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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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”.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the next instalment of Couch to Coached Gold — where we dive back into our most memorable moments from the early days of the podcast.

This week, we revisit our interview with the legend that is Mathew Pritchard, from stunt performer to triathlon athlete and fitness enthusiast. WHAT A GREAT EPISODE THIS WAS!!!!!

A golden throwback with an absolutely amazing guest. Enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode begins with honesty, heart, and community at its core.

Rob and Emma open the conversation reflecting on the recent passing of Ben’s mum, sharing gratitude for the support shown by the running community and highlighting just how powerful connection can be during difficult times.

From there, the episode shifts into running updates, race reflections, and a major announcement — the launch of the Run Up to Christmas challenge in support of mental health. The pair discuss why the cause means so much to them, how charity running brings purpose to training, and how listeners can get involved.

Along the way, they dig into personal bests, recent races, and practical training insights — including how to tackle downhill running with confidence. With motivation, reflection, and community spirit woven throughout, they also share thoughts on upcoming goals and the excitement of their recent award nomination.

Whether you’re chasing a PB, running for your mental health, or leaning on community through tough times, this episode is a powerful reminder of why we run.

• Honouring community support through personal loss
• Launching Run Up to Christmas for mental health
• Race reflections and course personal bests
• Training consistency and staying motivated
• Downhill running tips for better race performance
• Running with emotion and the power of music
• Setting future goals and race plans
• Celebrating achievements and award recognition

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Will is Kate Olding

Rob, Ben, 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”.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the next instalment of Couch to Coached Gold — where we dive back into our most memorable moments from the early days of the podcast.

This week, we revisit an our first every mystery Guest and what a Guest it was- George Scholey. Not heard it before, i wont spoil it for you!!

A golden throwback with an absolutely amazing guest. Enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when marathon training meets Christmas chaos?

This week, Rob, Ben and Emma dive into all things running, recovery, and festive madness as they reflect on recent races, training wins, and the realities of staying consistent through the busiest time of the year.

From post-race recovery and the impact of new gear (including a head torch that might be better suited to Doctor Who) to pacing duties, track sessions, and triathlon plans that are definitely happening after payday, the trio share honest reflections on the ups and downs of training. They also explore how family life, cross country races, and unpredictable schedules can test even the most motivated runners.

The conversation dives deeper into the importance of structured marathon training, listening to your body, building long-term consistency, and learning to cherish those rare “perfect” runs when everything just clicks. Along the way, there’s plenty of festive fun, personal stories, and community updates—including the latest on the Run Up to Christmas challenge and Couch to Coached initiatives supporting local runners.

Whether you’re deep in a training block, struggling to balance life and running, or just looking for a relatable, festive running chat—this episode has you covered.

• The importance of recovery after big races
• How new gear can affect performance and comfort
• Balancing marathon training with family life
• Track sessions, pacing duties, and triathlon plans
• Cross country chaos and consistency in training
• Finding flow state and learning to cherish good runs
• Community motivation through Parkrun and festive challenges
• Updates on Run Up to Christmas and Couch to Coached initiatives

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.