Shows
The Daily MotivationFrom South Side to White House - Building Unbreakable Self-Belief | Michelle Obama & Craig RobinsonOrder my newest book Make Money Easy! https://lewishowes.com/moneyyouCheck out the full episode: greatness.lnk.to/1767"Our parents fueled us with a level of 'can do it, must do it-ness' that would give us armor as we went out and started getting dinged in the world." - Michelle ObamaGrowing up on Chicago's South Side with parents who were ahead of their time, Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson developed an unshakeable self-confidence that would later propel them to extraordinary heights. Their parents practiced "coaching confidence" before it was trendy, deliberately...2025-05-1209 min
Running TalesEmily Moore: From being told she'd never walk unaided to taking on the Marathon des SablesWhen Emily Moore was just 19 she suffered a knee injury which led to her being told she'd never walk unaided again, let alone run.
Now, she's on the edge of taking on the toughest footrace in the world, the formidable Marathon des Sables, in April.
After suffering her injury, Emily was determined she would run again, immediately entering the London Marathon. A painful period of rehabilitation followed, but her dream became a reality with her knee surgeon among those cheering her to the finish line.
Since then, Emily has completed a number of marathons and triathlons, teaching herself to swim...2025-01-0135 min
Running TalesSho Gray: Aiming for 24-hours of running glorySho Gray has a big goal in 2024.
The professional runner, who is the Tennessee state record holder for the 100-mile distance, is betting on himself to make the US national 24-hour race team.
Sho is using his savings to dedicate himself to running in the hope of winning the American 24-hour race championship in November, and in doing so qualifying for the national team.
It’s all a far cry from his first manoeuvrings in the world of running, when as a youngster at a Japanese international school he started taking part in the sport - with the somewhat disputed ai...2024-02-1338 min
Running TalesStan Robertson: The street pastor who feeds rough sleepers - and the run to help him do itThis week's Running Tales Podcast has a somewhat different theme.
Our guest is Stan Robertson, the man behind Northampton-based rough sleeper charity Project 16:15.
Running Tales is once again backing the 16:15 Charity Run, which will take place at The Racecourse in Northampton, England on Saturday, March 23.
The event, which aims to raise awareness of and funding for rough sleepers in the town, will take place over six hours - with runners encouraged to run as long or as short a distance as they like over that period.
There is more information about the event on our Substack newsletter page and on...2024-02-0630 min
Running TalesRaziq Rauf: Proving 'Running Sucks' one amazing story at a timeRaziq Rauf is the man behind the increasingly popular 'Running Sucks' Substack, a tongue-in-cheek title for a newsletter that looks at the stories of people doing interesting things to further running culture.
Raz's newsletter has covered subjects as varied as homelessness, racism, body shaming and alcoholism - all from the prospective of those in the running world.
It aims to tell stories that go beyond people's favourite trainers or their marathon training plans. The result is a fascinating and occasionally raw dive into why running sucks and how, ultimately, it is a force for good.
Raz's own running journey began...2024-01-2326 min
Running TalesHelen Ramwell: From reluctant runner to multi-day ultra competitorHelen Ramwell didn't always wants to run, despite coming from a family that loved the sport.
It was only as a teenager while celebrating New Year that she was provoked to take part in a race, after a family member said she would never be able to complete a half-marathon.
The challenge was too much to resist and Helen's running career was underway. It has since taken in a host of marathons and ultra events, including the 'toughest footrace in the world' - the Marathon des Sables.
Helen took part in that event alongside her father, Richard, who she regularly...2024-01-1632 min
Running TalesLiz Fraser: Why turning 50 is a marathon goal for writer and broadcasterLiz Fraser has been a passionate runner since a young age, when her mother - who coached youngsters at the Oxford City Athletics Club - introduced her to the sport.
Running has been her constant companion ever since, through the highs of many a 5k, 10k and half-marathon to helping her cope with mental health issues.
A writer, broadcaster and best-selling author, Liz's memoir 'Coming Clean' tells the story of her life with an alcoholic partner, and running has provided solace in harder times.
Now, as she approaches her 50th birthday in October, Liz is aiming to run her first...2024-01-0935 min
Running TalesDenny Krahe: Ultra runner and coach on why people cheat and pushing your body to the limitDenny Krahe is an ultra runner and coach who runs one of our favourite podcasts about the sport: Diz Runs.
We first caught up with Denny just over a year ago, when we chatted to him about his own running career and his life as an injury prevention specialist.
With changes on the way at Diz Runs, we thought it was a good time to talk to Denny again and to see how he is getting on with some of his running goals.
We also chewed the fat over some of the big issues in the running world, including the...2023-12-2734 min
Running TalesColin Kirk-Potter: The Dartmoor fell runner who beat Scott Jurek at UTMBColin Kirk-Potter grew up running on the fells and a career as a Royal Marine meant fitness was always going to be central to his life.
Back when he joined the Marines, a day on Dartmoor involved brutal training but these days he loves nothing more than to run around its trails and fells - to the stage where he's even written a book about the best routes.
Colin's running has seen him take on extreme races all around the world, including the Bob Graham Round and the Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc, where he even beat ultra running legend Scott Jurek.
...2023-12-1933 min
Running TalesDonato - The Poet With Pace: How one man went from non-runner to Boston qualifier and Masters internationalDonato, aka Twitter's Poet With Pace, hasn't always been a runner. Indeed, he didn't even start running until he was in his mid-50s and only took to the sport to raise money for charity.
But once he started, there was no stopping him.
Since completing the Birmingham Half-Marathon in 2015, Donato has gone on to break a Guinness World Record for running the fastest marathon dressed as a hospital patient, completed five marathon majors and raced for England at Master's level.
Along the way he has amassed a YouTube following of close 5,500 subscribers to his 'Chatty Adventures' channel, where he...2023-12-1237 min
Running TalesRussell Watkin: Running for Tommy’s - and to transform his lifeRunning 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 f...2023-12-0530 min
Running TalesJason Bahamundi: How a Puerto Rican kid from the Bronx came to run Western States, Rocky Racoon and the Cocodona 250Jason 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...2023-11-2835 min
Running TalesNatasha Swartley: Ultra marathoner on how life in the Navy helped foster a don’t quit attitudeNatasha 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...2023-11-2134 min
Running TalesRohan Kallicharan: The Olympic legacy runner who went from mental health crisis to the cusp of 100 marathonsRohan 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...2023-11-1448 min
Running TalesChristopher McDougall: Born to Run author on war reporting, running with donkeys and why the B-52’s can perfect your formChristopher 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...2023-11-0750 min
Running TalesAnthony Swain: The ultra runner who started jogging to beat a back injury and the pandemicAnthony 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...2023-10-3135 min
Running TalesRichard Wilcox: The runner who went from couch to 100-miles in a yearAfter 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...2023-10-241h 00
Running TalesNigel Watson: How one man’s prostate cancer diagnosis didn’t stop him running the Marathon des SablesThe 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...2023-10-1725 min
Running TalesPeter Vickers: The ‘one time’ parkrunner who beat Covid to finish an ultraFrom 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...2023-10-1024 min
Running TalesIsaac Kenyon: The extreme adventurer using running to raise mental health awarenessIsaac 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...2023-10-0336 min
Running TalesCarlotta James: The woman behind the 4,300km Monarch UltraLaunched 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...
...2023-09-2635 min
Running TalesJake Fedorowski: Bringing non-binary inclusion into the world of runningAt 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...2023-09-1937 min
Running TalesFranjo Mihalić: The Croatian running champion who won the Boston Marathon and Olympic silverThis 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 sta...2023-09-0510 min
Running TalesJoe Thomas: Inspired by Goggins - running 100 miles to raise money for MDS UKWhen 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...2023-08-2936 min
Running TalesKim Levinksy: Overcoming closed trails, wet shoes and farm dogs to beat the 358-mile Long PathRunning 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...2023-08-2237 min
Running TalesMartinus Evans: Slow AF Run Club founder on how he overcame prejudice to become a marathon manWhen 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.
W...2023-08-1528 min
Running TalesGeorgia Francis: My granddad William McKim, Olympian, marathoner and adventurerGeorgia 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...2023-08-0828 min
Running TalesMary 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...2023-08-0121 min
Running TalesHenry Morris: The ultra runner and ’secret Tory’ who became a Twitter sensationAt 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 o...2023-07-2532 min
Running TalesTom Mulchinock: How one runner went from alcoholism to taking on 10 marathons in a yearWhen 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...2023-07-1829 min
Running TalesGrayson Murphy: The late bloomer turned two-time world mountain running championGrayson 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...2023-07-1135 min
Running TalesDoug 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...2023-07-0429 min
Running TalesRebecca 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 t...2023-06-2733 min
Running TalesJeremy Singh: From overweight dad to ultra marathoner - and 40,000 run loving Twitter followersAccording 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
🎤 LISTEN...2023-06-2033 min
Running TalesHannah Phillips: ’No Run Intended’ author on how running changed her lifeHannah 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...2023-06-1330 min
Running TalesBen Davies and Richard Wilcox: The anatomy of a 145-mile endurance raceOn 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...2023-06-0632 min
Running TalesDavid Abbott: How ’Mr Slow Easy Comfortable’ qualified for Boston a year after starting runningDavid 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...2023-05-3030 min
Running TalesRaising money for rough sleepers: Why Running Tales put on a charity run for the homelessWe'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 a...2023-05-2317 min
Running TalesNeil Russell: Putting two fingers up at Parkinson’s to take on 970-mile London to Barcelona challengeIn 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 Jo...2023-05-1635 min
Running TalesRik Vercoe: Raising Phoenix Running Club out of the flames of a red hot running careerAs 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...2023-05-1037 min
Running TalesDamon Fox: Running 750km in 12 weeks for children in povertyDamon 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...2023-05-0226 min
Running TalesColin McCord: How one man's 'fever dream' saw him run five marathons in five weeksBy 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...2023-04-2538 min
Running TalesHappy 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 & Michelle2022-12-1311 min
Running TalesDannii Levi: Deaf runner completes Bedford Half for hearing dogs for deaf peopleThis 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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Running TalesAdam Tango Holland: The youngest runner to reach 100 marathonsAdam '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...2022-05-0225 min
Running TalesMichael Williams: Conquering the 860 mile JOGLE in 17 days at 70It 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...2022-04-1513 min
Running TalesBruce Fordyce: Nine times Comrades winner and South Africa parkrun supremoBruce 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...2021-08-0950 min
Running TalesBob Emmerson: The grandfather of Northampton parkrun and multiple record breakerAt 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'...2021-07-0721 min
Running TalesLouise 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.2021-04-1618 min
Running TalesKarin 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...2021-03-2624 min
Running TalesGareth Snelson: The man who decided to set up a parkrun before even running oneGareth 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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Running TalesAlan Hackett: Facing up to cancer, life in a wheelchair... and new challengesAlan 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...2021-03-1221 min
Running TalesStephen Buck: Inspired to run - and write - by an orangeStephen 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...2021-03-0537 min
Running TalesDannii 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 Licensehttp://creativecommons.or...2021-02-2632 min
Running TalesShaun 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...2021-02-1948 min
Running TalesShack Baker: The newbie who discovered how "mind-blowing" running can beShack 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 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/2021-02-1245 min
Running TalesKathy 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 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/2021-02-0522 min
Running TalesAndy Cottrell: The hundred marathon club member who can't stop runningAndy 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 Cr...2021-01-2949 min
Running TalesGerald Billis: Sixty years without running... and then a silver medalGerald 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 Lic...2021-01-2243 min
Running TalesDoug Richards: How one runner went from being out of breath climbing the stairs to the Marathon des SablesDoug 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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Running TalesLorraine Lewis: Running to help adult cancer patientsThis 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, i...2020-11-1330 min
Running TalesKevin Orchard: Redway Runners co-founder on how he became a British multisport internationalKevin 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...2020-11-0612 min
Running TalesRob Pope: The real life Forrest Gump who ran across AmericaIf '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...2020-10-3039 min
Running TalesEmma Timmis: The girl who ran across AfricaIn 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...2020-10-2341 min
Running TalesSarah 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...2020-10-1621 min
Running TalesLizzie Tovey: Visually impaired runner takes on cancer to complete the Virtual London MarathonLizzie 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...2020-10-0938 min
Running TalesWayne Chalmers: Running in memory of my daughter, DaisyRunning 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...2020-10-0232 min
Running TalesMenna Evans: Smashing the world record time to run the length of New ZealandMenna 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...2020-09-2528 min
Running TalesMartin Lawrence: The man who turned a lunch time run into a 3,500 member clubMartin 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep...2020-09-1832 min
Running TalesEmergency podcast: Redway Runners Daytona 5,000It'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...2020-09-1314 min
Running TalesJeff 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...2020-09-1154 min
Running TalesKath Kirkland: How one woman's baby weight inspired her first novelKath 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward2020-09-0417 min
Running TalesTony Audenshaw: From serving pints in Emmerdale's Woolpack to running marathons dressed as a smurfYou 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...2020-08-2830 min
Running TalesBryan 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward2020-08-2120 min
Running TalesJosh Lay: The 1,500m star with his sights set on the Tokyo OlympicsJosh 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...2020-08-1433 min
Running TalesMags Doyle: The woman who didn't start running until her 50s, but now run, walks many miles awayMags 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep g...2020-08-0722 min
Running TalesEmergency podcast: Brendan Rendall completes Chester Zoo challengeYou 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...2020-08-0407 min
Running TalesKatie 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward2020-07-3127 min
Running TalesSuzanne 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.c...2020-07-2452 min
Running TalesMichael Aldridge: The uncertain future of Milton Keynes Marathon winnerMichael 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward2020-07-1741 min
Running TalesSteve Edwards: The man inside the machine trying to reach 1,000 marathonsFor 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...2020-07-101h 02
Running TalesBonus 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...2020-07-0824 min
Running TalesLiz Yelling: How a double Olympic marathoner and Commonwealth gold medalist didn’t even make the start line of her first raceIt'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...2020-07-0339 min
Running TalesSimon Elliott: Guide runner on how running for two can be the ultimate achievementGuide 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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If...2020-06-2635 min
Running TalesEmergency podcast: Saving Wicksteed Park - Ben Currington's parkrun to parkrun 15 milerKettering'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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/s...2020-06-2009 min
Running TalesBrendan Rendall: From profligacy to philanthropy - how a bet about running turned one man's life aroundBrendan 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...2020-06-1942 min
Running TalesChris Lamb: Meet the man who does everything from sub-17 minute 5ks to wife carryingIf 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...2020-06-1225 min
Running TalesEric Xiocca: A marathon a month, bears as running 'companions' and dreams of the American big threeEric 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...2020-06-0545 min
Running TalesJohn Eales: Joining the 100 marathon clubJohn 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us...2020-05-2928 min
Running TalesMichael Williams: 860 miles in 17 days? No problem... until the coronavirus came alongRunning 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...2020-05-2244 min
Running TalesClaire Hedges: Profoundly deaf parkrunner aims to create running group for allWhen 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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Running TalesLeonie Heard: Taking on cancer and making new Breast FriendsLeonie 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...2020-05-0831 min
Running TalesPaul Albon: Big Bear Events run director on coronavirus, organising races and getting bored of jelly babiesIf 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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If you like t...2020-05-0152 min
Running TalesSusan 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...2020-04-2426 min
Running TalesLeo 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward2020-04-1753 min
Running TalesDeon Ehlers: The ultra marathon runner who took on South Africa's toughest raceImagine 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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If you like this episode please consider d...2020-04-1037 min
Running TalesCarole James: The 'Maverick' whose love of wheelchair racing beat depressionCarole 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to h...2020-04-0324 min
Running TalesMark Kennedy: How a brain injury didn't stop one runnerMark 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...2020-03-2726 min
Running TalesPeter Currington: Mental Health Champion on facing up to the coronavirus and his own demonsPeter 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...2020-03-2028 min
Running TalesCatherine 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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If you like this episode please consider donating to help u...2020-03-1321 min