The Why We Run Podcast

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from James Harper.  James details his running journey and how it has allowed him to grow and develop following a battle with his mental health several years ago. Thanks to his family and running he is now a much happier individual and enjoying pushing his body to its limits, including a recent attempt at the FKT self-navigating Anglesey. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Sam Hammond, more commonly known these days as Man Vs Fridge. Sam is a Royal Marine who has decided that the best way to raise money for charities close to his heart would be to carry a 25kg fridge. His endeavours have led to 2 Guinness World Records in the half marathon, achieved in Brighton, and full marathon, achieved in London.  Listen to the secrets behind his success and how he approaches these incredibly difficult challenges. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Charlie Degale. With an intoxicating energy Charlie decants his life from football coach and fitness fanatic to his diagnosis with cancer. He talks about the bad times and what running has given him in his recovery. He is a remarkable and highly motivating individual doing huge amounts for his community. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from health YouTuber Mark Lewis. Mark once worked in financial services and weighed 300lbs. He decided he needed to get fitter and started a health journey which has transformed his appearance as well as his career. He has a lot of excellent inputs, all delivered with his trademark humour. It makes for compelling listening. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Daniel Young. He is currently undertaking a 5km a day for 366 days challenge in memory of his brother Connor and is raising money and awareness for the fantastic charity, Young Minds. The recording was a few weeks ago so he is now 81 days through the challenge! We discuss his running journey, the challenge and his motivators.  Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Martin Heggie. He started his running journey after realising the life he was living just wasn't for him. Since, he has completed and competed at some of the UK's hardest ultras and has big ambitions that this is only the start of his journey. Great athlete and a better person. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Kim Kennedy. Her accolades in ultra running speak for themself and include 2nd female in the Winter Spine Sprint. However, her story makes what she has achieved more special. From losing her husband in a road traffic accident we discuss all the pieces that make her the woman and inspiration she is today. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Andy Stewart. An experienced ultra marathon runner who has completed the Marathon Des Sables and Ring of Fire, to name a couple of events. His resilience from continuing a run streak in hospital following an epileptic seizure, running on a hip replacement following a diagnosis of lymes disease, to planning to complete the Dragons Back race this September makes this episode a must listen. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Tom. In a story that  will resonate with a lot of listeners Tom found himself in a pretty dark place during the loneliness of lockdown and decided he needed a change. Running has played a huge part of his journey and helped ,not only his own physical and mental health, but also the impact he has on the people around him. Enjoy this fascinating discussion.

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from John Kelly. A legend of the trail and ultra community John details his love for running and exploring, and shares some key insights that will help any listener achieve their goals. A fascinating guest and I hope you all enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Dana Ayers. Dana is author of Confessions of an Unlikely Runner, who has lots of fun stories racing against all manor of opponents, from a president to a tornado! The positivity of the running community saw her go from the couch to 5k and beyond. Enjoy this wild episode! 

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Rory Coleman. What started as a new years resolution to be alcohol and nicotine free has built into a passion and career where he is now one of the most respected ultra running coaches in the world. From 100 steps to 15 Marathon Des Sables and over 1,000 marathons this is one incredible story, which also includes having to battle back from being paralysed by Guillain-Barre syndrome. Enjoy!

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Bryn Hughes. In 2012 his daughter PC Nicola Hughes was murdered while on duty. Bryn has used running to give back to those charities that helped him through this impossible period, and has since created the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund (https://pcnicolasfund.co.uk) which gives so much back to the victims of domestic crime. He is a fascinating person and I can't wait to line up alongside him soon in one of the teams hoodies ready to take on a challenge with him.

Local Legends, in this episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Sara Crosland. Sara is an author, endurance athlete, speaker and outdoor education teacher whose world was turned upside down in 2018 by a brain tumour. She has become an ambassador of raising awareness of the impact of brain tumours and is about to embark on an incredible journey running from Land's End to John o'Groats. Listeners can read more about this undertaking at https://saracrosland.com/lejog/ Her story is one of determination, positivity and battling through adversity and it makes for a fascinating discussion. 

Local Legends, in the first episode of the Why We Run podcast our tale from the pack comes from Kevin Webber. His life was turned upside down in 2014 by a terminal cancer diagnosis. Since then he has run over 15,000 miles, raised over £1m for Prostate Cancer UK, and received a British empire medal in the queens birthday honours list. He writes in the Sunday Mirror every week and even found time to write a book titled "Dead Man Running". It is an absolute privilege to have him launching the podcast and we hope you enjoy.