Shows
Running CommentaryLily CanterOur interview season continues as Paul runs and chats with amazing runner and running and fitness writer Lily Canter, author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism In Sport (https://www.waterstones.com/book/ultra-women/lily-canter/emma-wilkinson/9781914487101).
Thanks Lily.
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2025-08-2851 min
Running CommentaryGoing Rogue With Juliette Burton In EdinburghOur interview season continues with Rob on the road again - catching up with erstwhile guest Juliette Burton in Edinburgh, with the Fringe just about to begin. Featuring The innocent Railway, Juliette's many shows, harsh soft play and empowering cosplay, computer games and super heroes, sexism and sexuality, and the intersection of running, performance and mental health.
Thanks Juliette! Do see her in Edinburgh if you get the chance.
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2025-08-1454 min
Running CommentaryJamie DowardFor this insightful interview episode Rob went down to Hove to run with writer Jamie Doward - and found some fascinating similarities between Jamie, himself and Paul. Plus the weather was gorgeous.
Thank you Jamie. You can get Jamie’s books here: https://www.waterstones.com/author/jamie-doward/1833592
(And you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/paul-tonkinson/9781472975270)
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2025-08-0751 min
Running CommentaryHeat On The HeathHampstead Heath is resplendent in the sunshine on the hottest day of the year, and Paul and Rob are loving it. Featuring Glastonbury thoughts, gig report, blue skies and green greenery, Parkland Walk news, a spooky story, fast culture, Paul’s MDS-centric year, new routes, writers all round, Tonkinson ancestry and AI, clarity and gratitude, Mums and Dads, and a little bit of running.
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2025-07-101h 02
Running CommentaryRob’s Race To The King ReportFresh from West Sussex, Rob has just run the 100k Race To The King, and is keen to tell Paul about it on a recovery run round Wanstead. Featuring heat, lost affirmations, a bonus 2.7km, all kinds of runners and walkers, friends on the trail, from the seaside to the hills, falling over and not falling over, half way (less than half way), the heat intensifying as the trail lengthens, companionship, tennis, road rage, a friend on a hill at 80k at sunset... and on and on into the darkness.
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2025-07-031h 19
Running CommentaryIs Rob Ready?With Rob's Race To The King just days away, and Paul just not running much, the boys take a gentle jog round Clissold Park. Featuring writing over running, Aberdeen boot camp, a deep dive into sounds & smells - and interesting words for both - and some words of wisdom ahead of the long trail.
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BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s...
2025-06-2657 min
Running CommentarySurreal But Nice - Rob's Edinburgh MarathonIt’s been quite the quest for Rob to complete a marathon this year, and the trouble didn’t stop on the start line in Edinburgh. Here Rob reports to Paul on a great-but-crazy day in Scotland.BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/paul-tonkinson/9781472975270Thanks for listening, supporting, and sharing your adventures with us. Happy running.Support t...
2025-06-0249 min
Running CommentaryThe London / Wales ExchangePaul & Rob head round Ally Pally and along the Parkland Walk to Highgate Woods - and meet a friend along the way. Featuring younger generation drinking adventures, real talk, feeling better post marathons, engaging core and improving gait, Rhod Gilbert and his dogs, the Deerings’ adventures in Wales, gig-and-parkrun report, Paul’s potential virtual literary assistant, Rob’s long run plans, your PBs, and a potential heir to the Tonkinson crown…SUBSCRIBE AS A FAN for early access, bonus episodes, ad-free listening and more: runcompod.supercast.comAnd BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob...
2025-05-1557 min
Running CommentaryCraig ParkinsonWith Paul still wending his way home from the desert, Rob popped down to Hove to run with a great guest - British acting royalty Craig Parkinson, new to running and doing his first marathon next week. Featuring wrestling with the wall in your long training run, what things are going to feel like on the day, the rolling wave of readiness, memories of Two Shot Pod Craig's great acting podcast, Adriene and other lockdown memories, Paul's jelly baby, Rob's tips, fuelling, how whether you've done none or twenty-five a marathon is a big deal, people shouting stuff out...
2025-04-241h 06
Running CommentaryMarrakech & Manchester - The Tonkinson Boys PreparePaul and George take to the Parkland Walk for Paul's last run before the MDS - and one of George's last runs before the Manchester Marathon. Featuring Paul's kit, George's training, Rachel's tips, what to do and what not to do before their runs, spag bol, Ned's Mum, fundraising, hallucinating, playing football, aspirational young runners vs old school athletics, training plans, Rob's ribs, getting overtaken - and letting it go, Paul's pre-run pedi, picnic pack and potential penalties.Thanks George - good luck!SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY...
2025-04-2458 min
Running CommentaryApril Fools? Yes We ArePaul is just hours away from the Marathon Des Sables and Rob's just talked to the doctor about his probably-fractured ribs as they start April on Hampstead Heath. Featuring Paul's plan - or lack of, new shoes and backpack, cooking kit, lazing and eating vs running and fasting, sexy spreadsheets, late night security issues, a doofus in the desert, the old clché: don't go off too fast, life without running, gig report, emotion boxes and emotional support animals, and your PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get R...
2025-04-171h 03
Running CommentaryWhite Gown Panic And Haunted Ribcage Live In Finsbury ParkRob and Paul take a turn around Finsbury Park at a cuspal moment. Featuring Rachel's Birthday and other family fun, Paul's murky MDS medical, shoes and saunas, Rob's ribs, final training runs and the value of stopping and starting, the London Marathon start line, gig report, a poignant postcard from a parent, a bit of reading and writing, and some Tonkinson train etiquette.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get...
2025-04-1057 min
Running CommentaryBack To Chesham, Bless 'EmThe final leg of Paul and Rob's long - but not as long as hoped - trail training run. Featuring Rob running on post-tumble, some drama in Paul's community, one man's comedy is another man's content, yogic breathing, a Race To The King overview, animals wild and domestic, Birmingham thoughts, possible parkruns, self care on the trail, the power of the youth, fading a little down Herbert's Hole, gig report, a bit of poetry, a moment in a marathon to look out for, and then they're back in Chesham - where it's still Winter.SUBSCRIBE for...
2025-04-031h 08
Running CommentaryRob's Cambridge HalfAfter the warm sunshine of Sunday's Cambridge Half Marathon, Clissold Park is pretty nippy for the debrief. Featuring Paul's lost glove, starter-pen shenanigans, MDS training on the moors, customising training plans, running before a race - or not, other weekend adventures, Rob's friends' on-message dog, belated predictions, mile-by-mile report, a missing finish line, gait analysis, future plans and some other runners' weekends.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s...
2025-03-2058 min
Running CommentaryNothing But Blue SkiesPaul and Rob kick March off on the Heath, and the weather doesn't disappoint. Featuring Paul's MDS prep - or lack of, both boys running on tour, Rob feeling like an Ultra runner again, gig-and-parkrun report, fictional towns, what Top Gear would be like if Rob hosted, catching up with a RTTS 2022 legend, Paul - and Rob's daughter - having to do the work, cold-water swimming - but not for us, Paul's book title quest, and trapping off with Etta.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's...
2025-03-1357 min
Running CommentaryStraight On From LeytonWe join Paul and Rob in Leyton, in the middle of their long runs. Featuring no maps only camels on the Marathon Des Sables, Hackney Marsh memories, Rob's training plan kicking off in Cambridge, Paul's pack procrastination, food-and-exercise report, touring schedules, when athletics become ascetic, new sights and old memories in Stamford Hill, terrible ideas for the night before a marathon, a surprise cemetery, and the final return to Church Street and Clissold Park, like salmon swimming back upstream - or tofu in Rob's case.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR...
2025-03-061h 15
Running CommentaryDans WansteadOn the first half of a long run, Rob and Paul pick their way through muddy Wanstead Park. Featuring Rob's steps towards a sneaky sixteen, Paul's pasta pack, parkrun report, cross country vibes, the Last Rodeo, a sad weekend for Paul, Rob's firstborn living his best life, MDS anticipation - and its attendant literary responsibilities, breaking the contract of a run, the benefits of compound exercise - and yoga, 'this is what we do', fundraising for motivation - and great charities, trouble in Castlemilk, and some urban slang-based clarity.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and...
2025-02-271h 14
Running CommentaryRob's Running Tracks Round-upWhile we all eagerly anticipate the return of Rob Deering's Running Tracks Radio Hour, here he is withe some gems from the back catalogue.You can download Rob's show Long Distance Man here: gofasterstripe.com/ldAnd you can sponsor his next run here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rob-deering-11?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CLSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/runningcommentary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2025-02-2509 min
Running CommentaryFirst Snowdrops!Signs of Spring in the woods despite the grey chill as Paul and Rob head up to Highgate. Featuring Paul's ongoing training, Rob's slightly speedy parkrun, gig report, the aforementioned first snowdrops, the putative last rodeo, exciting projects for the younger generation, joining the club, training, yoga and booze, fuelling, bodyweight and some truly dreadful French.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: ht...
2025-02-201h 08
Running CommentaryPaul's Back In A Back PackRob and Paul see February in on Hampstead Heath. Featuring early-run motivation - or lack-of, Paul's news - dogs-and-backpack related: Love don't live here anymore, embracing your reality - whatever that might be, staying up in the mud, gig report, Rob's Ultra mantra, the power of changing things up - and positive visualisation, when running is training, putting it all out there - or not - at parkrun, and later-life options for comedians.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www...
2025-02-1356 min
Running CommentaryBusiness (Time) As UsualPaul and Rob set off from Newington Green into some stormy weather - just as they did nine years and four hundred and ninety-nine episodes ago. Featuring memories of a different world, how fast they used to be - as podcasters rather than racers, other anniversaries, where Paul and Rob were at in 2016, Rob's parkrun report, the swan police, the price of chocolate, what Paul did instead of parkrun, wonderful wives, troublesome taxes, feeling strong - but slow - getting physio and/or letting it go, and you, our wonderful listeners old and new.THANK YOU...
2025-02-0655 min
Running CommentaryOn The Cusp Of Winter And SpringA beautiful winter trot along the north London escarpment. Featuring a full-on weekend for Rob, Blue Monday, baked goods to tempt Paul, how stand-up has changed, TV report, the shoe or the tattoo?, a potential new pup, woodpeckers a-rattlin', barcode beef, building bridges, celeb audience members, Rob's training plan, Paul's 'socials', and some solid signs of Spring.SUBSCRIBE for bonus episodes, early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to...
2025-01-3053 min
Running CommentaryIn Good SpiritsRob & Paul head down to Woodberry Wetlands on a gloomy but slightly warmer day. Featuring a theatre visit or two, the culture and geography of north London, Rob's running coalescing into training, parkrun report - and a parkrun plan, the Marathon des Sables looming over Paul once more - and an alternative book idea, worrying about the progeny, gin, taxes and death.SUBSCRIBE for early access, bonus episodes, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can...
2025-01-231h 03
Running CommentarySolstice ShenanigansRob and Paul's penultimate run of the year, and the whole world is ramping up - and/or winding down for the holidays. Featuring Christmas trees, festive viewing review, the storm before the calm and the joy before the sadness, gig report, Rob's ambitious plan for 2025 - and Paul's literary hopes, turning the clock back, making contact with people new to running, or marathons... and drinking their blood.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444...
2024-12-261h 00
Running CommentaryStill Going ForwardAgainst the backdrop of festive film season, Rob and Paul head out into the chilly aftermath of Storm Darragh. Featuring another ongoing aftermath in the Tonkinson house, pathetic fallacy, Rob running through an I-don't-want-to phase, the Christmas crescendo, giving up on parkrun, festive fun vs the sadness of the season, the return of the progeny, heckling Chris Rea, mindfulness and moderation, running and writing, plank philosophy, Paul breaking the green cross code, Rob starting to plan for the New Year, and some Flaming Lips-based inspiration.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR...
2024-12-1956 min
Running CommentaryPaul and GeorgeAfter George and Paul both, in their different ways, had to abandon their Yorkshire Marathon plans, they catch up to put 2024 plans. But first: postmen.BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/paul-tonkinson/9781472975270You can download Rob's show Long Distance Man here: gofasterstripe.com/ldThanks for listening, supporting, and sharing your adventures with us this year. Happy running, an...
2024-12-1830 min
Running CommentaryInto The Darkest Weeks Of The YearPaul and Rob take to Hampstead Heath to see in December.CONTENT WARNING: topics of conversation include death and suicide, so if you think you'll find that upsetting, do stop after the first twenty minutes of this one.As Rob starts his fifty-third year, he surprises himself at parkrun - and not in a good way - and generally considers all the shenanigans of ageing. Paul, meanwhile, was facing down a tough week when we last heard from him, but he wasn't to know haw bad it would turn out to be.
2024-12-1259 min
Running CommentaryEqually At Home In The Jungle Or The WoodsOn a beautiful late November morning, Paul and Rob take the classic route North from Tonkinson Towers. Featuring the aftermath of Storm Bert, non-parkrun report, Rob's low scuttle, the Tarzan test, Paul's difficult diary, gig report, travel trouble, family WhatsApp, an influencer cafe, forest fears and Phantom Paths, Paul the woodsman, a bit of high culture, Rob's emotional relationship with festive pop, speeding down the Parkland Walk, and a healthy dose of Christmas anticipation, SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https...
2024-12-0558 min
Running CommentarySlipping Into Wintry Wanstead WoodsAs the first snow of winter slushily falls, Paul and Rob brave slippery surfaces and stinging nettles to run deep into Wanstead's wonderful woods. Featuring Paul's bare knees, a birthday and some boxing, legendary comedy in Greenwich, a good weekend all round for Paul, an accursed journey for Rob, catching up with old friends and new on the road, plans for 2025 beginning to crystallise, and the fundamental power of putting one foot in front of the other.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks...
2024-11-281h 01
Running CommentaryLetting It Go On The HeathHampstead Heath is as Autumnal as it could possibly be as Paul and Rob head out for a Bonfire Night - or rather Day - run. Featuring a wonderful display of leaves, and a very misty take on the London skyline, the wonder of wives, reading and not reading, full-sized children, Twitter vs X, Rob's many-but-not-quite enough trainers, Paul's visit to the gym, being on the cusp of taking the final opportunities of the year or winding things up and waiting for the next, a good moment in comedy, the art of letting go, and the loss of a...
2024-11-1454 min
Running CommentarySurprises And Scarves At The Yorkshire MarathonThe Yorkshire Marathon is upon us, and despite a fairly healthy training block, and some signs of strength in recent weeks, Paul is on very little sleep and Rob is under the weather.What happened next will, as they say, blow your minds.Thanks so much to the Yorkshire Marathon Festival for having us, congratulations to all the friends, old and new, who ran there too, and all the lovely staff and volunteers; what a great event.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you...
2024-10-3144 min
Running CommentaryHigh Hopes And Questionable ConditionsPaul and Rob, less than a week out from the Yorkshire Marathon, take a very gentle trot up and down the Parkland Walk and compare notes. Featuring feeling shonky, the truth about maranoia, comedy schedule vs taper schedule, parkrun report - including pals - being in the moment but looking forward, carb-load considerations, gold/silver/bronze predictions, new shoes, and your fantastic PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get...
2024-10-2445 min
Running CommentaryTwo Taper TriumphsOn an Autumnal trot slingshotting round Finsbury and Clissold Parks, Rob and Paul report on some fast running last week. Featuring Paul's pacy - but unofficial - parkrun, Rob's Grandad, fear of the phalanx, surprise success in Victoria Park, accessing speed during training, 'PB or DNF'? - we think not, eras and errors, memories of Tetto's, Rob as astronaut, Paul as children's TV presenter, getting to the end, and The Shoes, SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com...
2024-10-1752 min
Running CommentaryThe Hounds Of WansteadPaul and Rob try out a new theme tune and head East to Wanstead. Featuring last long runs and easing into the taper pre-York, Rob's plumbing adventures in the North East, the wonders of the woods, Paul's pacy parkrun, a tickle of tempo in that taper, directions dismissed, dawgs!, fuel thoughts, brilliant birds, triple kibosh, gig report, RIP round-up and memories of some surprising moments of stranger rage.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444...
2024-10-101h 03
Running CommentaryGrumble In The JungleA grey day on Hampstead Heath sees Paul and Rob airing their grievances. Featuring tough training, the customary offensive accents, Tonks' trough, Camille's wiki woes, Rob's resting heart rate, nice people at gigs, the boxing, cough report, parkrun pettiness, the adventures of the progeny - including pantsgate - and your fantastic September PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.co...
2024-10-031h 03
Running CommentaryEastville ParkrunAfter gigging out West, Rob and Paul crash in Bristol and have a go on Eastville parkrun. Featuring sitcom-style house-sitting, Autumn blowing in, long run training, religious frisbee, pre-parkrun preparations, the run itself, DFYB, line theft, conkers, trees, lakes, birds and a motorway, Rob's shonk, Paul's dog, and sharing the parkrun love.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/bo...
2024-09-1939 min
Running CommentaryBit Fit Bit Funny with Lizzy PThis interview is something of a reversal, as Lizzy P is interviewing Rob for HER podcast - but when it comes down to it, this is pretty much your usual blend of running and chat - just with something of a Deering focus.Thanks Lizzy - seek out her Bit Fit Bit Funny podcast.Also, BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/pa...
2024-09-171h 01
Running CommentarySomewhat Less Than SupersonicSeptember begins and the holidays are over as Rob and Paul run round Hyde Park. Featuring running by the sea - and getting in it - building strength, not going to parkrun, going to parkrun, and EVERYONE going to parkrun, festival fun, a thankless gig for Paul, Rob missing his Radio Hour, where George is at, Oasisgate and other dynamic-pricing talk - and, of course, where the boys are at with York not far away.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here...
2024-09-121h 09
Running CommentarySky Grey, Future BrightPaul and Rob take a turn round the parks, reservoirs and canals as some cooler weather blows in. Featuring good news for Rob's Daughter, question marks for Paul's son, fishcakes, sleeping arrangements, marathons and maturity, ongoing ailments, Green Man report, environmental shenanigans by the New River, lots of lovely birds, and new beginnings - for the youngsters anyway.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Ha...
2024-08-2959 min
Running CommentaryThe Saucony London 10kPaul and Rob - and friends - take part in the Saucony London 10k right in the heart of the city. Featuring readiness - or lack of - further intense July news events, the magic of a 10k, posh stuff pre-race, Euros-watching plans, getting back to parkrun, and of course the race report itself - partying on the course, ups and downs and there and backs, Paul chilling with the elites, total lack of plastics, good vibes and Rob stalking an influencer.What's more, we've got additional race reports from all our friends out there on...
2024-08-081h 01
Running CommentaryGeorge 2With Rob still not the fittest, Paul takes a run with with George, who's getting stronger every day. Featuring some Rudi-related phone dominoes, Strava - imagine! - George's new shoes, replacing Deering with Sheeran, creeping competitiveness at the Tonkinson track session, where to watch the football, the Southgate question, looking cool in front of the kids, staying loose against your instincts, healthy choices, where hills and the weather fit into the marathon experience, and where training will take the Tonkinson boys next.ROB DEERING WILL RETURN.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and...
2024-08-0147 min
Running CommentaryA Week Of Ups And DownsPaul and Rob meet in Ally Pally after probably the five most eventful days of the year so far, and the General Election leads to one of their very occasional dangerous forays into politics, with some full-on RunCom commentary. Also featuring run report, the Euros, Rob's latest medical adventure, Paul's 30th anniversary gig, Andy Murray, England's penalties transcending everything, adventures on Rob's mini tour, partial nudity, high emotions alone in a vehicle, and trying to recognise when you've peaked.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book...
2024-07-1858 min
Running CommentarySolstice SunshineThe boys mark the Summer Solstice by wandering beautiful Wanstead in the sunshine. Rob says he's better - but he doesn't sound it; apologies for all the coughing. Featuring Paul's imminent trip to Dubai, which in turn gets us a glimpse into the world of the hotel men, inappropriate kit-off moments, seeking self-motivation, Paul's potential performance in the London 10k, Rob's theoretically gentler running plans, Sophie Raworth and Tom Cruise, swimming and cycling shenanigans, Pride and Prejudice, running and bears, the yin and yang of the half way point of the year, the sad sunshine disappearances, a funny fable...
2024-07-041h 07
Running CommentarySummer Of ShenanigansJune is in its pomp, and Rob is back on the trail. Paul, meanwhile, has done his first long-ish run with George. In this episode: Rob's cough, Paul and George's father / son run quest, Yorkshire Marathon training plans, Sports Day, wider family adventures, Helen and Matt's Race To The King report, 'I am running and running is me', Summer plans, football round-up, gig report, Race Across The World, Fathers' Day, election talk, constant change being here to stay, and a fine raft of your PBs. SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR...
2024-06-271h 11
Running CommentaryTonks & SonRunning Commentary gets some representation from the younger generation, as Paul's son George steps into Rob's shoes. Featuring a 20-something take on marathon training, changing attitudes to partying vs exercise, competitiveness vs training miles, secret TV work, beautiful woods (no pictures), temptations that had never crossed our minds before, father: coach or nemesis, the perennial search for balance, doing the Yorkshire Marathon in three and a half hours, and more family members joining the club. Thank you George.ROB DEERING WILL RETURN.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more...
2024-06-2059 min
Running CommentaryRob's A Wreck!Paul slows to a walk so as to catch up with an embattled Rob on a turn around Clissold Park. Featuring a road trip in a cough box, how about getting me off of these antibiotics?, additional falling and limping, saying goodbye to the king, some petty crime, some festival fun, when exercises work best, red red wine, stripping away the self - in more ways than one - and a potential RunCom nepo baby.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here...
2024-06-1347 min
Running CommentaryUnder The Canopy Of The North London RainforestCosta Rican conditions on the Parkland Walk for Rob and Paul, as Rob wonders about the wisdom of staying with a training plan through illness. Featuring Paul's accidentally judgmental small talk, the Universal Cough, driving an MDS Fiasco, going weak at the knees, student drama, a national treasure, time capsules, a crazy coincidence, the lost art of letters, pillow talk, long runs, booze and balance, stopophobia, and the greenest greenery ever seen.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones...
2024-06-061h 02
Running CommentaryWonderful WansteadA perfect, still May morning, grey overhead and green all around, sees the boys return to Wanstead's wonderful woodlands. Featuring Paul's ongoing recovery, Rob's potential illness post-high mileage week, some dog action, a hotel faux pas, foolish boozin', memories of some late, great comedians and storytellers, 'these are the good times', Paul's beleaguered house, Rob's Race To The King aims, summer in the city, and some of your brilliant PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book...
2024-05-231h 08
Running CommentaryA Run Round The Malverns And A Trip To MarsOn an absolutely beautiful May morning, the guys catch up with much to report; Rob's poorly daughter, Paul's shonky shoulder, comedy adventures in Wales, Rob's continuing RTTK training featuring intervals and a lovely long run in the Malverns, Paul's weekend of disordered eating and new movie watching, Tonkstagram, the green green grass of Highgate, trouble in TV town, some disappointing drinking, another, slightly different running adventure, sweet chiropody, shonky toes and new shoes, and the ongoing hedonist quest. SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running...
2024-05-161h 00
Running CommentaryOn The Green And Glorious HeathMay's stunning raiments bedeck Hampstead Heath as Rob and Paul take their traditional new-month turn. Featuring the pillars of Paul's life, lawless comedy gigs, Rob's RTTK training adventures, getting out early in the morning - and wiping out in the afternoon, Tonks' drinking tips, laying in, affordable art, memories across generations, taking care not to fall, danger in Costa Rica and other parts of the world, Paul's pain and publishing plans, and some more moving London Marathon stories.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running...
2024-05-0955 min
Running CommentaryHill Reps And Marathon LovePaul joins Rob for a Race To The King training run; witnessing a particularly wonderful London Marathon has got Rob in a lovey-dovey place - and Paul's taking his first steps on the comeback trail. Featuring hill work, Paul's shoulder and book plans, a shout out for marathoners who didn't make it, the power of the penultimate rep, how - to paraphrase ABBA - one of us is drinking, an impromptu comedy reunion, gig-and-weekend report, memories of dog-gate, the magic of being metronomic, and some more of your fantastic PBs.Thank you to Mark Maier and...
2024-05-021h 18
Running CommentaryRob's Marathon, Paul's ConundrumPaul's still wrestling with whether to run the Marathon Des Sables after hurting his shoulder in a fall last week - and Rob's just done the Brighton Marathon; lots to talk about!SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/paul-tonkinson/9781472975270You can download Rob's show Long Distance Man here: gofasterstripe.com/ld
2024-04-1845 min
Running CommentaryWifely Woes And Miserly WhysWhy does Rob need a gentle turn on Clissold Park's soft surfaces? Has Paul finally found his 'Why?' for the Marathon Des Sables? These questions and more are answered in this episode, along with the boys' musings on MDS prep, Jasmin Paris and the Barkley Marathons, searching for the hero inside yourself, questionable advice, when life outside running gets TOUGH - particularly on Rob's wife - a Half Marathon... kind of, some surprise vermin, showbiz fun, chasing catharsis, potential timings and tentative tapers.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS...
2024-04-041h 02
Running CommentaryToday We Run All Day Part ThreeRob and Paul's mileage is into double figures as their run through the Chilterns continues - with a long long climb back up to the tops. Featuring hydration vest but no hydration, Rob's continuing thumbnail drama, a little bit of fuelling, Mothers' Day, old roads, new railways, notes on the Brits, time being called on Rob's #RunningTracksRadioHour, no poles for Paul, men's midlife medical material, a spooky spot, a transcendental potato, 'asking the question' in training, and a nice surprise, distance-wise.Part Four is also available now; you're welcome, long-runners!SUBSCRIBE for early...
2024-03-211h 01
Running CommentaryToday We Run All Day Part FourPaul and Rob's epic trot through the beautiful Chilterns draws to a close. Featuring Rob's transcendental potato, Paul's pack, a pretty park, the view from the top, a bit of yoga talk, the quest for moderation, the commitment to a twenty mile run, plans for the train home, a surprise moment of vertigo practice, the inspirational final descent and the search for inspiration in the main event, and... Tring! Part Three is also available now, if you haven't heard it yet; you're welcome, long-runners.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and...
2024-03-2140 min
Running CommentaryToday We Run All Day Part TwoBack to the Chilterns with Rob and Paul in the second of the four episodes that make up this epic run - but will they make it to twenty miles? Featuring magic number four, that Chiltern-and-Ridgeway vibe, more posh places, gig report and the changes to the comedy circuit, Paul's pack part two, wending through Wendover, Rob sustaining a shocking, zip-based injury, the half-way obelisk objective, losing mileage by not getting lost, international marathons and best-before dates.Part One is also available now, if you missed it, and there'll be two more chapters next week; you're...
2024-03-1459 min
Running CommentaryToday We Run All Day Part OneWe join Paul and Rob in Chesham where they head off into the Chilterns in the first of the four episodes that make up this epic run - but will they make it to twenty miles? Featuring Paul's pack, Herbert's Hole, many a muddy morass, a fun parkrun, happy campers at the MDS, salt tablets, stopping and starting, posh places, Chiltern love and how to solve a drinking problem.Part Two is also available now, and there'll be two more chapters next week; you're welcome, long-runners!SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and...
2024-03-141h 28
Running CommentaryTough EnoughThe boys head off the Heath towards Primrose Hill, Regents Park and beyond, on a windy, muddy Tonks' MDS training run. Featuring Paul kitting himself out for the MDS - technically AND spiritually, Rob mis-identifying a classic car, tough talk, the what the why and the guy on high, top hat, white tie and tails, Susie Chan and Lisa Arscott, fear of heights (untested by Primrose Hill), Rob's posh minibreak, Paul's many guests, a legendary moment of slapstick, foot talk, long run report, strength training and/or breaking America, man down, 'on we go', digesting in the desert, and...
2024-03-071h 23
Running CommentaryMud And MadnessRob and Paul are already a few miles in - particularly Paul - as they head through Hightgate towards the softer parts of Hampstead. Featuring long runs on consecutive days, being buffeted by Spring, parkrun report (good), gig report (bad), Rudi's party, the beautiful - but waterlogged - Heath, lovely films, a romantic wrist injury, abstemiousness and its observation, when running feels like wading through mud, and when running IS wading through mud, the adventures of 'Natalia', the late, great Steve Wright, some other bits of bad news - and the good news that is your PBs.
2024-02-291h 28
Running CommentaryThis One's For KelvinTragic news broke on the sunny morning Rob and Paul ran out on this week - the untimely death of the world's fastest marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, and his coach Gervais Hakizimana; RIP. This episode, for what it's worth, is dedicated to those guys. Also featuring memories of Abebe Bikila, Rob running with his wife, a bad beginning to a friendship, watching runners go by, not loving long training runs, phantom-and-real physical fears, our regular booze-and-gig reports, Paul's family in the four corners of the globe, the hell of compromise, self-coaching, running into emotional vulnerability, the parkrun hoo-ha, a...
2024-02-221h 03
Running CommentaryAlly Pally ReplayRob takes Paul round the Alexandra Palace parkrun course for a review of his latest Saturday morning adventure. Also featuring party time at Tonkinson Towers, daughters going global, sociable strangers, Deering's driving adventures, gig report, your PBs and whether/how much to smoke during marathons.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/paul-tonkinson/9781472975270Yo...
2024-02-1552 min
Running CommentaryIs It Spring Yet?On the morning after the storm, Rob and Paul check out the sunny woods. Featuring weekend report, the clash of a training schedule with real life, struggling comedians, film talk, what lockdown did to us, Rob's next Ultra, another canine moment, Paul finding his training and his trainers, some tempting wine, a performative plank and a runners' hook-up service.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to...
2024-02-011h 01
Running CommentaryBlue Skies On Blue MondayBlue Monday schmoo Monday! A beautifully bright, cold, long run round Alexandra Palace and environs brings nothing but joy, pals and big plans for Rob and Paul. Featuring gig report, the irritating value of abstemiousness, concert-and-movie review, boring one's children, Rob finding his fitness, Paul's MDS prep, bumping into an old friend with a nasty bag and making a new friend with a nippy PB, parkrun socials, an avian trip hazard, running in space, voices, trees, rehabilitation and recovery, and some salt chat.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you...
2024-01-251h 24
Running CommentarySnowflakesRob and Paul run round Wanstead Flats on the wintriest day of the year so far. Featuring the world going back to work, domestic doldrums, getting-and-staying muddy, gig-and-no-gig report, to-do and to-don't lists, strange men in the woods, no-parkrun report, taking it slow, a little bit of snow, the man from the White Rose, noisy foxes, packing up Christmas, training in your fifties, Rob's next Ultra, parenting adults, keys and PBsSUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening, exclusive interviews and more... ...and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here...
2024-01-181h 05
Running CommentaryHappy New Year... We HopeHAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Rob and Paul start it off on Hampstead Heath, as per tradition. Featuring Paul prepping for the MDS, and writing about it, then racing all the way back to York, Rob's beef with Axl Rose, Paul's sympathy with a teeny-weeny dog, Rob running Brighton again, then maybe an Ultra... and running all the way back to York, stand-up plans, out-with-the-old, doom scrolling - or not - and all the other items on the 2024 manifesto.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running...
2024-01-0447 min
Running CommentaryWith A WhimperPaul's poorly and Rob's not much better as the year draws to a close, and the rain is unrelenting, but a review of the year can't help but lift the spirits. We look at how far Paul has come, Rob's ascetic mission to the mountains, the road through Cannock Chase back to York, running as a portal to emotions, the hope held out by Health Month, the life events that shaped our years in surprising ways, being careful not to cut your own rut, how running-and-chatting is good medicine, families in flux, four hundred - and thirty - episodes...
2023-12-2837 min
Running CommentaryThe Holiday 2: Into The WoodsAs we head for the Winter solstice and Christmas itself, Paul and Rob had into the damp and gloomy woods. Featuring new insight into training-for-your-training, festive film-and-show round-up, celebrating 'winter defence festival', Rob getting ill every December, Paul's big media-and-facial-hair push, a lost rucksack and other sundry items, finding out who's naughty or nice, fatherhood expressed through the medium of toast, 'if in doubt go out', and the all-important Christmas menu.Why not SUBSCRIBE in 2024 - for early access, ad-free listening and more!And BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running...
2023-12-211h 08
Running CommentaryHarry's GamePaul and Rob run unusually late in the day, which leads to rare and surprising sightings of the Tonkinson progeny. Featuring a long-awaited photo shoot, a posh secret acer, gig-and-parkrun report, Adriene and Michael Caine, football thrills, and some anticipation of Paul's exciting Australia trip. SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/paul-tonkinson/9781472975270Th...
2023-11-161h 02
Running CommentaryNovember NotesOn the first of November - and at the optimal moment for Autumn's leafy display - Rob and Paul return, like salmon, to Hampstead Heath. Featuring more new routes through familiar country, Rob's playful progression run, Paul's MDS training, a little abstemiousness, Harvey Lewis and the Backyard Ultra, aims for the rest of the year, mourning Matthew Perry and bringing a little bit of joy through comedy, trail shoes and other gear, Paul not soliciting Rob's Ultra advice but Rob giving it anyway, plans for Portsmouth & Perth, and your PBs (or not PBs - that is the question...)
2023-11-091h 08
Running CommentaryYorkshire Mara-DONEPaul and Rob - and everyone else's - Yorkshire Marathon and more. Featuring RunCom socials, community love, magic shoes, chunking it into quarters, Rob and Paul's different experiences, plans for the future, and an incredible load of PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444 - and you can get Paul’s book 26.2 Miles to Happiness here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/26-2-miles-to-happiness/paul-tonkinson/9781472975270Oh, and you can still sponsor Rob's ma...
2023-10-261h 00
Running CommentarySpeedy Shoes, York Talk And Art In The Park.On a gorgeous loop round Regents Park, Paul and Rob enjoy the tapir, and compare notes for the last time before running the Yorkshire Marathon. Featuring Rob's health, autumn sights, Kelvin Kiptum's Chicago jazz, parkrun report, Paul's new shoe plans, Rob's run in Southampton, marathon pace thoughts, footwear focus, some exciting art, vaporfly memories, drink report, gold, silver and bronze predictions - and some more of your excellent PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks...
2023-10-1949 min
Running CommentaryA Marathon Can Be Many Things...October's 'state of the nation' run around Hampstead Heath turns out to be a sunny treat. After a nice start, Rob and Paul talk final training runs, the psychological power of a bit of repetition, whether Paul's done enough long runs, his parkrun report, twitter trouble over 'meaningless' marathons, Rob's Grandad and other family resemblances, an impressive junior RED record, and how hard runs help in tough times.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444...
2023-10-1252 min
Running CommentaryNew Shoes RequiredRob and Paul meet, once more, on the Parkland Walk and head up to and round the North London woods. Featuring dual parkrun report, last long runs before Yorkshire, shabby old trainers vs the shoes of the future, Rob's mysterious malaise, Paul's potential pace, Berlin Marathon talk, York socials, hills in general, mantras and little jumps, a bit of dream interpretation and more of your fantastic PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening, exclusive interview episodes and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book...
2023-10-051h 12
Running CommentaryThe Hound Of Wanstead FlatsAutumn is blowing in as Paul and Rob take a trip back east to Wanstead Flats. Featuring a surprise detour into Joe Swash, Paul's track session, plans for the last leg of Yorkshire Marathon training, Rob's Leek running adventure, big moments in parenting, hotel review, where Britain stands on children and dogs, controlling your beast, the catharsis of a long long run, a little moomin lore and your excellent PBs.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book...
2023-09-281h 07
Running CommentaryHyde Park DebriefPaul and Rob take a turn round Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens after a very hot weekend of running. Featuring cancelled marathons, breaking weather, Rob's Great North Run, Paul's LSR, when runs are shorter than they seem, cormorants in Hyde Park, the Tonkinson memorial in Kensington Gardens, Rob's chest pains, Paul's palace, final training and taper plans ahead of the Yorkshire Marathon, Rob's son heading off to University, international disasters, the legal firm of Barnet and Finchley, running in the Royal Parks, poor air quality at Paul's Dad's house, Mo's last race, embracing change as an ageing runner, tough...
2023-09-211h 11
Running CommentaryNew PathwaysAs the September sun blazes down, Rob and Paul change their plans - and find some new angles on their old routes. Featuring strangely criminal emergencies, running in the heat, parkrun report, an all-new nature reserve, trainergate, good and bad gigs, kintsugi, footpaths and neural pathways, some of your runs, anticipating the Great North Run - and university drop-off - and reappraising the Parkland Walk.Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running adventures with us on line.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more...
2023-09-141h 11
Running CommentaryHappy New (Academic) YearSeptember begins with a very atmospheric misty morning on Hampstead Heath - perfect for Paul and Rob to say goodbye to the holidays and anticipate the coming months. Featuring some self-barbering, York Marathon training schedules, Rob's curious ailment, holiday memories, poignant parenting, bad ads, Paul's plant-infused diet, partial nudity, comparing and contrasting other countries with the UK, booze-and-gig report, Paul's three pillars of a happy life, the Parliament Hill Grand Prix, Rob's Provence interlude, and taking all our August adventures on into the Autumn.Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for...
2023-09-071h 10
Running CommentaryNot Out Of The Woods YetThe Cannock Chase-the-sun ten mile race is still fresh in Rob and Paul's minds, but since then Paul's been keeping the miles up and Rob's been entertaining the Green Man in Bannau Brycheiniog. Featuring fluffy-ball forgetfulness, Rob's result, festival report, friendly and unfriendly folk on the trail, people without pacers and pacers without people, that late-summer mood, and Yorkshire on the horizon.Happy last-blast-of-the Summer Holidays everyone. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running lives with us online. SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening a...
2023-08-3045 min
Running CommentaryWanstead Flats ParkrunFor the first time in a long while, Paul and Rob check out an unfamiliar parkrun - Wanstead Flats, far enough into east London to qualify as being in Essex apparently. Featuring a classy date, guessing at geography, a Tarantino toilet moment, Rob's big plan, Paul's holiday schedule, DFYB, mystery questions from a stranger, how far to go for a parkrun, Paul's risk of injury, which way?!, gait analysis, course review, ticking off laps and tricking your brain.Happy Summer Holidays everyone, and happy running. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and...
2023-08-1039 min
Running CommentarySummer Heath Run Part Two - Impossible MissionsWe rejoin Paul and Rob celebrating the Summer Holidays with an extra-long turn round Hampstead Heath, where their chat features a report onRob's latest 10k - the evening one - Paul and Rob's quest for fitness, accessing pace when you're tired, new corners of the Heath, guilt and laziness, cinema report, and training for their next challenges - including Paul's MDS...Happy Summer Holidays everyone, and happy running. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running lives with us on line.SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free...
2023-08-0348 min
Running CommentaryWhen Paul Has To JeffRob and Paul run off into the new era in this episode... except Paul has to walk. FeaturingPaul's bad back - and the blame for it - Acast+, running among the morning runners, dirty dogs, monks not warriors, a sad shrine, some belated celebrity mourning, two Georges, gig report, training plans, Tom Price, Beth and Phoebe the birthday dog, and Paul's Runners World-based Proustian rush. And thanks for sharing all your summer runs with us on line; what a wonderful group of people you are.Paul and Rob are both published writers...
2023-07-0644 min
Running CommentaryReminiscences On A Sun-kissed HeathSunshine blazes over Hampstead Heath as Rob and Paul take stock. Featuring kids at their outside-y best, flower power running gear, what, if anything they'd want from a watch, lockdown memories, Yorkshire Marathon training thoughts, that difficult second book, the folly of foolish influencers, the throbbing health of the Heath, noises and voices, Rob tree-climbing tree and Paul Bush-singing, and let's party.Our thanks, as always, to our supporters - through the Acast Supporter button - and our contributors - through the socials. You're all fantastic and we'd be nothing without you.You...
2023-06-2251 min
Running CommentaryHyde Park with Ivo GrahamHopefully Paul will be all better and back next week, but in the mean time Rob's in beautiful Hyde Park with brilliant Ivo Graham, talking about anything and everything. Featuring 'if in doubt, go out', Machynlleth memories, Egyptian Goslings, top-end trainers, Rob's runs in retrospect - and his Albert Hall gigs - scary dogs, Ivo not-quite running the London Marathon with his brother - and channelling Paul - licking frogs, being poetically disorganised, Gig Pigs and other music talk, the Graham family run, and, time-permitting, Taskmaster.Thanks so much to Ivo; PAUL TONKINSON WILL RETURN.
2023-06-011h 05
Running CommentaryBen WillbondWith Paul still benched, Rob runs instead with lovely Ben Willbond - through the usual parts of North London, but on some new routes. Featuring Ben's knee, the Captain's challenge, the decision making skills of pregnant women, closed toilet drama, marathon memories, the deleterious effects of falling over as a career, Ben's mountain-related hopes, good and bad parenting, Horrible Histories and Ghosts, writing insights, complicity in comedy - whether it's sitcoms or stand-up - 'who's attached?', Rob's bulging backpack, whether the Mountain Rescue cover Highgate Woods, and running listening to music.Many thanks to Ben...
2023-05-251h 15
Running CommentaryUnofficial Eleanor TiernanWith Paul on the bench, our old friend Eleanor steps in. Featuring convenient conveniences, when and when not to run fast, how even good shoes have limitations, Tom Cruise on a cruise, Eleanor's Brighton Half Marathon story - featuring a shocking admission - countryside comedy and parkrun plans, big fish, the whys and wherefores of different distances, more details from Rob's Bannau Brycheiniog adventure, the long walk after a finish line, fuelling fun, and an interesting opportunity for east-London-based cyclists.Thanks so much to Eleanor; PAUL TONKINSON WILL RETURN.And thank you all...
2023-05-1859 min
Running CommentaryPaul's Column And Rob's StoryOn the weekend Rob ran over 50k in Bannau Brycheiniog, Paul's final column for Runner's World hit the nation's magazine racks and doormats, so there's plenty for them to catch up is this sunny episode. Featuring Rob's riddle, Paul's regret, getting granular on the Pen y Fan massif, mud, mountains, potatoes and parkruns - but not quite Alanis Morisette.Thank you to anyone and everyone who sponsored Rob for Velindre Cancer Care, all of you who've bought us a coffee through the Acast supporter button, and every post-and-tweeter who's shared their running adventures on line. You're...
2023-05-1146 min
Running CommentarySpring, The King, Robots And ThingsThis was Paul and Rob's second run this week; at this rate Rob's pre-event taper might have to wait til he's done all his events. Featuring green leaves, bluebells, good gigs, trail training, mud, motivation, fuel, fear and walking the hills of life.Thank you once again to all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more - through the Acast Supporter button. And thank you, always, for sharing all your running adventures, major, minor, glorious or ignominious, with us on line; what a wonderful community you are. We love...
2023-05-0451 min
Running CommentaryRob's London Marathon And Other StoriesBefore, during and after Rob's 2023 London Marathon - plus Paul's big plan and your amazing PBs. Featuring when third place in an Ultra is not third place in an Ultra, how Denise Richards was going to help Rob run London, how the other half live on the start line, Rob's shonky feet and exemplary support team, the carrot that's going to inspire Paul's Race To The Stones, how Rob felt once the dust had settled, and a huge raft of incredible results from you guys.Thanks to all of you who sponsored Rob for Velindre Cancer...
2023-04-271h 23
Running CommentaryTough MothersThe comfort of a classic Tonkinson turn - up the Walk and around the Woods - is welcome to a somewhat strung-out Rob in this episode. Featuring surprise chill, family drama, failing friendships, a poorly mother, a Tough Mudder, being famous and posh, Woodland Blooms, comedy slackers, toxic TV, and of course another looming marathon.Congratulations on all your marathon and other-event successes - we'll round up the PBs next week - and thanks for sharing all your running adventures with us on line. Last but not least, thank you once again to all of you...
2023-04-2057 min
Running CommentaryRob Reminiscences, Paul PlansIt's been a long time since Paul and Rob ran together, so their new-month catch-up on Hampstead Heath is overdue, meaning there's plenty to talk about. For example... running and not running on holidays, shonky superannuated feet, the treado, Rob wearing big shoes, Paul playing big rooms, incredible Ultra achievements, an exciting commitment for Tonkinson, musical marathon memories from Deering, segueing from Brighton to London, parkrunning on mara's eve, and a gauntlet laid down for 200 Minute Man.This episode is dedicated to the memory of our friend Gareth Richards, a great comedian and a lovely man...
2023-04-1358 min
Running CommentaryRob's Brighton MarathonRob comes to you live and direct from the 2023 Brighton Marathon, as Paul flies home from his tour.Featuring serious fuelling, cold beginnings, a Preston Park summary, spotting loved ones on the course, inspiring drums, following and/or ignoring pacers, planning for the next marathon in the final mile of the last, and those all-important, hard-but-fun last yards. All that, plus all the problems of first class travel...Thank you once again to all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more - through the Acast Supporter button; you’re all wo...
2023-04-0644 min
Running CommentaryBrighton BriefingWith Rob's Brighton Marathon coming up, Paul and Rob talk preparation - and execution. Featuring taper talk, pace plans, moderating mileage, curating carbs, Rob's reservations, finishing fine, multiple marathons in no more than a month, and a strange new take on gold, silver and bronze predictions.Thank you to everyone who's sponsored Rob for Sarcoma UK (https://tinyurl.com/BrightonMara4Phil), and thanks once again to all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more - through the Acast Supporter button; you’re all wonderful. We love you - namaste.You ca...
2023-03-3041 min
Running CommentaryRob DownRob's having a bit of a nightmare but Rudi's work search is going well on this muddy run round Finsbury Park and the reservoirs. Featuring a pet heron, a drop-and-roll, the Oscars, other comedians' trials and tribulations, gig-and-parkrun report, a variety of international accents, bumping into on-brand Jim, wave philosophy and dog distraction.Thank you once again to everyone who shares their running with us on line, and all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more - through the Acast Supporter button; you’re all wonderful. We love you - namaste....
2023-03-2359 min
Running CommentaryMore Things In Heaven And Earth... And HampsteadRob and Paul take their new recorders for a freezing cold, snowy trot round Hampstead Heath, featuring little birds singing and small dogs yapping, runs up Norwegian mountains and around midlands parks - but not at events - Paul's adventures with his actual child, his inner child and people passing on, International Women's Day, Eilish McColgan's record-breaking 10k and your record-breaking PBs.There is some fairly extreme content along the way in this episode, so be warned.Thanks, as ever, for sharing your running lives with us on line, and for supporting us...
2023-03-1651 min
Running CommentaryTrying Something ‘New’There are some exciting trails between Crouch End and Highgate, apparently, and in this episode Paul and Rob head off up 'em. Featuring finding your people, Rob's son turning eighteen, Paul's son walking the creative road, gig report, the joy of music, highs, lows and being in the moment, a few more of your questions - fancy dress, RTTS tips, dream running buddies - some strangely positive trouble in the woods, arbitrary disapproval and how to deal with it, and a little running-relationship counselling.Thank you as ever, for sharing your running lives with us...
2023-03-091h 03
Running CommentaryQ&A 2023 Part TwoOur Q&A special continues! In this instalment Rob and Paul talk about great advice, sub-20 parkruns, running in books and movies, medals and events, that pre-marathon long run, the perfect event and a potential Deering-Yelling jaw-off. Meanwhile, a woman runs round Woodberry Wetlands - will she get away with it?Thank you once again for all your great questions - and, as ever, for sharing your running lives with us - and supporting us through the Acast Supporter button. Namaste.You get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com...
2023-03-0252 min
Running CommentaryWanstead? Twicestead More LikePaul's back, and on a beautiful morning he and Rob head to Wanstead Park for a lovely turn through the woods and round the lakes there. Featuring Paul's trip to Ireland, Rob chasing mileage, the mirror-like lakes and grassy swards of the park, gig reports, adventures around Britain for Rob including a full Dudley parkrun report, Paul's friend the Doc with the tick-tocking clock, Sunday drinking, soft surfaces and some of your fantastic PBs.Rob's recorder lost it a bit towards the end; apologies for the spits, pops and drops.Thank you for...
2023-02-1653 min
Running CommentaryCatching Up With Kate CarterPaul is away having adventures, so runner extraordinaire, world record holder and erstwhile friend-of-the-show Kate Carter steps in for a sunny turn around beautiful Battersea Park. Featuring memories of running on an empty tank, gatecrashing a movie set, the blessing and the curse of chasing times, panda costumes and space suits, marathon memories and London anticipation, a 50k and a composer faux pas, VHS and Betamax, how living in the future turned out, Kate's Cutty Sark theory, how pacing helps the pacer, and some lovely crocuses.Thanks so much Kate; PAUL TONKINSON WILL RETURN.
2023-02-0941 min
Running CommentaryA Journey Of 26.2 Miles Begins With The First StepPaul and Rob take advantage of a brief break in January's demoralising weather to take a turn round Finsbury Park. Featuring new shorts, Paul's Daughter's 10k, Rob's first parkrun of the year, that second-week-of-January feeling, new year, new projects, and a deep-ish dive into the early days of marathon training.Thanks again to everyone who was so generous to us through the Acast Supporter button over Christmas - and thank you for sharing your running life with us on line; what a lovely bunch of people you are.Rob's book Running Tracks is...
2023-01-1248 min
Running CommentaryLondon Marathon 2021Rob runs the London Marathon on its joyous return to the iconic course post-lockdown - and Paul’s at home polishing his award.Featuring all the atmosphere and excitement of the 2021 run, Paul’s award-winning adventures, celebrities and fancy-dress runners, and all the news from the start, middle and finish of Rob’s sixteenth marathon.Congratulations to anyone and everyone who ran last Sunday - not just in London, but virtually, in Loch Ness, Wiltshire... all over the place. You’re beautiful people, and brilliant runners.And thanks so much for all...
2021-10-061h 12