Running Tales
Michelle & Craig Lewis
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Inspiring stories from everyday runners who’ve achieved incredible things.
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3 days ago
Russell Watkin: Running for Tommy’s - and to transform his life
Running has transformed Russell Watkin's life since he started training for next year's London Landmarks Half-Marathon.
When his journey began, Russell was overweight, suffering from high-blood pressure and battling depression, all while dealing with the effects of Long Covid.
He told Running Tales that before he started running, he had never stuck with anything in his life - but that has all changed now.
Spurred on not only by a desire to get fitter and feel better in himself, but through fundraising for baby loss charity Tommy's, Russell has made running a pivotal part of his life.
These days, he feels healthier than ever before and is even planning to take on the London Marathon in the near future.
Running Tales spoke to Russell about pushing through the hard times early on in his running journey, how he gets grumpy when he can't run and why everyone can improve their lives through running...
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You can sponsor Russell to run the London Londmarks Half-Marathon in 2024 by visiting https://llhm.tommys.org/fundraising/Russell-Watkin
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Nov 28, 2023
Jason Bahamundi: How a Puerto Rican kid from the Bronx came to run Western States, Rocky Racoon and the Cocodona 250
Jason Bahamundi is an ultra runner who lives by the motto 'all gas, no brakes,' but he only started running when he was 'voluntold' he would be doing a half-marathon for charity.
His first training run left him gasping for breath, but Jason was hooked. Running became a habit that led him to longer and longer races and ever bigger challenges, including completing Western States, the Rocky Racoon 100-miler several times, and Cocodona 250.
Along the way, he has finished a host of Ironman triathlons - not bad for someone who saw running as a punishment at school.
Jason is also the founder of Run, Tri, Bike magazine, which is devoted to celebrating the endurance lifestyle while expanding diversity and inclusion in sport.
Running Tales talked to Jason about championing women in running, sleeping during ultra races, and how running has helped him with his business...
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Read Run, Tri, Bike magazine at https://runtrimag.com/
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Nov 21, 2023
Natasha Swartley: Ultra marathoner on how life in the Navy helped foster a don’t quit attitude
Natasha Swartley wasn't particularly sporty growing up - and running certainly didn't feature on her to do list.
Even after she joined the US Navy at just 18, fitness was a punishment for being 'sarcastic' with push-ups and squats proving particularly unpopular.
But Tasha slowly developed a love of fitness and eventually running, ending up being responsible for training 3,000 men under her watch.
By 2019, she had completed her first ultra marathon - a 50-miler which she conquered despite neglecting race nutrition and training on a treadmill.
Tasha has since left the Navy to become a wilderness EMT, but her love of ultra running has blossomed - despite two DNFs at the 100-mile distance.
Running Tales spoke to her about life in the Navy as a high-ranking woman, hauling ammunition across ships and how it prepared her for running long distances, and the power of three little letters: DFQ.
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Nov 14, 2023
Rohan Kallicharan: The Olympic legacy runner who went from mental health crisis to the cusp of 100 marathons
Rohan Kallicharan, a sub-three hour marathoner, is on the verge of something extraordinary.
With more than 80 marathons - including 10 in 10 days - already behind him, the man dubbed by friends as 'Ro Farah' is aiming to reach 100 marathons before he turns 50 next June.
But that achievement will barely touch the surface of Rohan's story.
Over a 15 year period, starting when he was a teenager, he struggled with his mental health, attempting suicide three times before eventually being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
With a lot of hard work, Rohan was able to move forward with his life, but in confronting his mental demons he began to neglect his physical wellbeing, ballooning up to 19 stone.
It was only when he visited the London Olympic Games in 2012 that Rohan realised it was time to do something about his weight. Shortly afterwards he started running - and he's barely stopped since.
Running Tales talked to Rohan about the mental health benefits of running - and how when he became too focused on times he briefly fell out of love with the sport, his 100 marathon goal, and raising tens of thousands of pounds for Mind, the mental health charity...
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Visit Rohan's website, Run With Perseverance, at https://run-with-perseverance.co.uk/
Sponsor Rohan in his efforts to run 100 marathons before he reaches 50 - all monies go to Mind: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ro-fun-before-fifty
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Nov 7, 2023
Christopher McDougall: Born to Run author on war reporting, running with donkeys and why the B-52’s can perfect your form
Christopher McDougall wasn't even a runner when he came across the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico.
He'd been told he was too big. He'd be better off guarding the President or riding a bike than running.
But what he found not only changed his life, but those of thousands of runners across the globe.
In 2009, Christopher published his now famous book on the Tarahumara, 'Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen'.
Not only did it uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara, who could run incredible distances in super fast times, it opened up his eyes to a whole new way of running.
Christopher has gone on to write two more masterpieces on running, 'Natural Born Heroes' and 'Running With Sherman'.
But Running Tales wanted to find out a little bit more about the man behind the books that have inspired so many runners all over the world - and caused headaches among those in the big shoe companies.
We spoke to Christopher about how his father both embarrassed and inspired him by running laps round his school and going on to run three hour 30 marathons while in his 60s, his life as a war correspondent, and what is it like running with donkeys...
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Visit Christopher's website at https://www.chrismcdougall.com/ to find out more about his work and writing.
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Oct 31, 2023
Anthony Swain: The ultra runner who started jogging to beat a back injury and the pandemic
Anthony Swain has always been active, with martial arts and karate his first love.
But, after suffering from asthma as a child, running was never on his to do list.
That all changed during the coronavirus pandemic, when with contact sports off the menu and an aggravating back injury requiring him to keep moving, Anthony decided to try running again.
He's not stopped since.
A resident of Japan, Anthony has embraced that country's love of running, graduating from regular runs to taking on a marathon and soon after an ultra event.
Running Tales spoke to Anthony about how he finished tenth in his first ever marathon - don't mention there were only 27 competitors(!), how running has helped him with his martial arts, and why he's moved into writing about the sport...
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You can read Anthony's Substack - Bunburyoudou - at https://bunburyoudou.substack.com/
🎤 LISTEN TO THE RUNNING TALES PODCAST:
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Oct 24, 2023
Richard Wilcox: The runner who went from couch to 100-miles in a year
After a particularly troubled end to a family holiday, Richard Wilcox's wife gave him a ultimatum: 'Change or we're finished'.
The former Army man was overweight - his five four inch frame carrying 18 stone. He was suffering from mental health issues and going nowhere fast.
It was then he chanced upon a documentary about ultra running that changed his life. Inspired, Richard declared he would run a 100-mile race within a year.
Most people laughed, but he started walking, then jogging and before long he was running hundreds of miles every week.
Within a year, he was ready to take on the Snowdon Ultra 100. It was a race that was to test him to his limits, but one which would help Richard prove the doubters wrong once and for all.
Running Tales spoke to him about his incredible journey to success and the power - for good and bad - of an addictive personality...
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Oct 17, 2023
Nigel Watson: How one man’s prostate cancer diagnosis didn’t stop him running the Marathon des Sables
The Marathon des Sables had always been on Nigel Watson's bucket list.
But with his plans to tackle the six day, 250km ultra marathon through the heat of the Sahara Desert barely underway, Nigel was rocked by a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
An experienced runner with several marathons under his belt and a history of tackling triathlons that included representing Great Britain for his age group, Nigel was determined not to be beaten by the news and upped his training.
Part of his preparation saw him meet with Doug Richards, a friend of this podcast and Marathon des Sables finisher. Inspired, Nigel set out to complete his extreme goal.
Running Tales spoke to him about how the event went, his previous running success and tackling prostate cancer...
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Listen to Doug Richards' Running Tales Podcast appearances here:
Doug Richards - Running Once Around The Planet: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/doug-richards-running-once-around-the-planet/
Doug Richards - How one runner went from being out of breath climbing the stairs to the Marathon des Sables: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/doug-richards-how-one-runner-went-from-being-out-of-breath-climbing-the-stairs-to-the-marathon-des-sables/
Listen to our episode with Lizzie Tovey:
Lizzie Tovey - Visually impaired runner takes on cancer to complete the Virtual London Marathon: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/lizzie-tovey-visual-impaired-runner-takes-on-cancer-to-complete-the-virtual-london-marathon/
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Oct 10, 2023
Peter Vickers: The ‘one time’ parkrunner who beat Covid to finish an ultra
From deciding to try parkrun once - and then getting hooked on it - to completing a 35-mile ultra despite contracting Covid, Peter Vickers has fully embraced the world of running. At 55, he saw people running parkrun around Northampton’s Racecourse and decided to take part the next week - not long later he was running the London Marathon. In all, Peter has had to come back from three bouts of Covid - the first of which left him feeling he might die and which still sees him battling with his breathing at times. Along the way, he's raised money for a host of charities and made friends at every corner, aid station and finishing line of his many runs. Running Tales spoke to him about everything from pacing at parkrun to his ultra endeavours…
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🎤 LISTEN TO THE RUNNING TALES PODCAST:
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Oct 3, 2023
Isaac Kenyon: The extreme adventurer using running to raise mental health awareness
Isaac Kenyon is a runner, cyclist, triathlete and extreme adventurer who uses the power of the challenges he takes on to both inspire others and raise awareness of mental health and climate change causes.
His most recent challenge - completed as recently as September 10 (World Suicide Prevention Day) - saw him finish a full Ironman while wearing a 15kg weighted vest.
The vest represented the unseen weight of poor mental health, something Isaac has had to confront himself in the form of often crippling anxiety.
Isaac has used the power of exercise and the outdoors to confront his illness, completing challenges including breaking a world record for the longest continual row of three days and 11 hours, running the 233km Welsh Three Peaks Challenge and rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 40 days, from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean.
Running Tales spoke to Isaac about his own anxiety, the power of the great outdoors and becoming one of the youngest international keynote speakers in the world...
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You can learn more about Isaac's mission on https://www.isaackenyon.com/ and his Climate Explorers CIC at https://climateexplorers.co.uk/
Listen to Isaac's Ted Talk at https://www.ted.com/talks/isaac_kenyon_freedom_and_opportunity_from_being_outdoors/details
You can also find Isaac on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/isaac_kenyon/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/kenyon_isaac LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/isaackenyon Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/isaac.kenyon.7
🎤 LISTEN TO THE RUNNING TALES PODCAST:
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Sep 26, 2023
Carlotta James: The woman behind the 4,300km Monarch Ultra
Launched in 2019, The Monarch Ultra is an epic environmental run and conservation project which aims to raise awareness of the at-risk Monarch Butterfly.
That year, a team of ultra runners and environmentalists followed the 4,300km (2,670 mile) migratory route of the Monarchs from Ontario in Canada to central Mexico.
They did so as a relay team as part of an incredible 47-day adventure.
The co-founder of the event is Carlotta James, and Running Tales caught up with her to talk about her own running, the plans for this year's version of the Monarch Ultra and why these butterflies are so important...
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This year, the Monarch Ultra will take place in the form of two events:
* The Monarch Festival in Peterborough, Ontario, which will include a 10km race in support of reforestation efforts in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This takes place on Sunday, October 15, 2023
* The 50km ultra marathon race from Zitacuaro, Mexico to the monarch sanctua…
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Sep 19, 2023
Jake Fedorowski: Bringing non-binary inclusion into the world of running
At school, Jake Fedorowski always felt they weren't the sort of person who played sport.
Indeed, if you'd have told them they would end up running marathons, they would have laughed.
But as a non-binary person, Jake's love of running grew after they discovered the Seattle Frontrunners, a running and walking club for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.
These days they are both a committed runner and campaigner, championing inclusivity within the running community.
One way of doing this was to create the Guide to Non-Binary Inclusion in Running, which they wrote after making the difficult decision to no longer register or participate in events that didn’t affirm their gender identity.
Jake then began partnering with race organisers, including the team behind the Chicago Marathon, to implement the solutions in the guide.
They also founded Run Beyond (RUNN+), a community for non-binary athletes to connect, and are now the vice president of Seattle Frontrunners.
Running Tales sp…
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Sep 4, 2023
Franjo Mihalić: The Croatian running champion who won the Boston Marathon and Olympic silver
This week, Michelle and Craig are enjoying a (well deserved?) holiday in Split, Croatia so instead of our usual interview style podcast we bring you the story of one of that country’s finest runners.
Franjo Mihalić was a Yugoslav and Croatian long-distance runner best known for his 1958 win at the Boston Marathon and for a silver medal performance at the 1956 Olympic Games.
Those successes were the pinnacle of a career which saw him compete across marathon and cross-country races, breaking a combined 25 Croatian and later Yugoslavian national records in long-distance track events between 5000m and 25km - but which started as a cyclist and footballer.
Today, Running Tales tells his story…
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Aug 29, 2023
Joe Thomas: Inspired by Goggins - running 100 miles to raise money for MDS UK
When his father, Pete, was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) last August, Joe Thomas decided it was time to take on a major challenge.
Despite only being an occasional runner, Joe had listened to David Goggins' story and hit on the target of running a 100-mile race.
He signed up for the 103-mile North Downs Way 100, which runs from Farnham in Surrey to Ashford in Kent - only discovering along the way that he needed to complete a 50-mile race before he could enter.
Earlier this month, Joe completed his challenge of a lifetime by finishing the race - which includes 11,000 feet of ascent - in 27 hours and 55 minutes, well within the 30 hour cut-off time.
Along the way, he has so far raised more than £12,000 for MDS UK - money which will mean MDS patients get the support they need when they receive a life changing diagnosis.
Running Tales spoke to Joe about why he set his sights as high as 100 miles, the joys of eating your way through an ultra and possible future plans t…
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Aug 22, 2023
Kim Levinksy: Overcoming closed trails, wet shoes and farm dogs to beat the 358-mile Long Path
Running Tales first caught up with trail runner Kim Levinsky back in April as she prepared to take on the 358-mile Long Path.
Starting from the 175th Street Subway Station in New York City, crossing George Washington Bridge and running across the Catskills all the way to Albany, the Long Path combines woods, a series of 2,900 foot peaks, and trails that pass over lakes and streams.
Kim, who has also completed the Tahoe 200, was hoping to achieve a fastest known time for a supported female on the Long Path.
In July, she did it in nine days and ten hours, registering 378 miles and 72,000 feet of elevation.
Running Tales caught up with Kim to talk about everything from overcoming early injury niggles and shimmying across unsteady logs over raging water to farm dogs and wet shoes...
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You can find more details about, and donate to, Kim's charities for the Long Path FKT at: Bigger Than The Trail Fundraiser: https://biggerthanthetrail.networkforgood.com…
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Aug 15, 2023
Martinus Evans: Slow AF Run Club founder on how he overcame prejudice to become a marathon man
When Martinus Evans went to get some hip pain checked out 10 years ago, he was shocked when his doctor ignored the fact he was on his feet for eight hours a day at work and instead concentrated on his weight.
As a larger man, Martinus weighed in at 300 pounds (21 stone), but he was living an active life combining his busy work days with playing basketball at weekends.
But the doctor dismissed him as 'fat,' telling him to start walking to 'lose weight or die'.
An angry Martinus replied that he wouldn't simply start walking - he'd run a marathon.
With his hip problem correctly diagnosed by a different doctor, and quickly cured through physio, Martinus started out on his running journey.
Ten years later, he has been an adidas spokesperson, a model on the cover of Runner’s World and a Boston Marathon finisher. In all, Martinus has now completed eight marathons.
But he wasn't finished. His personal goals soon turned into a mission to promote running as a sport for people of all shap…
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Aug 8, 2023
Georgia Francis: My granddad William McKim, Olympian, marathoner and adventurer
Georgia Francis' granddad William, or Bill, McKim represented Great Britain in the 1,500m at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.
But his fourth placed finish in the heats - narrowly missing out on a place in the finals despite suffering from an illness which should have prevented him competing - doesn't tell his full story.
Not long after the event he beat eventual winner Peter Snell of New Zealand, and a year later he ran a sub-four minute mile - just seven years after Sir Roger Bannister had done so for the first time.
He went on to repeat the feat a year later, before turning his attention to marathons and completing the New York event in two hours 35 minutes.
In later life, Bill went on to climb Everest twice and hike the Inca Trail - something Georgia repeated years later, standing on the same spot he did to overlook Machu Picchu and making an emotional call to him back in England.
Bill has since sadly passed away, but in this episode we talk to Georgia about how he was always destin…
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Aug 1, 2023
Mary McNerney: The woman teaching children to ’Run Like A Cheetah’
Mary McNerney is the brains behind a new running programme for schools in Chicago - and hopefully beyond.
The former school teacher is the founder of Run Like A Cheetah, which has the ambitious mission of teaching social-emotional learning to children through the power of running.
Run Like A Cheetah aims to teach running in a fun, inclusive, non-competitive way to improve children's physical and mental wellbeing, particularly those who may have suffered trauma or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mary hopes running can become a lifelong friend and companion for children who have previously seen the sport as a punishment or simply the means to breed elite athletes.
Running Tales also spoke to Mary about her own running journey which saw her take up the sport at 16 and go on to complete three marathons - Chicago, twice, and New York - as well as enjoy running with her own children...
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Find out more about Run Like A Cheetah here: https://runlikea…
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Jul 25, 2023
Henry Morris: The ultra runner and ’secret Tory’ who became a Twitter sensation
At the end of May, the man behind a satirical Twitter account outed himself.
That account was the Secret Tory - a topical and sometime controversial lampooning of the Conservative government.
And the man behind it is Henry Morris. a fitness instructor and - as it turns out - ultra runner.
The Secret Tory Twitter account, which has close to 200,000 followers, started life as a parody of Tory MP Mark Francois and developed into a sharp-elbowed critique of government policy and personalities.
Although it often bordered on the ridiculous, many pundits speculated the account was run by a disaffected MP or a Westminster insider.
Instead, it was Henry Morris.
Running Tales spoke to Henry about the inspiration behind the account, how it got so huge, and - most importantly - all about his running.
Henry abandoned a party lifestyle in favour of ultra running, and has now completed close to 50 ultras including one of 110 miles.
He often runs to raise money and awareness of environmental i…
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Jul 18, 2023
Tom Mulchinock: How one runner went from alcoholism to taking on 10 marathons in a year
When Tom Mulchinock left school with little more than an addiction for video games and a 'class clown' nature, he found himself numbing real world pressures with increasingly heavy drinking.
Nights out turned to day drinking - to avoid hangovers it was better to just not stop.
It wasn't until he reached 30 that Tom realised he needed to get help.
After seeking therapy and moving to Iceland, Tom started practicing mindfulness, going on walks, listening to podcasts - and running.
A first 5k race eventually turned into a running habit and then into a new goal.
Tom is currently aiming to run 10 marathons in a year in 10 different countries - all to rase money for CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably.
Running Tales spoke to Tom about how running has helped him stay sober, combat his anxiety and embrace his creative side...
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People can sponsor Tom via JustGiving here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/10marathons10countries1year
You can…
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Jul 11, 2023
Grayson Murphy: The late bloomer turned two-time world mountain running champion
Grayson Murphy is a running chameleon.
From two-time world mountain running champion to a track star who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Olympics, the 28-year-old has made a career out of taking on different challenges and distances.
And what a career.
Despite only starting running aged 20, Grayson was soon ripping up records at the University of Utah, setting new standards in the steeplechase, 5,000m and 10,000m events and becoming a five times All-American.
A professional contract followed, but life on the track didn't go exactly to plan to begin with and Grayson made the sudden and surprising switch to trail running.
Victory at the American championship followed - an event she has now won four times - and, on her debut at the race, she won the 2019 World Mountain Running Championships.
Two years later, she returned to the track in style for the Olympic trials, winning her semi-final and finishing sixth in the final of the 3,000m steeplechase.
This year, it was back…
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Jul 4, 2023
Doug Richards: Running ’Once Around the Planet’
Doug Richards has just published his third book about running, charting an incredible journey that has seen him run a lifetime total of 24,902 miles.
It's a distance equivalent of the circumference of the Earth’s equator.
In 'Once Around the Planet,' Doug shares his latest running adventures including running a marathon in Venice and taking on a host of island runs including among ancient Moai statues on Easter Island, across volcanic rim trails in the Azores and even into the mysterious confines of the Bermuda Triangle.
Doug's amazing running total was achieved despite the fact he only started running in his 30s, when he found himself out of breath having run up the stairs to see his son.
It was then he decided to get fit - and start running. It's a habit he's found hard to shift and has seen him run across all seven continents, including in Antarctica and across the Sahara and Gobi Deserts.
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You can listen to our previous episode with Doug her…
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Jun 27, 2023
Rebecca Leek: The environmentalist working to stop Britain ’Running Out of Time’
This week ultra runner and environmentalist, Rebecca Leek, will be taking part in a climate relay to raise awareness of climate change.
On Wednesday, June 29, Rebecca is coming to Northampton - the home of the Running Tales Podcast! - to run a leg of the Running Out of Time relay.
The event is the biggest sporting celebration of climate action and nature ever attempted across Britain. Taking place between June 10 and July 11, the relay will travel 2,661km (1,653 miles) from Ben Nevis to Big Ben.
Rebecca has also made a number of environmental pledges, including using existing clothing and trainers during the event, travelling in a low carbon manner and taking positive action in the community.
It is the latest stage of a running career which only started two years ago - with a "shuffle" after listening to Chris Evans talking running on the radio.
Running Tales also talked to Rebecca about how she felt discouraged to run at school and how she recently won a 71-mile ultra...
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Jun 20, 2023
Jeremy Singh: From overweight dad to ultra marathoner - and 40,000 run loving Twitter followers
According to his own Twitter bio - @singhcredible - Jeremy Singh went from overweight dad to ultra marathoner.
He now has a 100-mile race set in his sights, having ticked off a 75 mile run last year.
Along the way he has built a strong social media brand, with more than 40,000 people following him his Twitter hints and advice on everything from strength training and nutrition to running plans.
Running Tales also talked to Jeremy about his 'Go for a Run' catchphrase and how everyone can enjoy running...
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You can follow Jeremy Singh's Twitter feed here: https://twitter.com/singhcredible
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Jun 13, 2023
Hannah Phillips: ’No Run Intended’ author on how running changed her life
Hannah Phillips first experiences in running had an element of a comedy sketch about them.
She was first prompted to run after seeing a "fat girl" wearing the same top she had on - a girl who turned out to be her reflection.
Spurred on, she set out to run round her home town of Merthyr Tydfil, only to be stopped by the police for wearing a balaclava she had donned to hide her identity.
Since then, running - in slightly more conventional ways - has changed Hannah's life. After falling in love with the sport, she decided to run a marathon - a move which prompted her to write a book about her experiences.
That book, 'No Run Intended,' became an unexpected bestseller and propelled her to a job with Welsh Athletics, encouraging other people to take up running.
Along the way running also helped Hannah deal with the heartache of miscarriage, restoring her faith in her body's capabilities...
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Jun 6, 2023
Ben Davies and Richard Wilcox: The anatomy of a 145-mile endurance race
On this week's Running Tales Podcast, we broke down what it takes to run an extreme endurance race - with the help of two ultra runners who know how to do exactly that.
At the end of May, Ben Davies and Richard Wilcox completed the 145-mile Grand Union Canal Race.
The pair, who finished the event in 42 hours and 22 minutes, are taking part in the three race, 400-mile Canal Slam, which will see them battle against another 145-miler in the Kennet & Avon Canal Race before finishing off with the mere 130 mile Leeds and Liverpool Canal Race.
Running Tales spoke to Ben and Richard about what it takes physically and mentally to prepare to tackle such distances, race nutrition, sleep deprivation, overcoming extreme tiredness, aches and pains, and the feeling you get when you cross the line after running for so long.
Oh, and the joy of eating apples after 110 miles...
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You can listen to our stand-alone episode with Ben Davies - the ultra runner who's mant…
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May 30, 2023
David Abbott: How ’Mr Slow Easy Comfortable’ qualified for Boston a year after starting running
David Abbott only started running seven years ago, aged 35, but within a year he had qualified for the Boston Marathon and he's gone on to complete several sub-three hour marathons.
The American, who now lives in Japan, has also become a coach - not least through the prism of Twitter where under the moniker Mr Slow Easy Comfortable (search for @runliftrunlift) he offers reams of advice on everything from how running slower makes you faster, the benefits of weight training and what to do if you're a new runner.
Running Tales also spoke to David about how he grew his Twitter following and running in Japan...
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May 23, 2023
Raising money for rough sleepers: Why Running Tales put on a charity run for the homeless
We've got something different for you this week on Running Tales.
On Saturday, in association with Michelle's Step Forward With Lewis fitness business, we held our inaugural 16:15 Charity Fun Run in aid of Northampton rough sleeper charity, Project 16:15
The event lasted six hours but participants could run for as far or as little as they like, with the only requirement being that they either raised money for the charity or gave a donation.
In all, we managed to raise more than £1,100 for Project 16:15.
In this episode Michelle speaks to the charity's founder Stan Robertson about why he formed it and about some of the people who have sadly died on Northampton's streets...
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People can still donate towards the 16:15 Charity Run and Project 16:15 here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/1615CharityFunRun
Here are a selection of our Substack articles about the 16:15 Charity Run:
Rough sleepers deserve to be given dignity - our 16:15 Charity Run a…
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May 16, 2023
Neil Russell: Putting two fingers up at Parkinson’s to take on 970-mile London to Barcelona challenge
In little over a week, Neil Russell is set to start an awe-inspiring 970-mile run from London to Barcelona, aiming to complete his journey in just over five weeks.
What makes Neil's challenge even more notable is that the 65-year-old will be doing it despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018.
In fact, Neil's final destination is the World Parkinson's Congress, and along the way he is hoping to raise £50,000 for Cure Parkinson's and Parkinson's UK.
It's not the first time he has taken on an incredible challenge to raise money for the two charities, having made £11,000 while running from John O'Groats to Land's End last year.
Running Tales spoke to Neil about his current, gruelling training regime, how running has helped him to "stick two fingers up" at Parkinson's and how the condition effects him on a daily basis and with his running.
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To find out more about Neil's London to Barcelone run visit https://www.neilstillcan.run/london-b…
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May 10, 2023
Rik Vercoe: Raising Phoenix Running Club out of the flames of a red hot running career
As one half, alongside wife Louise, of Phoenix Running, Rik Vercoe has created a hugely popular and inclusive race organiser.
Phoenix offers a wide-range of races and was a pioneer in the creation of lapped events, encouraging runners of all abilities to feel comfortable at organised runs and achieve goals they often never even set out to do.
Rik's own running career has certainly seen plenty of incredible goals smashed, from running a then record 152 marathons/ultras in a year to completing some of the toughest events around, including the North Pole Marathon and the Marathon des Sables.
Running Tales also spoke to Rik about breaking the record for the fastest aggregate time to complete 10 marathons in 10 days, and discovered he has one last marathon ambition left.
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May 2, 2023
Damon Fox: Running 750km in 12 weeks for children in poverty
Damon Fox ran to take part in this week's Running Tales Podcast - after all, he can't afford to miss any runs right now.
The business development manager for Northampton Town FC Community Trust is currently in the midst of a challenge that will see him run 750km (466 miles) in 12 weeks.
There are 7,500 children in poverty across Northampton (hence the number of kilometres), and Damon is fundraising to support them in their school and home life, and give them opportunities to be involved in activities in the town.
Running Tales also spoke to Damon about his love of parkrun and completing the London Marathon in 2017.
Be warned, this week's episode also features a screaming cat and an unusual interjection about naked sunbathing. You've been warned...
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You can sponsor Damon here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/damon-fox-1678696402252/
Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com
If you like this episode please consider…
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Apr 25, 2023
Colin McCord: Running five marathons in five weeks for Dementia UK and mum, Susan
By the time this episode goes live on Tuesday, April 25, Colin McCord will hopefully have completed the London Marathon on Sunday - what will have been his fourth out of five marathons in as many weeks.
With the Great Welsh, Magna Carta and Manchester Marathons also behind him, Colin will complete his challenge next week by taking on the 26.2 mile distance for one final time in April - only his opponent then will be the dreaded treadmill!
Colin is taking on this very personal challenge to raise money for Dementia UK. His mum, Susan, was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2018 and Colin is fundraising to help Dementia UK provide information, support and Admiral Nurses to those with dementia and their families.
Running Tales also spoke to Colin about how running has helped him cope with PTSD, something he has suffered with as the result of a traumatic robbery.
Embracing the sport and the running community - including his friends in the Running Punks - has helped Colin with his mental h…
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Apr 18, 2023
Pete Moor: The all-rounder who’s run everything from parkruns to ultras
Pete Moor is a stalwart of the local running scene in Northamptonshire.
With approaching 250 parkruns to his name, the Northampton Road Runner is a regular at events up and down the county - as well as in neighbouring Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.
Pete is a real all-rounder, taking on races from 5k to ultras with 15 marathons to his name.
But it's not just local events that attract Pete, who combines his love of travelling with that of running.
He's completed three - Boston, Chicago and London - of the six marathon majors, with Berlin, Tokyo and New York firmly on his wishlist.
And despite having the pace to qualify for Boston, he once finished dead last in a gruelling Faroe Islands ultra which took place on landscape, he says, only the resident old ladies could cope with!
Running Tales spoke to Pete about not being able to sleep at Endure 24, his love/hate relationship with marathon running and why he loves being a Northampton Road Runner...
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Apr 11, 2023
Kim Levinsky: The trail runner hoping for an FKT on the 358 mile Long Path
Trail runner Kim Levinsky is preparing to take on the biggest challenge of her running career - the 358-mile Long Path.
Starting from the 175th Street Subway Station in New York City, crossing George Washington Bridge and running across the Catskills all the way to Albany, the Long Path combines woods, a series of 2,900 foot peaks, and trails that pass lakes and streams - it is a beautiful and challenging route.
Kim, an experienced trail and ultra runner who recently completed the Tahoe 200, is hoping to achieve a fastest known time on the route.
Running Tales spoke to Kim about everything from nutrition to why she is taking on the challenge, as well as her role as a race director with Sassquad Trail Running...
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You can find out more about Kim and the challenge on her personal Facebook and Instagram pages, while the Sassquad Trail Running group is on the same platforms - Facebook here and Instagram here.
You can find more details about, and donat…
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Apr 4, 2023
Ady Pendred: The late developer who runs sub-three hour marathons
Ady Pendred was a latecomer to the world of running, but he has gone on to complete several sub-three hour marathons and find a love of trail and ultra marathons.
In recent years, he has stopped chasing times and learned to enjoy running for fun - not that it has slowed him down.
Running Tales spoke to Ady about how time isn't his be all and end all, his love of Lidl trainers and how his body didn't shut down at 50 as we was being told to expect...
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Mar 28, 2023
Ali Hall: A life in running - from ultras and adventure running to CaniCross and city tours
Ali Hall first started running when she was at boarding school, finding a love of the sport while escaping mental health challenges.
It's a passion she has never left behind, competing in everything from adventure racing to ultra marathons and moving in to the world of coaching with Pyllon.
Along the way, Ali has formed a number of running communities, including setting up a group putting on city running tours and the hugely successful Cani-Sport Edinburgh.
This latter endeavour combined her love of dogs with running - and did her 5k time no harm at all either!
We spoke about everything from sports psychology and the mental health benefits of running to her dream of finishing a 100-mile race...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
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Mar 21, 2023
Mike Harley: Conquering Europe one EU marathon at a time
Back in 2015, Mike Harley decided he wanted to raise money and awareness for Invest in ME, an independent charity which funds research into what is a severe and debilitating illness.
Mike was inspired by one of his oldest friends, Ian, who has been suffering from ME for over 15 years, and instead of simply running a local marathon he decided to combine his love of travelling with a growing desire to run, and complete a marathon in every member country of the European Union.
Ultimately - thanks to a Mr B Johnson and a certain referendum - that ended up being one less race than he had intended, but it still meant completing 27 marathons in places as varied as Cyprus, Estonia and France.
Running Tales spoke to Mike about why he took on the challenge, the logistics of doing marathons across Europe, his favourite races and how he was inspired by talking to people with ME in the cities he visited...
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You can learn more about Mike's challenge at his Mike…
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Mar 18, 2023
Women’s safety and running - A Running Tales special with Dr Ashley Morgan, Angie Skinner and Michele Heller
Every day, in every part of the world, women are being harassed and abused by men while out running.
A recent survey commissioned by Adidas and taking in 9,000 people from the US, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan and South Korea, found nine in 10 women are concerned about their safety while running.
The list of issues women can face ranges from cat calling, body shaming, wolf whistles, verbal abuse and heckling to indecent exposure, sexual attention and physical contact.
Worse, women all to often face the daunting prospect of being approached or followed by potential predators, or of being attacked while out running.
In the very worst cases, women have been raped or killed for committing the 'crime' of exercising near a man.
High profile cases such as those of Ashling Murphy in Ireland and Eliza Fletcher in America, both tragically murdered while out running, have garnered media attention - but is the world any closer to solving t…
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Mar 14, 2023
Rachel Heley: How wild swimming can improve running performance and boost your mood
Rachel Heley is a self-proclaimed fun runner.
While the sport has been with her for most of her life, she's always fell tantalisingly short of any goals - but loved it nevertheless.
However, you are more likely to find Rachel, a born adventurer, in the water.
She discovered wild swimming - or as she simply calls it 'swimming' - during the pandemic, but has always been at home in the water, including taking part in swim/run events.
Running Tales spoke to Rachel about the benefits of cold water swimming, including mood enhancement and muscle recovery - as well as how to take part in the activity safely.
We also spoke about her adventure clothing line, and why she called it Wild Moose...
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You can visit Wild Moose at this link, or on Instagram search for wildmoose_uk
Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com
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Mar 7, 2023
Gary Shaughnessy: From Parkinson’s diagnosis to completing the world’s hardest triathlon - and breaking the record for the longest distance ever run three-legged in 24 hours
Gary Shaughnessy has done a lot in the world of running, from completing 40 marathons to raising thousands of pounds for charity.
But perhaps his greatest achievement came in finishing the Arch to Arc Triathlon, dubbed the hardest triathlon in the world.
Starting at Marble Arch in London and heading to the heart of Paris and the Arc de Triomphe, the event consists of an 87-mile run, swimming the English Channel (Gary swapped in a gruelling row for the swim) and 181-miles of cycling.
What makes Gary's success even more remarkable is that it came after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2015.
The triathlon was one of a series of incredible challenges, including several marathons and ultra, that Gary has carried out in aid of Parkinson's UK, a charity of which he is the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
In between he even found time to set a new world record for the longest distance ever run three-legged in 24 hours.
He's not intending to stop yet though, with a host of even…
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Feb 28, 2023
Steve Edwards: Every Run Counts - whether you’re approaching 1,000 marathons or jogging round the block
Running Tales first spoke to Steve Edwards back in July 2020, shortly after he had completed an incredible 903rd marathon.
You can listen to that episode here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/steve-edwards-the-man-inside-the-machine-trying-to-reach-1000-marathons/
Steve only counts official races towards his astonishing total - no virtual runs for him - doesn't count marathons he has to walk in and is aiming to get to his goal with an average time of less than three hours and 30 minutes per marathon.
We caught up with Steve - who has now surpassed 950 marathons - to talk about his role as an ambassador at Every Run Counts.
The new initiative aims to reward people’s every day activities to make the nation fitter, healthier and improve their mental health.
Running Tales also spoke to Steve about marathon training, nutrition and how to avoid the wall, as well as his plans when he finally reached that 1,000 mark...
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Learn more about Every Run C…
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Feb 21, 2023
Allyson Kent: The cancer patient walking - and running - back to happiness with a little bit of help from parkrun
After being diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer, Allyson Kent was determined to take the disease on.
In 2021, she turned to walking to boost her physical and mental health, eventually completing the marathon distance 52 times in as many weeks.
Gripped by the fitness bug, Allyson has now found Beverley Westwood parkrun - and with it a sudden and unexpected love of running.
Running Tales spoke to Allyson about completing the 5km distance for the first time, her role as an ambassador at 5k Your Way, and what is coming next on her fledgling running journey...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
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Feb 14, 2023
Michael Nielsen: Ultra runner aiming to inspire future generations by sharing his Runner’s Resource
Running coach, personal trainer, podcaster and ultra runner - Michael Nielsen wears a few hats when it comes to his running journey.
As a coach and through his Runner's Resource podcast, Michael is eager to share his knowledge of a sport which he has enjoyed a life-long relationship with.
On his podcast, Michael has not only talked to a succession of runners with fascinating stories, but also shares his own wide-ranging knowledge giving hints and tips on a variety of subjects, from the benefits of pilates to the different energy systems used to fuel your muscles.
We also spoke to Michael about his own running, including taking on 50km trail races and conquering the 50 mile distance…
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You can listen to The Runner’s Resource wherever you get you podcast including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-runners-resource/id1623169728
Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com
If you like this episode pleas…
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Feb 7, 2023
Rachel Ann Cullen: ’Running for my Life’ author explains how the sport changed her life
Rachel Ann Cullen has run a host of marathons, including London six times, but can now be most often found trail running across Yorkshire.
It's part of her ever evolving running story, which started at 18 when she turned to running to get over a break-up, and later saw the sport transform her life completely.
Suffering from bi-polar disorder and struggling to find her place in the world, Rachel found healing when she laced up her trainers - an incredible story that is told in her first book, 'Running for my Life'.
Rachel's story didn't end there though. When she picked up an injury and couldn't run, her world started to unravel. Battling body dysmorphia she eventually found solace in cycling, a story told in her second book.
Running Tales spoke to Rachel about her incredible journey, and about her most recent book, 'Running for our Lives' which tells the stories of everyday runners overcoming extraordinary adversity...
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You can buy all three of R…
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Jan 31, 2023
Ken Posner: The Shawangunk Ridge Trail race director on running barefoot, Badwater and being a minimalist
Ken Posner has run more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons, including the gruelling 295-mile Badwater Double.
As if that wasn't enough, he does a lot of his running barefoot. He's a self-proclaimed minimalist who eschews many of the modern comforts of running.
Running Tales also spoke to Ken about his role as the race director for Shawangunk Ridge Trail, a 70-mile ultra that takes place just outside New Jersey...
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You can read more about Ken's story on his website: https://www.barefootken.com/
Learn more about and enter the SRT: https://www.runwildhv.org/srtrun
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
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Jan 24, 2023
Dr Ashley Morgan: ’The Doc’ talks Running Punks, women’s safety, and #poshbogselfies
Dr Ashley Morgan has been running for more than 30 years, but until she found the Running Punks she kept the sport as very much a solitary pursuit.
These days she's very much part of that inclusive community, leading runs on Sunday mornings and taking part in an active online community that talks about everything from posh bog selfies to record reviews (with some running thrown in on occasion!).
Dr Ashley is also a strong voice for women's equality, insisting there is nothing intrinsic for women to fear from running in the dark - and that it is men who need to take responsibility for their actions.
Running Tales started our interview by asking her what exactly Running Punks is, and how she became involved with the group...
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Jan 17, 2023
Mario Massarelli: The 20 times IronMan finisher who always crosses the line with a smile on his face
Triathlete Mario Massarelli is a 20 times IronMan finisher, with his best performance having seen him qualify for the World Championship in his over 50's age group.
But for Mario, it is the joy of triathlon and the valued time he gets to spend on and with himself that makes running, cycling and swimming - whether in one event or together - such enjoyable pastimes.
Mario has now expanded his love of the sport to become a professional triathlon and running coach with his Lifestyle Triathlon business.
Running Tales spoke to Mario about why a 'no pain, no gain' attitude isn't normally the right answer, how someone's first triathlon is most often not their hardest, and about whether the running, cycling or swimming came first for him...
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Jan 10, 2023
Tony Collier: Terminal cancer patient raises £20,000 for charity by running every day in 2022
Running Tales spoke to Tony Collier towards the end of last year.
Diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer, Tony - whose running achievements included completing all six marathon majors and the 55-mile Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa - had been determined to keep on running.
You can listen to that conversation on Series 2 Episode 26 of Running Tales.
Since his diagnosis, Tony has completed a number of challenges for charity, including recently finishing a run streak of at least 5km every day in 2022.
We could think of no better person to kick off Series 3 of the podcast...
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You can sponsor Tony to complete his challenge to run or hike 5km every day in 2022 here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/5k365days
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
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Dec 20, 2022
Gary McKee: Closing on 365 - The Marathon Man running to raise £1m for cancer patients
Gary McKee has run 9,355 miles so far this year, raising more than £320,000 along the way so far.
It's all part of his efforts to run a marathon every day in 2022, fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home Cumbria along the way.
Gary is hoping to raise £1m, and is now just 12 days away from completing his incredible challenge.
Running Tales first spoke to him back in June.
We chatted about how previous endeavours have seen him cycle across Brazil, climb Kilimanjaro and trek through New Zealand - and how running has always been at the heart of his fundraising.
With the finish line in sight, we just had to catch up with the Marathon Man for our final episode of 2022...
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You can find Gary's fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/threesixfive
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Ke…
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Dec 13, 2022
Happy Running Christmas everyone!
Christmas is approaching fast and we're bringing Series 2 of Running Tales towards an end.
We're hoping to have one more episode next Tuesday, and then we'll be having a quick break until the New Year.
Today, we wanted to look back at some clips from some of our guests from 2022, and forward to our new plans on Substack and social media.
If you like the podcast, please give us a positive rating and review wherever you listen.
Have a Happy Christmas!
Craig & Michelle
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Dec 6, 2022
Steve Montgomery and Gerry McCrory: Wheelchair rugby champions on ’different ability’ sport and wheelchair racing
Steve Montgomery has come a long way since taking up wheelchair racing just over a year ago.
Despite being in his 50s, Steve has clocked a sub-18 minute parkrun and competed alongside the elite athletes at this year's London Marathon.
But Steve's first sporting love is wheelchair rugby. He is a member of the successful Northampton Saints Wheelchair Rugby team which won this year's WR5s Premiership and Midlands Development League competitions, and came second in the first ever version of the sport's European Cup - The Poland Cup.
The side's captain is Gerry McCrory, an amputee who can walk normally using a prosthetic leg but uses a wheelchair to play rugby.
Running Tales spoke to Steve and Gerry about wheelchair sport, how accessible it is, and being 'different ability' rather than disabled athletes...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:…
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Nov 29, 2022
Claudia Burrough: The wheelchair athlete pushing herself to new limits
Claudia Burrough started running regularly after attending Bushy parkrun as part of a 'This Girl Can' event - but she didn't particularly like it.
Over the next year she attended the 5k run every week, gradually improving her time.
But it was only when unsteadiness in her legs meant she had to start using crutches, that she began to enjoy the famed parkrun community spirit.
As her condition deteriorated, she continued to go to parkrun, eventually having to swap her crutches for a wheelchair.
Undaunted, Claudia has gone on to embrace a new journey, one that involved the heat and hills of the Comrades Ultra, as well as a London Marathon experience that she calls the best day of her life.
Running Tales spoke to Claudia about getting too fast for guide runners, the privilege she felt racing at Comrades and training with David Weir...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
T…
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Nov 22, 2022
Lorna Cullen: Beating the menopause to run the JOGLE - with a twist!
Lorna Cullen has recently returned from an incredible adventure run across the length of Scotland, England and Wales.
Despite not starting running until later in life to counteract mental health problems, Lorna has been planning an extreme challenge.
It was something which came into reality this year in the form of a JOGLE, with a twist.
Lorna loved the idea of completing the John O'Groats to Lands' End run, but didn't want to do the organised event and was keen to add her own mark.
She decided to add in running to three peaks: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden, raising money for The Menopause Charity and Mind along the way.
Running Tales spoke to Lorna about her incredible journey, battling dodgy trainers, enjoying the wilds of Scotland and Wales, and beating the menopause...
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You can sponsor Lorna to raise money for The Menopause Charity and Mind here:
Mind - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lorna-D-Cullen
The Menopause Charity - htt…
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Nov 15, 2022
Tony Collier: How one runner’s incurable prostate cancer diagnosis has inspired him to raise awareness and keep on running
Tony Collier was a late starter when it came to running, but he made up for lost time.
Despite being in his 50s, Tony achieved an impressive series of running goals - from sub-20 parkruns to a host of completed marathons, including all six majors.
In 2016, he finished the 55-mile Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa. And despite originally vowing not to do it again, he was soon preparing to return for the 'back-to-back' event.
It was a race he never reached.
Almost a year after conquering the Comrades, Tony was diagnosed, out-of-the-blue, with incurable prostate cancer.
Shocked, his first question to the doctors was whether he could carry on running. The emphatic answer was yes - and Tony has done just that.
Despite facing several medical challenges, he's completed races from the London Marathon to a two-day ultra.
And he's currently nearing the end of this year's challenge - completing a 5km run or hike every day in 2022.
Perhaps even more importantly, Tony has become a pro…
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Nov 8, 2022
Denny Krahe: Running coach, injury expert and podcaster at Diz Runs
Denny Krahe is a qualified athletics trainer and running coach, as well as being an ultra runner himself.
For Denny, getting one of his clients over the line or seeing them improve their performance is every bit, if not more, important than his own performance.
Denny is also a specialist in injury prevention, with the goal to eliminate and prevent those common injuries which plague runners.
Running Tales spoke to him to garner some top tips on how to improve your running while staying injury free.
But that's not all Denny does. He's also a podcaster in the world of running - much like Running Tales.
His podcast, Diz Runs, revolves around the idea that every runner has a story and it's great to talk about them - and he's already recorded more than 1,000 episodes.
Running Tales set out to discover the man behind the microphone...
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You can learn more about Denny Krahe, his coaching, blog and podcast on http://www.dizruns.com/
If you like this epi…
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Nov 1, 2022
Wayne Chalmers: Daisy’s dad on running, the Isle of Wight Challenge and plans for a bereavement suite to honour his daughter
This week we have some really good news about one of our previous Running Tales guests and the charity he and his family run.
Back in October 2020, we spoke to Wayne Chalmers about Team Daisy, a charity formed after his baby daughter Daisy sadly passed away just an hour after being born.
It has now been revealed that Northampton Hospital, where Daisy was born, has launched a fundraising appeal for a new bereavement suite for families who experience the devastating loss of a baby.
It is to be called The Daisy Suite in memory of Daisy Chalmers.
There is still a lot of work to be done, with tens of thousands of pounds needed to be raised, so Wayne - not always the keenest of runners - is set to pull on his trainers again.
Along with a group of friends he will be taking on the gruelling Isle of Wight Challenge in 2023 - quite the endeavour for someone who only started running to pass referee fitness tests.
Running Tales spoke to Wayne about Daisy, his fundraising and his love/hate re…
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Oct 25, 2022
Damian Lai: How running took one man from his hospital bed to 49 marathons
After suffering a serious injury to his ankle, Damian Lai's fitness got progressively worse.
Overweight, eating the wrong things and constantly out of breath he was given a serious warning when he nearly died after contracting a virus and ending up in hospital.
Realising things had to change, Damian joined a beginners' running group at his local club - and his life changed.
This weekend he completed his 49th marathon, including finishing London five times - the last of which saw him narrowly miss out on a World Record for the fastest ice cream!
He is currently running to raise funds for Ukraine, while helping new runners complete the same course that started him off on his journey.
This is his running tale...
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You can sponsor Damian for his 1,000 mile challenge to raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee to help people in Ukraine at this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Damian-Lai
If you like this episode please consider do…
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Oct 18, 2022
Simon Hollis: Northampton Half and Spires and Shires Race Director on running the Marathon des Sables
Simon Hollis has run a lot of miles - but its debatable whether or not he's spent more time organising other people to run even more!
As the man in charge at Go Beyond Challenge, he is Race Director of a host of events including Northampton Half Marathon and the Shires and Spires Ultra Marathon.
Simon spoke to Running Tales about the challenges - and rewards - organising such large scale events required, as well as his own running story which includes completing several of the world's most gruelling ultras, not least the Marathon des Sables.
And for those of you who love the Northampton Half Marathon, we also learnt a little bit more about the soon to be revealed, new course for what, in years to come, will be the 'Great Northampton Half'...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed unde…
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Oct 11, 2022
Patrick Howard: From Couch to Ultra Runner
Anyone who knows anything about running knows about the brilliant Couch to 5k app, but Patrick Howard went more than one step further when going from Couch to Ultra in just 18 months.
Struggling with his weight, a former heavy smoker and looking to boost his confidence, Patrick started running to get fit.
His first 1.8 mile jog round the block was a painful run/walk, but he knew straight away he loved running.
He soon graduated to parkrun and then half-marathons, before completing the Milton Keynes Marathon and quickly announcing he was taking the huge step of moving on to a 40 mile Ultra - he did it of course!
Running Tales talked to Patrick about why he loves running, how it has transformed his life and how an Ironman Triathlon is his new goal...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licen…
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Oct 4, 2022
David Swales: The stroke survivor who ran a marathon - and then another two!
Running has been a double-edged sword for David Swales.
He first took up the sport in an attempt to counter type 2 diabetes, but it was after sprinting to the finish in a 10km race that he had his stroke.
It has left him facing daily challenges, all of which are chronicled with striking honesty in his blog, 'It doesn't get easier, you just get stronger'.
David has a fascinating relationship with his stroke, refusing to beaten by it and using it to achieve faster times and longer distances, including completing the actual London Marathon once and its virtual version twice - including on Sunday.
Running Tales spoke to him about everything from why he doesn't set out to be an inspiration to knowing every tree stump and trip hazard on his home parkrun...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Lic…
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Sep 27, 2022
Mark Kennedy: How one runner became ’Half Man, Half Marathon’
Running Tales spoke to Mark Kennedy way back in Series One, Episode Three about how he has benefitted from running after suffering a serious brain injury while on the holiday of a lifetime.
Since then Mark has gone on to complete an ambition 14 years in the making - to become a member of the 100 Half Marathons club.
To celebrate he has written a book about his incredible achievement.
'Half Man, Half Marathon' explores Mark's journey, as well as acting as a self-help journal and looking into the stories and experiences of fellow runners.
Running Tales spoke to Mark about why he wanted to run so many half-marathons, the mental health benefits of running and being given a massive bag of salt as part of a race goodie bag...
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'Half Man, Half Marathon' is set to be published in early October, and will be available from Amazon as well as the Kennedy Authors website
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buy…
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Sep 20, 2022
Nikki Page: Love London Running Tours founder on running after Covid and pregnancy
Nikki Page founded Love London Running Tours to offer sightseers the chance to see the capital city in a unique and fun way.
The fledging business catered for all abilities and gave people opportunities to see London and get fit at the same time.
Fitness instructor Nikki even took in running city tours in places all over the world, including Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur.
Sadly, Love London Running Tours had to be put on hold due to the outbreak of Covid - and then, far more happily, when she became pregnant.
Running Tales spoke to Nikki about postnatal running, marathon training - and how catching Covid herself has put back her London Marathon plans - as well as the future of her running tours...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License…
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Sep 13, 2022
Ross Jeavons: Why the love of his son prompted one runner to take on the London Marathon - six weeks out!
When Ross Jeavons ran the London Marathon in three hours seven minutes last year, his over-riding feeling was disappointment.
Despite not discovering running until a few years ago, Ross had found an affinity with it - leading to him aiming to beat the three hour barrier.
But he hit the wall in the last few miles and was left crestfallen despite achieving a personal best.
Fast forward almost a year and Ross has completely different reasons for running the 2022 version of the marathon.
It was something, as a father of two children under two, he wasn't planning to take on - especially when his son, Corey, was born in February with Oesophageal Atresia and Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula, a condition which means his food pipe was not connected to his stomach - and he was and is unable to swallow.
Running drifted from Ross' mind and he hadn't laced up his trainers for six months when he suddenly spotted a chance to take on London again in aid of the charity TOFS.
It was challenge - and a c…
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Sep 6, 2022
Dannii Levi: Deaf runner completes Bedford Half for hearing dogs for deaf people
This week Running Tales was live at the Bedford Festival of Running to speak to Dannii Levi.
You may remember Dannii's story from Running Tales Series One, Episode 47 where Michelle spoke to her about dealing with Raynaud's disease, a condition which results in reduced blood flow to people's fingers and toes - and can make running impossible.
On Sunday, though, we spoke to Dannii after she completed the Bedford Half Marathon about her experience as a deaf runner.
After contracting Covid, Dannii's hearing became impaired, prompting her to run the race in aid of hearing dogs for deaf people.
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To sponsor Dannii for running Bedford Half Marathon in aid of hearing dogs for deaf people visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dannii-levi
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Crea…
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Aug 30, 2022
Alastair Rapley: Getting behind the scenes at parkrun
One of the most popular parts of many runners' weeks is parkrun.
The 5km event takes place up and down the country - and these days across the world - every weekend.
At it's most basic level every local parkrun is based on the efforts of a core team of volunteers, who work as event and race directors to make sure thousands of people up and down the country are able to get their running fix at 9am every Saturday.
But how do those teams work, what happens between 10.30am on Saturday when a parkrun finishes and 8.55am the following week when the next one is about to begin, and how can people become part of the magic that makes a parkun tick?
Running Tales spoke to Alastair Rapley, the event director at the ever popular Northampton parkrun, and started off by asking him what an event director is...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearle…
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Aug 23, 2022
Erik Heine: The dad who pushes himself to the limit so son Stephen can go FASTER!
Erik Heine's story is intrinsically linked to that of his son, Stephen.
Born in 2006, Stephen was diagnosed with a rare disorder that affects all areas of his development when he was just 18 months old.
He always loved watching Erik, a keen runner who has competed in the Boston Marathon, in races, but wasn't able to take part himself until in 2014 he was given the opportunity to participate in a program with a local running club and was pushed in a wheelchair for a 10k.
Despite the sleet and freezing temperatures that day, Stephen let his parents know that he wanted to keep racing, and they were able to get him his own running chair six months later.
In 2018, Erik was inspired to start Team Hoyt Oklahoma, part of the Team Hoyt organisation that works to promote inclusion of disabled athletes in running and other endurance events.
Erik and Stephen's story is truly inspirational. I spoke to him about his own love of running - and he taught me about the increasingly ubiquitous Runnin…
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Aug 16, 2022
Sarah Longstaff: Running 30 miles to celebrate turning 30
Sarah Longstaff has big plans - and most of them involve running.
Despite not having run more than six miles previously, she - egged on by her Instagram followers - decided to run 30 miles to celebrate reaching 30 years old.
The milestone had been causing Sarah some worry, but the challenge proved the perfect pick-me-up to get her over her fear of failure.
Only hip surgery - she ran the 30 miles despite the injury - is temporarily holding her back, with triathlons and ultras top of her 'to do list'.
Running Tales asked Sarah if her 29-year-old self would recognise the new life she says has made her happier than ever...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
You can read Sarah's blog at htt…
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Aug 9, 2022
Carl Wright:The ultra runner and environmentalist who only discovered running at 55
Carl Wright is a 64-year-old ultra runner, lay pastor and environmentalist.
He only started running at 55 (and hated it!) after being told to lower his blood pressure by his doctor.
A 5km became a half-marathon and before he knew it, Carl was running ultras - although his first was something of an accident when his niece egged him into turning a 25km race into twice that distance.
Carl is also an ambassador for the Monarch Ultra, a race which aims to raise awareness of the plight of monarch butterflies.
Running Tales caught him a day after he had DNF'd for the very first time - but even that hadn't dampened his spirits...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
You can read Carl's blog at w…
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Aug 2, 2022
Legends of parkrun: How Arthur Walsham’s story reminded us of Bob Emmerson, Northampton’s octogenarian running machine
There has been much talk this week in the parkrun community - and beyond - about the fantastic achievement of 92-year-old Arthur Walsham.
Despite his more senior years, Arthur completed his 300th parkrun at Longford Park in Stretford, near Manchester.
It reminded us of our Running Tales chat with Northampton parkrun legend Bob Emmerson last year.
In July 2021, Bob - then 88, now 89 - was stranded on 399 parkruns as the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
He's thankfully completed that milestone now and is well on the way to 450 parkruns.
Back then though the world was a more uncertain place.
Running Tales spoke to Bob about his weekly 5k, as well as an incredible running career which includes finishing the London Marathon in under three hours and running the London to Brighton Ultra Race.
We thought it was well worth another listen...
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward…
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Jul 26, 2022
Michele Heller: The ’Marathon Mum’ aiming to run all six majors
When Michele Heller started running aged 38 her aim was to get fit and lose weight.
More than 10 years on, she has slightly loftier goals.
Having already completed 11 marathons across her home country - including Boston, Chicago and New York - the US resident is aiming to tick off all six marathon majors.
Michele is set to run London this year, with Tokyo and Berlin firmly on her bucket list.
But she's not aiming on stopping there. Her ultimate goal is to complete a marathon in all 50 states of America.
This is her Running Tale.
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Jul 19, 2022
The joy and pain of ultra running
In recent weeks on the Running Tales podcast we've spoken to a number of ultra runners about their fantastic stories.
Today, we've decided to do something slightly different with the podcast, taking time to look back at our archives to pick out some pearls of wisdom from ultra runners we have previously spoken to.
This episode includes audio from Comrades marathoner Deon Elhers, Benjamin Davies - who has learned to love ultra racing after facing mental health issues, and Martin Lopez - who has gone from intensive care battling Covid to completing five ultras; as well as Menna Evans, Brendon Rendall and Emma Timmins, all three of whom have completed incredible challenges and ran across continents.
We looked at how they got into ultra running, and why it is so special to them.
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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLe…
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Jun 28, 2022
Tom Palacio: The rugby player set to run a 50 mile ultra in memory of his friend
Tom Palacio is preparing to complete a 50 miles ultra to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
Tom is aiming to run the distance in less than 12 hours on July 16 after his friend, James Pullen died from the disease in 2015.
Along with his friends he has previously raised more than £20,000 for research into brain tumours.
Rugby player Tom's experience of running had previously been largely reserved for training runs to boost his fitness for the sport, but when lockdown hit he couldn't take part in charity matches any more so turned to running.
He ran his first marathon during the pandemic, and is now set to undertake his biggest challenge to date.
Running Tales caught up with Tom to find out how he's been preparing...
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You can find Tom's fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thomas-palacio2
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in thi…
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Jun 21, 2022
Gary McKee: The Marathon Man with a 365 challenge
Fundraising is second nature for Gary McKee - he's raised close to £1m for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Previous endeavours have seen him cycle across Brazil, climb Kilimanjaro and trek through New Zealand, and plenty of his challenges have included running.
He's run from Lands' End to John O'Groats, completed 100 marathons in 100 days, become the first person to run the Fred Whitton cycle route and finished seven London marathons.
His current challenge is set to eclipse all of those - so Running Tales had to catch up with him...
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You can find Gary's fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/threesixfive
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Jun 14, 2022
Ben Davies: Meet the ultra runner whose mantra is ’it’s good to talk’
Ben Davies started running three years ago after his young niece sadly passed away.
When his wife started a fundraising challenge for Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, he supported her - but he didn't really like the running!
Struggling with his mental health, he suddenly stumbled across ultra running - and without stopping along with the way to tick off all the distances in-between he started clocking up big numbers and competing in ultras.
Recently he finished the 145 mile Grand Union Canal Ultra, and he's not aiming to stop there.
But for Ben running is also about mental health and talking. Having suffered with his weight as a child and at the hands of an abusive father, he found running long distances - and the life-changing friendships that he found along the way - reframed how he looked at life.
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You can read Ben's blog here: https://bearrunsblog.wixsite.com/bear-the-stampede
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us…
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Jun 7, 2022
Alex Staniforth: Adventurer, mental health ambassador, author and ultra runner - and all by just 26 years old
At just 26, Alex Staniforth has already become an expert in overcoming challenges.
From epilepsy to a stammer, bullying and mental ill health problems, Alex's biggest challenges have been close to home.
Running and the great outdoors have helped him to face them down to become a record-breaking adventurer, motivational speaker, author, mental health ambassador and ultra runner.
His incredible story is tinged with sadness as he was part of two of the biggest disasters in the history of Mount Everest.
Alex turned to running again and became the fastest person ever to climb all 100 UK county tops. In 2020 he ran the National Three Peaks Challenge – completing 452 miles in just nine days and 12 hours.
Perhaps his greatest achievement comes as the founder of mental health charity Mind Over Mountains.
Running Tales asked Alex how - and why - he set out on a path truly less travelled...
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Picture supplied by Alex Staniforth; credit: Daniel Toal
If y…
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May 31, 2022
Martin Lopez: From Covid induced intensive care to ultra marathoner
In October 2020, Martin Lopez was fighting for his life.
Having contracted Covid-19, he was in intensive care, his situation exacerbated by a blood clot.
As he battled to recover, he noticed that those around him who best fought off the virus had lived fit and healthy lives.
When he came out of hospital, Martin decided to change his life - and he took up running.
But he's not someone to do things by half.
Eighteen months later, he has transformed his life. Having completed five ultra marathons, he is preparing for a 100 mile event.
Running Tales spoke to Martin about his incredible transformation, and what comes next.
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Running Tales first spoke to Michael Hobbs-Aldridge in July 2020. You can listen to that episode here: https://bit.ly/3w9Zg0h
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed…
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May 8, 2022
Michael Hobbs-Aldridge: The comeback king hoping to be the fastest at 50
Michael Hobbs-Aldridge had one of the his best seasons of running in 2019.
The British Masters athlete won both the Northampton Half Marathon and Milton Keynes Marathon, but under the surface things weren't quite right.
Doctors had detected a potential problem in Michael's heart, a ticking time-bomb that could go off at any moment.
Fearing the worst, Michael put his running on hold and subjected himself to a series of tests to try and get to the bottom of the problem.
Fantastically, Michael has now been given the all-clear, so we at Running Tales decided it was the perfect time to catch-up with him to find out what's next.
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Running Tales first spoke to Michael Hobbs-Aldridge in July 2020. You can listen to that episode here: https://bit.ly/3w9Zg0h
If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward
The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licen…
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May 2, 2022
Adam Tango Holland: The youngest runner to reach 100 marathons
Adam 'Tango' Holland was only 23 when he completed his 100th marathon, becoming the youngest person to complete that lung-busting achievement.
With a personal marathon best of 2:24:24 and more marathon/ultra marathon wins than anyone else in the UK, Adam is a serious athlete.
Today (Bank Holiday Monday, May 2) he took part in Milton Keynes Marathon where Michael Young won the race in a new course record of 2:29.
It's not often Adam loses out though as Michelle had found out a week earlier when she spoke to him about where his love of running comes from and why he decided to try and reach 100 marathons faster than anyone else.
This is their conversation...
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Apr 15, 2022
Michael Williams: Conquering the 860 mile JOGLE in 17 days at 70
It was third time lucky for Michael Williams as he completed the gruelling 860 mile JOGLE earlier this month.
The event, which gets it's name from the course than runs from tip (John O'Groats) to toe (Land's End) of Britain, takes place over 17 days meaning runners face distances of more than 50 miles on most days.
Michael, an experienced ultra runner as you can hear on Episode 11 of Series One of the Running Tales Podcast, was taking on the event for the third time - despite being 70 years old.
In 2020, he was denied by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic which saw the race being cancelled, and a year later he had to drop out through injury.
This time he was the only entrant to complete the event, despite suffering shin splints, taking wrong turns and encountering every kind of weather from storms to some rare British sun.
In this second series of Running Tales, I'm joined by my husband Craig to learn more about the extraordinary stories of runners, wheelchair racers and walker…
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Aug 9, 2021
Bruce Fordyce: Nine times Comrades winner and South Africa parkrun supremo
Bruce Fordyce is a running legend.
The South African has won his home country's premier event, the gruelling Comrades Ultra-Marathon, an incredible nine times.
His achievements also include winning the London to Brighton race three years in a row, but these days he's more at home taking on a 5km parkrun.
As the chief executive of parkrun South Africa he's completed more than 400 runs and toured all over the world.
I talked to Bruce about how his running journey began, helping Zola Budd complete the Comrades and the agony and ecstasy of taking on one of the world's toughest races...
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Jul 7, 2021
Bob Emmerson: The grandfather of Northampton parkrun and multiple record breaker
At 88 years old, Bob Emmerson is a popular and famed figure at Northampton parkrun.
He's completed the 5km race a grand total of 399 times, with only the coronavirus pandemic preventing him from reaching the milestone mark of 400 already.
Bob's running career goes far further back than parkrun though, with broken records and a garage full of old trainers signs of his achievements.
I spoke to him about what makes him 'keep on running'...
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Apr 16, 2021
Louise Hannam-Jones: Meeting 'The Wellness Curator'
Like many of us Louise Hannam-Jones' life has changed during the last year.
Coronavirus and the plethora of lockdowns it instigated got her thinking about her own mental health and wellbeing.
As a result, she started her own Instagram account - The Wellness Curator. It has proved so popular Louise is now taking on clients to teach them how to be fitter, healthier and happier.
Running is an integral part of that, providing - Louise says - an addictive structure and routine, as well as the base to start every day.
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Mar 26, 2021
Karin Blak: Talking Therapy author on lockdown and being a 'Hill Demon'
Qualified couples counsellor Karin Blak is the author of 'The Essential Companion to Talking Therapy' - a guide to what therapy is and how it works.
With the Covid pandemic bringing fears of a mental health crises, Karin is keen to re-frame the discussion. Time to analyse and talk about our problems means, she says, this could be the chance to start a mental health revolution.
One of the ways Karin looks after her own wellbeing is through running - including sprinting up hills with my Step Forward With Lewis group.
I spoke to her about her book, lockdown and how TV doesn't always tell the truth about therapy...
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Karin's website: www.karinblak.co.uk
Karin's blogs: https://karink-blak.medium.com and https://psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/demystifying-therapy
You can buy Talking Therapy on Amazon
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/lic…
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Mar 19, 2021
Gareth Snelson: The man who decided to set up a parkrun before even running one
Gareth Snelson is Mr Milton Keynes parkrun.
But his journey to founding the event is not what you might expect.
Already a keen runner, Gareth stumbled upon parkrun and decided it looked like the perfect thing to get people running together in the new city.
Incredibly, though, he'd never previously taken part in the 5km event.
That didn't stop him though - although those at parkrun HQ did suggest he tried one out himself before he took a plunge which, until Covid hit, saw hundreds and sometimes thousands of people turn up in MK every Saturday morning to take part.
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Mar 12, 2021
Alan Hackett: Facing up to cancer, life in a wheelchair... and new challenges
Alan Hackett has spent a significant chunk of his life running.
His achievements include 24 hour runs, taking on the London to Brighton challenge and serving as chairman of Northampton Road Runners.
Recent years have thrown a different set of challenges his way, but he's already using the skills and mindset he developed during ultra running to tackle them head on.
After developing a back injury, Alan eventually found out he had cancer and the coronavirus pandemic means he is still waiting for an operation to remove a mass from his kidney.
Now in a wheelchair, he has recently completed a fresh challenge to complete 100kms and help him lose weight in the process.
I spoke to Alan about his life in running and how his health issues might slow him down, but they won't be stopping him...
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Mar 5, 2021
Stephen Buck: Inspired to run - and write - by an orange
Stephen Buck never intended to write a book about his experiences in the world of running.
Then again, he didn't really plan to start running either.
Once he did though he found a love for the sport that took him away from fears he would never amount to anything.
The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other changed Stephen's life and gave him a new confidence.
When a little boy offered him an orange at a race it not only encouraged him to complete it, but also gave him the inspiration to write a book about his experiences.
This is Stephen's Running Tales story...
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Stephen's book, 'Inspired By An Orange,' is written under the name S.I. Rolland
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Feb 26, 2021
Dannii Levi: 'The thought of being out in the cold terrifies me'
Dannii Levi has Raynaud's disease, a condition which results in reduced blood flow to people's fingers and toes.
For Dannii, Raynaud's can result in extreme pain, in her becoming a prisoner inside her own home when it's really cold and can make running an impossible task.
With the help of medication and the Scleroderma and Raynaud's UK charity. Dannii has learned vital methods to allow her to live - and run - more freely.
This is Dannii's Running Tales story...
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Feb 19, 2021
Shaun Lightman: 'When they sent us to the Mexico Olympics the papers were saying we could die'
Race walker Shaun Lightman's incredible international career peaked when he represented Great Britain at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.
Competing in the 50kms walk, it was as challenging a race as it is possible to imagine.
Press reports before the team left for Mexico suggested athletes might die due to the heat and altitude, once there Shaun found himself out of breath climbing the stairs and, when race day came, he battled extreme temperatures, raced along streets lined by armed soldiers and found himself passing competitors slumped exhausted at the side of the road.
I spoke to Shaun about how he manged to keep going, his race walking career, how he got into the sport and what he makes of its popularity now...
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Photography provided by Shaun Lightman and taken by Mark Easton
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Feb 12, 2021
Shack Baker: The newbie who discovered how "mind-blowing" running can be
Shack Baker wasn't traditionally a runner.
In 2019, someone challenged him to take on a half marathon for charity.
As with so many first time runners, it was a challenge that stretched him physically and mentally - and one which has changed the way he looks at the world.
Shack's story is one everyone who has turned from relative couch potato to regular runner will immediately recognise.
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Feb 5, 2021
Kathy Saunders: 'Major lung surgery didn't stop me running'
When Kathy Saunders had to have major lung surgery, she had a choice.
After having part of her lung removed, she said she could have thrown in the towel when it came to running.
Instead, she decided to re-evaluate what she could do - and running has remained a part of her life ever since.
This is a story about never giving in, even when all the odds seem against you. This is Kathy's running tale...
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Jan 29, 2021
Andy Cottrell: The hundred marathon club member who can't stop running
Andy Cottrell only started running when rugby, as he says, became too much for his body.
It has now become an obsession.
Inspired to take part in 12 marathons across a year, he quickly came across other runners who made even that incredible achievement look minuscule.
The Northampton Road Runner, better known as Sharky, soon had his sights set on 50 marathons and then on becoming a member of the exclusive 100 Marathon Club.
These days his mind has turned to the 300 mark - this is Sharky's running tale...
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Jan 22, 2021
Gerald Billis: Sixty years without running... and then a silver medal
Gerald Billis is automatically recognisable at Northampton parkrun.
He's one of a group of octogenarian runners who, pre-Covid at least, took part in the five kilometre event week-in, week-out.
What people might not know is Gerald spent 60 years, between school cross-country success and parkrun, without running.
Once he found parkrun, there was no stopping him though.
From joining a running club, to becoming a Masters athlete to winning an international silver medal in his age group, this is Gerald Billis' running tale...
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Jan 15, 2021
Doug Richards: How one runner went from being out of breath climbing the stairs to the Marathon des Sables
Doug Richards was only in his 30s when he found himself out of breath having run up the stairs to see his son.
It was then he decided to get fit - and start running.
It's a habit he's found hard to shift since with Doug having run across all seven continents, including in Antarctica and across the Sahara and Gobi Deserts.
He's also become an author, penning 'Running Hot & Cold' which tells the story of his varied running career.
I spoke to Doug about everything from how running helped his mental health to scaling the Great Wall of China...
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The music in this podcast is:
"Fearless First" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Nov 13, 2020
Lorraine Lewis: Running to help adult cancer patients
This week's guest is Lorraine Lewis, the driving force behind a charity which provides support and companionship for adult cancer patients.
The Lewis Foundation sources, packages and - in normal, non-Covid times at least - hand delivers free gifts and support packs to people enduring the often lonely, frightening trial of cancer treatment.
One way Lorraine funds the charity is through running, tackling events such as Tough Mudder and even a 26 mile obstacle challenge.
I asked her why and how she started the charity, and whether she fancied taking on that extra 0.2 miles to go full marathon...
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This is, incredibly, the 40th episode of Running Tales.
The podcast, originally meant to capture people's running experiences - where possible - at running events or parkrun or at least on a face to face basis, has lived most of its life during the coronavirus pandemic.
With a second lockdown upon us and Christmas round the corner, we've decided to take a break.
There are hundreds…
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Nov 6, 2020
Kevin Orchard: Redway Runners co-founder on how he became a British multisport international
Kevin Orchard loves running - but it's not always enough.
The Redway Runners co-founder decided to add cycling into the fray.
Before too long he was excelling as a multisport athlete, competing for Great Britain in his age group.
I caught up with Kevin at Redway Runners' Daytona 5,000 event earlier this year...
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Oct 30, 2020
Rob Pope: The real life Forrest Gump who ran across America
If 'life is like a box of chocolates' it's fair to say Rob Pope's chocolate of choice is running.
Seeking a challenge no-one had completed before, he decided to follow the route Tom Hanks' celebrated Forrest Gump character took in the film of the same name.
In all he covered 15,000 miles and travelled six times across America, even growing a Gump style beard in the process.
It's far from the only challenge Rob has completed.
I talked to him about everything from winning the Nottingham Marathon, competing for America and Australia in elite races despite being a born and bred Liverpudlian and taking part in the gruelling Marathon des Sables.
Run Rob, run...
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Oct 23, 2020
Emma Timmis: The girl who ran across Africa
In 2014, Emma Timmis became the first person in the world to run across Africa, completing the equivalent of 94 marathons in 89 days.
It's just one of a series of incredible challenges and experiences Emma has embarked upon, from roller skating across Holland to riding an Elliptigo bike across Australia.
As if that wasn't enough she's just finished writing and illustrating a children's book about her African adventure, entitled 'The Girl Who Ran Across Africa'.
It's safe to say we had plenty to talk about...
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Oct 16, 2020
Sarah Lightman: "I find race walking easier than running"
I met Sarah Lightman as she whizzed round Salcey Forest at a recent Big Bear Events race.
Sarah, however, wasn't running, she was race walking - and the event was her second Ultra in as many days.
It perhaps shouldn't have been a surprise though. Sarah's dad, Shaun Lightman, finished 18th in the Men's 50km walk at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
I spoke to Sarah about why she prefers race walking to running...
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Oct 9, 2020
Lizzie Tovey: Visually impaired runner takes on cancer to complete the Virtual London Marathon
Lizzie Tovey is remarkable.
Despite only recently taken up running when she started to struggle with her eyesight, the visually impaired runner completed the 2019 London Marathon.
This year was to bring more battles though. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she had original planned to drop out of the 2020 race.
But when it became a virtual event, she decided to take it on over three stages, including a gruelling night run.
Did she do it? Of course she did!
Along the way, Lizzie's journey has also seen her campaign to have guide runners given London Marathon finishers medals, while she completed a self-isolated 26.2 miles on the treadmill - complete with an array of fancy dress outfits.
Personally I think she needs to write a book next...
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Oct 2, 2020
Wayne Chalmers: Running in memory of my daughter, Daisy
Running had never been a big part of Wayne Chalmers' life.
Aside from the odd bit of training to keep fit as a referee, he - in his own words - "didn't really like running".
His relationship with the sport changed, though, when his baby daughter Daisy sadly died just an hour after being born.
Not one to stand idle, Wayne launched Team Daisy; a charity aimed at raising money for local causes and honouring the memory of his daughter.
A host of fundraising events followed, including a number of running challenges.
The latest of those will see Wayne attempt to run four miles, every four hours for 48 hours - that's a lot of doing something you don't like...
Picture courtesy of Stu Vincent Photography
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Sep 25, 2020
Menna Evans: Smashing the world record time to run the length of New Zealand
Menna Evans only started running seriously two-and-a-half years ago.
This year she ran from the tip of New Zealand's north island to the depths of the south in an incredible 35 days and 27 minutes.
In doing so, she smashed the previous fastest time for a woman to run the length of the country, becoming a Guinness World Record holder in the process.
Menna started running in memory of her dad, completing the John O'Groats to Land's End run (JOGLE), a distance they had hoped to walk together.
She loved the experience so much, she's barely stopped running since.
I spoke to her about why she loves ultra running, training during Covid and what she plans to do next...
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Sep 18, 2020
Martin Lawrence: The man who turned a lunch time run into a 3,500 member club
Martin Lawrence started running during his lunch time at work.
He grew to love the sport so much that when he was made redundant, he was determined to carry on.
He originally took part in running sessions at Milton Keynes' David Lloyd gym, but after it decided to end them he took the mantle on himself.
Soon afterwards Redway Runners was born, and ten years later the club is one - if not the - biggest in the country boasting more than 3,500 members.
This is his story...
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Sep 13, 2020
Emergency podcast: Redway Runners Daytona 5,000
It's been a long hard year for those of us who like to get out and do some races.
Coronavirus locked us down in our homes, limited us to one run a day and stopped us getting together to run for fun, PBs and those much valued medals.
Now, finally, some races are starting again and today I travelled to Milton Keynes to speak to some of those people taking part in Redway Runners' first ever Daytona 5,000 event.
The whole race was incredible well organised, social distancing was paramount and everyone had a great time out on the track in the sun.
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Sep 11, 2020
Jeff Kase: ’How running helped me overcome alcoholism’
Jeff Kase was a star runner growing up in Michigan, but when he went to university partying and alcohol took over his life.
For decades, Jeff was caught up in the pain of alcoholism, experiencing personal tragedy along the way.
I spoke to Jeff about how he finally managed to kick the habit and how how he embraced a new addiction - running - not only all the way to complete 100 mile races and the American National Senior Games, but also to the point where he could barely move due to over training...
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Sep 4, 2020
Kath Kirkland: How one woman's baby weight inspired her first novel
Kath Kirkland wrote her debut novel 'Mum Runners' after her own journey saw her start running to lose her baby weight and take on the iconic London Marathon.
It was such a success she has a sequel on the way.
We chatted about running in the rain, how snooker sometimes beats marathons and the freedom you get on a good run...
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Aug 28, 2020
Tony Audenshaw: From serving pints in Emmerdale's Woolpack to running marathons dressed as a smurf
You might know him better as Bob Hope, but Emmerdale star Tony Audenshaw is something of a running fanatic in his spare time.
When he's not serving fictional pints, Tony can often be found pounding the pavements or talking about his favourite sport on the Marathon Talk podcast.
He's recorded some pretty quick times as well and is prone to the occasional fancy dress costume, which regular listeners will know is a big plus for us on the Running Tales Podcast.
I spoke to Tony about how his Emmerdale co-stars also love running, taking part in marathons beginning in 'B' and how wearing a fake bum brought him loads of attention...
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Aug 21, 2020
Bryan Lewin: From marathon runner to parkrun legend - with some fancy dress thrown in along the way!
Bryan Lewin is one of my favourite runners - but he's so much more than that.
Every parkrun has that special volunteer who turns out in wind, rain and shine and Bryan is Northampton's.
He even has his own special corner at the Racecourse where he cheers on every runner, walker and wheelchair user.
I spoke to him about how he came to take up temporary residence at Bryan's Corner, running marathons and his love of fancy dress...
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Aug 14, 2020
Josh Lay: The 1,500m star with his sights set on the Tokyo Olympics
Josh Lay is an athlete with a bright future ahead of him.
The Loughborough University scholar and 1,500m runner has one eye on the Tokyo Olympics - and he's a Northampton lad so we had plenty to talk about.
Josh's local 'claim to fame' may not be one he hopes to be remembered for - he sent two-time Olympian Andrew Baddeley the wrong way round the Northampton parkrun course (Baddeley still set a course record!) - but he's got every chance of creating some great memories in the future.
I spoke to him about knocking off precious seconds to meet the Olympic qualification time, enjoying the odd beer and his training regime.
Have a listen - and remember the name.
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Aug 7, 2020
Mags Doyle: The woman who didn't start running until her 50s, but now run, walks many miles away
Mags Doyle didn't take up running until she was in her 50s, but there's no stopping her now.
Her love of the sport started after she did a number of long distance walking events, got bored one day and just started running.
Mags tells me she switches between running and walking while taking part in races, but that hasn't stopped her completing around 80 to 90 events including more than 20 marathons.
I spoke to her about coming to running late, her love of parkrun and how speed isn't everything...
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Aug 4, 2020
Emergency podcast: Brendan Rendall completes Chester Zoo challenge
You might remember that back in episode 15 of the Running Tales Podcast we spoke to Brendan Rendall.
Brendan put his hedonistic lifestyle behind him to complete a series of spectacular challenges, including running across Africa - if you haven't listened yet, it's well worth checking out.
His latest challenge saw him attempting to raise money for Chester Zoo, which has been struggling financially due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
For the last two month, Brendan has been doing little else than running - completing a half-marathon every day in June, a marathon every day in July and on Monday (August 3) running an ultra from Media City in Salford to the zoo.
I met him at the zoo as he completed his run and asked him how it all went...
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Jul 31, 2020
Katie Brown: 'Was Northamptonshire blogger supposed to say this?'
Katie Brown's mission is to share how to live your best possible life.
The Northamptonshire blogger does that through her inspiring and informative Cake vs Scales blog and her shiny, new podcast, 'Am I Supposed To Say This?'
Part of Katie's journey has been to develop a love of running, and in between chatting about everything from cake to mental health we also discussed half marathons, podcasts and parkrun...
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Jul 24, 2020
Suzanne Smith: "Running is my therapy"
Suzanne Smith began running seriously when she tragically lost her twin son Jamie in childbirth.
As she told me, she started running and just hasn't stopped - it has become therapy for her.
Suzanne told me Jamie is on every run with her, and he's inspired her to half marathon PBs - and race wins - multiple marathons and even ultras.
I talked to Suzanne about everything running related, from coping with Covid and the joys of parkrun to her unique marathon diet...
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Jul 17, 2020
Michael Aldridge: The uncertain future of Milton Keynes Marathon winner
Michael Aldridge is one of Northamptonshire's most talented athletes.
From 5km all the way up to the marathon distance, he is one of the best around on the British Masters circuit.
A superb 2019 was topped off by victory in the Milton Keynes Marathon and Northampton Half.
I spoke to Michael about how he swapped rugby for running, his training methods and how some surprising news has meant he may have to hang up his racing shoes for good...
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Jul 10, 2020
Steve Edwards: The man inside the machine trying to reach 1,000 marathons
For some people, one marathon is a lifetime's dream.
Others get the bug and go back for more, while the more hardy - and some would say foolish - push on into ultra races or towards the 100 Marathon Club.
Steve Edwards, the self-styled Man Inside The Machine, takes all that to another level.
He has already run 903 marathons, and is aiming to reach the 1,000 mark.
As if that isn't impressive enough, Steve only counts official races - no virtual runs for him, doesn't count marathons he has to walk in and is aiming to get to his goal with an average time of less than three hours and 30 minutes per marathon.
Unsurprisingly, he's set a host of world records along the way, including becoming the youngest person to reach 100 marathons and the most marathons run in a year.
I spoke to him about how and why he started out on such an enormous task, and how he manages to stay fit when running so much...
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Jul 8, 2020
Bonus podcast: What do you get when you add wife-carrying and a swimming pool?
The answer to the question in our episode title is Ovasinax. In this bonus episode of the Running Tales podcast, we've taken a slight detour from our normal format to meet a Canadian couple who've come up with a unique sport all of their own.
Jerome and Lucy are the creators of Ovasinax, and got in contact after hearing the efforts of Northampton runner Chris Lamb in the UK wife-carrying competition (go and have a listen to episode 14 of Running Tales if you haven't already).
Combining gymastics with a game show feel and set in a swimming pool, it's a unique game to say the least. I caught up with with Jerome to try and find out a little bit more about it...
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Jul 3, 2020
Liz Yelling: How a double Olympic marathoner and Commonwealth gold medalist didn’t even make the start line of her first race
It's not every week you get to speak to a two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games bronze medal winner.
Liz Yelling is one of the very best long British long-distance runners of the last 20 years.
She finished 25th in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 and 26th at Beijing 2008, but her greatest moment came in Melbourne, Australia when she finished third in the Commonwealth Games.
Liz's other achievements include holding course records at Bath and Reading half-marathons.
At Bath, she clocked a half-marathon PB of one hour, nine minutes and 28 seconds; while her marathon best is a superb two hours 28 minutes and 33 seconds, recorded at the London Marathon in 2007.
Not only has she competed against the very best, but she was the long time training partner of one of the greatest runners of all time, Paula Radcliffe.
It might come as a surprise then, that she didn't even make the starting line at one of her earliest races - nice to know it can happen to the very, very…
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Jun 26, 2020
Simon Elliott: Guide runner on how running for two can be the ultimate achievement
Guide runner Simon Elliott has helped visually-impaired runners complete everything from 5km parkruns to marathons, and even cross-country ultras.
It was something he only took up after his wife volunteered him to help twin girls complete the Daventry parkrun course, but it's become a huge part of his life since then.
As well as talking about what it takes to be a good guide runner and how people can get involved, I spoke to Simon about some of the things he's been doing during the coronavirus lockdown to help visually impaired people stay part of the running community.
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Jun 20, 2020
Emergency podcast: Saving Wicksteed Park - Ben Currington's parkrun to parkrun 15 miler
Kettering's popular Wicksteed Park is in trouble - and that is, in my eyes, worth a special emergency podcast.
The 99-year-old attraction is struggling financially due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, leading to a huge fundraising effort.
One man raising money for the park is Ben Currington and earlier today (Saturday, June 20) he ran from Northampton parkrun's Racecourse home to Kettering parkrun, which takes place at Wicksteed Park itself.
I spoke to him at the end of his 15 mile run..
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Jun 19, 2020
Brendan Rendall: From profligacy to philanthropy - how a bet about running turned one man's life around
Brendan Rendall loves a challenge.
He's currently running a half-marathon every day in June, to be followed by a marathon a day in July and - on August 1 - he'll take on the 35 miles from Salford Quays to Chester Zoo.
It's all to raise money to save the zoo, which is struggling financially due to the impacts of the coronavirus.
You can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brendan-rendall3
This is not the first time Brendan has taking part in an incredible series of runs. From completing the Jogle (from John O'Groats to Lands' End) to running across Africa, he's put some miles in his (several pairs of) trainers.
His greatest challenge, though, may have been ditching drink and drugs for a life pounding the world's pavements.
There was certainly plenty to catch-up with him about...
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Jun 12, 2020
Chris Lamb: Meet the man who does everything from sub-17 minute 5ks to wife carrying
If your looking for someone who makes the most of everything running has to offer, Chris Lamb is your man.
A British Masters athlete he recently completed 5kms in an impressive 16 minutes 16 seconds, while his marathon times take some beating as well.
Chris isn't one of those super serious running types though. When he's not travelling at speed, he can usually be found taking place in some bizarre race or other, from the UK wife carrying championships to putting on his own Quirky Races.
Meanwhile, as a coach, Chris helps train other runners through his successful Parklands Jog and Run group. Safe to say we had plenty to talk about...
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Jun 5, 2020
Eric Xiocca: A marathon a month, bears as running 'companions' and dreams of the American big three
Eric Xiocca likes a challenge. When he turned 40 he decided to run a marathon every month for each month of his 40th year.
He enjoyed it so much he's kept going, and as he approaches 43 his next big goal is to run a marathon in every US state before he turns 50.
Even Covid-19 hasn't stopped him, although it has at least delayed his hopes of running in three of the world's biggest marathons: Boston, Chicago and New York.
He's hoping that dream can still be realised, but in the meantime we had plenty to talk about; from dietary preferences to keeping an eye out for bears during training runs...
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May 29, 2020
John Eales: Joining the 100 marathon club
John Eales only started running to lose a bit of weight - but he quickly became addicted.
In less than a year he had jumped from a 5km jog to his first marathon, and after that he just didn't stop.
John told me how he would run "mile after mile" on the way to joining the exclusive 100 marathon club.
We talk about what it's like to run seven marathons in as many days, and how he may have to swap his trainers for cycling shorts in the future.
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May 22, 2020
Michael Williams: 860 miles in 17 days? No problem... until the coronavirus came along
Running 860 miles in 17 days probably seems a nigh on impossible task.
At 69 years old? I'm tired just thinking about it!
Michael Williams, however, is a different kind of person. The Jogle - a lung-busting run from John O'Groats to Lands' End - was top of his bucket list this year.
Sadly, his attempt was cut short by the coronavirus outbreak, but he told me he aims to be back having another go next year.
Not that Michael's running CV is lacking in achievements already.
After starting running to raise money in aid of pancreatic cancer following his sister's sad death from the disease, Michael took part in ten consecutive London Marathons and a host of ultra races.
I spoke to him about what makes long distance running so special and what else is on his challenging looking bucket list...
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May 15, 2020
Claire Hedges: Profoundly deaf parkrunner aims to create running group for all
When Claire Hedges was at school, she used to hang around with the back markers at cross-country events - so she could have a sneaky cigarette!
These days Claire is a committed parkrunner and aiming to run her first half-marathon, despite only taking up running seriously last year.
Born profoundly deaf, Claire is now a run leader at All Together Running, a running group set up to include both deaf runners and those with normal hearing.
I spoke to her about the parkrun experience as a deaf runner and how other people learning sign language gives her a huge boost...
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May 8, 2020
Leonie Heard: Taking on cancer and making new Breast Friends
Leonie Heard is one of the most inspirational people I know.
I call her 'superwoman' in this podcast, a description she disputes but I'm sticking to.
That's because Leonie not only overcame breast cancer - using the power of running to help her through - but has since formed her own support group to help others do the same.
Breast Friends Northamptonshire has gone from strength to strength, being named the winners of the Community Group/Organisation of the Year at the Northampton Leisure Trust Sports Awards 2019.
The coronavirus and lockdown have created their own challenges, but as with everything else Leonie has turned this into more opportunities.
I talked to Leonie about everything from Zoom meetings to turning up late at parkrun and having to 'run bald' for the first time.
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May 1, 2020
Paul Albon: Big Bear Events run director on coronavirus, organising races and getting bored of jelly babies
If you've never taken part in a Big Bear event, it's a pretty amazing experience.
On a very basic level, they consist of running as many - or as few - loops of a variety of picturesque forest-based courses as you can/fancy in (generally) six hours.
These very relaxed races attract everyone from gentle joggers to serious marathon and ultra runners.
I spoke to race director Paul Albon on how he came up with the idea, the pressures of coping with the coronavirus... and plying entrants with beer and cider at the end of events.
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Apr 24, 2020
Susan Wheatcroft: 'The mad idea was a virtual race... within six months we were getting well over 1,000 people'
When Susan Wheatcroft decided to run the London Marathon, she needed a sure-fire way to reach her funding target.
What she came up with was offering people a reward to take part in a virtual race. The money they paid to do so went to her charity.
The idea was such a success that 400 people took part.
It was the start of Virtual Runner UK. These days Susan holds virtual races all over the world, with people's entrance fees going to charity.
Virtual running works in the same way as any other type of running, but the difference is that the entered race can be run at any location, at any pace, inside on a treadmill or outside in another country.
All people have to do is enter a race and provide evidence that you have done it; and Susan will send them a medal in return.
I spoke to her about running virtually during the coronavirus crisis, her own running journey and how Virtual Runner can work for everyone.
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Apr 17, 2020
Leo de Awa: 'Race walking was funny... then it became my Olympic dream'
This week I spoke to one of favourite people, Leo de Awa.
He was responsible for the start of my own running journey, persuading me during a meal in Seville that I could run a marathon.
I trained pretty hard for that I can tell you, but nothing like as hard as Leo trains.
That's because he's a race walker with his sights set on the Olympic Games.
He also makes me laugh. A lot... I hope you enjoy his story.
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Apr 10, 2020
Deon Ehlers: The ultra marathon runner who took on South Africa's toughest race
Imagine running almost 90km and then not getting a medal or finishing time because you missed the cut off point by 33 seconds?
That's what happened to Deon Ehlers when he took on the gruelling Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa.
Fortunately for him it wasn't his first go at the race - in all he's officially completed it five times.
I spoke to Deon about his numerous Comrades experiences, as well as being a parkrun event director, running for fun and working as a policeman in South Africa during the coronavirus outbreak.
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Apr 3, 2020
Carole James: The 'Maverick' whose love of wheelchair racing beat depression
Carole James was left wheelchair bound after a car accident, suffering from constant pain, PTSD and depression.
Her competitive streak wouldn't allow life to keep her down though and before too long she was trying all sorts of wheelchair sports. At first archery proved most attractive, but ultimately it was wheelchair racing that became her passion.
Through Northamptonshire Sport and Northampton parkrun, she started to love life again.
These days, she's one of the faces of Sport England's This Girl Can campaign, promoting women in sport. This is Carole' story.
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Mar 27, 2020
Mark Kennedy: How a brain injury didn't stop one runner
Mark Kennedy was enjoying the holiday of a lifetime when he suddenly passed out.
He was diagnosed with a brain injury that effects his mood, making him tired and anxious.
His doctor said contact sport was out of the question, but he might be able to carry on running.
Thankfully he could and Mark remains one of the most popular runners at Northampton parkrun and with Northampton Road Runners.
Now he's written a book about his experience - entitled 'What the Hell Just Happened' (the reaction of his wife Jules when she found found him passed out).
I talked to him about coping with his brain injury, running marathons and becoming an author.
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Mar 20, 2020
Peter Currington: Mental Health Champion on facing up to the coronavirus and his own demons
Peter Currington is a mental health champion with England Athletics, helping people to confront their problems and giving practical advice.
One reason he is so good at that is because Peter has been there. He overcame drink, drugs and a spell in prison to get his life back on track. These days he gets his endorphins from running rather than any other kind of drug.
Peter is brutally honest about his own journey and how he still has to work on his mental health.
I also spoke to him about how he recently ran a sub-three hour marathon, and the crash that followed; coaching not only his own family but Eritrean refugee Abedom Beyene, who has run the 5km parkrun in under 16 minutes; and, of course, in these strange times, coping with the coronavirus.
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Mar 13, 2020
Catherine Hickford: "Running turned my life around in so many ways"
When Catherine Hickford first started at Northampton parkrun she was more than 21 stone, running at the very back of the field and piling on more weight under the pressure of taking a degree.
These days, she says running has turned her life around.
Catherine has lost more than eight stones, been honoured at Northamptonshire Sports Awards, completed not only her degree but a Masters and made new, valued friendships.
She's truly inspirational - and a lovely person.
Who better than Catherine to have my first Running Tales chat with?
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