a minefield. Don’t fear though, Matt and Ben are on hand to help. We talk you through bonking, chafing, foam rolling, LSD and much, much more. Watch out for part two.

On this episode Matt and Ben are joined by Runspire member Alannah Bolton who gives us a breakdown of how she got into running and how she battled MCADD to complete her first marathon after two failed attempts. Alannah also tells us what food helps fuel her long runs (it’s not gels!). We also have a discussion on the Beginner’s Guide to Running, a handy summary if you’re brand-spanking new to the sport. We talk different types of runs, shoes and kit, setting goals and that running means different things for different people. You can find out more about Alannah at instagram.com/run.lana.run.

On this episode Matt and Ben discuss what the best approach is to race day (including devouring pizza and bacon butties), not to always treat “race day” as a race and that it’s sometimes all about soaking up the atmosphere. We also discuss what drove us to enter a marathon (and what is driving Matt to take part in an ultra), what is so appealing about trail events and much more.

On the first episode of the revamped Runspire Podcast Matt and Ben talk motivation and how to keep those motivation levels up whether you are an experienced or new runner. We discuss what helps us stay inspired and what can inspire you, as well as covering the embarrassing moments you could have as a runner. We also discuss running during COVID-19 and how comparing yourself to others can be both beneficial and demoralising.