Front Runner Radio

Front Runner Radio is a new podcast that will talk about all things running and people who run. Some you may know, most you won't, but they will all have a great story to tell. Most people we chat with will be involved in running, work in running or we have found some tenuous link because we want to chat with them. This series is intended to provide an insight into parts of the sport that most people don't openly talk about. Front Runner Radio is brought to you by the organisers of some of Wales' best mass participation road races, namely; Risk Kitchen Llanelli Half Marathon, Great Welsh Marathon and the JCP Swansea Half Marathon. To kick off our first episode, we sit down and chat with a friend of ours who has had a hit and miss relationship with running over the last few years, but has recently struck gold and found his mojo again. He is a great guy with a great story, so over to the show where David Martin-Jewell meets Martyn Simpson. Enjoy

Front Runner radio is a new podcast that will talk about people and running. Some you may know, most you won't, but they will all have a great story to tell. Most people we chat with will be involved in running, work in running or we have found some tenuous link because we want to chat with them. This series is intended to provide an insight into parts of the sport that most people don't openly talk about. Front Runner Radio is brought to you by the organisers of some of Wales' best mass participation events, namely; Llanelli Half Marathon, Great Welsh Marathon and the Swansea Half Marathon. So for episode 3, we sit down with a man who seems to have dedicated his life to all things running. James Thie is a father, husband, mentor, coach, runner and many other things besides. This man of many talents is a friend and I am very much looking forward to hearing his story. So it's over to the show, where Front Runner Radio meets James ThieEnjoy

Front Runner radio is a new podcast that will talk about all things running and people. Some you may know, most you won't, but they will all have a great story to tell. Most people we chat with will be involved in running, work in running or we have found some tenuous link because we want to chat with them. This series is intended to provide an insight into parts of the sport that most people don't openly talk about. Front Runner Radio is brought to you by the organisers of some of Wales' best mass participation events, namely; Llanelli Half Marathon, Great Welsh Marathon and the Swansea Half Marathon. For episode 3 we met with Matt Clowes. Matt is a great runner, who talks about married life, running goals, operating theatres and costing David a small fortune in prize money. Enjoy

Front Runner radio is a new podcast that will talk about all things running and people. Some you may know, most you won't, but they will all have a great story to tell. Most people we chat with will be involved in running, work in running or we have found some tenuous link because we want to chat with them. This series is intended to provide an insight into parts of the sport that most people don't openly talk about. Front Runner Radio is brought to you by the organisers of some of Wales' best mass participation events, namely; Llanelli Half Marathon, Great Welsh Marathon and the Swansea Half Marathon. For our 4th episode, we sit down with Amy Seppman, the Marketing Director of JCP Solicitors, the Title Partner for the multi-award winning JCP Swansea Half Marathon. Amy is a very busy business woman, mum, runner, triathlete, and she chats with David explaining just how her family juggle and maintain a busy and active lifestyle.Enjoy

Front Runner radio is a new podcast that will talk about all things running and people. Some you may know, most you won't, but they will all have a great story to tell. Most people we chat with will be involved in running, work in running or we have found some tenuous link because we want to chat with them. This series is intended to provide an insight into parts of the sport that most people don't openly talk about. Front Runner Radio is brought to you by the organisers of some of Wales' best mass participation events, namely; Llanelli Half Marathon, Great Welsh Marathon and the Swansea Half Marathon. For our 5th episode, we are doing something a little different as we let you into our world of event management. The Delivery Management Team at Front Runner Events discuss a number of things that frustrate us, concern us and excite us about managing mass participation running events. This is a behind the scenes, honest and open discussion between team members and friends who are happy to speak candidly about what we do. You can follow us on on:Twitter: @FrontRunEventsFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontRunnerEventsLtd/Enjoy

This week David chats with Matt Rogerson, owner and founder of Kind Earth; A vegan supermarket with sustainable and environmentally sound products. Whilst Kind Earth is trying to do its bit for the planet, Matt explains some of the challenges he faces with his forward thinking business. Matt also talks about his own running events, namely the Born To Run ultra series, plus others as well as his own fantastic running challenges. A friend of the team for many years, Matt talks about a different approach to event management, what it's like to help the Front Runner Events team and providing some unique and very bespoke finisher goodies

For this week's episode we chat with Eamonn Kirk, a friend of the team who is well known in running circles in and around Swansea and South Wales. A Swansea Harrier, Vegan Runner and a lover of hills; Eamonn chats with David about the benefits he gets from running and how he is able to treat races differently these days and how he gets more enjoyment out of running races without necessarily chasing a time, podium place or PB. A writer, pianist and chorister plus much more besides, its time to go over to David and Eamonn and for episode 7For more information on Chi Running go to: https://www.chirunning.com/Enjoy

For episode 8 we chat with Richie Powell, who, as a Team GB wheelchair athlete has seen and done it all. Richie has a fascinating story and he talks openly and candidly about his racing career as an elite wheelchair athlete, his life, his life changing injury and what helped him get into the sport he clearly loves. With a lot of success to his name, he discusses the challenges, the drive and ambition that keeps him participating and competing today. An accomplished guitarist, keen angler and so much more, it's time to hand over to David and Richie for episode 8 of #FrontRunnerRadioTo find out more about Richie Powell, go to:https://www.facebook.com/richiepowell.501https://twitter.com/richiepowell2https://www.instagram.com/richiewheelzEnjoy

This week, David chats with local endurance runner and coach Gary Howells about his achievements in running, coaching and triathlon and discusses his goals for the coming year. Let's just say Gary like likes a challenge. Info on the Marathon Des Sables: https://marathondessables.co.uk/race-overview/Info on the Grand to Grand Ultra: https://g2gultra.com/g2g-ultra-race/courseFor more information and to follow Gary Howells go to:https://garyhowells.co.ukhttps://twitter.com/garyhowells45 https://www.facebook.com/ghsportstherapy/ https://www.instagram.com/garyhowellsruncoaching Enjoy

This week, David chats with Sharon Leech, mum of international runner Josh Griffiths. It seems that Sharon has spent her life completely immersed in running not only as a runner herself, but she works as a social running activator, is mum of an athlete and a running event commentator. For some great insight on this and so much more, over to David and Sharon Leech.Enjoy

For episode 11, I am chatting with the co-founder of RaceCheck.com, Katerina Tanti. Kat is also an accomplished triathlete, ultra-runner, supporter of Chelsea, mum, wife and owner of Luna the dog, who makes an unexpected appearance. We chat about all things Racecheck, #VisorClub and its origins and much more. Web: https://racecheck.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/racecheckFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/racecheck/racecheckcommunityFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/racecheck/App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/racecheck/id1227669335?ls=1So over to David and Katerina for episode 11Enjoy

Following our briefly disrupted run of weekly shows due to the coronavirus outbreak, we are back. For episode 12, I am chatting with Matt Ward. Matt has worked in the running event world for around 20 years and is an accomplished commentator, event organiser and marketeer. Web: https://www.runcomm.co.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattward_mcSo over to David and Matt for episode 12Enjoy

This week David chats with a great and multi-talented man. Jimmy Watkins has reached sporting and musical highs in both athletics and music; from being an elite athlete representing Team GB in the 800m in 2006, to performing in the band Future of the Left. Today he can be found running around Llanelli and hosting the Megabus to the Ritz podcast. This week's episode was recorded during the lockdown and as you will hear, there are a number of disruptions from doorbells, animals and children which has all been left in as a reminder that life is a little odd at the moment and as a record of the time. So, over to David and Jimmy for episode 13 of Front Runner Radio, Enjoy

So, for this week’s episode I am sitting down Carys-Mai Hughes, who is great runner and regular podium finisher across all of our events. We find out more about her personal life, career, travelling what motivates her. Clearly, she is someone who enjoys life to the full as we delve into her interests and why she loves running so much. Due to a technical matter, the conversation ends abruptly which was only picked up during the edit. So apologies to Carys for not being able to capture the full extent of our conversation. This week's episode was recorded during the lockdown and as you will hear, there are a number of disruptions in the background from my house. So, over to David and Carys for episode 14 of Front Runner Radio, Enjoy

For this week’s episode I chat and catch up with a man who really needs no introduction in Welsh running. Dewi Griffiths has become Wales' best long distance runner in recent times regularly representing Wales and Team GB at varied distances at XC and on the road. With a marathon PB of 2:09 and a half marathon PB of 61:33 and the only person to take 3 consecutive JCP Swansea Half Marathon titles, it is plain to see why Dewi is held in such high esteem. We talk about his drive, ambition, goals and achievements to date along with some of the disappointments he has had to face along the way. So, over to David and Dewi for episode 15 of Front Runner Radio, Enjoy

For this week’s episode I chat and catch up with a local runner who has become a friend over the last few years, Craig Jones. Craig is a great runner and triathlete who is a regular podium finisher in both sports. With numerous events under his belt including representing Britain, 5 x Ironman Wales' and many many more besides, he really knows what it takes to train and compete at a high level. As he explains, it's not all been plain sailing, has he has overcome injury and setbacks. So, over to David and Craig for episode 16 of Front Runner Radio, Enjoy

Lowri Morgan is an extraordinary woman who has done some extraordinary things. Her achievements include: Completing the Amazon Jungle Ultra (220km)Arctic marathon 350 miles, Dragons Back race (315km across the spine of Wales), Lowri is also an accomplished broadcaster and the author of the absolutely brilliant book Beyond Limits which is available to buy now. This conversation looks at where Lowri gets her enthusiasm, determination and hunger for the challenges she sets herself. They say you shouldn't meet your heroes, I have now met Lowri a number of times and every time she amazes me with her positivity, outlook and ability to take on and conquer some of the toughest challenges on this planet!To follow Lowri on social media or to visit her website, please go to: https://twitter.com/_LowriMorganhttps://instagram.com/_lowrimorganhttp://lowrimorgan.co.ukSo, over to David and Lowri Morgan for episode 17 of Front Runner Radio, Enjoy

For episode 18, I am chatting with the CEO and Head of Registration Partnerships of RealBuzz Group, Tim Rogers and Nick Hollowood. Realbuzz are an entry management platform for some of the biggest events across the world and work extensively with the charity and fundraising sector. Realbuzz manage the entries across all Front Runner Events as well as being training and fitness partner. We talk about the current position of mass participation running events, how and when we think running events will recommence and the increase in virtual events, plus a whole lot more. Web: https://www.therealbuzzgroup.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/realbuzzcomFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realbuzzcom/App (IOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myrealbuzz/id1239271661App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.realbuzz&hl=en_GBSo over to David, Tim and Nick for episode 18 of #FrontRunnerRadioEnjoy

Episode 21 sees the last in the series of our international podcasts with runners and organisers from America. This week sees David chats with Chris Lauber of Florida Road Races. Chris has been in event management for over 20 years and we discuss all aspects of event management and how the pandemic is affecting his events across Florida.As per previous episodes with American organisers, we discuss a number of similarities, as well as some of the differences and issues that organisers are facing across the wider running sector globally. Website: https://floridaroadraces.comFacebook :https://www.facebook.com/floridaroadracesSo over to David and Chris for episode 21 of #FrontRunnerRadioEnjoy

Ryan Jones is a man who needs no introduction. Having played rugby at the highest levels for Wales and the British & Irish Lions, Ryan has achieved so much in the sport he clearly loves and remains an active part of today. Since retiring from rugby in 2015, he has taken up endurance sports namely triathlon having completed several IronMan events, ultra marathons and so much more. During lockdown, he embarked on a fundraising initiative where he:Ran a marathon in his gardenCycled 100 miles with 100 friends on a turbo trainerRan 100 miles in his house on a treadmill within 24 hours. We discuss the transition from playing rugby at the highest level to competing in multidiscipline and endurance sporting events, the psychology behind his approach and what his goals are for the future. So, over to David and Ryan Jones for episode 22 of Front Runner Radio, To follow Ryan on social media or to visit her website, please go to: https://twitter.com/RyanJonesOnlinehttps://www.instagram.com/ryanpjonesonlineEnjoy

Dr Katy Guy has been working with Front Runner Events since 2015 and has established herself as a key member of the Front Runner Events team. Covering all aspects of event day medical management planning and working alongside St John Cymru Wales, Katy's expertise and professionalism has helped the team develop robust practices across the events portfolio. This episode David and Katy chat about event planning, some of the issues that occur on race day and what runners can do to help themselves achieve more out of race day and make it a more enjoyable experience, plus a lot more. This episode is dedicated to the memory Gerallt Davies MBE (https://bit.ly/2DrQ0wW), who sadly passed away on 20 April 2020 after contracting Coronavirus. Gerallt played an enormous role in our and many other events across Swansea and Wales and will be sorely missed. RIP Gerallt

James Thie returns for a second time to discuss what he has been doing since lockdown and how different the world is since we last spoke in December for EP 2 of the podcast. James has been hosting 2 x weekly virtual training sessions via his YouTube channel which have now reached 40 episodes and have been a tremendous success. Attracting participants from around the world, James' knowledge and positivity has helped him continue training his own athletes as well as many others who have followed the Team Thie circuit classes. Make sure you check them out for yourself!We also chat about the impact of lockdown on the running community, how we think things will return in the future and much, much more. So over to David and James for episode of 24 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

Natasha Cockram is a Welsh international runner who is the current Welsh Marathon record holder over the marathon distance with a time of 2:30.50 breaking the previous record held by Susan Tooby since 2008. We talk about the impact of lockdown on Natasha's training, winning one of the only events to take place this year the Llanelli Half and looking forward to the next official marathon where she can attempt to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and much more. So over to David and Natasha for episode of 25 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

This week’s podcast is a little bit different as I catch up with my unofficial running club mates and we discuss our trip to the Valencia Marathon back in 2018. It was great to reminisce, as you will discover, this was not a typical trip to run a marathon. This weekend was filled with a lot of laughs and as one of us describes it, 'it was a lads weekend with a marathon in the middle'. As with most weekends away, it doesn't always turn out as intended and there were some serious issues for me. So over to The Crocks for episode of 29 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

Doug Banks is a race organiser, event director, photographer, business consultant and as I say in my intro, a really nice guy. I wanted to chat with Doug for a long time as he always seems to be doing or involved in good things. We chat about a whole host of things running and running event related, particularly his events which he is hopeful will be proceeding this year, the ongoing pandemic and what good has come out of it, plus a lot more. Doug's events are:http://www.roundsheffieldrun.com/http://www.sheffield10k.com/http://www.gatesheadtrail10k.com/So over to David and Doug for episode of 26 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

This week’s podcast is with a man who has faced a few challenges in his life; commonwealth games and Team GB Cyclist, extreme endurance athlete completing some of the world’s toughest ultras and also has Type 1 Diabetes. Roddy Riddle is an extraordinary man that does extraordinary things and has a resolve that takes a small number of people to the very top of what they do. An international cyclist who following retirement 1996 was subsequently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and immediately took up running. Roddy then went on to push himself and the management (and limits) of type 1 diabetes to new levels by taking part in some of the worlds toughest races, namely MDS (Marathon Des Sables and the 6633 Artic Ultra) plus many more. We talk about a number of Roddy’s achievements on the bike and on foot, some of the knock backs and his incredible endeavour to not let his condition rule him. This is a fascinating listen and Roddy is quite simply an inspiration. More information can be found below on Roddy:https://roddyriddle.comhttps://twitter.com/roddyriddlehttps://www.facebook.com/roddy.riddleSo over to David and Roddy for episode of 27 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

This week’s podcast I catch up with Tom Bedford, the Race Director from the first large scale race held in the UK since lockdown measures were introduced back in March, the Kew Gardens 10K. The event was held over the 12/13 September 2020 and it was great to catch up with Tom with everything still so fresh after the weekends event. Tom discusses some of the stresses and strains of holding an event during a pandemic along with the risks associated and some of the additional hurdles the Richmond RunFest team encountered. This event brought so much more pressure due to the Uk running industry watching, but also there to support him across the weekendSo over to David and Tom for episode of 28 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

This week’s podcast is with the Chief Technical Officer from Goteborgsvarvet the Gothenburg Half Marathon, which is the worlds biggest half marathon. Johan is responsible for the race entry platform that supports all 40 or so of their races, plus many other technical aspects. Our paths crossed when Johan told me that I accompanied him (virtually) via the podcast when he tuned in whilst racing a marathon around a Swedish running track. In addition to his day job and working on the worlds biggest half marathon, Johan is a keen runner and an all round nice guy. Johan and I chat about the current running climate and the impact the pandemic is having around the world, the challenges facing the running sector under the current guidelines and much, much more. So over to David and Johan for episode of 30 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

In this week’s podcast I catch up with Jim Gerwick, a Race Director, who operates in Connecticut with a series of different running events. Jim has been involved in the world of running in a number of different roles for over 30 years and has a vast knowledge and experience of the industry/sport. Jim held some of the first races to return back in July and August this year, when Connecticut allowed races to comeback. I speak to him about this, as I try and learn from his experiences and get an understanding of what the events may look like in the future. So over to David and Jim for episode of 31 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

For this week’s episode I chat with Matt Tooze, a local guy, who has spent his entire life running. Having never met, we know each other purely from Twitter, Matt has been someone I have engaged with for many years and wanted to speak to on the podcast for a long time. From running 800m to ultra's and everything in between, chasing PB's over many distances and races, Swansea City football club, to social media bullies, we cover a whole host of topics and issues facing everyone today. It was great to catch up and chat with Matt, so here we go with episode of 32 of Front Runner Radio meets Matt Tooze.Enjoy

This week’s episode is with Adrian Monti, a freelance journalist who works and writes for Runners World and other national newspapers/magazines. I first met Adrian in 2017, the night before he was due to run Swansea Half and then write a review of my race. We have kept in touch since, so, It was great to catch up and chat with Adrian about all things running, his favourite races, his view of the impact on running magazines and journalists, we reminisce on his visits to Swansea in 2017 and again in 2018, but this time running as part of the world record attempt for most type 1 diabetics running a half marathon (Adrian was diagnosed. with T1 in late 2017) and what the future of running may look like. As usual the conversation sometimes goes around the block a little, so here we go with episode of 33 of Front Runner Radio meets Adrian Monti.Enjoy

Emma Wookey is a Welsh runner who has has achieved some fantastic performances throughout Wales. Following an injury in 2016, which wrote off the year, Emma turned to multidiscipline sports by adding swimming and cycling to her routine and is now also an experienced triathlete, and was due to take on IronMan Wales this year. From coaching, running, winning everything in 2015, injury, triathlons, pool running, covid's impact on kids to making me want to run Snowdon Marathon. We cram a lot into our conversation and it was nice to catch up with Emma again. So here we go with episode 34 with Emma WookeyEnjoy

This episode of Front Runner Radio was recorded back in March 2020, before lockdown and these continued, frustrating and on-going strange times. Shaun Morgans and Harley Davies are 2 young men from Swansea who have been friends since primary school, and seem to have relished in taking part in various challenges together over the years. Keen runners and athletes, Shaun and Harley have recently started running for the title charity partner of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, Maggies Care Centre in Swansea. As poster boys for the Swansea Half, we talk about their links with Maggies, how they got into running, their recent achievements and future goals. So here we go with episode 35 of Front Runner Radio with Shaun Morgans and Harley Davies Enjoy

Ellie Gosling is our first female Race Director to chat on the podcast. Ellie, is the owner of Barnes Fitness who recently organised the Woodley 10k under the new UKA Covid guidelines. It was great to chat to Ellie about the experience so that I and other Race Directors can listen and learn from the experience. Ellie is an established runner and triathlete, who has also competed in the Triathlon World Championships, which put her on the career path to event management and becoming a race director. It was great to hear Ellie's viewpoint on the planning, problems encountered and overcoming them. It is refreshing to discuss such positivity at a time when so few events are taken place. So here we go with episode 36 with Ellie Gosling. Enjoy

Susannah Gill is a World Marathon Challenge world record holder who won the race in 2019. The World Marathon Challenge is a global event series that takes participants around the world in 7 days to run 7 marathons in 7 continents. This extraordinary feat challenges participants on so many levels and Susannah talks us through her journey as we discuss travel, nutrition, rest, recovery and of course the running. Susannah talks about her training and the approach to getting prepared to take on this challenge through to winning and every thing in between. Susannah has written a book about her journey through this challenge which brings an incredible insight into what it really takes to complete a challenge like this. A fascinating event, a fascinating lady and a great discussion, so here we go with episode 37 and Susannah Gill.For more information on Susannah and to follow her on social media, go to:Twitter: @TheIronLadyRunsWebsite: We Can All Be AmazingBook: Running Around the World: How I ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 daysEnjoy

Dr Emily Marchant is a specialist in the field of child health and education. Having recently successfully completed her PhD, Emily will continue to work in this field of helping shape policies at all levels for children. A keen runner and triathlete, having completed many events across both disciplines, Emily is due to take on one of the biggest challenges of them all, IronMan Wales in Sept 2021. We talk about training, her love and passion for running and cycling and how she has to put up with being an average swimmer!!!!! We find out how Emily used to play football and was quite good at it as well as what she did to get through the pandemic and numerous lockdowns during 2020. We also talk about Emily's marathon PB that was achieved at the Virtual London Marathon and some of her goals for the future. Enjoy

Nick Zivolich is the owner of Best Damn Events based in Florida, USA. Nick was part of the team that helped deliver a large scale triathlon on Dec 6th 2020, namely the https://challenge-daytona.com with a whole host of challenges brought on by delivering such a high scale event in the middle of a global pandemic. Nick chats about the complications of working with Kona/Olympic standard international athletes that had to travel to the US taking in quarantine issues, as well as general operational delivery and logistical issues such as volunteer recruitment, water/feed station management to minimise crowd involvement and engagement. Enjoy

Gari John is a local Swansea man who's flavour of running is a lot more challenging that the standard 10k's, half marathon's or even marathons. Gari is known for undertaking challenges in excess of 100 miles and even attempting the Race Across Scotland, which is a 215 mile race. Gari chats about how he first got into running and how he made the journey from road running to developing his love of longer distances and undertaking remarkable challenges of 100m plus races. Gari provides as fascinating insight into what is needed to undertake such a challenge.He also talks about training with his team mates, Swansea Vale Runners. Enjoy

Chris Pratt is chairman of Ogmore Phoenix Runners in South Wales. He loves running with a passion and loves Parkrun even more. Chris is a busy man and also one that likes a challenge. As he pursues his entry to the 100 Marathon Club, Chris talks us through some of his most recent races and challenges. We cover a lot of different topics from Chris’ TED Talk, turning around Ogmore Phoenix Runners, the importance of community as well as the year that’s just gone and what we hope to expect in the coming 12 months.Enjoy

Will Whitmore is founder and managing director of DB Max who organise and provide event timing and other support services for their own and other event organisers. Will and I first met back in 2013 and worked together for a number of years across all the Front Runner Events. It had been a while since we chatted and it was good to reconnect and chat with Will to see how he was doing and how DB Max were in the current climate. We chat about a number of things that go on behind the scenes for race organisers and some of the complications that we still face a year into this pandemic. DB Max were fortunate enough to get a number of events to site since September 2020 and we chat about some of the additional logistical issues associated with event delivery during a year where not many events did take place. Enjoy

Jim Mann is a well established ultra and endurance runner. Jim loves challenging the fells and multi day races and has conquered some of Britains most challenging races. Not content with conquering the fells and mountains across the UK, Jim also has a passion for about then environment and what races, events and the corporate world can do to minimise their impact. As Co-founder of Trees not Tees which is an initiative where events offer the planting of a tree instead of a tee shirt, that may never get used or worn and are often given away. Jim talks us through the process, the impact and scale of the issue and what events are doing and can do to work with Trees Not Tees. This was a conversation that started in 2019 and will be continued long into the future once races return to the UK. As you will hear, there is growing demand for events to become more sustainable and environmentally aware. Enjoy

The Running Punk himself, Jimmy Watkins returns for a follow up conversation from last years chat when we first met (Can be found here) Co-leader of the ever growing Running Punks, host of the Megabus to the Ritz podcast, coach, ex-international runner, ex-rock star and all round top man, it was great to welcome Jimmy back and just chat through what was a great 2020 for him. We obviously talk about his amazing running reviews, the growth of the Running Punks, the return of the Megabus, and loads of other stuff. It seems that things can't be taken too seriously when chatting with such a positive man, this was a good conversation with plenty of laughter. To find out more info on Jimmy and Running Punks, see below:Twitter: @BiggyTimmkins @RunningPunksInsta: Jimmy WatkinsWeb: RunningPunks.comYouTube: Running PunksEnjoy

Episode 45 - Panos GonosPanos introduce himself as the Editor of RaceDirectorsHQ.com, but he's much more than that. He started out in the running industry as a race director with the 2016, The Heroes Ultra, which sounds incredibly epic by the way, and which covered 100 miles through the Cretan mountains and villages retracing the steps of a famous abduction of a wanted German commander and war criminal. To read more on this fascinating story, here's the link to its wikipedia page and the race was also inspired by the Chris McDougall book, Natural Born HeroesPanos and I also chat about the RD Hub Group on Facebook, where likeminded race directors get to chat about current issues affecting races on a local or global level. This insightful discussion covers many topics including how will we feel when racing returns and the emotions that will accompany that first race. So here we go with episode 45 or Front Runner RadioEnjoy

Episode 46 - Ceri-Anne BrownCeri-Anne Brown and I go back about 10 years. We started running together during 2011 and have remained friends since. Ceri-Anne is an ex-army medic, who travelled the world as part of her role and has undertaken a number of very tough roles. These days, she works in private practice and is a coach at Run4All based in Neath Port Talbot. As well as training together, we have done a number of marathons together, Paris, Barcelona and Tenby to name a few and it was a good time to catch up and see how things are and how she's doing. So here we go with episode 46 or Front Runner RadioEnjoy

Episode 47 - Paul AddicottPaul Addicott is a pacer, that is, someone who helps others achieve the race time goals during marathons and half marathons, as a sort of guide, by running consistently at a given time. As Paul explains, he has been pacing since 2013 and he talks about how much pacing has changed, the role of the pacer, and why he does it. Having paced at more than 80 races, Paul still has the desire to do a lot  more and we talk about what events he had planned were it not for Covid. There is more to just helping people cross the finish line, as he explains, the camaraderie between him and those he's pacing is more than just pounding the tarmac of the streets around the world. I even tell him about the time I couldn't catch him in Berlin!!!!!We also discuss social media and how it feels to be on the receiving end of personal attacks and its impact. Paul speaks candidly and openly about this and we discuss what he did to overcome it. There is a lot more to Paul than meets the eye, which becomes apparent during our chat. You can follow Paul on Instagram or check out his blog here@pauladdicott and blog www.pickupthepacepaul.comSo here we go with episode 47 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

We know that times are still uncertain and we know there is a lot of frustration about races being postponed. We shared that frustration and we wanted to do something that would hopefully help us and help you. So for this week's edition of the Front Runner Radio podcast, we have tried to be a little bit different. Myself and members of the team got together to chat about race day, what we would be typically doing, what we would expect you to be doing, we chat about pre-race, mid-race and post race and a lot more in between. This is our way of joining you on your virtual running experience and will hopefully go someway to filling that void of race day. We would also like to thank our friends at The Turmeric Co and it's founder Hal Robson-Kanu for support with this virtual edition. DiolchEnjoyThe Front Runner Team

Episode 49 - Beverley LoganBeverley Logan is the founder of Badass Mother Runners (BAMR). Beverley chats about how and why BAMR was created and how it has developed into a women only community where they support, advise and encourage each other through their running journeys. Bev talks about her own running journey, the links to BAMR and what her goals for the future. Having experienced the step up from 5k, Bev is currently training for the London Marathon, and is raising money for Women's Aid, the charity is also supported by Badass Mother Runners . Bev discusses the #WeWill campaign which is a campaign to raise awareness of sexual harassment of women running. This campaign highlights that there is a lot that needs to be done to make women feel safer when out running. No woman should ever feel afraid to undertake exercise or go for a run. We at Front Runner Events, will be looking to see how we can help support this campaign across all future events. Bev also talks about the Badass Mother Runners 10k, which will be held later this year.You can follow Badass Mother Runners on Instagram or FacebookSo here we go with episode 49 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

Episode 50 - Ifan LloydIfan Lloyd is a runner who lives in Swansea and is a man that has run all of is life. He works as a  full-time vet and competes across the UK in the Vet's category. This fascinating man chats about his life as a runner, running the first London Marathon and competing across the UK. He also discusses his training plans and schedule to his improve his current training and running. I took so much inspiration from Ifan and I am hoping that you do too. Proving running is more than a way of life, Ifan talks about his club Swansea Harriers, running with his dog around the Gower, and his love, passion and enthusiasm for the sport. I didn't ask Ifan half of the questions I intended to and we spoke for a further half hour after the podcast recording ended. So here we go with episode 50 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

Episode 51 - Marc DaviesSwansea born Marc Davies is a competitive man. He loves to train but more importantly it's clear that he loves to race. Since starting triathlon around 2014 Marc has pushed and tested himself at some of the worlds. toughest events including Ironman Wales and the 2018 ITU Gold Coast Sprint Triathlon.  We look back and chat about how and when Marc first got into the sport and discuss his favourite aspects of the 3 disciplines, favourite distances, what he has missed most during lockdown and more importantly, what he is looking forward to with restrictions now easing.  So here we go with episode 51 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy

Ep 52: Kathy LewisKathy is a friend and neighbour of mine and is a very keen runner. From initially starting running in Bahrain, Kathy has run for years and continues to go from strength to strength. From her early days and joining the global Hash House runners to running 3 world majors (VLM x 5, Berlin with me and NYC) and a lot more besides, Kathy certainly embraces a running challenge. During lockdown, Kathy has undertaken a number of virtual challenges including virtually from John O'Groats to Land's End and is currently taking part in the Route 66 Challenge that is a total of 2278 miles. yes, she really runs a lot!!!!!!!! So here we go with episode 52 of Front Runner RadioEnjoy