This week we're talking to Ben Pochee, the passionate race director behind the Night of the 10,000m PBs. The UK's premier track running event. From his personal journey as a competitive runner to the inception of one of the most unique track events in the UK, Ben shares his deep insights into the world of running, community building, and event innovation. Tune in to discover how a love for Afro-funk and a desire to fill a gap in domestic competitive opportunities led to a revolutionary approach to track meets that focuses on athlete experience and community participation.

Three Key Learnings from This Episode:

1. Community and Identity in Running: Ben illustrates the profound impact that running can have on personal identity and community formation. Starting from his own experiences in school and local clubs, he emphasises how running extends beyond physical activity to become a significant social connector and a source of lifelong friendships and memories.
2. Innovation in Athletic Events: We dive into the story behind the creation of the Night of the 10,000m PBs, an event born out of necessity and sheer creative will. Ben discusses how overcoming the logistical challenges of traditional track events with innovative solutions like Facebook-driven athlete recruitment and creating a festival-like atmosphere can dramatically enhance participant engagement and performance.
3. The Power of Inclusive Event Planning: Learn about Ben's approach to making athletic events more inclusive and engaging. By involving athletes in the success of the event and experimenting with new ideas like the WaveLight pacing system, Ben has redefined what it means to participate in and spectate at track events, making them more accessible and enjoyable for the broader community.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports management, community engagement, and how traditional sports can adapt to modern demands while maintaining their core values.

Go along to the Night of the 10k PBs next weekend! All details here: www.nightofthe10kpbs.com/

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by Gill's story. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

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

On this week's RunAlive interval Ed is joined by distance runner and finance professional Steph McCall. Steph shares her running journey from sprinting as a kid to just recently tackling 2 Oceans marathon in South Africa (and coming 10th!) She delves into the communal joy of running, the psychological shifts required for tackling ultra-marathons, and her ongoing passion project, the Five Miles Easy podcast, which she hosts with Rose Harvey, who's just been selected for Team GB at the Olympics! (Whoop!) Tune in to discover how Steph balances her love for running with a demanding career and why she believes running is more than just a sport—it's a metaphor for life.

Three Key Learnings:

1. Community and Connection: Steph emphasises the importance of community in running, illustrating how shared experiences, regardless of pace or ability, enhance her joy and engagement in the sport. This sense of community not only enriches her running experience but also extends to her podcast.
2. Adaptability in Goals: Transitioning from marathons to ultra-marathons was a strategic choice for Steph to alleviate pressure and rediscover enjoyment in racing. This shift highlights the importance of adaptability in athletic goals and the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone to maintain motivation and excitement in sports.
3. Running as a Life Metaphor: Steph articulates how running mirrors life's ups and downs, teaching resilience and providing perspective on overcoming challenges. Through running, she has learned valuable life lessons about enduring hardships and maintaining balance between personal passions and professional responsibilities.

Find out more:

Search for Five Miles Easy wherever you get your podcast

Steph is on instagram: @stephmccall

Offers and Discounts:

Race Day Prints:

Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout.

Hardlines Coffee:

Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Follow us on Social Media:

We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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

This week we talk to Gill Bland, a seasoned marathon runner, soon to be mother for the second time, and self confessed running geek! Join us as Gill shares her transformation from a non-athlete to a marathon winner, and how running is her "me time" in the busyness of life as a mother.

We talk about:

• How Gill's attempt to catch a train sparked her passion for running and led her to complete over 30 marathons around the world.
• Balance: Gain insight into how Gill balances her roles as a mother, wife, and runner, and how these aspects of her life interconnect and influence each other.
• The Role of Community: Hear about the importance of community in Gill's running career, including how moving to a new village and connecting with a local running group profoundly impacted her life and running practice.
• Overcoming Challenges: Learn about the challenges Gill faced, from injuries to balancing training with family life, and how she navigated setbacks with resilience and a positive mindset.
• Running Through Pregnancy: Gill offers advice and shares her personal experiences with running during pregnancy, emphasising the importance of listening to your body and adjusting expectations.
• Future Footprints: Looking ahead, Gill discusses her aspirations to expand her coaching career, her involvement in the running community, and how she plans to continue influencing and participating in the sport she loves.

Gill's story is not just about running; it's about finding what makes you come alive, pushing your limits, and the unexpected paths life can take you on. Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone just thinking about starting, there's inspiration and wisdom to be found in Gill's journey.

Connect with Gill:

Follow Gill on Instagram at @BlandOnTheRun and check out her contributions on the Run Testers YouTube channel for more running insights and gear reviews.

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by Gill's story. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

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

“If you’re ever losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon”

This is a very special episode of the RunAlive Podcast celebrating all that is great about the London Marathon! This week we are plunging into the stories of 4 runners from the London Marathon each of whom have very different experiences of running the race.

We'll hear from 2:25 Welsh marathoner Clara Evans, who's starting on the elite start and pacing the British women. We talk to her about the practicalities of pacing, how to decide what pace to run, and what it's like running the London Marathon as an elite runner.

We speak to one of 6 remaining London Marathon Ever Presents, one of the people who have run all 44 London Marathons, Mike Peace, on how he got in to it, and what it's meant to him to be part of the "club you can never join".

It wouldn't be the London Marathon without a Guinness World Record Attempt, and we speak to James Whistler who is going for the world record as fastest Harlequin to run a marathon to raise money for 3 awesome charities that are close to his heart. His outfit is quite something - complete with dress shoes! (ouch!) Spoiler: He did it!

And of course, we check in with Ed at the start and the finish to hear how he gets on! This episode is a feast and celebration of everything that is great about the London Marathon!

Clara is on instagram: @claraa_louise

Mike's Fundraising Page

James is on Instagram: @jimmywhizz

James' GiveStar page

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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

We talk to former Marathon Age Group champion and Founder and CEO of Coach Core Gary Laybourne

In today's RunAlive Interval we welcome Gary Laybourne, co-founder and CEO of CoachCore. Gary shares his fascinating journey from a promising young athlete to a champion for change through sport. We talk about the London Marathon (of course) where in 2022 Gary unexpectedly became age group world champion, and we talk about the power of sport for change.

Coach Core has a mission to empower young people through sport, and has made a significant impact since its inception in 2012. Gary's dedication to fostering opportunities for young athletes and his insights into the broader benefits of sports are both inspiring and enlightening.

This episode not only explores Gary's accomplishments and the highs of his sporting career but also delves into the profound lessons running has taught him about life. His belief in running as a privilege—a tool for personal and community transformation—is a compelling message for all of us.

Find out more about Coach core: www.coachcore.org.uk

Offers and Discounts:

Race Day Prints:

Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout.

Hardline Coffee:

Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Follow us on Social Media:

We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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

This week we dive into the life and insights of Brady Threlfall, a distance runner, and the vibrant voice behind the Inside Running podcast. Through Inside Running Brady has brought the stories and personalities of Australian distance running alive to millions around the world.

In this episode we talk about, Brady's most memorable and thrilling race day experiences, highlighting the rush of crossing the finish line and setting personal bests in the 5k and 10k races at iconic venues. He delves into the mental and emotional aspects of racing and gives us a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive under pressure and the exhilaration of achieving what once seemed just out of reach.

Beyond the track, Brady opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing life as a runner, teacher, and podcaster. He discusses the creation and evolution of the Inside Running podcast, revealing how it has become a cornerstone of community and inspiration for runners worldwide. Listen as Brady reflects on the importance of setting ambitious goals, embracing the imperfections of training, and the power of good friends and community support in pushing boundaries and doing something really worthwhile. We discover how to harness your passion for running and turn it into a driving force in every area of your life.

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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

We've seen Jasmin Paris become the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, and Catlin Clark tear up the stats in March Madness in the US the year, where the women's basketball games outsold the mens but there's still a real battle for even coverage and equity between men's and women's sports, particularly in the media despite the success of the Lionesses. The BBC recently published an Elite Sportswomen's Study which was heavily contributed to by our season 1 guest Laura 'Sid' Siddall.

We welcome her back for a quick chat about the state of women's sport, what progress has been made and what could and should be done from here. We talk about coverage, women's health, diversity at the top of the sport, and mental health. If she had a magic wand, what would she do?

We also catch up with her about the impact and incredible recovery from her serious crash at Ironman Brazil and how she went on to go sub 9 at Ironman Kona last year.

Offers and Discounts:

Race Day Prints:

Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout.

Hardline Coffee:

Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Follow us on Social Media:

We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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

We're thrilled to welcome Marcus Brown, a runner probably most know for his impactful work in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the sport. Marcus shares his journey from a casual runner to completing the six World Marathon Majors and achieving multiple sub-three-hour marathon times, illustrating the transformative power of running in his life.

Marcus delves into the significant role running has played in his personal development, revealing how the discipline, challenges, and community within running have contributed to his growth as a runner and in life beyond running. He discusses the inception and evolution of his podcast, "A Runner's Life," highlighting how it serves as a platform for deep conversations that transcend running, touching on themes of mental health, diversity, and personal growth.

Additionally, Marcus opens up about his late diagnosis of being autistic, a discovery that offered him profound insights into his identity and how he navigates the world. This revelation has not only influenced his approach to running and coaching but also empowered him to advocate for greater awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity within the running community and beyond.

Through his coaching, Marcus is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment in running, aiming to inspire a broader demographic to pursue their running goals, regardless of pace or background. His vision extends to seeing more diverse start lines and finish pens, challenging the stereotypes and barriers that can deter potential runners from embracing the sport.

Join us as Marcus Brown shares his inspiring story, offering valuable lessons on resilience, identity, and the unifying power of running.

Marcus is on instagram: @marcus_runs

Check out his podcast: A runner's life

If you're in Boston - go down and see Marcus for a life podcast recording on Saturday morning at the Expo.

• Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.
• Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Thank you for tuning into the RunAlive Podcast. If this episode moved you, please subscribe, share with others, and leave us a review. Stay motivated, keep running, and remember, every step you take can lead to a greater impact.

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