Running Tales

Sho Gray has a big goal in 2024. The professional runner, who is the Tennessee state record holder for the 100-mile distance, is betting on himself to make the US national 24-hour race team. Sho is using his savings to dedicate himself to running in the hope of winning the American 24-hour race championship in November, and in doing so qualifying for the national team. It's all a far cry from his first manoeuvrings in the world of running, when as a youngster at a Japanese international school he started taking part in the sport - with the somewhat disputed aim of beating his sister in the cross-country. Running Tales spoke to Sho about going from enthusiastic amateur to professional, entering the pain cave and exercising his toes, and how he wants to inspire everyone to do whatever their version of better is…   -------------------------------- Discount offer: Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner Looking for a great gift for runners or the perfect training aid for yourself, designed by a pro-runner? Look no further than the Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner. The training log and planner is your key to staying organised and inspired on your journey to conquer your running goals. Experience the convenience of the Airplane Arms snap-in bookmark, ensuring you never lose your place as you dive into the race day schedule and goal-setting worksheet, empowering you to plan and achieve your objectives effectively. With edicated daily spaces for tracking both training and life events, weekly doses of motivation with inspirational quotes, and monthly and yearly habit trackers, the Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner will help you organise every aspect of your life. To take advantage of our 20% discount, simply head over to https://www.racin-grayson.com/product-page/racin-grayson-2024-training-log-planner and use the code RUNNINGTALES20.   * Listen to our podcast with Grayson Murphy here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/grayson-murphy-the-late-bloomer-turned-two-time-world-mountain-running-champion/   * Read our article, The Grayson Murphy story: Aeroplane arms and winning world championships, here: https://runningtales.substack.com/p/the-grayson-murphy-story-aeroplane   --------------------------------  

This week's Running Tales Podcast has a somewhat different theme. Our guest is Stan Robertson, the man behind Northampton-based rough sleeper charity Project 16:15. Running Tales is once again backing the 16:15 Charity Run, which will take place at The Racecourse in Northampton, England on Saturday, March 23. The event, which aims to raise awareness of and funding for rough sleepers in the town, will take place over six hours - with runners encouraged to run as long or as short a distance as they like over that period. There is more information about the event on our Substack newsletter page and on the 16:15 Charity Run Facebook group. Stan started Project 16:15 back in 2018, during the infamous Beast from the East cold snap, when he began delivering hot drinks and food to rough sleepers in Northampton town centre. His over-riding aim is bring dignity and respect to those on the streets. You can help fundraise for the 16:15 Charity Run here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/fun-run2024 Running Tales spoke to Stan about the dangers rough sleepers face on the streets, how his own experiences of homelessness and addiction help him connect to those he now helps, and whether he will be doing any running himself on March 23...   -------------------------------- Discount offer: Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner Looking for a great gift for runners or the perfect training aid for yourself, designed by a pro-runner? Look no further than the Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner. The training log and planner is your key to staying organised and inspired on your journey to conquer your running goals. Experience the convenience of the Airplane Arms snap-in bookmark, ensuring you never lose your place as you dive into the race day schedule and goal-setting worksheet, empowering you to plan and achieve your objectives effectively. With edicated daily spaces for tracking both training and life events, weekly doses of motivation with inspirational quotes, and monthly and yearly habit trackers, the Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner will help you organise every aspect of your life. To take advantage of our 20% discount, simply head over to https://www.racin-grayson.com/product-page/racin-grayson-2024-training-log-planner and use the code RUNNINGTALES20.   * Listen to our podcast with Grayson Murphy here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/grayson-murphy-the-late-bloomer-turned-two-time-world-mountain-running-champion/   * Read our article, The Grayson Murphy story: Aeroplane arms and winning world championships, here: https://runningtales.substack.com/p/the-grayson-murphy-story-aeroplane   -------------------------------- Read this BBC story, written by our own Craig Lewis in 2020 when he was working for the corporation, about Stan Robertson for more on his story and that of Project 16:15: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-54576278   Full disclosure: Craig is now proud to be a Trustee of Project 16:15  

When Emily Moore was just 19 she suffered a knee injury which led to her being told she'd never walk unaided again, let alone run. Now, she's on the edge of taking on the toughest footrace in the world, the formidable Marathon des Sables, in April. After suffering her injury, Emily was determined she would run again, immediately entering the London Marathon. A painful period of rehabilitation followed, but her dream became a reality with her knee surgeon among those cheering her to the finish line. Since then, Emily has completed a number of marathons and triathlons, teaching herself to swim along the way. And last year she turned ultra runner, completing the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra in October 2022. That was followed by the five-day, 123-mile Capital to Country Ultra in Nepal last year. Her decision to powerwalk it, rather than run, saw her discover a unique way of tackling the endurance event that also featured a blessing at a school and a wedding. Running Tales spoke to Emily about running while pregnant, how the sport has helped her meet friends all over the world, and why the Nepal Capital to Country Ultra saw her find herself again after divorce...   -------------------------------- Discount offer: Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner Looking for a great gift for runners or the perfect training aid for yourself, designed by a pro-runner? Look no further than the Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner. The training log and planner is your key to staying organised and inspired on your journey to conquer your running goals. Experience the convenience of the Airplane Arms snap-in bookmark, ensuring you never lose your place as you dive into the race day schedule and goal-setting worksheet, empowering you to plan and achieve your objectives effectively. With edicated daily spaces for tracking both training and life events, weekly doses of motivation with inspirational quotes, and monthly and yearly habit trackers, the Racin' Grayson Training Log & Planner will help you organise every aspect of your life. To take advantage of our 20% discount, simply head over to https://www.racin-grayson.com/product-page/racin-grayson-2024-training-log-planner and use the code RUNNINGTALES20.   * Listen to our podcast with Grayson Murphy here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/grayson-murphy-the-late-bloomer-turned-two-time-world-mountain-running-champion/   * Read our article, The Grayson Murphy story: Aeroplane arms and winning world championships, here: https://runningtales.substack.com/p/the-grayson-murphy-story-aeroplane   -------------------------------- Read our story about the Capital to Country Multi-Day Ultra in Nepal on our Substack page: https://runningtales.substack.com/p/from-capital-to-country-the-spiritual  

Raziq Rauf is the man behind the increasingly popular 'Running Sucks' Substack, a tongue-in-cheek title for a newsletter that looks at the stories of people doing interesting things to further running culture. Raz's newsletter has covered subjects as varied as homelessness, racism, body shaming and alcoholism - all from the prospective of those in the running world. It aims to tell stories that go beyond people's favourite trainers or their marathon training plans. The result is a fascinating and occasionally raw dive into why running sucks and how, ultimately, it is a force for good. Raz's own running journey began at school, but he only fully embraced the sport as a way of escaping his busy live as a music journalist - no Spotify or Apple playlists for this runner! Running Tales spoke to Raz about running while being a 'minority of a minority' as someone of south Asian descent, why it's important not to ignore the impact of societal issues on running, and why he called his newsletter 'Running Sucks'...   --------------------------------   You can read Raz's Substack newsletter at https://www.runningsucks101.com/  

Helen Ramwell didn't always wants to run, despite coming from a family that loved the sport. It was only as a teenager while celebrating New Year that she was provoked to take part in a race, after a family member said she would never be able to complete a half-marathon. The challenge was too much to resist and Helen's running career was underway. It has since taken in a host of marathons and ultra events, including the 'toughest footrace in the world' - the Marathon des Sables. Helen took part in that event alongside her father, Richard, who she regularly enjoyed running with. Sadly, Richard has since passed away but Helen honoured his memory at the end of last year when she took on another multi-day marathon. She said she felt his presence on her shoulder as she took on the inaugural Capital to Country in Nepal, a five-day, 123-mile romp through the foothills of the Himalayas. Running Tales spoke to Helen about the women's ultra running scene, running while pregnant, and her much-heralded competitive streak...   --------------------------------   Read about how Helen and her fellow competitors took on the Capital to Country Ultra in Nepal in our newsletter article: https://runningtales.substack.com/p/from-capital-to-country-the-spiritual  

Liz Fraser has been a passionate runner since a young age, when her mother - who coached youngsters at the Oxford City Athletics Club - introduced her to the sport. Running has been her constant companion ever since, through the highs of many a 5k, 10k and half-marathon to helping her cope with mental health issues. A writer, broadcaster and best-selling author, Liz's memoir 'Coming Clean' tells the story of her life with an alcoholic partner, and running has provided solace in harder times. Now, as she approaches her 50th birthday in October, Liz is aiming to run her first marathon, as well as to roll back the years to record a sub-20 minute 5k and a sub-40 minute 10k. Running Tales spoke to Liz about how it's ok for women to fiercely pursue their goals and the joy of running in terrible weather...   --------------------------------   You can follow Liz's running adventures on her Instagram page, Instagram.com/lizfraser1   Liz writes about everything from running and fitness to travel, adventure and personal growth on her Substack page, Flying Solo, which you can find at https://lizfraser.substack.com/  

Denny Krahe is an ultra runner and coach who runs one of our favourite podcasts about the sport: Diz Runs. We first caught up with Denny just over a year ago, when we chatted to him about his own running career and his life as an injury prevention specialist. With changes on the way at Diz Runs, we thought it was a good time to talk to Denny again and to see how he is getting on with some of his running goals. We also chewed the fat over some of the big issues in the running world, including the seemingly increasing numbers of people cheating in races and just how far he thinks the human body will allow endurance athletes to go...   ---------------------------------- You can learn more about Denny Krahe, his coaching, blog and podcast on http://www.dizruns.com/ Listen to our November 2023 chat with Denny on the Running Tales Podcast here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/denny-krehe-running-coach-injury-expert-and-podcaster-at-diz-runs/  

Colin Kirk-Potter grew up running on the fells and a career as a Royal Marine meant fitness was always going to be central to his life. Back when he joined the Marines, a day on Dartmoor involved brutal training but these days he loves nothing more than to run around its trails and fells - to the stage where he's even written a book about the best routes. Colin's running has seen him take on extreme races all around the world, including the Bob Graham Round and the Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc, where he even beat ultra running legend Scott Jurek. But perhaps his greatest challenge came when he struggled with PTSD after serving in Afghanistan. Life in 'civvy street' saw him drinking too much and picking fights, but it was running which helped him to rediscover himself and find peace. Running Tales spoke to Colin about why running like a toddler is good for you, opening a running shop and becoming coach, and exactly how he came to beat one of the greatest runners of all time...   --------------------------------   You can order Colin's book, Dartmoor Trail and Fell Running: 31 Great Runs, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dartmoor-Trail-Fell-Running-Great/dp/1906095841  

Donato, aka Twitter's Poet With Pace, hasn't always been a runner. Indeed, he didn't even start running until he was in his mid-50s and only took to the sport to raise money for charity. But once he started, there was no stopping him. Since completing the Birmingham Half-Marathon in 2015, Donato has gone on to break a Guinness World Record for running the fastest marathon dressed as a hospital patient, completed five marathon majors and raced for England at Master's level. Along the way he has amassed a YouTube following of close 5,500 subscribers to his 'Chatty Adventures' channel, where he posts race videos. Running Tales spoke to Donato about how he first started running, finding out he was both good at it and that it brought him joy, and why it took him so long to discover the sport in the first place...   nb.. Donato has requested we only use his first name. We are happy to comply with that request.   --------------------------------  

Running has transformed Russell Watkin's life since he started training for next year's London Landmarks Half-Marathon. When his journey began, Russell was overweight, suffering from high-blood pressure and battling depression, all while dealing with the effects of Long Covid. He told Running Tales that before he started running, he had never stuck with anything in his life - but that has all changed now. Spurred on not only by a desire to get fitter and feel better in himself, but through fundraising for baby loss charity Tommy's, Russell has made running a pivotal part of his life. These days, he feels healthier than ever before and is even planning to take on the London Marathon in the near future. Running Tales spoke to Russell about pushing through the hard times early on in his running journey, how he gets grumpy when he can't run and why everyone can improve their lives through running...   --------------------------------   You can sponsor Russell to run the London Londmarks Half-Marathon in 2024 by visiting https://llhm.tommys.org/fundraising/Russell-Watkin  

Jason Bahamundi is an ultra runner who lives by the motto 'all gas, no brakes,' but he only started running when he was 'voluntold' he would be doing a half-marathon for charity. His first training run left him gasping for breath, but Jason was hooked. Running became a habit that led him to longer and longer races and ever bigger challenges, including completing Western States, the Rocky Racoon 100-miler several times, and Cocodona 250. Along the way, he has finished a host of Ironman triathlons - not bad for someone who saw running as a punishment at school. Jason is also the founder of Run, Tri, Bike magazine, which is devoted to celebrating the endurance lifestyle while expanding diversity and inclusion in sport. Running Tales talked to Jason about championing women in running, sleeping during ultra races, and how running has helped him with his business...   --------------------------------   Read Run, Tri, Bike magazine at https://runtrimag.com/  

Natasha Swartley wasn't particularly sporty growing up - and running certainly didn't feature on her to do list. Even after she joined the US Navy at just 18, fitness was a punishment for being 'sarcastic' with push-ups and squats proving particularly unpopular. But Tasha slowly developed a love of fitness and eventually running, ending up being responsible for training 3,000 men under her watch. By 2019, she had completed her first ultra marathon - a 50-miler which she conquered despite neglecting race nutrition and training on a treadmill. Tasha has since left the Navy to become a wilderness EMT, but her love of ultra running has blossomed - despite two DNFs at the 100-mile distance. Running Tales spoke to her about life in the Navy as a high-ranking woman, hauling ammunition across ships and how it prepared her for running long distances, and the power of three little letters: DFQ.   --------------------------------  

Rohan Kallicharan, a sub-three hour marathoner, is on the verge of something extraordinary. With more than 80 marathons - including 10 in 10 days - already behind him, the man dubbed by friends as 'Ro Farah' is aiming to reach 100 marathons before he turns 50 next June. But that achievement will barely touch the surface of Rohan's story. Over a 15 year period, starting when he was a teenager, he struggled with his mental health, attempting suicide three times before eventually being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With a lot of hard work, Rohan was able to move forward with his life, but in confronting his mental demons he began to neglect his physical wellbeing, ballooning up to 19 stone. It was only when he visited the London Olympic Games in 2012 that Rohan realised it was time to do something about his weight. Shortly afterwards he started running - and he's barely stopped since. Running Tales talked to Rohan about the mental health benefits of running - and how when he became too focused on times he briefly fell out of love with the sport, his 100 marathon goal, and raising tens of thousands of pounds for Mind, the mental health charity...   --------------------------------   Visit Rohan's website, Run With Perseverance, at https://run-with-perseverance.co.uk/   Sponsor Rohan in his efforts to run 100 marathons before he reaches 50 - all monies go to Mind: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ro-fun-before-fifty  

Christopher McDougall wasn't even a runner when he came across the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. He'd been told he was too big. He'd be better off guarding the President or riding a bike than running. But what he found not only changed his life, but those of thousands of runners across the globe. In 2009, Christopher published his now famous book on the Tarahumara, 'Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen'. Not only did it uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara, who could run incredible distances in super fast times, it opened up his eyes to a whole new way of running. Christopher has gone on to write two more masterpieces on running, 'Natural Born Heroes' and 'Running With Sherman'. But Running Tales wanted to find out a little bit more about the man behind the books that have inspired so many runners all over the world - and caused headaches among those in the big shoe companies. We spoke to Christopher about how his father both embarrassed and inspired him by running laps round his school and going on to run three hour 30 marathons while in his 60s, his life as a war correspondent, and what is it like running with donkeys...   --------------------------------   Visit Christopher's website at https://www.chrismcdougall.com/ to find out more about his work and writing.  

Anthony Swain has always been active, with martial arts and karate his first love. But, after suffering from asthma as a child, running was never on his to do list. That all changed during the coronavirus pandemic, when with contact sports off the menu and an aggravating back injury requiring him to keep moving, Anthony decided to try running again. He's not stopped since. A resident of Japan, Anthony has embraced that country's love of running, graduating from regular runs to taking on a marathon and soon after an ultra event. Running Tales spoke to Anthony about how he finished tenth in his first ever marathon - don't mention there were only 27 competitors(!), how running has helped him with his martial arts, and why he's moved into writing about the sport...   --------------------------------   You can read Anthony's Substack - Bunburyoudou - at https://bunburyoudou.substack.com/  

After a particularly troubled end to a family holiday, Richard Wilcox's wife gave him a ultimatum: 'Change or we're finished'. The former Army man was overweight - his five four inch frame carrying 18 stone. He was suffering from mental health issues and going nowhere fast. It was then he chanced upon a documentary about ultra running that changed his life. Inspired, Richard declared he would run a 100-mile race within a year. Most people laughed, but he started walking, then jogging and before long he was running hundreds of miles every week. Within a year, he was ready to take on the Snowdon Ultra 100. It was a race that was to test him to his limits, but one which would help Richard prove the doubters wrong once and for all. Running Tales spoke to him about his incredible journey to success and the power - for good and bad - of an addictive personality...   --------------------------------  

The Marathon des Sables had always been on Nigel Watson's bucket list. But with his plans to tackle the six day, 250km ultra marathon through the heat of the Sahara Desert barely underway, Nigel was rocked by a diagnosis of prostate cancer. An experienced runner with several marathons under his belt and a history of tackling triathlons that included representing Great Britain for his age group, Nigel was determined not to be beaten by the news and upped his training. Part of his preparation saw him meet with Doug Richards, a friend of this podcast and Marathon des Sables finisher. Inspired, Nigel set out to complete his extreme goal. Running Tales spoke to him about how the event went, his previous running success and tackling prostate cancer...   ---------------------------------   Listen to Doug Richards' Running Tales Podcast appearances here: Doug Richards - Running Once Around The Planet: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/doug-richards-running-once-around-the-planet/ Doug Richards - How one runner went from being out of breath climbing the stairs to the Marathon des Sables: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/doug-richards-how-one-runner-went-from-being-out-of-breath-climbing-the-stairs-to-the-marathon-des-sables/   Listen to our episode with Lizzie Tovey: Lizzie Tovey - Visually impaired runner takes on cancer to complete the Virtual London Marathon: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/lizzie-tovey-visual-impaired-runner-takes-on-cancer-to-complete-the-virtual-london-marathon/  

From deciding to try parkrun once - and then getting hooked on it - to completing a 35-mile ultra despite contracting Covid, Peter Vickers has fully embraced the world of running.   At 55, he saw people running parkrun around Northampton's Racecourse and decided to take part the next week - not long later he was running the London Marathon.   In all, Peter has had to come back from three bouts of Covid - the first of which left him feeling he might die and which still sees him battling with his breathing at times.   Along the way, he's raised money for a host of charities and made friends at every corner, aid station and finishing line of his many runs. Running Tales spoke to him about everything from pacing at parkrun to his ultra endeavours…   ---------------------------------  

Isaac Kenyon is a runner, cyclist, triathlete and extreme adventurer who uses the power of the challenges he takes on to both inspire others and raise awareness of mental health and climate change causes. His most recent challenge - completed as recently as September 10 (World Suicide Prevention Day) - saw him finish a full Ironman while wearing a 15kg weighted vest. The vest represented the unseen weight of poor mental health, something Isaac has had to confront himself in the form of often crippling anxiety. Isaac has used the power of exercise and the outdoors to confront his illness, completing challenges including breaking a world record for the longest continual row of three days and 11 hours, running the 233km Welsh Three Peaks Challenge and rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 40 days, from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. Running Tales spoke to Isaac about his own anxiety, the power of the great outdoors and becoming one of the youngest international keynote speakers in the world...   ---------------------------------   You can learn more about Isaac's mission on https://www.isaackenyon.com/ and his Climate Explorers CIC at https://climateexplorers.co.uk/   Listen to Isaac Ted Talk at https://www.ted.com/talks/isaac_kenyon_freedom_and_opportunity_from_being_outdoors/details   You can also find Isaac on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/isaac_kenyon/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/kenyon_isaac LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/isaackenyon Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/isaac.kenyon.7  

Launched in 2019, The Monarch Ultra is an epic environmental run and conservation project which aims to raise awareness of the at-risk Monarch Butterfly. That year, a team of ultra runners and environmentalists followed the 4,300km (2,670 mile) migratory route of the Monarchs from Ontario in Canada to central Mexico. They did so as a relay team as part of an incredible 47-day adventure. The co-founder of the event is Carlotta James, and Running Tales caught up with her to talk about her own running, the plans for this year's version of the Monarch Ultra and why these butterflies are so important...   ---------------------------------   This year, the Monarch Ultra will take place in the form of two events: * The Monarch Festival in Peterborough, Ontario, which will include a 10km race in support of reforestation efforts in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This takes place on Sunday, October 15, 2023 * The 50km ultra marathon race from Zitacuaro, Mexico to the monarch sanctuary in Cerro Pelón. The ultra takes place on Sunday, November 26, 2023 Learn more about the Monarch Ultra: www.https://www.themonarchultra.com/  

At school, Jake Fedorowski always felt they weren't the sort of person who played sport. Indeed, if you'd have told them they would end up running marathons, they would have laughed. But as a non-binary person, Jake's love of running grew after they discovered the Seattle Frontrunners, a running and walking club for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. These days they are both a committed runner and campaigner, championing inclusivity within the running community. One way of doing this was to create the Guide to Non-Binary Inclusion in Running, which they wrote after making the difficult decision to no longer register or participate in events that didn't affirm their gender identity. Jake then began partnering with race organisers, including the team behind the Chicago Marathon, to implement the solutions in the guide. They also founded Run Beyond (RUNN+), a community for non-binary athletes to connect, and are now the vice president of Seattle Frontrunners. Running Tales spoke to Jake about what being non-binary means, their own journey - both in terms of their gender and within the world of running - and how they believe the world of running needs to evolve...   ---------------------------------   Learn more about the organisations Jake is involved with at the links below: Seattle Frontrunners: https://www.seattlefrontrunners.org/ The Queer Running Society: https://www.queerrunningsociety.com/ Run Beyond: https://nonbinaryrunning.com/runbeyond To learn more about Jake's work and the movement toward non-binary inclusion, visit nonbinaryrunning.com  

This week, Michelle and Craig are enjoying a (well deserved?) holiday in Split, Croatia so instead of our usual interview style podcast we bring you the story of one of that country's finest runners. Franjo Mihalić was a Yugoslav and Croatian long-distance runner best known for his 1958 win at the Boston Marathon and for a silver medal performance at the 1956 Olympic Games. Those successes were the pinnacle of a career which saw him compete across marathon and cross-country races, breaking a combined 25 Croatian and later Yugoslavian national records in long-distance track events between 5000m and 25km - but which started as a cyclist and footballer. Today, Running Tales tells his story…   ---------------------------------  

When his father, Pete, was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) last August, Joe Thomas decided it was time to take on a major challenge. Despite only being an occasional runner, Joe had listened to David Goggins' story and hit on the target of running a 100-mile race. He signed up for the 103-mile North Downs Way 100, which runs from Farnham in Surrey to Ashford in Kent - only discovering along the way that he needed to complete a 50-mile race before he could enter. Last month, Joe completed his challenge of a lifetime by finishing the race - which includes 11,000 feet of ascent - in 27 hours and 55 minutes, well within the 30 hour cut-off time. Along the way, he has so far raised more than £12,000 for MDS UK - money which will mean MDS patients get the support they need when they receive a life changing diagnosis. Running Tales spoke to Joe about why he set his sights as high as 100 miles, the joys of eating your way through an ultra and possible future plans to swim the English Channel...   ---------------------------------   You can donate to Joe's JustGiving page for MDS UK here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/joe-thomas-ndw100  

Running Tales first caught up with trail runner Kim Levinsky back in April as she prepared to take on the 358-mile Long Path. Starting from the 175th Street Subway Station in New York City, crossing George Washington Bridge and running across the Catskills all the way to Albany, the Long Path combines woods, a series of 2,900 foot peaks, and trails that pass over lakes and streams. Kim, who has also completed the Tahoe 200, was hoping to achieve a fastest known time for a supported female on the Long Path. In July, she did it in nine days and ten hours, registering 378 miles and 72,000 feet of elevation. Running Tales caught up with Kim to talk about everything from overcoming early injury niggles and shimmying across unsteady logs over raging water to farm dogs and wet shoes...   ----------------------------------   You can find more details about, and donate to, Kim's charities for the Long Path FKT at: Bigger Than The Trail Fundraiser: https://biggerthanthetrail.networkforgood.com/projects/160786-kim-levinsky-s-fundraiser-to-provide-free-counseling   New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Fundraiser: https://www.nynjtc.com/supportkim  

When Martinus Evans went to get some hip pain checked out 10 years ago, he was shocked when his doctor ignored the fact he was on his feet for eight hours a day at work and instead concentrated on his weight. As a larger man, Martinus weighed in at 300 pounds (21 stone), but he was living an active life combining his busy work days with playing basketball at weekends. But the doctor dismissed him as 'fat,' telling him to start walking to 'lose weight or die'. An angry Martinus replied that he wouldn't simply start walking - he'd run a marathon. With his hip problem correctly diagnosed by a different doctor, and quickly cured through physio, Martinus started out on his running journey. Ten years later, he has been an adidas spokesperson, a model on the cover of Runner's World and a Boston Marathon finisher. In all, Martinus has now completed eight marathons. But he wasn't finished. His personal goals soon turned into a mission to promote running as a sport for people of all shapes and sizes. The Slow AF Run Club was born and now boasts thousands of members, while a guide to running called 'Slow AF Run Club - The Ultimate Guide For Anyone Who Wants To Run' has become a bible for many new runners. Running Tales spoke to Martinus about how he has faced prejudice and taunts along the way, and on his mission to make running a truly inclusive sport...   ----------------------------------   Find out more about the Slow AF Run Club and Martinus' story at https://slowafrunclub.com/  

Georgia Francis' granddad William, or Bill, McKim represented Great Britain in the 1,500m at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. But his fourth placed finish in the heats - narrowly missing out on a place in the finals despite suffering from an illness which should have prevented him competing - doesn't tell his full story. Not long after the event he beat eventual winner Peter Snell of New Zealand, and a year later he ran a sub-four minute mile - just seven years after Sir Roger Bannister had done so for the first time. He went on to repeat the feat a year later, before turning his attention to marathons and completing the New York event in two hours 35 minutes. In later life, Bill went on to climb Everest twice and hike the Inca Trail - something Georgia repeated years later, standing on the same spot he did to overlook Machu Picchu and making an emotional call to him back in England. Bill has since sadly passed away, but in this episode we talk to Georgia about how he was always destined to be a runner and why he nearly didn't got to Tokyo at all...   ----------------------------------   Click here to listen to William McKim talking to BBC Radio Northampton in 2021  

Mary McNerney is the brains behind a new running programme for schools in Chicago - and hopefully beyond. The former school teacher is the founder of Run Like A Cheetah, which has the ambitious mission of teaching social-emotional learning to children through the power of running. Run Like A Cheetah aims to teach running in a fun, inclusive, non-competitive way to improve children's physical and mental wellbeing, particularly those who may have suffered trauma or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Mary hopes running can become a lifelong friend and companion for children who have previously seen the sport as a punishment or simply the means to breed elite athletes. Running Tales also spoke to Mary about her own running journey which saw her take up the sport at 16 and go on to complete three marathons - Chicago, twice, and New York - as well as enjoy running with her own children...   ----------------------------------   Find out more about Run Like A Cheetah here: https://runlikeacheetah.com/  

At the end of May, the man behind a satirical Twitter account outed himself. That account was the Secret Tory - a topical and sometime controversial lampooning of the Conservative government. And the man behind it is Henry Morris. a fitness instructor and - as it turns out - ultra runner. The Secret Tory Twitter account, which has close to 200,000 followers, started life as a parody of Tory MP Mark Francois and developed into a sharp-elbowed critique of government policy and personalities. Although it often bordered on the ridiculous, many pundits speculated the account was run by a disaffected MP or a Westminster insider. Instead, it was Henry Morris. Running Tales spoke to Henry about the inspiration behind the account, how it got so huge, and - most importantly - all about his running. Henry abandoned a party lifestyle in favour of ultra running, and has now completed close to 50 ultras including one of 110 miles. He often runs to raise money and awareness of environmental issues, including the threat posed to wildlife including birds of prey by grouse moors. We also spoke to Henry about what's next for the Secret Tory, how he trains to run long distances and his plan to run to raise awareness of the plight of the hen harrier...   ----------------------------------  

When Tom Mulchinock left school with little more than an addiction for video games and a 'class clown' nature, he found himself numbing real world pressures with increasingly heavy drinking. Nights out turned to day drinking - to avoid hangovers it was better to just not stop. It wasn't until he reached 30 that Tom realised he needed to get help. After seeking therapy and moving to Iceland, Tom started practicing mindfulness, going on walks, listening to podcasts - and running. A first 5k race eventually turned into a running habit and then into a new goal. Tom is currently aiming to run 10 marathons in a year in 10 different countries - all to rase money for CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably. Running Tales spoke to Tom about how running has helped him stay sober, combat his anxiety and embrace his creative side...   ----------------------------------   People can sponsor Tom via JustGiving here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/10marathons10countries1year   You can also learn more about his challenge and follow his progress via: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom.mulchinock Facebook: Runnning For CALM - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092425861915 YouTube: Running For CALM - https://www.youtube.com/@rfcalm   Find out more about CALM at https://www.thecalmzone.net/   ----------------------------------  

Grayson Murphy is a running chameleon. From two-time world mountain running champion to a track star who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Olympics, the 28-year-old has made a career out of taking on different challenges and distances. And what a career. Despite only starting running aged 20, Grayson was soon ripping up records at the University of Utah, setting new standards in the steeplechase, 5,000m and 10,000m events and becoming a five times All-American. A professional contract followed, but life on the track didn't go exactly to plan to begin with and Grayson made the sudden and surprising switch to trail running. Victory at the American championship followed - an event she has now won four times - and, on her debut at the race, she won the 2019 World Mountain Running Championships. Two years later, she returned to the track in style for the Olympic trials, winning her semi-final and finishing sixth in the final of the 3,000m steeplechase. This year, it was back to the mountains again and a second world championship win as Grayson captured first place in the up and downhill race in Austria. Running Tales spoke to her about how football (aka soccer) had been her first love, why she loves running such a variety of events and the joys of 'aeroplane arms'...   ----------------------------------  

Doug Richards has just published his third book about running, charting an incredible journey that has seen him run a lifetime total of 24,902 miles. It's a distance equivalent of the circumference of the Earth's equator. In 'Once Around the Planet,' Doug shares his latest running adventures including running a marathon in Venice and taking on a host of island runs including among ancient Moai statues on Easter Island, across volcanic rim trails in the Azores and even into the mysterious confines of the Bermuda Triangle. Doug's amazing running total was achieved despite the fact he only started running in his 30s, when he found himself out of breath having run up the stairs to see his son. It was then he decided to get fit - and start running. It's a habit he's found hard to shift and has seen him run across all seven continents, including in Antarctica and across the Sahara and Gobi Deserts.   ---------------------------------   You can listen to our previous episode with Doug here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/doug-richards-how-one-runner-went-from-being-out-of-breath-climbing-the-stairs-to-the-marathon-des-sables/ You can buy ‘Once Around The Planet' from Amazon: https://shorturl.at/iryR1  

This week ultra runner and environmentalist, Rebecca Leek, will be taking part in a climate relay to raise awareness of climate change. On Wednesday, June 29, Rebecca is coming to Northampton - the home of the Running Tales Podcast! - to run a leg of the Running Out of Time relay. The event is the biggest sporting celebration of climate action and nature ever attempted across Britain. Taking place between June 10 and July 11, the relay will travel 2,661km (1,653 miles) from Ben Nevis to Big Ben. Rebecca has also made a number of environmental pledges, including using existing clothing and trainers during the event, travelling in a low carbon manner and taking positive action in the community. It is the latest stage of a running career which only started two years ago - with a "shuffle" after listening to Chris Evans talking running on the radio. Running Tales also talked to Rebecca about how she felt discouraged to run at school and how she recently won a 71-mile ultra...   ----------------------------------  

According to his own Twitter bio - @singhcredible - Jeremy Singh went from overweight dad to ultra marathoner. He now has a 100-mile race set in his sights, having ticked off a 75 mile run last year. Along the way he has built a strong social media brand, with more than 40,000 people following him his Twitter hints and advice on everything from strength training and nutrition to running plans. Running Tales also talked to Jeremy about his 'Go for a Run' catchphrase and how everyone can enjoy running...   ---------------------------------- You can follow Jeremy Singh's Twitter feed here: https://twitter.com/singhcredible  

Hannah Phillips first experiences in running had an element of a comedy sketch about them. She was first prompted to run after seeing a "fat girl" wearing the same top she had on - a girl who turned out to be her reflection. Spurred on, she set out to run round her home town of Merthyr Tydfil, only to be stopped by the police for wearing a balaclava she had donned to hide her identity. Since then, running - in slightly more conventional ways - has changed Hannah's life. After falling in love with the sport, she decided to run a marathon - a move which prompted her to write a book about her experiences. That book, 'No Run Intended,' became an unexpected bestseller and propelled her to a job with Welsh Athletics, encouraging other people to take up running. Along the way running also helped Hannah deal with the heartache of miscarriage, restoring her faith in her body's capabilities...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

On this week's Running Tales Podcast, we broke down what it takes to run an extreme endurance race - with the help of two ultra runners who know how to do exactly that. At the end of May, Ben Davies and Richard Wilcox completed the 145-mile Grand Union Canal Race. The pair, who finished the event in 42 hours and 22 minutes, are taking part in the three race, 420-mile Canal Slam, which will see them battle against another 145-miler in the Kennet & Avon Canal Race before finishing off with the mere 130 mile Leeds and Liverpool Canal Race. Running Tales spoke to Ben and Richard about what it takes physically and mentally to prepare to tackle such distances, race nutrition, sleep deprivation, overcoming extreme tiredness, aches and pains, and the feeling you get when you cross the line after running for so long. Oh, and the joy of eating apples after 110 miles...   ---------------------------------- You can listen to our stand-alone episode with Ben Davies - the ultra runner who's mantra is 'it's good to talk' - here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/ben-davies-it-s-good-to-talk-ultra-runner/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

David Abbott only started running seven years ago, aged 35, but within a year he had qualified for the Boston Marathon and he's gone on to complete several sub-three hour marathons. The American, who now lives in Japan, has also become a coach - not least through the prism of Twitter where under the moniker Mr Slow Easy Comfortable (search for @runliftrunlift) he offers reams of advice on everything from how running slower makes you faster, the benefits of weight training and what to do if you're a new runner. Running Tales also spoke to David about how he grew his Twitter following and running in Japan...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

We've got something different for you this week on Running Tales. On Saturday, in association with Michelle's Step Forward With Lewis fitness business, we held our inaugural 16:15 Charity Fun Run in aid of Northampton rough sleeper charity, Project 16:15 The event lasted six hours but participants could run for as far or as little as they like, with the only requirement being that they either raised money for the charity or gave a donation. In all, we managed to raise more than £1,100 for Project 16:15. In this episode Michelle speaks to the charity's founder Stan Robertson about why he formed it and about some of the people who have sadly died on Northampton's streets...   ---------------------------------- People can still donate towards the 16:15 Charity Run and Project 16:15 here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/1615CharityFunRun Here are a selection of our Substack articles about the 16:15 Charity Run: Rough sleepers deserve to be given dignity - our 16:15 Charity Run aims to help Why I'm running to raise money for rough sleepers Running to show the humanity behind every blanket - the story behind the 16:15 Charity Run ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com/subscribe If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

In little over a week, Neil Russell is set to start an awe-inspiring 970-mile run from London to Barcelona, aiming to complete his journey in just over five weeks. What makes Neil's challenge even more notable is that the 65-year-old will be doing it despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018. In fact, Neil's final destination is the World Parkinson's Congress, and along the way he is hoping to raise £50,000 for Cure Parkinson's and Parkinson's UK. It's not the first time he has taken on an incredible challenge to raise money for the two charities, having made £11,000 while running from John O'Groats to Land's End last year. Running Tales spoke to Neil about his current, gruelling training regime, how running has helped him to "stick two fingers up" at Parkinson's and how the condition effects him on a daily basis and with his running.   ---------------------------------- To find out more about Neil's London to Barcelone run visit https://www.neilstillcan.run/london-barcelona To sponsor Neil, visit https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/3039152/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

As one half, alongside wife Louise, of Phoenix Running, Rik Vercoe has created a hugely popular and inclusive race organiser. Phoenix offers a wide-range of races and was a pioneer in the creation of lapped events, encouraging runners of all abilities to feel comfortable at organised runs and achieve goals they often never even set out to do. Rik's own running career has certainly seen plenty of incredible goals smashed, from running a then record 152 marathons/ultras in a year to completing some of the toughest events around, including the North Pole Marathon and the Marathon des Sables. Running Tales also spoke to Rik about breaking the record for the fastest aggregate time to complete 10 marathons in 10 days, and discovered he has one last marathon ambition left.   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Damon Fox ran to take part in this week's Running Tales Podcast - after all, he can't afford to miss any runs right now. The business development manager for Northampton Town FC Community Trust is currently in the midst of a challenge that will see him run 750km (466 miles) in 12 weeks. There are 7,500 children in poverty across Northampton (hence the number of kilometres), and Damon is fundraising to support them in their school and home life, and give them opportunities to be involved in activities in the town. Running Tales also spoke to Damon about his love of parkrun and completing the London Marathon in 2017. Be warned, this week's episode also features a screaming cat and an unusual interjection about naked sunbathing. You've been warned...   ---------------------------------- You can sponsor Damon here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/damon-fox-1678696402252/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward   To learn more about the 16:15 Charity Run to raise funds to help Project 16:15 help rough sleepers in Northampton, visit https://runningtales.substack.com/p/running-for-rough-sleepers-fun-runners To sponsor Craig to run for six hours at the event, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-lewis-project-16-15

By the time this episode goes live on Tuesday, April 25, Colin McCord will hopefully have completed the London Marathon on Sunday - what will have been his fourth out of five marathons in as many weeks. With the Great Welsh, Magna Carta and Manchester Marathons also behind him, Colin will complete his challenge next week by taking on the 26.2 mile distance for one final time in April - only his opponent then will be the dreaded treadmill! Colin is taking on this very personal challenge to raise money for Dementia UK. His mum, Susan, was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2018 and Colin is fundraising to help Dementia UK provide information, support and Admiral Nurses to those with dementia and their families. Running Tales also spoke to Colin about how running has helped him cope with PTSD, something he has suffered with as the result of a traumatic robbery. Embracing the sport and the running community - including his friends in the Running Punks - has helped Colin with his mental health, and now given him the strength to run for his mum.     ---------------------------------- You can sponsor Colin to run five marathons in five weeks for Dementia UK here: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/5in5 Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

Pete Moor is a stalwart of the local running scene in Northamptonshire. With approaching 250 parkruns to his name, the Northampton Road Runner is a regular at events up and down the county - as well as in neighbouring Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. Pete is a real all-rounder, taking on races from 5k to ultras with 15 marathons to his name. But it's not just local events that attract Pete, who combines his love of travelling with that of running. He's completed three - Boston, Chicago and London - of the six marathon majors, with Berlin, Tokyo and New York firmly on his wishlist. And despite having the pace to qualify for Boston, he once finished dead last in a gruelling Faroe Islands ultra which took place on landscape, he says, only the resident old ladies could cope with! Running Tales spoke to Pete about not being able to sleep at Endure 24, his love/hate relationship with marathon running and why he loves being a Northampton Road Runner...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Trail runner Kim Levinsky is preparing to take on the biggest challenge of her running career - the 358-mile Long Path. Starting from the 175th Street Subway Station in New York City, crossing George Washington Bridge and running across the Catskills all the way to Albany, the Long Path combines woods, a series of 2,900 foot peaks, and trails that pass lakes and streams - it is a beautiful and challenging route. Kim, an experienced trail and ultra runner who recently completed the Tahoe 200, is hoping to achieve a fastest known time on the route. Running Tales spoke to Kim about everything from nutrition to why she is taking on the challenge, as well as her role as a race director with Sassquad Trail Running...   ---------------------------------- You can find out more about Kim and the challenge on her personal Facebook and Instagram pages, while the Sassquad Trail Running group is on the same platforms - Facebook here and Instagram here. You can find more details about, and donate to, Kim's charities for the Long Path FKT at: Bigger Than The Trail Fundraiser: https://biggerthanthetrail.networkforgood.com/projects/160786-kim-levinsky-s-fundraiser-to-provide-free-counseling   New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Fundraiser: https://www.nynjtc.com/supportkim   Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Ady Pendred was a latecomer to the world of running, but he has gone on to complete several sub-three hour marathons and find a love of trail and ultra marathons. In recent years, he has stopped chasing times and learned to enjoy running for fun - not that it has slowed him down. Running Tales spoke to Ady about how time isn't his be all and end all, his love of Lidl trainers and how his body didn't shut down at 50 as we was being told to expect...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Ali Hall first started running when she was at boarding school, finding a love of the sport while escaping mental health challenges. It's a passion she has never left behind, competing in everything from adventure racing to ultra marathons and moving in to the world of coaching with Pyllon. Along the way, Ali has formed a number of running communities, including setting up a group putting on city running tours and the hugely successful Cani-Sport Edinburgh. This latter endeavour combined her love of dogs with running - and did her 5k time no harm at all either! We spoke about everything from sports psychology and the mental health benefits of running to her dream of finishing a 100-mile race...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Back in 2015, Mike Harley decided he wanted to raise money and awareness for Invest in ME, an independent charity which funds research into what is a severe and debilitating illness. Mike was inspired by one of his oldest friends, Ian, who has been suffering from ME for over 15 years, and instead of simply running a local marathon he decided to combine his love of travelling with a growing desire to run, and complete a marathon in every member country of the European Union. Ultimately - thanks to a Mr B Johnson and a certain referendum - that ended up being one less race than he had intended, but it still meant completing 27 marathons in places as varied as Cyprus, Estonia and France. Running Tales spoke to Mike about why he took on the challenge, the logistics of doing marathons across Europe, his favourite races and how he was inspired by talking to people with ME in the cities he visited...   ---------------------------------- You can learn more about Mike's challenge at his Mike's EU Marathons website, about the Invest in ME Research charity on their website, or sponsor him at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mikeseumarathons Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Every day, in every part of the world, women are being harassed and abused by men while out running.   A recent survey commissioned by Adidas and taking in 9,000 people from the US, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan and South Korea, found nine in 10 women are concerned about their safety while running.   The list of issues women can face ranges from cat calling, body shaming, wolf whistles, verbal abuse and heckling to indecent exposure, sexual attention and physical contact.   Worse, women all to often face the daunting prospect of being approached or followed by potential predators, or of being attacked while out running.   In the very worst cases, women have been raped or killed for committing the 'crime' of exercising near a man.   High profile cases such as those of Ashling Murphy in Ireland and Eliza Fletcher in America, both tragically murdered while out running, have garnered media attention - but is the world any closer to solving the issue, and who's job is that anyway?   This roundtable discussion features three women runners who have all experienced abuse and harassment while out running:   Michele Heller: From Illinois in the US, Michele is a keen runner who has completed marathons included Boston, Chicago, New York and London. As a mother with a young child, Michele often runs very early in the morning, when it is dark, in order to be ready for the day when the rest of her family wake up.   Dr Ashley Morgan: From Cardiff in Wales and AKA The Doc from The Running Punks, Dr Ashley Morgan has been running for 35 years - and has experienced male harassment throughout that time. The Doc is a regular commentator on women's safety and the patriarchy, and one of those behind the Twitter hashtag #changethediscourse, which attempts to get people to think and talk about the issue differently.   Angie Skinner: From Chattanooga in Tennessee, America, Angie started running in 2014 for mental health benefits. She is originally from Memphis, close to where Eliza Fletcher was killed, and regularly receives harassment while out running - to the point where she will arm herself with pepper spray and a go guarded ring (a plastic serrated-edge self-defence weapon) for her own safety.   In this wide-ranging discussion, we spoke about everything from their own experiences of harassment and abuse, victim blaming, the potential for women runners to arm themselves for protection, whether it is safe to run in the dark, how men should behave towards female runners and what men can do to be an ally.   This podcast is aimed at provoking discussion, so we would love to hear your experiences and comments.       ----------------------------------   We'll also be producing a series of articles based on this podcast on our Substack newsletter - for just £5/month you'll be able to get full access to all our articles: https://runningtales.substack.com   Free subscription offers are also available.   Our usual Running Tales podcast episodes, featuring the stories of every day runners who have achieved extraordinary things, come out at 5.30am UK time on Tuesdays.   If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Rachel Heley is a self-proclaimed fun runner. While the sport has been with her for most of her life, she's always fell tantalisingly short of any goals - but loved it nevertheless. However, you are more likely to find Rachel, a born adventurer, in the water. She discovered wild swimming - or as she simply calls it 'swimming' - during the pandemic, but has always been at home in the water, including taking part in swim/run events. Running Tales spoke to Rachel about the benefits of cold water swimming, including mood enhancement and muscle recovery - as well as how to take part in the activity safely. We also spoke about her adventure clothing line, and why she called it Wild Moose...   ---------------------------------- You can visit Wild Moose at this link, or on Instagram search for wildmoose_uk Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Gary Shaughnessy has done a lot in the world of running, from completing 40 marathons to raising thousands of pounds for charity. But perhaps his greatest achievement came in finishing the Arch to Arc Triathlon, dubbed the hardest triathlon in the world. Starting at Marble Arch in London and heading to the heart of Paris and the Arc de Triomphe, the event consists of an 87-mile run, swimming the English Channel (Gary swapped in a gruelling row for the swim) and 181-miles of cycling. What makes Gary's success even more remarkable is that it came after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2015. The triathlon was one of a series of incredible challenges, including several marathons and ultra, that Gary has carried out in aid of Parkinson's UK, a charity of which he is the Chair of the Board of Trustees. In between he even found time to set a new world record for the longest distance ever run three-legged in 24 hours. He's not intending to stop yet though, with a host of events booked for 2023, including marathons in Newport, Paris and Madrid, cycling from Liverpool to Ukraine, swimming from St Kitts to Nevis, and a team cycle ride from Dover to Barcelona to attend the World Parkinson's Coalition. In a wide-ranging conversation, Running Tales spoke to Gary about everything from health and wellbeing to his role at England Athletics, where he is the Chair of the Board...   ---------------------------------- You can sponsor Gary Shaughnessy for his 2023 events at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-shaughnessy2 and find more information at https://www.garyschallenges.com/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Running Tales first spoke to Steve Edwards back in July 2020, shortly after he had completed an incredible 903rd marathon. You can listen to that episode here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/steve-edwards-the-man-inside-the-machine-trying-to-reach-1000-marathons/ Steve only counts official races towards his astonishing total - no virtual runs for him - doesn't count marathons he has to walk in and is aiming to get to his goal with an average time of less than three hours and 30 minutes per marathon. We caught up with Steve - who has now surpassed 950 marathons - to talk about his role as an ambassador at Every Run Counts. The new initiative aims to reward people's every day activities to make the nation fitter, healthier and improve their mental health. Running Tales also spoke to Steve about marathon training, nutrition and how to avoid the wall, as well as his plans when he finally reached that 1,000 mark...   ---------------------------------- Learn more about Every Run Counts on their website, and in our newsletter article on the scheme. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

After being diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer, Allyson Kent was determined to take the disease on. In 2021, she turned to walking to boost her physical and mental health, eventually completing the marathon distance 52 times in as many weeks. Gripped by the fitness bug, Allyson has now found Beverley Westwood parkrun - and with it a sudden and unexpected love of running. Running Tales spoke to Allyson about completing the 5km distance for the first time, her role as an ambassador at 5k Your Way, and what is coming next on her fledgling running journey...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward