Welcome back to Couch to Coached Gold, where we dust off the classics and bring you the very best moments from the early days of the podcast.

In this gold episode, Rob and Ben sit down with a true 1990s legend — Mr Motivator.

From transforming mornings across the nation in Lycra to spreading a message of movement, positivity, and inclusivity, Mr Motivator shares his journey, his purpose, and why fitness should always be for everyone. It’s uplifting, insightful, and packed with the infectious energy that made him a household name.

A timeless conversation with an icon who helped get the UK moving — and still does.

Classic. Positive. Pure Gold.

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In this episode, Rob and Emma catch up on all things Christmas, running, and community as they juggle festive preparations alongside their training goals.

From the struggle of buying gifts for teenagers to favourite holiday traditions and the joy of playing Santa, the conversation blends family life with fitness. Rob and Emma also share running updates, including solo park runs, cross country experiences, and how track sessions and local clubs help keep motivation high during the darker months.

The episode dives into winter running safety, the importance of reflective gear, and why visibility matters when training at night. They also talk swimming, open water nerves, and learning new skills as part of broader fitness and triathlon goals. Along the way, they highlight community events, festive races, and the Run Up to Christmas initiative—encouraging listeners to stay active, connected, and involved throughout the season.

Warm, honest, and full of festive energy, this episode is a reminder that movement, community, and a bit of Christmas spirit go a long way.

• Christmas traditions and festive family chaos
• The challenge of buying gifts for older kids
• Solo park runs and exploring new locations
• Cross country updates and personal progress
• Winter running safety and reflective gear
• Swimming lessons and open water confidence
• Track sessions, clubs, and community motivation
• Festive races and seasonal running events
• Run Up to Christmas and staying active together

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.

And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava.

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Couch to Coached – AWARD-WINNING Running Podcast

Our 5 With The Listeners series has been refreshed and rebooted — new questions, new logo, new vibes.

Rob, Ben, and Emma sit down with our latest featured listener to explore their running story in a whole new way. We dig into:

• What their running shoes would say about them
• What’s in their desert-island running survival kit
• What running has taught them

And joining us for this exciting relaunch as nominated last week by Rob and Emma is listener Claire Allman from Audley Striders

Rob and Emma also check in on this week’s Strava leaderboard — who’s on top, who’s rising fast, and of course…

who gets the all-important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK!

Want to support Rob & Ben?

They’re fundraising for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust UK — follow the link to donate.

Don’t forget:

✅ Follow us on Instagram

✅ Subscribe on YouTube

✅ Watch LIVE every Monday

And while you’re at it, join the Couch to Coached Run Club on Strava — just search for “Couch to Coached”.

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