The Runna Podcast

When Uly Morazan signed up for his first half marathon, he didn't even own running shoes. Four months later, he crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon, joining the 1% of people who can call themselves marathon runners.In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Coach Ben Parker sits down with Uly - actor, comedian, and LGBTQ+ creator - to unpack his chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt journey from “I hate running” to marathon finisher.Uly brings the raw, relatable reality of training for your first marathon - from his first-ever gel (“disgusting”), to discovering salt tabs, to learning that sometimes walking is part of running. His story is messy, honest, and proof that your attitude and sense of humour can carry you through the toughest miles.What You'll Learn: ​​✅ Uly's firsts: gels, salt tabs, carb loading & all the rookie mistakes

Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel sits down with Coach Ben to share her journey from high-school prodigy to making marathon history in Tokyo.Molly opens up about her courageous decision to withdraw from the NYC Marathon, what it truly takes to compete at the highest level, and the lessons that have shaped her career - including the hardest one: knowing when to stop.In this raw and honest conversation, she reflects on rebuilding after setbacks, balancing passion with pressure, and why she keeps coming back to running - despite injuries, self-doubt, and constant challenges.When Molly became the first American woman in 17 years to medal in the Olympic marathon, it was the culmination of years battling adversity and rediscovering joy on her own terms.What You'll Learn:

Winter running doesn't have to be a struggle. Ben and Anya share 6 essential coaching tips for running through winter - helping you stay motivated, healthy, and consistent when it's dark, cold, and easy to skip your runs.Whether you're training for a spring marathon or just keeping your running routine on track, this episode covers everything from cold-weather gear and nutrition to goal-setting, recovery, and mindset.What You'll Learn: ❄️ How to stay motivated when mornings are dark and cold

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Schooner Scorer, the sub-3 marathoner with 500K+ followers who turned a pub joke into an internet sensation. From rating beers to running a 2:51 in Chicago, Alex proves you can chase PBs and pints without losing your love for the sport. Fresh off his marathon PB, he shares how Schooner Scorer went from a uni in-joke to a 500K+ community. We discuss:

Olympian Rory Linkletter breaks down his 2025 Chicago Marathon race - chasing the Canadian record (2:06:49), hitting the pain cave at mile 13, and still running a PB. Learn what it really takes to train 4,000 miles a year and compete at the elite level.Fresh off the finish line, Rory shares the mindset, consistency, and decade-long journey behind world-class marathon running. From training with Conner Mantz & Clayton Young at "Marathon University" to debating data vs. instinct, this is your inside look at elite training.What You'll Learn:

Jess Furness has done it all — from winning a 250 km ultra marathon in the Sri Lankan heat, to breaking sub-3 in Berlin. But her biggest challenge yet? Running 42 marathons in a single year to honour her brother Eddie, who would have turned 42 this year.In this special World Mental Health Day episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Jess Furness - runner & presenter at The Running Channel - to explore how running became her therapy after losing both parents and her brother Eddie.Jess reveals the mindset behind her biggest achievements and why she's running 42 marathons in 2025 to honour her brother's 42 years - raising funds for Big Moose and the Air Ambulance Service.What You'll Learn:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we sat down with Helen Glover - two-time Olympic champion, triple world champion, and the first British mother to return to elite rowing and stand back on the Olympic podium.Incredibly, Helen didn't pick up a rowing oar until age 21. Within just 4 years, she won Olympic gold - going on to hold every major title in her event and lead an unbeaten global streak between 2014 - 2016. By Rio 2016, she was the #1 ranked female rower in the world.Raised in a fiercely competitive Cornish family, Helen didn't touch an oar until 21. Four years later she was Olympic champion, then, with partner Heather Stanning, dominated the world stage, setting best times and going unbeaten between 2014–2016. After Rio, she stepped away to start a family… then rewrote the rules on motherhood in elite sport with a lockdown comeback, a 4th in Tokyo, and silver in Paris 2024 - with her kids in the stands. Now she's chasing new challenges, including the Oxford Half with Runna. What You'll Learn:✅ How she went from total novice to Olympic gold in just 4 years✅ The mental training techniques behind Olympic success ✅ Breaking barriers as a mother in elite sport✅ Helen's comeback blueprint from lockdown to Paris 2024 podium✅Why she's fallen back in love with running (and how she's training for Oxford Half)

They ran across Australia. Then the UK. Over 4,000 miles, 120+ marathons, and more than $350,000 raised for cancer research.Meet The Lambros - Stefan and Lachlan Lamble, the first brothers to run across Australia AND the UK. In this raw and inspiring episode, we unpack what drives two Melbourne brothers to attempt the world's toughest endurance challenges.From conquering the Nullarbor Desert to being hospitalised with a rare blood infection, this is a brutally honest story of brotherhood, mental resilience, and showing up when it matters most.We discuss:

Two-time Olympic gold medallist. World Champion. Marathon debutant. And now - breaking exclusive racing news, live from Runna HQ!In this special episode of The Runna Podcast, Olympic legend Alex Yee joins us in front of a live audience to share his journey from Lewisham to the world stage. From breaking records in Paris 2024 to finishing 14th in his marathon debut (2:11:08), Alex reveals the mindset, training secrets, and lessons that have shaped his career - and drops exclusive news about his next race plans, heard here first.What You'll Learn:

What happens when the world's biggest fitness platform buys one of the fastest-growing running apps?In this exclusive episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Strava CEO Mike Martin and Runna CEO Dom Maskell to uncover the full story behind the Strava x Runna acquisition - from lockdown side hustle to global fitness tech takeover.Whether you're a runner, startup founder, or tech lover, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and actionable lessons.In This Episode:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we're live from the AJ Bell Great North Run with Paula Radcliffe MBE - world record-breaker, Olympic icon, and one of the greatest distance runners of all time.From setting the untouchable 2:15:25 marathon world record that stood for 16 years, to winning the AJ Bell Great North Run with a course record, Paula has seen it all. Whether you're training for your first half or chasing a PB, this episode is packed with insights from one of the best to ever do it.We unpack:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Olympian and Runna Coach Colleen Quigley for a practical coaching episode answering the most common questions runners ask - split across 4 core topics: training hacks, finding balance, recovering after injury, and mindset.We cover:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Ayesha McGowan - a history-maker, activist, and rider who didn't even discover racing until her 20s. From learning to ride fixed gear bikes on city streets to signing with Liv Racing and competing in Europe, Ayesha's journey is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and passion.In this incredible conversation, we cover:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Laura Weightman - two-time Olympian, Commonwealth and European medallist, and one of the UK's all-time fastest women.From toeing the line at London 2012 as a 21-year-old with everything to prove, to battling brutal injuries that forced her into early retirement, Laura opens up about the highs, the heartbreak and what comes next when your Olympic dream ends.In this raw and honest conversation, we unpack:

What would you do if you were told, at just 23, that you would almost certainly develop dementia and lose your life within 10 –15 years?This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Jordan Adams, co-founder of The FTD Brothers, who opens up about his extraordinary journey from teenage caregiver to record-breaking fundraiser and endurance runner.After his mum was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at just 47, Jordan became her primary carer through the final years of her life. At 23, he took the genetic test himself and learned he carries the same rare gene mutation. Faced with a terminal diagnosis, Jordan decided not to give up, but to use it as his ‘license to live'. In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, we unpack:

Welcome to The Runna Podcast - your home for the most inspiring stories, expert coaching tips, and behind‑the‑scenes insights from the world's best runners.Hosted weekly by Ben Parker and Anya Culling, The Runna Podcast dives into the journeys of Olympians, world champions, record‑breakers, and everyday runners chasing extraordinary goals. From mental resilience and training secrets to race‑day stories and funny “would you rather” questions - no topic is off‑limits.On this channel, you'll find:

On this week's episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Richard Whitehead MBE - double Paralympic gold medalist, four-time world champion, and world-record marathoner - to hear how he turned barriers into breakthroughs.We cover:

At just 17 years old, Marcus Skeet, known online as The Hull Boy, became the youngest person ever to run the full length of the UK (LEJOG): 837 miles from Land's End to John o' Groats.But the real story isn't about the miles - it's about why he ran them.After his dad was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Marcus spiralled into severe OCD, intrusive thoughts, and depression. He couldn't leave his room for six months. At 14, he attempted to take his life.Then one day, Marcus went for a walk and it changed everything. That single mile turned into a marathon with The Hardest Geezer, and eventually, into a record-breaking, two-month run across the UK.In this deeply moving episode, Marcus opens up about:

This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya break down the 12 most common mistakes runners make, from training to racing, recovery to mindset, and how to avoid them.Whether you're new to running or chasing a new PB, this episode is packed with professional coaching tips to help you train smarter, race better, and recover stronger.We cover: ❌ The training mistake nearly every runner makes in January ⚡ The mindset shift that will make your running way more enjoyable

This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by two-time Olympian Elise Cranny and American record holder in the indoor 5000m.From her breakthrough moment as a college athlete at Stanford to representing Team USA in both Tokyo and Paris, Elise opens up about the mental shifts that transformed her career and the mindset it took to not just reach the top, but stay there.Mindset has the power to make or break your running - whether you're just starting out or racing at the highest level. Tune in for tips that could change your perspective and your enjoyment of the sport.We unpack:

In this week's episode of The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Aimee Fuller, two-time Winter Olympian, X Games trailblazer, and now one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting.We cover everything from:

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Alexandra Bell, Olympic 800m finalist and one of British athletics' most resilient middle-distance runners.We unpack:

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Dominique Scott, a two-time Olympian, five-time NCAA champion, and one of South Africa's fastest-ever distance runners.From her early running days in South Africa to competing on the world stage, Dominique shares insights into her journey through collegiate dominance, professional racing, and Olympic competition.We unpack:

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Dame Flora Duffy. Flora is an Olympic gold medallist, 5x Olympian, and the most decorated athlete in Bermuda's history.From her childhood on a 21-square-mile island to making history in Tokyo, Flora reflects on a career defined by relentless resilience, off-road domination, and representing her country.We unpack:

What does it take to run 50 marathons in 50 states all in one year and then follow it with 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days? On this episode of The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Wyatt Moss, whose pursuit to “live the greatest day ever, every day” took him across the globe. From missing flights and running out of money, to pushing his grandma across the finish line in a wheelchair, Wyatt's story is one of grit, hustle and unstoppable passion. We unpack:

What does it take to go from Olympic rejection to becoming the fastest woman to ever win Ironman Kona?This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Lucy Charles-Barclay, the 2023 Ironman World Champion and Kona course record holder.From missing out on the 2012 Olympics as a competitive swimmer and being rejected for a British pro triathlon licence, to finishing 2nd at Ironman Kona four times before finally claiming the crown—Lucy's story is the definition of mental resilience.We unpack:

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we're joined by entrepreneur, ultramarathoner, and media powerhouse Randi Zuckerberg, fresh off completing her sixth World Marathon Major in Tokyo.As CEO of Zuckerberg Media, mother of three, and now a Cocodona 250 trainee, Randi opens up about what running has taught her—not just about physical endurance, but about presence, perseverance, and the joy of showing up even when motivation runs dry.We unpack: Her path to becoming a 6-Star Finisher, including 16 marathons and 11 ultras

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Romesh Ranganathan, fresh off the finish line of his second London Marathon.World-renowned comedian Romesh takes us behind the scenes of his marathon journey—from training to race day antics. He shares how his relationship with running has evolved, from hating school cross-country to completing his second marathon. Along the way, he set personal targets—and had some hilariously unhinged conversations you won't want to miss.We unpack:

What happens when you don't just challenge expectations—but set out to break the rules entirely?In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Oli Paterson (aka El Burrito) just days after running a 2:52 marathon. Having turned his life around from addiction and weighing 135kg, Oli is now on a mission to defy the limits that coaches, data, and even physics claim a 100kg+ runner can achieve. He proves that not being built like a typical runner doesn't define your speed, strength, or potential. With an outlandish, daring, and fiercely competitive mindset, he's rewriting the rules and proving anything is possible if you put your mind to it. We unpack:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Cal Calamia—a California-based marathoner, educator, activist, and now the first non-binary athlete in history to podium at all six World Marathon Majors.After stepping away from collegiate running, Cal returned not just to compete, but to transform the sport. With their podium finish in London on April 27th 2025, they've now made history —all while advocating for inclusive race categories they helped build.In this episode, we explore Cal's incredible journey including:

Recorded live from the Runna Race Hub, this special episode of The Runna Podcast dives into the LDN Marathon with Anya Culling–elite runner, Runna coach and lululemon ambassador.We unpack every part of race day—from Anya's championship start to crowd highlights, emotional moments, and how she executed her race plan to perfection on what turned out to be a hot and testing day for all runners. She shares how training went, her favourite on-course moments, top recovery tips, and what might be next on her racing calendar.Whether you ran, spectated, or are dreaming of next year's start line, this episode celebrates everything that makes the marathon in London so iconic.This episode of The Runna Podcast was empowered by lululemon. Use code ‘PODCAST25' to give Runna a go with 2 weeks free. Enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you build a mindset so powerful that nothing life throws at you can hold you back?This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by the unstoppable Helen Skelton—broadcaster, adventurer, mum of three, and true superwoman. Known for saying yes to the wildest challenges—from kayaking 2,010 miles solo down the Amazon to cycling to the South Pole—Helen has become an inspiration for what's possible when you refuse to let fear or difficulty stand in your way.Think of the craziest challenge? Helen's probably done it. As she gets ready for her fourth London Marathon with Runna, we talk about fitting marathon training around her busy career and three kids—including how a 24-hour rollerblading challenge for Comic Relief became part of her prep.

The countdown is on! With just 48 hours to go until the London Marathon, what really matters most?In this short episode of The Runna Podcast, pro marathoner Anya Culling and coach Ben Parker cover everything you could want to know in the final two days before race day—delivered in just 8 essential tips. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned marathoner, this is your go-to checklist for feeling prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy every mile.We break down food, kit, mindset, logistics, and give you the final advice you need to enjoy every mile. Tune in for 20 minutes of focused, practical advice you can put into action—so you can make the most of your final 48 hours and line up feeling ready to smash your 26.2 miles

From one event with 13 runners to a global movement that's transformed lives—this is the story of how parkrun came to be.This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, to hear the inspiring story behind one of the world's most powerful community movements.What started as a small time trial during a difficult period in Paul's life became a lifeline—not just for him, but for millions around the world.

Answering every question you could possibly have ahead of your next marathon!This week on The Runna Podcast, we bring you the ultimate pre-marathon race guide, packed with tangible, actionable advice from pro marathon runner Anya Culling and Head Coach Ben Parker.We're joined by Izzy, who's gearing up for her upcoming 26.2 miles. She shares how she's feeling, what she's nervous about, and asks the exact questions so many runners—whether it's your first marathon or your 100th—are thinking.We break down:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Ben Felton, the chef-turned-runner who's bridging the gap between elite athlete and content creator. With a 66-minute half marathon PB and a 2:24 marathon, Ben doesn't just run fast—he captures it all on film, offering rare first-person insights into the world of high-performance racing.

What happens when doctors say you'll never run again—and you go on to complete 30 marathons, 7 ultramarathons, and a 100K race?This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Latoya Shauntay Snell. From working as a chef in New York City to facing chronic illness and being forced to stop, Latoya's story is one of resilience and redefining what's possible.

In this week's episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with the hilarious Joel Dommett—comedian, TV presenter, and marathon runner! Best known as the host of The Masked Singer, Joel has a knack for making us laugh and captivating us on screen. But did you know that he also took on the challenge of running the London Marathon in a full piranha costume? Yep, you heard that right!From his comedic roots to becoming a household name, Joel's journey has been anything but conventional. We dive into his experience running for charity, his mental health journey, and what it was really like to race in a giant fish suit.We spoke about:

What does it take to turn tragedy into triumph?This week on The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Billy Monger—a racing prodigy turned endurance athlete whose resilience has shattered expectations. At just 10 years old, Billy was a rising star in motorsport, winning the British Championship and competing in British F4. But in 2017, at just 17 years old, his life changed in an instant after a high-speed crash at Donington Park left him in a coma for three days and resulted in the amputation of both legs.Rather than letting his story end there, Billy fought back, proving that no obstacle is too great to overcome and his mindset is admirable. We spoke about:

This week on The Runna Podcast, in honour of International Women's Day, we're joined by Lola Anderson—Olympic gold medalist, World Champion, and a powerhouse in women's sport. From 13-year-old Lola watching London 2012, dreaming of Olympic glory, to the final winning stroke in Paris, we unravel the journey of turning a childhood dream into reality—and everything that came with it.

How do you come back from a career-threatening injury when giving up isn't an option? This week on The Runna Podcast, we're joined by Tim Don—a two-time Olympian, four-time World Champion, and the man who set the Ironman World Record in 2017 before a devastating accident changed his life.Days before the 2017 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Tim was hit by a truck while cycling, breaking his neck. Instead of surgery, he chose an extreme recovery method—the halo brace, a metal frame drilled into his skull—giving himself the best chance of returning to elite competition.We talked about:

What does it take to run 572km across all 11 London Underground lines in just 11 days? Or cover 960km across the UK and Ireland's capitals in the same amount of time? This week on the Runna Podcast, we sit down with Jonny Davies, a true ultra-running champion whose dedication to both endurance sports and mental health advocacy has left an indelible mark on the running world.Jonny's incredible feats of endurance have included:

What if your greatest athletic achievements came after having triplets? This week on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by Clare Elms, a multi-time world record holder and one of the most dominant Masters runners of all time.Despite discovering her talent later in life, Clare has gone on to:

This week on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by Steph Elswood—former professional dancer and soon-to-be mom. During a challenging period navigating an eating disorder, Steph turned to social media as an outlet for accountability and healing. What started as a personal journey has grown into a vibrant, safe space for healthy living, positivity, and joy. Steph now uses her platform to inspire others, sharing her experiences of living alcohol-free, embracing running for pure joy, and cultivating balance in life.We talked about:

What does it take to go from thinking you've run your last race to standing on the Olympic podium? Today on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by Georgia Hunter Bell, Olympic bronze medalist and National record holder. Georgia's journey is anything but ordinary and we unpacked it all…What we spoke about:

Today on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by Deo Kato, a Ugandan-born trail runner, coach, and campaigner, who has completed an incredible journey running over 12,000km from Cape Town to London. Deo's monumental journey was driven by a purpose: to retrace the history of human migration from Africa to the rest of the world. By doing this, Deo campaigned to end racism and show the world that all humans migrated from Africa.We talked about:

Today on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by Alex Yee, Olympic champion, British triathlete, and a true embodiment of resilience and love for sport. Alex's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring—marked by humility, grit, and an unyielding passion for triathlon.We talked about:

Today on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by Colleen Quigley, an Olympic steeplechaser, model, and our very own Runna coach who embodies resilience and balance in both sport and life. Known for her iconic “Fast Braid Fridays,” Colleen shares her journey of grit and growth—on and off the track.We talked about:Nature vs. Nurture: How growing up with supportive parents shaped her running journey.Making Sacrifices as an Athlete: and the choices she's made along the way.Balancing Modelling and Running: The challenges and joys of straddling two demanding careers while staying true to herself.Dealing with Injury: The mental and physical tools she uses to navigate setbacks and come back stronger, including the importance of patience and self-care.Colleen's story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of a supportive community.We'd love to hear your thoughts and your running stories—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram.

Today on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by Phily Bowden, an incredible marathon runner with one of the top 10 fastest times ever by a British woman—despite having only run four marathons!We talked about:How a dislike of maths led Phily to running, eventually earning her a sports scholarship in the USThe mental health challenges she faced during her time in the US and the pressure of figuring out life after universityRunning her first marathon in an astonishing 2:34 and how she improved to 2:29 in just her second race, earning a podium finish for England.The importance of staying busy, finding balance, and making a living as a full-time athlete.Setting her sights on the LA Olympics and conquering the Marathon Majors.This episode is an inspiring blend of perseverance, ambition, and insight from a rising star in the marathon world.We'd love to hear your thoughts and your running stories—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram.

Today on the Runna Podcast, we're joined by James Warnock, who opens up about how running became a transformative part of his life after the passing of his dad. We talked about:How James found running as a way to process grief and improve his mental health after his dad passed away.His balanced approach to training and the importance of enjoying the process and being ready for anything.The role shared values have played in his relationship with his girlfriend Alex.Tips for making friends and building meaningful connections as an adult. How to stay motivated (and festive!) while training over the Christmas period.This episode is a heartfelt mix of motivation, perspective, and practical tips from someone who has embraced running as a way to navigate life's challenges and joys. We'd love to hear your thoughts—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram.

Today on the Runna Podcast, it's our festive Christmas Special! Our very own coaches & podcast hosts - Ben and Anya - are unwrapping gifts, reflecting on an unforgettable year in sports, and setting their sights on 2025.What you can expect: