Damian Hall is a journalist, record-breaking ultra-marathon runner and UKA coach. He’s represented Great Britain and achieved competitive results in some of the world’s toughest ultra-marathon races, including the world famous UTMB. He is also a self-proclaimed, “climate emergency hypocrite.” What’s a climate emergency hypocrite? We’ll get to the bottom of that in the podcast.

“I thank my mid-life crisis for getting me addicted to ultra-running,” says Damian. Originally a football journalist turned travel writer, and then, outdoor journalist, Damian began running in 2011 when he completed his first half-marathon. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Is this podcast about running? Yes. In part. But it’s also about life, learning and the reality of chasing your goals.

In this episode, Damian explains how he’s transitioned from being a full-time journalist to an accomplished and highly respected ultra-marathon runner and coach. If you’re interested in transitioning from one career to another, Damian’s advice and key learnings will no doubt be useful intel for you. Damian also talks about how he’s adapted his life to live more sustainably; no easy task when part of your work involves travelling the world to participate in ultra-marathons.

A rich and varied conversation, I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording it.

You’ll find Damian on Instagram here: (https://www.instagram.com/ultra_damo/), on Twitter here: (https://twitter.com/Ultra_Damo).

His website is: http://www.damianhall.info/

If you want to watch ‘Underdog,’ the film Damian and I discuss at the start of the podcast, you’ll find a link to purchase it via the Summit Fever Media website (https://www.summitfevermedia.com)

Show notes:

01:49 – 02:32 – Damian talks about ‘Underdog,’ the film that documents his 5th place finish at the UTMB.

02:33 – 05:06 – I ask Damian: what came first, journalism, running or coaching?

05:07 – 09:56 – Damian explains how he went from journalist to professional ultrarunner and UKA running coach.

09:57 – 16:51 – Damian and I talk about his 5th place finish at the UTMB.

16:52 – 21:41 – I ask Damian how he turned his passion into a career.

21:42 – 24:56 – Damian shares his advice on how to turn your passion into a career.

24:57 – 30:46 – Damian and I discuss how he has almost entirely stopped writing as a journalist and now focuses on coaching full time. Damian explains what makes a good coach.

30:47 – 42:16 – Damian explains what is a “climate change hypocrite”.

42:17 – 48:53 – I ask Damian which running events he thinks are doing a good job with regards to becoming more environmentally friendly.

48:54 – 50:10 – I ask Damian how people can get in contact with him.