Podcasts about running podcast

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we take you with us to the Outpacing Melanoma 5K, where the podcast set up on-site for a morning of racing, conversations, interviews, and community connection. After previously having the race team on the show to talk about the mission behind the event, we had the chance to be there in person, meet the people behind the cause, and hear directly from those impacted by melanoma and skin cancer. Throughout the morning, we spoke with dermatologists, doctors, nurses, survivors, supporters, runners, and families who all brought their own perspective to why this race matters. We also caught up with Jenny from 106.5 The Wolf, the race director, and plenty of runners who were brave enough, curious enough, or just chaotic enough to step up to the microphone. This episode is less of a traditional race review and more of a race-day field trip into the heart of a community fighting for awareness, prevention, treatment, and hope. For runners, the message hits especially close to home, because hours spent training in the sun can come with real risks if we are not taking care of our skin. We talk about the energy of the event, the people who made it meaningful, and the reminder that every start line can carry a bigger purpose than just miles and finish times. Join us as we share the voices, stories, and mission from a powerful morning at the Outpacing Melanoma 5K.

This week we were lucky enough to spend an hour with the incredible David Miller. It was such a treat to hear the stories behind so many of the iconic images that define our sport. It turned into a super‑relaxed chat about running, Zoom vs Teams, the Barkley Marathons, and of course his upcoming book — SPINE: The Story of the Montane Winter Spine Race.SPINE is the definitive visual story of Britain's most brutal ultramarathon, a premium photography book by David Miller, created in collaboration with Vertebrate Publishing and the organisers of the Montane Winter Spine Race.KICKSTARTER - https://bit.ly/4oDqw2gHARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEASUNGOD - Use code TEA15 for 15% off your order - https://www.sungod.co/en-gbBEARHUG - Click the link to receive 15% off your order.https://getabearhug.avln.me/c/PAmERmkwPealContent contains affiliate links which help support this channel at no cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Run The Wild - https://runthewild.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Yellow Belly Ultra - https://yellowbellyultras.co.uk/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Running MythBusters series continues with a look at race day rules that may need to be retired, or at least loosened up a little. We talk about the classic “nothing new on race day” advice and why it is good guidance, but not a federal law carved into a Garmin screen. From new shoes at Little Rock to mystery fuel at mile 8, gas station burrito chaos, weather adjustments, hats, hydration plans, and Gatorade versus Powerade, this episode reminds us that race day success requires preparation, flexibility, and common sense. We also bust the idea that carb loading means eating everything in sight, because fueling should help the race, not create a pasta-powered disaster with a bib number. Then we get into one of running's biggest truths: the first mile is a liar, whether it feels amazing, awful, or just plain weird. We also break down why “banking time early” usually leads to paying it back later, why race day adrenaline is only a spark and not a training plan, and why real runners absolutely can and should use aid stations. Most importantly, we talk about how a bad race does not have to ruin the whole day. Sometimes the goal changes mid-race, and success becomes finishing, learning, helping someone else, or simply getting through the ugly miles with a story worth telling.

It's a bit of a rambling episode this week, but both hosts are noticeably more upbeat, and it won't be long before they're uploading runs to Strava again. We cover cross‑training, breastfeeding while training, pleasuring yourself (yes… that happened), and the all‑important question, who would be your dream pacer in a race.There are loads of competitions happening over on Instagram right now, so make sure you check out the Tea & Trails account for your chance to win big.We've also had some seriously impressive running in the Strava club, a cheeky Heavy Flex, and a podium‑finishing Tales from the Trails to round things off.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEASUNGOD - Use code TEA15 for 15% off your order - https://www.sungod.co/en-gbBEARHUG - Click the link to receive 15% off your order.https://getabearhug.avln.me/c/PAmERmkwPealContent contains affiliate links which help support this channel at no cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Run The Wild - https://runthewild.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Yellow Belly Ultra - https://yellowbellyultras.co.uk/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we were supposed to be reviewing the Clinton Historic Half Marathon, but severe storms, lightning, heavy rain, and flooding had other plans. After the half marathon was cancelled on race morning, we turned a missing race review into a much-needed conversation about runners, weather, and knowing when toughness crosses the line into bad decision-making. We talk about the difference between uncomfortable weather and dangerous weather, because a little rain is one thing, but thunder, lightning, flooding, tornado warnings, and falling tree limbs are a whole different beast. From there, we dig into why lightning should end the conversation immediately, what actually counts as safe shelter, and why a picnic shelter, dugout, tree, tent, or set of metal bleachers may not protect you the way you think. We also look at how runners can quickly read the skies, from darkening clouds and greenish storm light to sudden wind shifts, shelf clouds, rotating clouds, and that eerie calm before things get ugly. Since flooding helped cancel Clinton, we spend time on why water over roads, trails, underpasses, bridges, and creek crossings is not just an inconvenience, it can become a serious danger for runners and race directors alike. We also cover tornado watches versus warnings, what runners should do if caught outside, and why race directors have to consider not just runners, but volunteers, spectators, police, EMS, course access, and everyone else involved in race day. It may not be the race recap we planned, but it is a practical weather-safety episode for every runner who has ever looked at the radar and thought, “I can probably squeeze this in.”

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Running MythBusters series continues as we take on the training lies runners keep believing. With summer training heating up and fall marathon cycles getting underway, we break down the idea that more suffering automatically means better training. This episode tackles myths like “more miles always means better,” “rest days are weakness,” “no pain, no gain,” “every run needs a purpose,” “the watch is always right,” and “walking ruins the workout.” We talk about why mileage only helps if our bodies can recover from it, why rest is where training actually cashes the check, and why pain is not proof that we are training hard. Sometimes it is proof that we are training stupid. We also dig into the value of easy miles, joy miles, social miles, recovery runs, and those runs that simply clear the cobwebs from our brains. Watches, apps, and data can be helpful guides, but they do not know our stress, sleep, heat, family chaos, or life circumstances. And especially as summer heat and humidity settle in, we make the case that strategic walking is not failure. It may be the smartest thing we do. The big takeaway: train smart, recover well, use your brain, and do not let training myths wreck the miles ahead.

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Even though Eddie and Gary are on the rebuild, they're still somehow busier than a Greggs on match day. Gary's had a short stay in the comparison trap, but a chance encounter with a real‑life hero gave him the reality check he needed.Both hosts also find themselves openly thirsting over an A‑list movie star. Zero shame from both. We also sing the praises of the humble home gym. We're not talking squat racks. We mean the trusty dumbbell, a couple of resistance bands, and a yoga mat.And to round things off, the coaches chat about the simple brilliance of taking a map out on the trails. Old‑school. Reliable and it doesn't run out of battery halfway up a mountain.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEASUNGOD - Use code TEA15 for 15% off your order - https://www.sungod.co/en-gbBEARHUG - Click the link to receive 15% off your order.https://getabearhug.avln.me/c/mtOmrcHyImJoContent contains affiliate links which help support this channel at no cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Run The Wild - https://runthewild.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we head south to learn all about the Rocket City Marathon Weekend coming up this December in Huntsville, Alabama. We are joined by Eric Fritz and Rhonda Hayden from the Rocket City Marathon team to talk about the history of the race, the growth of Huntsville, and why this 50th running is shaping up to be something special. We dig into what makes Rocket City such a strong destination race, from its mid-sized field and downtown host hotels to the rare indoor finish at the Von Braun Center, complete with food, family, music, and post-race celebration. Eric and Rhonda also walk us through the Hat Trick Challenge, where runners can take on the 5K, 10K, and either the half or full marathon across race weekend, earning individual medals plus a special finisher hat. We also talk about the expo experience, the new Podcast Alley concept, and how several running podcasts will help runners get ready for race weekend from training to nutrition to mental preparation. Beyond the miles, Rocket City is also running with purpose, supporting Huntsville Hospital's pediatric work after raising more than $100,000 last year for an inclusive therapeutic playground and focusing this year on helping fund a pediatric air ambulance. And since the race lands right in the middle of December, we also get into the holiday magic of Huntsville, including the Tinsel Trail, downtown Christmas lights, family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and southern hospitality. Whether you are already signed up, thinking about joining us, or just looking for your next great race weekend adventure, this episode is your invitation to come run Rocket City with us.

This week we're sharing the mics with friend of the show Katie Kaars-Sijpesteijn. A Salomon and GB athlete, Katie has lined up, and podiumed, at some of the most competitive races out there.But the last 12 months have taken her down a very different path as she chased a sub‑3 road marathon. Not exactly the classic tune‑up for UTS by UTMB 100K, yet it clearly worked… because she stormed her way to 2nd place in a seriously stacked field.We chat about her recent races, the unconventional build‑up, and her journey back to racing as a mother of two young children.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEASUNGOD - Use code TEA15 for 15% off your order - https://www.sungod.co/en-gbBEARHUG - Click the link to receive 15% off your order.https://getabearhug.avln.me/c/mtOmrcHyImJoContent contains affiliate links which help support this channel at no cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Run The Wild - https://runthewild.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off our June series, Running MythBusters, by taking on one of the oldest and most ridiculous myths in the sport: the idea that there is a magical checklist we have to complete before we can call ourselves “real runners.” We break down the nonsense that says real runners have to be fast, never walk, look a certain way, run long distances, race every weekend, or love every single mile. Spoiler alert: myth busted. Whether we run, walk-run, race 5Ks, chase marathons, train on our own, or simply lace up for health, stress relief, or sanity, we belong in the running world. This episode pushes back on pace-shaming, walk-shaming, body assumptions, and the “just a 5K” mindset that makes people feel like their effort does not count. We also talk about why walking can be smart race management, why short distances still matter, and why a bib does not magically create the runner. At the heart of it all is a simple truth: running is not owned by the fast, the young, the thin, the elite, or the people in shoe ads. If we run, if we show up, if we keep moving forward, we are runners. Full stop.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we kick things off with a quick review of the KC Run for the Cup 5K, a World Cup-themed race in Martin City that brought soccer energy, steady rain, soggy shoes, and a reversed version of a familiar Kansas City Running Company course. With Kansas City hosting World Cup action and the summer heat starting to settle in, this race gave us a wet but welcome reminder that sometimes rain on race day is not the enemy, it is the cooling system. From there, we shift into the main topic of the episode thanks to a listener message from Topeka about race day packet pickup and why losing that option can be a much bigger deal than some local runners realize. We dig into the hidden costs of packet pickup policies, including gas, hotels, work schedules, family obligations, travel time, and the reality that some runners may skip a race entirely if they have to make two trips just to get a bib. But we also look at the race director side of the table, where volunteer shortages, race morning chaos, timing issues, venue limitations, sponsor expectations, and expo logistics can all turn packet pickup into a tiny DMV with safety pins. This episode is not about declaring one side right and the other wrong, but about understanding how one simple policy can affect runners, race directors, vendors, volunteers, and the overall race experience. We also talk through possible compromises, including packet mailing, bib-only race morning pickup, out-of-town runner exceptions, friend pickup, convenience fees, and clearer communication before registration. If you have ever driven too far for a piece of paper, stood in a race morning line, worked an expo booth, volunteered at packet pickup, or wondered why races make the choices they do, this episode is for you.

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Ten years ago, Gary popped his 100‑mile cherry on the Cleveland Way. Countless miles have been covered between then and now, but after a bit of refocusing found himself back on a start line, this time for the Hardmoors 200.Starting in Hull, the route winds through wooded slopes, over rolling hills, and down into deep valleys, before eventually climbing onto the northern escarpment and dropping toward the final stretch of the Wolds Way. At Filey you join the stunning 110‑mile Cleveland Way National Trail.Over the course of the weekend, Gary's race evolved from simply getting the job done to suddenly finding himself in pole position… and then hanging on for dear life as the pack closed in.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEASUNGOD - Use code TEA15 for 15% off your order - https://www.sungod.co/en-gbASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our May Run Your Race series by asking the question that ties everything together: how do we define success for ourselves? After a month of talking about runfluencers, comparison traps, goals that actually fit us, and what happens when the plan falls apart, this finale brings it all home with one simple truth: success is not one-size-fits-all. For some runners, success is a PR, a new distance, or an age group placement, but for others it might be finishing healthy, getting back to a start line after life knocked them down, or still loving running years from now. We talk about why letting running culture, social media, watches, or even our running friends define success for us can add pressure we were never meant to carry. This episode looks at success through different seasons of life, whether we are coming back from injury, managing work stress, navigating parenting chaos, training for a marathon, or simply trying to keep running fun. We also push back against the idea that walking means failure, slower paces do not matter, rest is weakness, or a race only counts if it looks impressive online. Instead, we focus on longevity, joy, and building a running life that keeps giving us more start lines. Before the world starts grading our run, we need to define the win for ourselves. Because the clock can tell us when we finished, but it can never tell us what the finish meant.

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This week, Gary is back from a very successful Hardmoors 200. It's not our full recap, but he shares some thoughts and takeaways from the whole 200 mile experience, and it's fair to say his emotions are easily triggered right now. Eddie is still on the injury bench, which is rough. Small gains, but sad times for our Eddie.The coaches tackle a listener question from someone who wants to become a coach, and we chat through what recovery can look like after a big race.This bumper episode also has Birthday Shout‑outs, Heavy Flexes, Tales from the Trails, and another incredible Strava Club.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEASUNGOD - Use code TEA15 for 15% off your order - https://www.sungod.co/en-gbASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we celebrate Memorial Day with two race reviews from a hot, humid, hilly Kansas City weekend. First up is the Hometown Half Marathon in the Northland, where what looked like a friendly park course quickly turned into a roller coaster of hills, humidity, bike paths, confusing signage, and one very large license-plate-sized finisher medal. We talk about the good, the tough, and the “wait, are we supposed to turn here?” moments from a race that definitely made everyone earn their finish. Then we head to Loose Park for the Going the Distance 5K/10K, a Memorial Day race supporting the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City. This one brought out the Kansas City running community in full force, along with more hills, rising temperatures, and a meaningful cause connected to some truly inspiring local runners. Along the way, we discuss course prep, race-day etiquette between runners and cyclists, the return of summer running conditions, and why sometimes a cold Coke after a humid half marathon feels like bottled magic. It was a weekend of tired legs, big medals, good people, and races that reminded us why showing up matters. Join us as we recap two very different but very memorable Memorial Day weekend races from the back of the pack.

We're incredibly lucky this week to share the mics with a true legend of our sport. Kim Collison has taken on, and completed, some of the UK's roughest, toughest challenges. And it's not all about going long either. He's just as happy toeing the line at a local fell race.Kim joins us to talk about his recent Lakes, Meres & Waters record‑breaking run, but the conversation wanders beautifully through all sorts of topics, nutrition, training, how he picks his challenges and even his journey with cholesterol medication. Kim's not someone who seeks the limelight, so it felt like a real treat, for us and for you listening, that he said yes to our persistent DMs.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run Your Race series continues with a topic every runner eventually faces: what happens when the plan falls apart. We talk about missed training runs, bad workouts, illness, family chaos, work conflicts, weather, fatigue, injuries, stomach issues, and those mysterious “why do my legs feel like wet cement?” days that show up out of nowhere. The truth is, no one gets a perfect training cycle, not everyday runners, not elites, and not the perfectly filtered folks online. Instead of panicking when things go sideways, this episode focuses on adjusting without quitting, whether that means moving a long run, shortening a workout, switching to cross-training, taking an extra rest day, dropping race distance, or walking more than expected. We also break down why bad race days happen, from heat and humidity to GI issues, poor sleep, fueling mistakes, course surprises, and mental spirals. Most importantly, we remind ourselves that a bad run or rough race is information, not an indictment. Missed miles do not need revenge miles, and one bad week does not erase months of showing up. Because the plan does not define us. How we adapt does.

It's finally here. The training is done, the excuses are gone, and Gary, along with a whole crew of wonderfully stubborn athletes, is about to set off on an adventure that will push every limit they've got. There'll be moments of doubt, a few questionable life choices, and probably more than one internal conversation about retiring from running altogether.But there will also be magic. A full weekend of grit, laughter, memories, and people proving, yet again, that what seems impossible is absolutely within reach.Click to TrackHARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we head to Waterloo, Iowa for an event that sounds simple until the clock starts laughing at you: Death by 5k. The concept is one 5k every two and a half hours for 24 hours, totaling ten separate races and 31 miles through George Wyth State Park. What started with pancakes, cool morning air, and a smart conservative pace slowly turned into a battle against heat, humidity, mosquitoes, storms, sleep deprivation, and one surprisingly bold raccoon. We talk through each round, from the early confidence of race one to the brutal darkness of race nine and the rain-soaked final push at sunrise. Along the way, we learned that this event is not just about running 31 miles, it is about convincing yourself to keep showing up at the start line again and again. There were moments of strategy, moments of doubt, moments of “why are we doing this,” and moments where the only goal was to survive and advance. And yes, at the end of it all, we earned our little wooden coffin finisher award. Join us as we recap the miles, the weather, the weirdness, and the lessons learned from one very long day and night at Death by 5k.

This week we're joined by physics teacher and West Highland Way – Great Glen FKT holder, Freya Shepherd.It's an incredible story of learning, grit and resilience. After her first attempt ended early at Fort William, Freya dusted herself off, rallied an army of friends and family, and went back out to complete the full 175‑mile journey in 2 days, 15 hours, 43 minutes and 16 seconds.She talks us through the highs, the lows, the wobbly moments, the hallucinations, the power of community, and of course, every snack that kept her moving forward.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our accidental-but-apparently-working Run Your Race series continues with a simple question: do our running goals actually fit us? After talking about runfluencers and the comparison traps that come from friends, watches, race results, and old PRs, we shift into rebuilding something better: goals based on our real lives. We look at the many pieces that should shape a running goal, including current fitness, schedule, health history, motivation, recovery, season of life, and the reason we run in the first place. From Death by 5K to Sydney Marathon training, we talk through why a goal can sound exciting and still be wrong for the season we are in. This episode breaks down the difference between outcome goals, like finishing a marathon or chasing a PR, and process goals, like running consistently, strength training, sleeping better, fueling properly, and finishing a training cycle healthy. We also dig into the power of setting A, B, and C goals so race day does not become an all-or-nothing scoreboard. Sometimes the dream day happens, sometimes we get a solid effort, and sometimes just finishing the dang thing is the win. At the heart of it all is one big reminder: a good goal should challenge us without punishing us. Because the goal is not just to cross one finish line, it is to keep finding start lines.

This week on the Tea & Trails podcast, Gary squeezed in a Bob Graham support and a race. Not exactly the textbook taper, but he had such a cracking weekend and wouldn't change a thing. And unbelievably, after all those months of graft, the Hardmoors 200 is now just one week away.Meanwhile, Eddie is on the injury bench with a herniated disc flare‑up. Grim timing as she gears up for the Spine, and we're all crossing fingers and toes it doesn't keep her off the trails for long.The coaches dig into a great listener question about bonking late in The Lap Ultra, what went wrong, what to learn, and how to avoid that death‑march shuffle next time.And finally, Eddie and Gary chew the fat about an absolutely wild Cocodona 250, including a sensational run from Precision Fuel & Hydration athlete Rachel Entrekin. Truly incredible stuff.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

Vaibhav is a runner next door whose story will make you relate with you and inspire you to get out of the door and start running yourself. He was an absolute beginner up until 2021, struggled with Bronchitis and had never run before. Since then, he has come a long way and he is only getting started.Vaibhav spent time in being consistent, stayed disciplined and relentlessly prioritized his fitness.He then debuted in a marathon at Rome in 2025 and got to the finish line in an impressive time of 3:03.  He improvised it in Paris a month later to xxxx. He stayed patient, trained further and clocked an even more impressive finish time of 2:48:50 in 2026 London Marathon. Did you know he cramped at around 29 kms and so he had to cut back on his paces in the remaining 13 kms. If he stays on track, he may very well be running a much faster time in the months and years to come.In this episode we cover:How setbacks from UPSC results and bronchitis did not deter him from getting fitter, and eventually fasterWhy two years of 10 kilometres a day with no watch and no plan built a large aerobic baseHow Vaibhav went from 3:03 at Rome to 2:48 at London in under a yearThe 26-week training block that took him from 60 kilometres a week to 100 to 110 kilometres a weekHow interval sessions with his run club, Clapham Chasers, brought his 5K time from 18:30 to 17:16What went wrong at London — cramping at 28km due to a complete lack of electrolytes — and what he would do differentlyHow a corporate lawyer in London manages to train twice a day while working long hoursWhy discipline, not talent, is the only thing that separates people who achieve from people who do notAbout Vikas Singh:Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:Instagram: @vikas_singhhLinkedIn: Vikas SinghTwitter: @vikashsingh101Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we head back to Bucyrus, Kansas for the 2026 Running with the Cows Half Marathon. After a few years away from this race, we return to see how this beloved local event is holding up, and whether we could finally make peace with a course that has not always been kind to us. The morning started nearly perfect, with cool temperatures, a strong crowd, smooth race morning packet pickup, and that familiar small-town energy that makes this race special. Of course, as the sun climbed higher over the wide-open Kansas roads, things started to warm up quickly, reminding us that summer running season is right around the corner. We break down the course, the hills, the out-and-backs, the mental grind of hearing the finish line before actually getting there, and the challenge of keeping a goal pace when the day starts heating up. Along the way, we also talk about seeing familiar faces, meeting podcast listeners on course, and the community support that keeps this race feeling like more than just another half marathon. As always, Running with the Cows delivered its famous post-race spread, complete with chocolate milk, great food, and even a smoked ham donation situation that may have been the true victory of the morning. We also give an honest look at a few small hiccups, from pacing confusion to medal expectations, while still celebrating what was overall a very successful return to Bucyrus. If you enjoy race reviews with sunshine, hills, cows, barbecue, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting, this episode is ready for you.

We are so lucky to bring you the brilliant Stu Edwards this week. Stu is part of the team behind the Reverse London Marathon, and if you're wondering what that is, you're in for a treat. It's an incredible community who gather in Trafalgar Square the night before the London Marathon and run the entire route in reverse.It's a magical way to see the city at night, and it's all wrapped up in some seriously impressive fundraising.Stu brought huge energy to our chat, and his enthusiasm shone through from start to finish.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

On Episode 456 of Airey Bros Radio, we're stepping back onto the oval and going Belly to Belly with Coach Cash Kunkel, Head Men's & Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at University of the Ozarks.In his first season leading the program, Coach Kunkel has already made an immediate impact — rebuilding culture, developing athletes, and setting the foundation for long-term success at the NCAA Division III level.A former standout at Arkansas State University and University of the Incarnate Word, Kunkel brings a championship pedigree as a:Sun Belt Conference Steeplechase ChampionIndoor 3K ChampionFirst-Team All-Conference athleteIn this episode, we dive into:Transitioning from athlete to head coachTaking over a program weeks before the seasonBuilding culture and trust with athletesRecruiting philosophy at the Division III levelDeveloping distance runners from the ground upIndoor & outdoor track success (17+ school records broken)Double threshold training & modern distance trendsWhat makes Ozarks a unique opportunity for recruitsIf you're a high school runner, college recruit, or coach — this episode is a real look at what it takes to build a program and create opportunity at the next level.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run Your Race series continues with a look at one of the sneakiest traps in running: comparison. Last week, we talked about the loud pressure of runfluencer culture, but this week we dig into the quieter ways comparison creeps into our minds through faster friends, local race results, Strava posts, Garmin data, and even old versions of ourselves. We break down how seeing someone else's PR, “easy run,” or big training week can make our own progress feel smaller, even when we're doing exactly what we need to do. We also talk about the danger of comparing ourselves to the runner we used to be before injury, surgery, weight gain, aging, burnout, or busy seasons of life changed the equation. Technology can help us train smarter, but when watches, spreadsheets, VO2 max estimates, HRV scores, and race result pages start judging our worth, running can quickly become a scoreboard instead of a release. This episode asks us to define success before the run, celebrate consistency, follow people who make running feel possible, and remember the season of life we're actually in. Because someone else's good day does not make our run a bad one. Run the season we're in, not the season someone else is posting about.

This week on the Tea & Trails podcast we're talking all things Stair Stepper, how to use it, when to use it. Neither Gary nor Eddie are exactly Stepper superfans, but we know plenty of you swear by it for your vert, so we're diving in.Eddie also pops on her coaching hat to chat about the classic back‑to‑back long run versus Gary's preferred method: the double… but absolutely not back‑to‑back long runs.We also cast our eyes across the pond for a pinch of inspiration from the mighty Cocodona 250!Meanwhile, another week of Hardmoors 200 and Spine Race training is in the bank, and you lot have been absolutely smashing it over on Strava, big miles, big races, big energy. We've got a cracking Tales from the Trail and a Heavy Flex lined up too.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we finally get back to race reviews after several weeks of tackling some of the running world's heavier topics. Kyle recaps the always-popular CCVI Trolley Run in Kansas City, a fast and fun four-mile race supporting children with visual impairments, complete with beautiful spring weather, packed streets, and one pacing mistake that somehow still ended in a PR. The episode also revisits the “Too Slow for Boston” Marathon situation and what the future may hold as the chase toward completing the World Marathon Majors continues. Then it's off to Topeka for the newly revived Top City Half Marathon, now under new management, where Kyle breaks down the course changes, race atmosphere, and a few things that caught runners by surprise along the way. Along the way, there's discussion about race-day strategy, rebuilding fitness after time off, the mental side of pacing, and why one particular race medal sparked a surprisingly passionate rant. It's a lighter, funnier return to classic Back of the Pack storytelling with plenty of Midwest running chaos mixed in. Plus, with Sydney Marathon training officially about to begin, the next big chapter of the journey is almost here.

This week we sit down with the very talented, and equally humble, Barney Plummer. The Helm Hill athlete has been making serious waves on the UK trail scene, stacking up wins and course records at some of the country's most competitive races. It was his first time on Tea & Trails, which meant the conversation wandered a bit... Boat crashes, tea etiquette, road marathons, The Lap, The 13 Valleys Ultra, Old County Tops, and of course his incredible victory at the 2026 Fellsman. https://fellsman.org.uk/Pic Credit - @andymiltonphotographyHARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off May by asking a big question: are running influencers helping the sport, or quietly making it harder for everyday runners to feel like they belong? We dive into the growing world of “runfluencer” culture, where marathon training can look effortless, high mileage looks normal, rest days get treated like weakness, and every run becomes a piece of content. But for most of us, running has to fit around jobs, families, stress, sleep, recovery, and real life. We talk about the danger of comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel, especially when the full picture may include editing, privilege, sponsorships, and a lifestyle built around training. This episode breaks down why elite-level advice does not always translate to beginners, comeback runners, older runners, or weekend warriors just trying to stay healthy and enjoy the miles. We also look at the mental side of this trend, from body image pressure to feeling like our 5K, half marathon, or marathon somehow “doesn't count” because someone online did more. At the heart of it all is one simple message: follow the people who make running feel more possible, not less. Run your race, not the influencer's race, not the algorithm's race — your race.

The Hardmoors 200 is looming ever closer, and Gary is… well, wobbling again. Not the training week he dreamed of, but definitely the one he got. Meanwhile, Eddie has been spinning every solo‑parenting plate in the cupboard while still grinding through her Spine Race prep. At least the trails delivered some glorious miles, and the sun finally showed up with a long‑overdue dose of vitamin D.For Brew with the Coaches we dive deep into how to pick a home treadmilll, and we're sharing our best recovery tips for all you London Marathon legends who are still hobbling around.And over on Strava? Smoking‑fast running, big miles, and plenty of heavy flexes lighting up the feed.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we dig into the Nike controversy that lit up Boston Marathon week after a storefront sign declared, “Runners welcome. Walkers tolerated.” What might have looked to some like a careless joke felt to many runners like a flashing neon sign for a much deeper problem in the sport: elitism. We break down why that message landed so badly, especially in a city like Boston, where resilience, adaptation, and the full spectrum of the running community should matter. We talk about why walking is not the opposite of running, but often a very real part of racing, surviving, and finishing. From back-of-the-pack runners to run-walkers, charity entrants, adaptive athletes, and everyday marathoners, this episode is about who gets welcomed in running culture and who gets merely “tolerated.” We also dive into the reaction from our own social media post, where the comments revealed a sharp divide between people pushing for inclusion and others who doubled down on gatekeeping. Some responses were thoughtful, some were supportive, and some said the quiet part out loud about how certain corners of the running world really view slower runners. We also zoom out and talk about why Nike did not get much benefit of the doubt here, given the brand's long history of tone-deaf decisions and controversies. This is not an episode about canceling a company just because it got called out. It is an episode about respect, belonging, and why the soul of this sport has always lived in the full field, not just at the front of it.

Today's episode is a fun chat with Julianna Coughlin - a Falmouth, Massachusetts based runner, Dietitian, race announcer, and host of the Runnah Podcast. We cover tons of running topics during our conversation, including the Falmouth running community, the Cape Cod Marathon weekend, road running vs. trail running, running with chronic illness, dealing with injuries, and lots of running shoe talk. I hope this episode keeps you company while on the run, doing your chores, or commuting to work. I know you will have lots of laughs, learn more about running, and maybe even want to travel to New England for your next race after listening to this episode! Book the Back to Baseline Package: 75 min health coaching intensive with Haven60 min CFT session at Avodah Massage TherapyBook: https://www.avodahmassagetherapy.com/store/p/back-to-baseline-packageJoin the Health by Haven Community:Work with Me: Holistic Health & Run Coaching InquiriesNewsletter: Subscribe for Recipes & Health TipsSupport the Show: Pledge your support for less than a cup of coffee!Instagram: @healthbyhavenConnect with Julianna:Instagram: @runnahpod and @jellyanna_runsRun the Cape Cod Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K: @capecodmarathonThank you to our season 4 sponsor, Avodah Massage Therapy!Support the show

This week, we're joined by inov‑8 ambassador James Gibson, it's his very first time on the show. So we take the chance to hear how he found his way into running, and how the high fells became his happy place.In recent years he's completed some of the UK's toughest mountain challenges, including a winter Double Bob Graham Round, if that wasn't enough, he's also set a record on the Double Paddy Buckley Round.We chat through both of these enormous winter efforts, what drew him to them, how he prepared, and what it actually feels like to push through two full rounds back‑to‑back when most people would be calling it a day after one.Despite these world‑class performances, James remains famously low‑key. He's a running coach, a Mountain Leader, and someone who has spent years guiding people up Scafell Pike and across the Lakeland fells. That background, long days on the hills, carrying weight, moving steadily through rough ground has shaped him into the resilient, quietly determined athlete he is today.https://www.jamesgibsoncoaching.co.uk/Pic Credit - Jamie Rutherford @jmruther4dHARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our Back of the Pack Survival Guide series by flipping the script on what it really means to run at the back of the pack. This episode is for all of us — the everyday runners, the grinders, the comeback stories, and the ones who refuse to quit. We explore how perspective changes everything, from actually experiencing the race course to appreciating the volunteers, the moments, and the miles that others might miss. We talk about how time shifts from pressure to freedom, allowing us to run with purpose instead of panic. This episode also dives into the power of gratitude — being thankful not just for the finish line, but for the ability to even stand at the start. We redefine what it means to “win,” where finishing, fighting through, and coming back matter more than podiums or pace. And along the way, we celebrate the stories that only back-of-the-pack runners get to tell — the chaos, the connections, and the unforgettable moments that happen when you're out there long enough to really live the race. Because at the end of the day, this isn't about being fast… it's about being resilient, determined, and persistent. And no matter your pace, your place, or your finish time — you belong here.

Both hosts are feeling a bit bruised this week. Gary's wrestling with the mental load & that feeling when training somehow leaks into every corner of your life, and Eddie's running on fumes, her usually eternal mojo having wandered off for a little holiday. Thankfully, you lot are bringing the inspiration with some absolutely mind‑blowing Strava updates.Fueling for a road marathon has been a hot topic lately, so we're diving in with some tips and the strategies that have actually worked for us over the years.And in this week's Tales from the Trails, things get emotional. Listener Colin Young shares a beautiful, heavy flex tribute to David Parish, who sadly passed away recently. It's heartfelt, powerful, and a reminder of the incredible community we're lucky to be part of.And good news, our friends at Protein Rebel are supplying the prize for April's competition. Tune in for all the details.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

With no race review on deck this week, we take a different route and dive into a topic that matters deeply to so many everyday runners: which races truly welcome the back of the pack. Fresh off a weekend in Las Vegas, we use this episode to spotlight marathons, half marathons, and shorter races that make room for runners and walkers who need extra time, extra grace, and a finish line that still feels alive when they arrive. We break down what actually makes a race Back of the Pack friendly, from no-cutoff events like Honolulu to early-start options at races like Little Rock and Run the Rainbow. We also dig into races that are building real late-finisher culture, including places that keep the energy up instead of packing everything away before the final runners get home. Along the way, we call out the difference between races that truly plan for slower runners and races that simply allow them on paper. This episode is part resource guide, part love letter to the runners who keep showing up, no matter their pace. If you have ever worried about cutoffs, being swept, or whether you belong at the starting line, this one is for you. Because the best races do not just celebrate the winners, they celebrate the finishers.

This week, we're joined by Kitty‑Leigh Oxley for a deep dive into the 2026 Community Traverse. The Community Traverse is a race with an extraordinary story, born from the ashes of the cancelled Northern Traverse, it became a shining example of what happens when community takes action.Kitty, David, and a band of loyal and dedicated volunteers pulled together at short notice, some even giving up their own race so others could still experience the magic of the Wainwrights Coast‑to‑Coast National Trail.We chat about the seed of the idea, how it grew into a fully-fledged event, the joy of making it happen, and what exciting plans are already brewing for 2027.https://communitytraverse.co.uk/HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Back of the Pack Survival Guide continues with a deep dive into one of the toughest parts of running — when the miles feel slow and the progress feels invisible. We break down the mental battle that so many runners face, from the comparison trap to that frustrating feeling of “I should be better by now.” But this time, we're not just talking feelings — we're bringing the science to back it up. From understanding how your body adapts through General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) to the truth behind the SAID principle, you'll learn what's actually happening inside your body even when your watch says otherwise. This episode also pulls back the curtain on race day realities for back-of-the-pack runners — the quiet miles, the cutoff pressure, and the moments where mental toughness matters most. We share our personal story from the Gulf Coast Marathon in Biloxi — the only DNF of this running journey — and why that experience didn't end our story, but helped shape what came next. If you've ever felt stuck, slow, or unsure if your effort is paying off, this episode will remind you that progress is happening… even when you can't see it yet.

Another big week on the trails for our not so dynamic duo. Gary treated himself to a jaunt along the Yorkshire coast & Eddie is getting very familiar with her big, heavy Spine Race pack…The coaches dive into the world of AI training apps, what they're good for & what they're not.Gary and Eddie also tackle the age‑old question, what trail running kit do you actually need? Spoiler, it's less than you think, unless you're Eddie, in which case it's apparently everything that fits in a Ultimate Direction packWe've got another sensational Strava Club, plus a nail‑biting Lakeland 100 Tale from the Trail.And good news, our friends at Protein Rebel are supplying the prize for April's competition. Tune in for all the details.HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, Kyle is juggling a full plate of spring running chaos, big announcements, and a weekend that turned into more than just one race story. He kicks things off with updates on upcoming podcast appearances, run club plans, future races, and a chance for listeners to connect with the show in person at the Outpacing Melanoma 5K. Then it is on to a lively, detailed recap of the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon, where great weather, familiar faces, and one of Kansas City's signature spring races helped deliver Kyle's third-fastest half marathon ever. There is plenty of fun along the way too, from race morning misadventures and hill-by-hill course breakdowns to giant medals, chocolate milk, and all the little moments that make race day feel electric. But the episode does not stop there. Kyle also shares the story of a quieter, more personal Sunday morning 5K that carried a lot more meaning than a medal ever could. What starts as a bonus race review becomes a heartfelt reflection on memory, friendship, and why some runs matter for reasons far bigger than pace or finish time. It is an episode that mixes laughs, gratitude, race-day energy, and a meaningful reminder of what running can really hold. Whether you are here for the big local race vibes, the honest runner perspective, or the emotional threads that make this show what it is, this one has a little bit of everything.

Today we're sharing the mics with the brilliant Sophie Power, British ultrarunner, Guinness World Record holder, and a leading voice for women in sport.We cover a lot of ground in this one: going viral at UTMB, the origins of She Races, the brand‑new She Races Trail Series, and her inspiring new book The Power Within. And of course, because it's Tea & Trails, we don't shy away from the big, important questions… like what's Sophie's go‑to trail snack.It's an episode packed with laughter, honesty, and a healthy dose of inspiration. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Sophie Power!https://www.sophiepower.com/https://www.sheraces.com/https://www.sheracestrailseries.com/HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMeaXMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeRFENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first orderPRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25zSTRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Adhttps://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEAASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwiContent may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HEREHardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/