Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running World Record Dad Calum Neff
This week we talk with Calum Neff, who holds the Guinness world record in the marathon and the 10k while pushing a stroller, or as they say in the UK, while pushing a "pram."
Calum’s accomplishments are amazing and he has a unique perspective on getting fit as a family. Currently residing in Houston, TX, he started running at four years old. His wife, Julie, and his three young daughters have helped define Calum’s running career after earning a series of Guinness World Records racing while pushing his daughters in the stroller. But he also is a diverse runner competing in all distances on all terrains in a single year, from speed on the track to grueling ultras in the mountains and everything in-between. He also runs his own coaching business called Hardloop Endurance in Houston.
So just how fast do you have to run while pushing a young human in a stroller to earn a Guinness World Record? Pretty darn fast! Calum ran 2:31 in the marathon, 1:11 in the half, and 31:43 in the 10k. That is lightning fast even without a stroller!
Not only is Calum fast, but he involves his family in his accomplishments, which is not easy to do. You can tell that he takes his job as a parent and a husband very seriously, but also manages to have a great time in the process.
Take a listen as we learn about his training and racing endeavors. Perhaps you will be inspired to gear up the kid(s) and push yourself to new achievements.
Questions Calum is asked:
3:18 How did you get into racing with a stroller and how did you decide to go after stroller records?
4:30 Was it your idea or your daughter’s?
5:22 Can you recap your recent 10K WR you just got in February?
7:30 What tips do you have for stroller running?
8:43 What do you look for in a jogging stroller?
9:27 Do you switch hands and how often would you switch in a 5k?
9:47 What is your daughter doing during the race?
10:57 How would you describe your race footage?
11:38 What are the reactions of other racers to you?
12:28 Do you have stroller-specific training?
13:36 What tips do you have to stay fit as a family?
15:51 What strength training do you do with your kids?
19:15 Do you ever run without your kids?
20:02 What advice do you have for those looking at online running coaches?
21:34 Will you coach your daughters at some point?
22:24 What advice would you give parents who are looking for a coach for their kids?
24:28 How do you walk the line of nurturing and pushing?
26:45 Any more WR attempts on the horizon?
27:45 What are the differences between single and double strollers?
29:08 Any plans to reclaim the Half Marathon Stroller Record?
29:40 What advice would you give yourself back when you started running and weight training?
30:53 What is the best gift running has given you?
31:49 How can people connect with you?
Quotes by Calum:
“Running takes so long to develop. Stay consistent; stay at it through not only the good times, but the bad runs, as well.”
“Imagine you’re watching a movie and your kids are in that movie, but YOU’RE NOT. And you’re at the theater. You would never stand up in the theater and scream at the screen; you would never try to change the plot. Showing up to sports with that attitude is going to improve not only your kid’s enjoyment of the game, whatever that game is, but it will improve your relationship.”
“A lot of my work in the gym is just very light weight, but very focused on single-leg stability, because you’re either on your left or on your right when you’re running. It’s great to be in a single plane and strong that way, but as soon as you’re off kilter or getting fatigued late in the marathon, you really need to have those extra stability muscles and core strength to kick in.”
“Allie, when I did the marathon record, she was four. This is something that she’ll remember for the rest of her life and just to be running alongside Olympians was the coolest thing to share with her.”
“Stay fluid on the (stroler) bar. I always see parents with the double-handed death-grip on their stroller like it’s just going to fly away from them. It makes you whole body very rigid and your form goes out the window.”
Take a Listen on Your Next Run
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Calum Neff World Record Half Marathon with Stroller Periscope Footage
Calum Neff World Record 10K with Stroller Footage
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