The Start Line Podcast

When Carol and Donna lace up their running shoes, they're not just embarking on a physical journey, they're navigating the complex tides of menopause with every stride. Our heartwarming finale brings these incredible women from the ERC community  into the spotlight, sharing how they've turned running into a fortress of empowerment during a time that society often whispers about. As we wrap up our series of conversations with the Emancipated Run Crew community, we delve into the silent battles, the communal triumphs, and the undeniable strength found in the running community and beyond.This episode is a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of conversation, and a rally cry for inclusion. We honor the strides made in menopause education, inspired by Karen Arthur, Davina McCall, and countless others who have reframed this natural transition from taboo to a shared, open experience. The stories of Carol and Donna underscore the importance of movement and community at every life stage, shining a light on the unique challenges faced by black and brown women, and the power of representation in sports.Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned and the collective wisdom we've gained from the conversations we've shared throughout this journey. We're incredibly grateful to our guests and you, our listeners, for the richness you've brought to this series. Here's to finding our pace together, to the beauty of shared experiences, and to embracing every step of life's marathon with courage and heart.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com .  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!You can also follow our guests on Instagram:Donna - @donsfitnessgramCarol -  @thisisseajay64Support the show

When the Emancipated Run Crew's Trojan Gordon, Lionel Mullin, and Greg Patmore joined us, we discovered a shared truth that many black men carry: the weight of unspoken struggles with mental health. Our conversation ventured into the transformative space where the discipline of running meets the vulnerability of mental wellness, revealing the profound impact of therapy and the creation of communities like ours that defy the age-old stoic masculine mold. We embraced not just the physical strides but also the emotional ones, as these runners helped unpack the societal pressures that often silence men's emotional voices.This episode is a heartfelt tapestry woven with the threads of our guests' personal journeys, highlighting the importance of safe spaces where men—especially within the Black community—can find camaraderie and the strength to express their emotions fully. We delved into the challenges and triumphs of fostering openness, the patience it takes to build trust, and the surprising parallels between the vulnerability required in personal relationships and that which can lead to a security breach in a professional setting. It's clear that the path to mental wellness is not a solitary run but a group sprint, where each stride forward is supported by the empathy and understanding of our peers.Finally, we steered the conversation towards the younger generation, discussing the delicate balance of entrepreneurship and the support that can sometimes come in conflict with personal gain. The insights shared by Trojan, Lionel, and Greg illuminated the essence of trust within friendships and familial bonds. Their stories serve as a gentle reminder of the power of listening, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and the undeniable value of therapy in the everyday connections that shape our lives.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com .  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!You can also follow our guests on Instagram:Trojan - TheBeardedRunnerLionel - LionRoarsGreg - Greg PatmoreSupport the show

In the first ever TSL Rewound, we gather around the memory of our beloved cousin Steph, whose laughter and courage echoed even as triple negative breast cancer sought to silence her, by revisiting an episode that captures her essence. Steph's legacy, woven through stories of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a relentless battle against cancer, resonates with a message of hope and the importance of cherishing every heartbeat. Her voice, a tender reminder of strength and love, takes center stage once more, inviting listeners to hold dear the wisdom of self-care and the power of dreams that defy life's darkest moments.Imagine facing life's most profound challenges with a smile that never fades and a spirit that refuses to be dampened. Steph, our special guest  and guiding light in this episode from February 2021, did just that, painting a portrait of resilience that etches itself into the heart. Her journey through the trials of IVF, the joy of motherhood, and the rigors of managing a business while waging a war on cancer is a poignant narrative that inspires awe. It's a tale that touches the core of human perseverance, spotlighting the unshakeable love within a family and the laugh that lingers even in the silence.Throughout our conversation with Steph, we unravel the complexities of a cancer journey amidst the loneliness of a pandemic, the support networks that become our lifelines, and the unvarnished truths of life and love in the shadow of illness. Her transformative approach to health—embracing an alkaline diet, meditation, and energy healing—not only showcases her indomitable will to live but also serves as a beacon for all navigating similar paths. We honor Steph's memory by sharing her story, a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering belief in tomorrow's sunrise.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and you can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or listen on our website! And don't forget to rate and review us!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show

As a runner, nothing tests your spirit quite like an injury. In this heartfelt discussion with fellow runners, John and Michelle from ERC open up about their recovery journey, and how they each found a unique path through the trials of injury. From the shadows of frustration to the finish line triumphs, the share their inspiring stories that redefine what it means to be part of the running community, even when you're not the one pounding the pavement.This episode is all about the gritty and often overlooked realities of getting back on your feet—literally. As we exchange experiences and advice, you'll absorb practical tips for training post-injury, understanding the need to tune into your body's cues, and why your warm-up might just be the most crucial part of your run. We also touch on the mental game, emphasizing the importance of setting new, achievable goals. Sure, the body might scream "halt," but we discuss how to keep the mind firmly on the "go."And because every runner knows it's not just about the legs, we delve into the world of muscle maintenance and the critical role of shoe selection. Discover how regular massages, foam rollers, and the right pair of trainers can make all the difference. It's an episode crammed with personal touches, expert insights, and a whole lot of heart. Join us as we tie our laces for a journey through the peaks and valleys of running, with personal stories from Michelle and John that will leave you raring for your next run—whatever pace you're going at.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!You can check out our episode about The Race, Atlanta's biggest long distance race organised for and by the black community featuring Race Director Tes Sobomehin-Marshall here!Support the show

Discover the grit and grace of running beyond the usual finish line as we journey with Tasnim Tudor and Dina Loufimpou into the realm of ultramarathons. Witness firsthand the transformation from ordinary strides to the extraordinary feat of covering distances that push the human spirit to its limits. This episode isn't just about running; it's about transcending barriers and embracing the diversity within the ultra-running community.Step into the shoes of runners who have morphed from marathoners to ultra-marathoners, uncovering the profound mental and physical shifts required to conquer the solitude of long-distance trails. From the quiet determination needed to train before dawn to the inner resilience that turns 'penguin' runners into ultramarathon champions, our guests share their compelling tales. These narratives aren't solely about endurance; they're a testament to the power of self-belief and the importance of representation in a sport that thrives on diversity and inclusion.As we close this chapter of our running series, gratitude is the path we choose, with heartfelt thanks to Tasnim for her marathon wisdom, and Dina for her ultra insights that have enriched our understanding of what it means to run far. The advice and personal stories shared will fuel our community as we lace up for the races ahead. Stay with us as we continue to chart the course of these incredible journeys, running side by side in pursuit of our next endurance adventure.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Follow Tasnim on Instagram: @challengetaz Follow Dina on Instagram: @runwithdinsSupport the show

When Rachel McCoy and Dr. Zandi Ndlovu laced up their running shoes during lockdown, little did they know that they'd cross marathon finish lines in their mid-40s and at 50, rewriting their own narratives and shattering age expectations. Our latest episode is a testament to their extraordinary journeys, packed with laughter, resilience, and the sheer joy of running that knows no age. These women, who once cheered from the sidelines, now inspire us as they share the transformative power of putting one foot in front of the other, and how support from loved ones has amplified their triumphs.Our conversation flows into the mental tenacity that marathon training demands, and the personal victories beyond the physical feat. The stories shared here are about more than just running; they're about the mental fortitude it builds within us. Rachel and Zandi recount the visceral thrill of the crowd's energy at the London Marathon and how it catalyzed their own leap from spectators to participants. This episode celebrates the unexpected paths to empowerment and the remarkable realization that what seemed insurmountable can become a cherished part of our identity.Lastly, we unfold the fabric of the running community, a network of support likened to a family that extends far beyond the track. To those contemplating their first stride, know that it is never too late to join this invigorating tribe. We delve into the practicalities and spiritual connections of group runs, and how virtual platforms have bolstered our bonds, especially in a world slowly emerging from isolation. Whether you're seeking advice on starting out or contemplating your next big race, let Rachel, Zandi, and The Start Line be your cheerleaders on this exhilarating journey of self-discovery and communal celebration.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com.  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Follow Rachel on Instagram -  @justrach2023Follow Zandi on Instagram - @zandi__ndlovuSupport the show

Stephen D'Souza's tale is one for the books—a journey from being on the brink of diabetes to conquering marathons with a vigor that's nothing short of contagious. In our return from the National Running Show, we've brought together an array of stories that embody the transformative power of running, and Stephen's is a beacon of inspiration. We chat about the strides being made toward inclusivity and representation in the running world, and the importance of creating safe spaces. Our gratitude is immense for those who've supported these discussions, which took place at the National Running Show including England Athletics, Raccoon Events, and the ever-passionate Emancipated Run Crew  community.This episode weaves through Stephen's quest with ERC's co-founder Trojan to bring diversity to the forefront of London's Parkrun scene—34 down and counting. But it's not just about tallying runs; it's a mission to inspire black and brown communities to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement. We celebrate the upcoming trail runs, Race to the King and Race to the Stones, where stories like Stephen's continue to unfold and where the camaraderie of the running community shines brightest. Join us for a heartwarming look at the journeys that challenge not only our bodies but our spirits, all while fostering a sense of belonging in the expansive world of running.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com.  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Follow Stephen on Instagram -  @parkrunnerukSupport the show

The Start Line Girls (Jules and Dee) were honoured to be asked to host the Emancipated Run Crew Women's Discussion Panel Event in celebration of International Women's Day on 8th March! We recorded live from the event and to end March we are dropping it now so all those who missed out will get the opportunity to hear this amazing session (please forgive the background noises!) The event, for black and brown women, was curated by co-founder of Emancipated Run Crew and our running brother Trojan Gordon as part of a series of ERC panel discussions . It was held in the beautiful FS8 gym, and started with a great fit session for the ladies, followed by the panel discussion on community, safe spaces and mental health, centring on the lived experiences of black and brown women. Taz, Kelly and Mercy were amazing panellist, shared their stories so openly and vulnerably, but from a position of confidence and strength! The audience were engaging and as we ran out of time were keen to hear more. Watch this space for part 2!!! Thank you to all who attended!PANEL:

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the  Emancipated Run Crew stand!  In today's final episode from this bonus series, Jules is in conversation with Lisa Jayne Henry-Arscott from the Black Trail Runners family.  Lisa talks to Jules about how she started trail running, her love of cold water swimming, as well as about her love of history and why her childhood memories of Notting Hill Carnival made last year's Black Crews United Carnival Run so special for her.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the  Emancipated Run Crew stand!  Today Dee grabs a chat with Andre Coggins, founder of the Mafia Moves community, who tells us about his move from being a solo track runner to discovering through the crew running experience after joining the legendary Run Dem Crew, that people can run together for fun!  After a period of injury, and a few years of persistent suggestion from Track Mafia's Cory Wharton-McFarlane (aka BitBeefy) Andre finally set up Mafia Moves to create his own local running community. Andre tell Dee how sometimes its necessary to break a few rules in order to break barriers.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the  Emancipated Run Crew stand!  In today's bonus episode, Dee & Jules are joined by another ERC member Taz Tudor (or Challenge Taz as she's known on Instagram) who talks about how she turned around a bad relationship with sports as a child by sheer determination after she went to running school to change from running "like Phoebe from Friends" to multiple marathons.  We discuss the importance of finding your tribe, and how it is possible to use a bad running situation to drive positive organisational change.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the  Emancipated Run Crew stand!  In this bonus ep, Dee and Jules chat to one ERC's most ambitious runners, Stephen D'Souza, known on Instagram as @ParkRunnerUK, and to his ERC running family as "Mr Sponsorship" due to his love of the brand with the Three Stripes! Stephen tells us about how joining ERC has changed his life, taking him from a zero miles runner to a marathon hero, as he defied all expectations last October by running the London Marathon with only 6 weeks of training! Prepare to be amazed... We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the  Emancipated Run Crew stand!  In  our second bonus ep this week, Jules is in conversation with Tazneem, more widely known as @thishijabiruns, a woman who has become a role model to Muslim women and girls, by showing the world that South Asian women run too!  Tazneem shares her running goals for this year, which includes running the Edinburgh Marathon, as well as talking about how she became an Aspics Front Runner and why it's important for her to be an ambassador for The National Running Show.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the  Emancipated Run Crew stand!  In  our first bonus ep, this week Jules catches up with Trojan Gordon, who alongside Jules and Dee co-founded ERC. Trojan and Jules chat about the importance of having groups like Emancipated Run Crew attending events like The National Running Show and why being able to create safe spaces within such events are vital for real conversations around diversity and race in order to drive really change in the running community. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

Ahead of our return to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January, we'll be giving you a daily dose of TSL goodness as we kick off the New Year with the rest of our series of bonus episodes recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South!  For our final bonus ep this week, we are happy to introduced the woman who runs to the beat of calypso, Marcia Bartholomew, known on Instagram as Marcia_Runs_After_50, who talks to Jules about discovering running just before turning 50, finding her tribe in Run Mummy Run and Black Girls Do Run UK, and the amazing power of community. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

Ahead of our return to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January, we'll be giving you a daily dose of TSL goodness as we kick off the New Year with the rest of our series of bonus episodes recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South!  In today's bonus episode we catch up with Ruden Bhutia, founder of Runderbolts - a diverse running family who have been making waves on the running scene since 2017 with their legendary epic running adventures which have included the crew running 10K in 10 countries in ten days, 100K across Europe to raise funds to provide aid for the Nepal earthquake victims and improving the livelihood of Tibetan refugees.  Ruden shares why running is important to him - but not so important that he wouldn't stop in the middle of a half marathon to take some else's photo - he's just that kind of runner and a legendary guy. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

In the second of our special bonus episodes this week recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South, Dee catches up with the amazing Prabina Talary,  runner, cyclist, swimmer, mother - Prabina is a Swimmathon UK Amabassador who has run marathons, competed in duathlons and triathlons, and a champion for increasing participation by the Nepalese community, and particularly  Nepalese women, in these sports.  Prabina shares with Denise memories of growing up as part of the Nepalese Gurkha community, and the transformational experience of finding her tribe amongst fellow female runners with RunMummyRun and amongst her Nepalese community with Runderbolts. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

Ahead of our return to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023, we'll be giving you a daily dose of TSL goodness as we kick off the New Year with the rest of our series of bonus episodes recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South!  For our first bonus ep, Jules chats to ERC's most lyrical member, Allen Richards, otherwise known as Coach Al or Big Al, about how running has helped him to find community and family ,as well as helping him to redefine himself after a life as a respected martial arts practitioner. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

Whoooaaa! Where did 2022 go??? The Start Line Girls are back after a little hiatus over the summer (and autumn!) and here we are at Christmas already!!! But the great thing about that is this is the first TSL Christmas episode! Yes, we managed to pull it outta the bag to celebrate the season (and to mark the official end of the first (3 year long!) season of The Start Line Podcast)  and got round the table together to record this special episode. We take a look back at what we did over the summer/autumn including our highlight-the Lisbon Half Marathon and 8k, which marked the inaugural ERC running holiday! We hear from our Emancipated Run Crew family about their experiences of racing abroad. We also share what makes Christmas special to us, and discuss ways of staying motivated to keep moving throughout the holiday season. Wishing a Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year to all our listeners! See you in ‘23!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Canon and Variation by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/Hip Hop Christmas by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/Support the show

October marks Black History Month in the UK, and to celebrate this The Start Line Girls are taking a look at people who are making history in the Black Community.  In this special episode we speak to Jesse (Specs) Spellman, creator of online running publication Mid Strike Magazine, an avid runner since 2016 and proud member of Black Men Run NYC.  Jesse's goal was to create a diverse magazine which showed our run culture and journeys. As a runner Jesse always struggled to find stories of runners that look or sounded like him and other runners in the black community, both in the US and worldwide, so he decided to launch Midstrike Magazine, a publication which celebrates the beauty of blackness and champions our stories, recognising amazing people, giving the spotlight to those who are often not celebrated.  As Jesse takes on the London Marathon on 2nd October 2022, we celebrate him and the team at Midstrike for the wonderful job they do in celebrating us!You can follow Midstrike Magazine on Instagram or head to their website to subscribe.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show

After an unannounced summer hiatus, The Start Line Girls are back! Join us as we recap on what we got up to this summer, get the lowdown our favourite restaurants in Croatia (Corto Maltese and Pandora Greenbox in Split; Paradise Garden in Hvar) and hear about Dee's birthday trip to Porto.  We also hear from ERC members Rachel and Nina, who dropped us a voice note, sharing their thoughts on participating ERC's Black Crews United Carnival Run (Rachel) and the experience of running on the mother continent in Marrakesh (Nina). We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show

We continue our series of bonus episodes recorded live last month from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South!  This time Dee meets new ERC recruit Anthony Roache and finds out about life as a new dad and runner as well as hearing how this remarkable runner managed to run three marathons on three consecutive Sundays as well as fasting for Ramadan!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

A special treat for listeners as The Start Line Girls bring you all the juice from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South!  In these bonus episodes, Dee & Jules chat to ERC members as well as show attendees who share their running stories as well as their experiences at The National Running Show.  In this short session we catch up with Aubrey, a personal trainer and new runner who shares his goals as a new runner as well as this thoughts on why representation matters .We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

A special treat for listeners as The Start Line Girls bring you all the juice from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South!  In these bonus episodes, Dee & Jules chat to ERC members as well as show attendees who share their running stories as well as their experiences at The National Running Show.  ERC's youngest official member, Nina Ashton, joins Jules for a quick chat, as she shares her experience of growing up as a young black girl in Farnborough (home to National Running Show South), how she worked her way from being a 50 minute 5K runner to a sub-50 minute 10K runner and how being part of the ERC family has transformed her experience of running.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Support the show

A special treat for listeners as The Start Line Girls bring you all the juice from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South!  In these bonus episodes, Dee & Jules chat to ERC members as well as show attendees who share their running stories as well as their experiences at The National Running Show.  For the first episode of this special NRS series,  we chat to fellow ERC member Lionel Mullins about how he discovered running as a way to relieve the stress of his father being diagnosed with dementia.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show

The Start Line Girls have an extra special treat lined up for their 3rd anniversary edition, as they are joined  by their good friend, award-winning leadership coach, author, speaker and educator Michelle Moore.  Michelle joins TSL to talk about her  acclaimed debut book Real Wins, which draws on Michelle's work delivering coaching and leadership programmes during a twenty year' career in senior leadership roles across sport, government and education. Frank, funny and fierce, Michelle explains how she uses lessons learned during her careers and also her experience as a young athlete to provide tools for overcoming fears and negative self-talk and shows us how failures to lead us to success which is framed on our own terms, and why challenging preconceptions and stereotypes around race, class and gender is the key to securing Real Wins. Check out Michelle's website to find out more about Ms Moore and where you can buy your own copy of Real Wins.We also talk about that Samsung ad and why Petrina thinks it's just a matter of common sense!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

Celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month, The Start Line Girls take a look back in the archives to their favourite moments from the ladies who have graced The Start Line Podcast over the last 3 years. Check out the featured episodes:Ep 5 - But My Hair… (Yes, Black Girls DO Run!) featuring Matila Egere-CooperEp 7 - It Just Gets Better with Time (featuring Donna McConnell)Ep 13 - We Run: TSL Meets... Black Girls Do Run UKEp 16 - What Happens When You Break The Silence?Ep 17 - It's All About The Race!Ep 22: World Cancer Day: Steph's StoryEp 23: TSL In The Round For International Women's Day - Being A Mistress of Her Own DestinyEp 26: Going Behind the Podcast with Pilar Arthur-Snead from The Last TenthEp 31 - Learning to Dance In The RainWe'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

The Start Line Girls are back with episode 33, the last in the series of the 'Behind the Podcast' episodes.  This month, our special guest is Marcus Brown (formerly known as Marathon Marcus and now as Marcus_Runs on Instagram!). Marcus is what we would call an 'Amateur Elite' athlete!  A man of many marathons, he is a co-founder of Black Trail Runners, co-host of BTR podcast 'The Checkpoint' and his own podcast 'A Runners Life'. Marcus speaks to The Start Line Girls about his life as a runner, activist and someone who constantly kicks himself out of his comfort zone, pushing himself to do the things that he wouldn't otherwise do. There's a lesson for all of us in Marcus' attitude, we hope you will all strive to run a marathon (or at least in your dreams!) soon!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

The Start Line Girls are back for 2022 and in this episode they look back to their favourite running moments of 2021, discuss the issue of female safety, talk about what they are looking forward to in 2022 and share their first experience of hosting at stand at The National Running Show with Emancipated Run Crew.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

After suffering another recent loss, the Start Line Girls are back after a little hiatus, as  Dee, Jules and Petrina invite their mother Imogene to talk to them about coping with loss and how life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.If you're suffering from a bereavement, you may want to check the Mind website which has some useful resources for support and assistance: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement/about-bereavement/We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list on our website so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

The Start Line Girls dedicate this episode to our beautiful, funny, caring, special friend and loved one David Ajilore who passed away from gall bladder cancer on the 28 August 2021

In part 2 of the Blazing Trails series, The Start Line Girls are joined by Sabrina Pace-Humphries and Sonny Peart, co-founders of the trailblazing Black Trail Runners (BTR), on the day they celebrated the first anniversary of their launch.   The group which was born in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movements of 2020, was formed to create a space for Black runners to experience the joys and challenges of trail running.  BTR actively campaigns for an increase in representation, inclusivity and access to a sport where black people represent only 0.7% of trail race entrants, in a country where they are 4.5% of the population.  On 1 August 2021, Black Trail Runners together with Strava launch the 4.5 challenge, which asks participants to  complete 4.5 hours of activity on Strava between 1-31 August,  (it doesn't have to be trail running!),  then donate a minimum of £4.50  to help more Black people to experience trail running. Some more on the BTR founders:Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is a 43 year old mother of 4 and grandmother of 2. Sabrina started running after the birth of her fourth child in 2009. She initially took up the sport as a way to lose 5 stones of weight gained through her pregnancy, and manage her mental health while living with post-natal depression. By self coaching over time she lost the weight but also found a passion for running and used it as a way to ‘reclaim herself' while living with anxiety and depression. In her early running journey, Sabrina completed a variety of distances from 5K to marathon distance and has travelled the world via the love of her sport – completing New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Edinburgh and London Marathon to name but a few.Sonny Peart took up running in 2012, since then he has completed a dozen marathons, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Brighton. Now a trail and ultrarunner, he completed the Centurion Running 50 mile Grand Slam in 2019, and the 100 mile Grand Slam in 2020/1. This year he became an ASICS Frontrunner. He co-founded Black Trail Runners in July 2020, aiming to increase the participation, inclusion and representation of black people in trail running. When not running or campaigning for diversity on the trails, he teaches at King's College London, and enjoys watching Bielsa ball.You can follow Black Trail Runners on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and sign up to their 4.5 Strava challenge. Don't forget to check out their website, which has  all the info on their trail running taster sessions, as well as other races that they are attending!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

The Start Line Girls return with the second  instalment of their  Behind the Podcast sessions. This month we interview India Cook and Tommy Mitchell creators and hosts of The Run Duo Podcast. The Run Duo Podcast is a bi-weekly podcast which was launched in 2018. Co-Hosts India Cook and Tommy Mitchell are Atlanta-based runners, who have enjoy running at all distances - from 5ks to marathons. This dynamic duo talk all things running on their brilliant podcast, as they educate and entertain their listeners. Tommy and India also interview a diverse selection of guests from casual to pro runners.  The Run Duo Podcast are passionate about making running relatable for all.  We find out about who they are (and their fun facts may surprise you!), what keeps them running, what keeps them podcasting and why Atlanta is such a great running city.You can follow the Run Duo Podcast on Instagram and listen to their podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, PodBean, Iheart radio, and Sound Cloud or wherever you get your podcast fix.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

Danny Stokes is a father of two from Basildon, Essex and a teacher and head of house at Mulberry Academy, Shoreditch in East London. He's a trail runner who has completed all sorts of events,  including several trail marathons and he is transitioning to ultras, with a 40 miler under his belt (although he claims that he is ‘NOT FAST!')He loves working with young people and he loves trail running so combining the two was always on the cards. In April 2021 Danny started Trail Fam. Following the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, Danny was moved to do something to effect change to improve diversity and give back something tangible for his students and the young people he is passionate about working with, but he could not immediately figure what that was. It was when Danny thought about his experience during lockdown,  the fact that he lived in an area which was green with lots of open spaces, compared to the likely experience of students, many of who often lived flats or tower blocks with no easy access to green spaces. He then realised that his love of trail running could be combined with his passion for helping young people and Trail Fam was born. Danny says ‘I'm incredibly serious about the impact I have on the lives of the young people I work with and TrailFam is my way of having such an impact. Putting the fam front and centre, giving them opportunities to explore the outdoors and claim natural spaces as equals means everything to me and I cannot wait to tell you all about it!'The work Danny is doing is incredible, and The Start Line Girls would like to thank Danny and his colleagues at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch in East London, for bringing this joy to our young people.  The team is doing great work and we're sure this will explode into something really fantastic across London and beyond. And thank you to the students for being brave, trying something new and challenging yourself. You are AMAZING! Be proud of you!You can follow Trail Fam and all their adventures on Instagram.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

The Start Line Girls have got some bonus treats in store for you starting this month, as we kick off our Going Behind The Podcast series!  We will be speaking to some of our favourite podcasters to bring you their stories, getting closer to the person behind the podcast.  First up is one of our favourite ladies, Coach Pilar Arthur-Snead, host of The Last Tenth Podcast. Podcaster, runner, coach and former photographer, Coach Pilar started running in 2015 shortly after turning 43.  Starting with a 5k race, within a year Pilar had completed a half marathon, before moving on to complete 7 marathons (including 3 World Majors).  Pilar has just completed her first ultra marathon, running a whopping 35 miles - at the age of 49! This incredible woman shows that neither age nor race, size nor health condition (she suffers from asthma) should be a barrier to running.  She believes that fitness is for every BODY, no matter their age, size, shape, gender, current ability or physical limitation.  As Pilar so aptly puts it: "The only thing a runner needs is a commitment to the training process and the motivation to be one's best self."  You can listen to The Last Tenth on all your usual podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and you can also keep up with  Coach Pilar by following her page  on Instagram.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

In the week that marked one year since the killing of George Floyd, the Start Line Girls were absolutely honoured to speak to Deo Kato, an amazing young man who is using running as a form of activism. He is on track to complete an incredible 381 day running streak where he has run at least 10k every day! Inspired by the 381 day strike that African Americans participated in as part of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, Deo started running last year after the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Bryonna Taylor and all of the inequalities thrown up by the Covid pandemic. His roots of growing up in Uganda, his experiences of racism in the UK, his amazing story of how he started running, his life in Australia, New Zealand and London needs to be captured in a book - but here we have it in our podcast! Deo is running his last day of his run streak on 21 June 2021, from Victoria Park in Hackney to Regents Park, we'll be joining him to celebrate the end of this amazing journey! We hope you will also join us to celebrate with him and that you will also be inspired to use running as a catalyst for social change. You can follow Deo on Instagram - @deoruns_381We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!).  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

The Start Line is celebrating 2 years, 24 episodes (well, 25 including the bonus TSL In The Round special ep...) and almost 4.5k downloads!  We take a look back at the our top 5 most popular episodes in this short but sweet birthday edition.  Thanks to all our listeners for sharing this journey with us - your listening ears are something we will never take for granted.  We would love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hand on some TSL merch at our shop, as well as leave us a voice message (just click on the blue mic on the bottom right of the page!)).  Don't forget to leave us a review too - you may even receive a shout out!  Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

8 March 2021 is International Women's Day and in celebration of this day we bring together for conversation some of our incredible sister-friends, who have each chosen to create their own paths in life, shaking things up and intelligently breaking down the perceptions society may have of them as black women. They are creating their own destinies whilst smashing expectations. They show the world what it is like to succeed and thrive despite where you start out. We discuss what it is to be a black woman in 2021, black female empowerment, creating our own destinies, juggling the gifts of marriage, motherhood, work or embracing and cherishing being single, independent and free. We discuss the significant part black women play in dismantling racism and social inequalities. Finally we reflect on what gifts we can impart on the princesses and Queens coming up behind us. We give thanks to each Queen who blessed us with their presence, their light, their sisterhood and their fierceness:Afua Basoah (@abasoah)Donna McConnell (@fitfetishblog)Jennifer White (@airyfairyjenz)Kristen HindsLesley McKenley (@lesleymckenley)Matilda Egere-Cooper (@matildaegerecooper)Marsha Jackson (@marshajackson1000)Taponeswa Mavunga (@taponeswa)SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACKWe'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod or drop us an email at thestartlinepod@gmail.com. You can subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at http://thestartlinepodcast.com so you never miss an episode!  And if you like what you hear and think someone you know would too, please share the episode - this and submitting a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher, really helps us to grow and get in front of new listeners. We really do appreciate you and your support!And don't forget to head to The Start Line Pod Shop to order your TSL sweaters!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

On 4th February 2021, we ‘celebrated' World Cancer Day. Cancer had never been a feature in our family, up until 2019, when it erupted into our lives with our Auntie Bev being diagnosed with lung cancer and our Dad with prostate cancer. Auntie B passed away in May 2019, five months after her diagnosis. Our darling cousin Stephanie, Auntie Bev's daughter, is now cruelly travelling through her own cancer journey, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2020, almost a year to the day of Auntie's initial diagnosis. We hear directly from Steph - Stephanie Allsop - an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and cousin. She is a business woman and someone who still lives life despite the fact that she's battling stage 4 cancer. She is a strong, resilient woman, who has been through so much in her 37 years. Steph is a fighter and now she is literally fighting for her life - fighting for her husband and children. Stephanie is using her story to give hope and support to others. We really hope that hearing her words will offer some  comfort to many, some in the midst of their own fight against cancer, others struggling through so many difficult things at this time. We hope that through listening, you will find that One Good Thing that you need to hold on to.You can follow Steph's story by following her Instagram page - @screenshot_to_health_Or find Steph's group on Facebook - Screen.ShottWe'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or listen on our website! And don't forget to rate and review us!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

Goodbye 2020! Hello 2021!Wow! What a year!!!! Bushfires, Kobe, Covid, BLM, Trump overthrown, inequalities highlighted…...No one would have predicted the mess that was 2020. How much has life changed? How much heartbreak and challenge. But also how much opportunity and recognition of God's beauty and life's fragility. 2020 was a year unlike anything anyone has ever seen.Throughout 2020 The Start Line Podcast was able to showcase some headline issues which otherwise may not have been aired. We also had the opportunity to sit on panels or guest on other podcast platforms to discuss those issues. The fact that we were able to do this and share these discussions with you keeps us humble and grateful.So it's a time of reflection for The Start Line Girls. In this episode we look back at our podcast episodes over 2020, as we highlight our favourite bits, comment on the events of the year and give thanks to you, our listeners, and to all those who participated in each of our episodes throughout 2020! We are hopeful for 2021 and pray it brings a better year for all of us! Our special guests:Ep 12: TSL meets ERC (@emancipatedruncrew): Trojan Gordon (@thebeardedrunner)/Gerard Williams (@iamjackironwilliams )Ep 13: TSL meets BGDRUK (@blackgirlsdorunuk): Natasha Thompson/Sacha Lumley/Linda AgyemanEp 14: One Year In... And We're In Lockdown!: Hamid Vaghefian (@mrhamidv)Ep 15: TSL meets BRO - LET'S GROW!: Isa Olufemi (@blkrunorg)BONUS: TSL In the Round - Breaking the Silence: The Case of Ahmaud Arbery: Trojan Gordon (@thebeardedrunner / @emancipatedruncrew)/Calvin Stovell (@re_cal_ibrating / @emancipatedruncrew)/Matilda Egere-Cooper (@flygirlcollective)/William Wesley Walker Jr (@waternoxygen / @atribecalledrun / @brunchnburn_)/Stephen Adajidoo (@ldnbrunchclub)/Peter Daining (@dainingpeter)/Ari AnisfieldEp 16: What Happens When You Break The Silence? Natasha Thompson (@blackgirlsdorunuk)/Lara-Lee Green (@lara_lee_green)Ep 17: It's All About The Race! Tes Sobomehin Marshall (@therace_uc)Ep 19: Its Black Friday - Part 1: Mel and Trudy Nugent (@rocksteadyrumlounge)Its Black Friday - Part 2: Ade Adeleke and Carmelita Goodwin (@stonesthegym)We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or athttp://thestartlinepod.com! And don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!Theme musSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

It's Part 2 of our specials celebrating black businesses to reclaim Black Friday and celebrate #BlackPoundDay in the UK which is the first Saturday of the month in the UK and for this episode we speak to our lovely neighbours Ade Adeleke and Carmelita Goodwin, owners and managers of Stones Gym in Thornton Heath, south London. This incredible couple of 32 years purchased a gym 14 years ago, as they had a vision to own their own business which would enable them to blend their skills and passion with a business which creates an safe, supportive and inclusive environment for their local community and members who frequent the gym. Ade and Carmelita tell us about how they met (Hammersmith Palais was the spot back in the day wasn't it??), what inspired them to buy the gym, the challenges and the joys of running their own business. We also hear about the difficulties during Covid-19 and their plans for 2021, as well as why Ade had to change his name to Michael...The Start Line Girls (who hate going to gyms) absolutely loved speaking with this amazing couple and were certainly convinced about attending Stones Gym, just to get the experience of working out in a warm and nurturing environment (the ladies gym sounds wonderful). We look forward to getting round there!You can follow Stones Gym on Instagram on @stonesthegym or check out their website: https://www.stonesgym.co.ukWe'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or our website - https://www.thestartlinepod.com! And don't forget to please rate and review us!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

Episode 19…and 20! Its Black Friday and Black Pound Day……!!The Start Line Girls are claiming this year's Black Friday event and celebrating Black Pound Day by bringing you something a little special! Its a Double Header Edition where we are celebrating not one, but two amazing Black couples and business partners who are doing their own thing! In these two episodes we are celebrating two of our key passions - eating and exercise! Made all the more special as the services are offered by these wonderful people of colour who are clearly loved by the communities they serve.In Part 1, we speak to Mel and Trudy Nugent, owners of Rock Steady Rum Lounge Caribbean restaurant in Gypsy Hill and Blue Mountain Vegan in East Dulwich. Mel, who has been in the business in excess of 27 years, and his wife Trudy have created something really special in their restaurants: they bring their love, hearts and souls and they welcome their guests into that space. The food, service, atmosphere and welcome is second to none and they are just as wonderful as individuals and as a couple. We hear about their stories, challenges of starting and maintaining a business, difficulties throughout Covid and much, much more!You can get more information about Rock Steady Rum Lounge and Blue Mountain Vegan by visiting their websites and socials - rocksteadyrumlounge.com and Facebook.com/BlueMountainVeganIn Part 2, we speak to Ade Adeleke and Carmelita Goodwin, owners of Stones Gym in Thornton Heath…..hear their story in the next episode - and we'll share more about this incredible couple in the next show notes……..We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or our website - https://www.thestartlinepod.com! And don't forget to please rate and review us!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

With the coronavirus rampaging across the world, various protests against racial injustices with the Black Lives Matter movement, ecological and natural disasters and political unrest, so far 2020 has been the year that many want to forget. But one thing The Start Line Girls want to remember is the amazing content on screen and online which marked Black History Month 2020 in the UK.  This episode, we discuss the best of the TV shows we've seen and the podcasts we've listened to  as we ask, has there ever been another Black History Month like it?We also celebrate The Start Line Podcast making it as a finalist in two categories in the 2020 Discover Pods Awards!  A huge thanks to every one who nominated us.  If you want to vote, please head to the Discover Pods website here - remember votes must be placed by 6th November 2020, so please get in there soon! We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at https://www.thestartlinepod.com/ where you can also leave us a voice message or send us an email (and we might even feature you in the show!). And don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

We've been on a lil' hiatus but The Start Line Girls are back with a special edition to kick off the start of Black History Month for the UK. Following the successes experienced by our running crew @emancipatedruncrew over the summer, namely being featured in The Running Channel, working with @blackcrewsunited in organising The Carnival Run 2020 (running the route of the Notting Hill Carnival with flags, whistles, speakers), and Dee and Jules being featured in the Telegraph's Women's Supplement we thought we couldn't top all this. That is until Tes Sobomin-Marshall, founder of @runningnerds and founder and Race Director of The Race Unity Collective agreed to guest on our podcast! Tes is a true force of nature and has incredibly been able to bring forth her vision of creating a long distance race for African-Americans where, for once, they are in the majority. The Race was not created to rectify the injustice of lack of representation and exclusion, but rather to celebrate black excellence through running!The Race UC takes place in Atlanta and is the largest endurance race for African Americans and People of Colour. Its first year, 2018, saw over 1,400 people taking part - 89% of which were African-American/people of colour and it has rapidly become a destination for Black and minority runners all across the US.The Race Pivot Edition 2020, takes place on 3rd October 2020 and due to Covid-19 is a virtual and digital experience this year.  We speak to Tes about how she started this passionate endeavour, how she supports local black communities through The Race, how she has been able to make a career out of being a Race Director, and what her hopes and dreams are for the future. We wanna be like Tes!One thing is for sure - God willing, and provided Covid-19 is a distant memory, The Start Line Girls, together with the Emancipated Run Crew will be making our pilgrimage to Atlanta for The Race UC 2021! We cannot wait!!  Until then, head to theraceuc.com to register for The Race Pivot Edition 2020 - but be quick - spaces are going fast!Special shout out to India and Tommy from The Running Duo Podcast for inviting The Start Line alongside some other brilliant podcasts -  The Last Tenth, the RaceMob Podcast and Behind The Wheel Podcast - to participate in the Speaker Series going out during The Race Pivot Virtual Expo (and of course to Tes for making sure we were included on the panel.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at http://www.thestartlinepod.com! And don't forget to rate and review us!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

After last episode's round table discussion around why there is a reluctance in the UK and United States to talk about race, The Start Line Girls invite friends Tasha Thompson (@blackgirlsdorunuk) and Lara-Lee Green to discuss what happens when you do you break the silence to discuss race in what may be seen as traditionally white spaces - Tasha in the social pages of Runner's World, and Lara-Lee in a Black Voices campaign launched by ITV.  The Start Line Girls also share their experiences after Emancipated Run Crew were featured on The Running Channel, and Jules's involvement in the ITV Black Voices campaign.Tasha and Lara-Lee talk about how it feels to be at the receiving end of negative comments, which largely contained demands for issues of race to be left out of running and off TV and many of which completely refused to acknowledge the existence of racism in the UK. They also discuss the importance of allies, the entrance of brands in the racial debate and their hopes for the future. In the wake of the Black Live Matters demonstrations which erupted across the world following the killing of George Floyd, and in the shadow of the earlier deaths of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, negative reactions to discussion around race simply serve to demonstrate why we must continue to break the silence on issues concerning race and racial injustice - as unless we shine a light on these issues they will continue to hide in plain sight within our society. You can find out more about the ITV Black Voices Campaign by visiting the website here, where you can watch both Lara-Lee and Jules's videos, and you can follow BlackGirlsDoRunUK on instagram by searching for @blackgirlsdorunuk.  You can also check out The Running Channel feature on Emancipated Run Crew here.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at https://www.thestartlinepod.com! And don't forget to rate and review us!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

In this special bonus episode of The Start Line, recorded prior to the murder of George Floyd on Monday 25 May 2020, we discuss the tragic murder of Ahmaud Arbery. A 25 year old black man who loved running. Ahmaud was out running on the afternoon 23 February 2020 when he was hunted down, trapped, and shot to death around 1.30pm in the afternoon by two white men, father and son, Gregory and Travis McMichael in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia US. The full details of this incident can be found here in this NY TImes article: https://www.nytimes.com/article/ahmaud-arbery-timeline.htmlWe bring together a group of runners from the UK and the US to discuss the circumstances around Ahmaud's death and question how, in 2020, we are still dealing with the fall out from centuries of racism, power imbalance and injustice in our societies. We also raise the question of why, particularly in the running community/publications/brands, there was a deafening silence in relation to Ahmaud's death. We face head on the issues around the discomfort felt by people discussing openly, with people who are not of colour, the issues around race, privilege and power. Finally, we explore what can we all do to be the change we want to see.We give thanks to God for this platform and to our contributors, each of whom taught us so much and helped us to look at things in slightly different way:Trojan Gayle (@thebeardedrunner and @emancipatedruncrew)Calvin Stovell (@re_cal_ibratingand @emancipatedruncrew)Matilda Egere-Cooper (@flygirlcollective)Natasha Thomson (@blackgirlsdorunuk)William Wesley Walker Jr (@brunchnburn)Stephen Adjaidoo (@ldnbrunchclub)Peter Daining (@dainingpeter)Isa Olufemi (@blkrunorg)Ari AnisfieldThis is an honest, educational discussion which we hope will be used as a catalyst for similar discussions and calls to action across the globe. ITS TIME TO BREAK THE SILENCE!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at https://www.thestartlinepod.com!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

“BRO serves to organise, educate and condition the Black Community on the basis of running as a practical demonstration of unity. #LETSGROW”This month we are excited to bring you a diverse running group from over the pond! All the way from Baltimore, we introduce you to Black Running Organisation (BRO)!!!  TSL Girls speak to Isa Olufemi and his fiancée, Intea Deshields about why and how they set up BRO in 2014; what aims of the organisation; and how BRO is changing the look and feel of running, by increasing the number of black and diverse runners in Baltimore. In the words of BRO, LETSGROW! We discuss how BRO is helping to shape and strengthen the communities in Baltimore and what the ethos is behind their important clarion cry of “LETSGROW!” We explore with Isa why he considers running to be a cultural principle for black people; the importance running has on the psyche of a black man; how it can be used to teach discipline, commitment and drive; and how the collective family achieves so much more than the pursuit of individualism so prevalent in Western society. Isa, who worked as a college access program specialist with the CollegeBound Foundation in Baltimore, also speaks about his work setting up the Poet's Pride Run Club which combines running and fitness with educational attainment. The Club, which secured funding for 4 years, worked to demonstrate the general importance of fitness, taking their students for a scheduled Unity Run every day at 7am, followed by individual and group advice sessions to help prepare students for college. The Club embodied the importance of commitment by requiring students who needed the support of the Club to commit to the running sessions in order to access the advice provided. Isa and his work with the Poet's Pride Rub Club was picked up in a number of media outlets, including a feature in Runners World Magazine. Isa also explains why attendance at The Race in Atlanta every October must become a rites of passage run for every card carrying Runner of Colour!This amazing, insightful discussion highlights the importance of forging and maintaining links with running groups of colour across the pond who are looking to change things up exponentially. TSL girls are so happy that we stumbled across BRO during Black October last year, as the group works to emphasise the message of pan-Africanism, focussing on black unity and black pride, making huge waves whilst doing so.You can follow Black Running Organisation on Instagram: @blkrunorg or on Facebook @blkrunorg. You can also follow The Race on Instagram: @therace_uc. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at https://www.thestartlinepod.com!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

It's a year! One whole year this weekend since Dee, Jules and Pet sat in our mama's garden and recorded the very first episode of The Start Line! One year and 14 episodes later and who would have guessed that the whole world would be literally turned on its head by the deadly Coronavirus. That not seeing or hugging or kissing or socialising with your family and friends would be the ultimate act of love and kindness; that we would lose loved ones way too soon; that jobs would be put at risk; that we would rely on front line medical staff, carers, cleaners, shop workers, dust/post men and women, delivery drivers for saving our lives and providing our daily needs - instead of the rich and famous who, probably feel completely ineffective at this time; that we would be connecting and caring for neighbours in a way we haven't done before (not since the second world war anyway and most of us don't remember that!); that we would all have to work from home (for those that can) and use technology in a way that it has never been used before to stay connected; that staying in and partying with those like D-Nice at Club Quarantine would literally become the new going out and lift our spirits in ways we didn't think was possible! That significant sporting and running events like the London Marathon would be cancelled or postponed, and that running would literally become a ‘thing', with a significant number of people taking it up as their daily exercise, either on the road or in their gardens (the 5k garden run exists!)!The world has changed and we hope that we are able to learn something out of this situation, to make ourselves and the world we live in a better, more caring space. An organisation that knows about change and adapting and caring for others through charity is the London Marathon Events (LME). The Start Line girls are excited to have Hamid Vaghefian, Head of Community Engagement at the London Marathon Events on the podcast for this anniversary special episode. Hamid speaks to us about his journey, his running crew, BENI Run Club, his work at LME and how the organisation is coping with the challenges that Coronavirus has created (and how he is dealing with a two year old in lockdown!). On the 26 April 2020, the original date that the London Marathon would have taken place, LME is launching the 2.6 Challenge (https://www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk/) to raise money for much needed charities who are suffering the fallout of so many cancelled or postponed sporting events. Hamid tells us all about The 2.6 Challenge and how each of us can get involved by getting active, in so many fun ways, to raise funds for supported charities. Whether you run/walk/cycle/crawl 2.6 miles, or do 26 sit ups/burpees, pull ups, press ups, squats, star jumps, whatever it is - let's get moving, support LME and show ‘Rona that it's not going to beat us!  Follow London Marathon Event on Instagram by following @londonmarathon. You can also find out more about BENI Run Club (BRC) by following them in Instagram at @beni.lab or check out their website: https://www.beni.space.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at https://www.thestartlinepod.com!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

“An online community to encourage and inspire female runners of colour”In the month which hosted International Women's Day we are pleased to bring you an all girl feature and introduce you to another diverse running crew! Black Girls Do Run UK meets TSL!TSL speaks to Tash, Linda and Sasha, co-founders of the Black Girls DO Run UK, about their virtual and physical running crew. We explore their reasons for setting up the group, their vision for the future and what they want to achieve individually and collectively. We discuss why they feel it is important to have a black women's running group and the reasons why visibility and representation is necessary. We speak about some of the personal challenges they've had to face as runners who are women of colour and the work the girls are doing to overcome these challenges. Additionally, in the month that the Coronavirus truly began to wreak havoc on the entire planet and change life as we know it, we discuss with the girls the disappointment they had to endure following the cancellation of the Manchester Marathon 2020. How do you get over the disappointment of months and months of training and getting up to 23 miles, only for all of that hard work to be dashed? Find out the silver linings the girls are discovering through this process and how their togetherness, sisterhood and love for one another, through Black Girls Do Run UK helps to push each and every one of them on.We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at https://www.thestartlinepod.com!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

For the first proper episode of 2020, The Start Line Girls kick off a series of episodes featuring diverse running crews who are seeking to challenge the stereotypical image of a runner, running groups, which are growing massively despite the standard portrayal of running as being a pursuit typically enjoyed by a certain demographic (namely young, white and achingly middle class). Painful as it is to admit, outside the elite, professional running arena, people of colour are tend to be ignored by mainstream running media, which has resulted in an incorrect assumption that people of colour don't run, or don't have an interest in running. The groups we are going to feature throughout this series work hard to celebrate the diverse tapestry of runners, who are carving out their own space in the running community, groups that strive to shine a light and showcase the importance of being a visible presence and the positive impact this has on other people of colour starting their running journeys. We start with our very own running family Emancipated Run Crew, where we discuss the impact that the group has had on its members, the purpose of the group and the importance of having groups set up by people of colour, for people of colour. As we take part in races such as the Vitality Official Big Half, the Adidas City Run Series and Great Manchester half  marathon, we're looking forward to seeing as many diverse runners as possible in these spaces and for them to be featured in mainstream running media, because despite the usual narrative, We Run!!!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at https://www.thestartlinepod.com! And don't forget to rate and review us!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Episode music: Electrodoodle by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)

For the last episode of 2019, The Start Line Girls finish with a look back at their best bits of the year. Reflecting on their favourite runs, favourite podcast moments and also their most challenging points during 2019, the Start Line Girls take you on a trip down memory lane as well as looking forward to 2020.  Happy New Year!We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast provider or at http://thestartlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com! And if you love what we do, please help us reach even more people by giving us a 5-star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts!Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thestartlinepod)