'I ran in the world champs, then gave it up to start a band' - interview with running punk Jimmy Watkins

Author Adharanand Finn chats with Running Punks founder and viral video sensation Jimmy Watkins about racing his idols in the final of the World Athletics Championships, giving up the sport to form a band, and then rediscovering the joy of running many years later. Regrets? He’s had a few, but he has certainly lived a life too. And he is still adventuring to the limit. 

Adharanand Finn is the author of three award-winning books, Running with the Kenyans (2012), The Way of the Runner (2014), and the Rise of the Ultra Runners (2019). Follow The Way of the Runner podcast on Instagram: @thewayoftherunner or find it at thewayoftherunner.com

The Way of the Runner podcast is sponsored by Mount to Coast, who make durable running shoes designed to go very long distances. Visit: mounttocoast.com

The podcast is also sponsored by Hit the Wall, who sell beautiful running-themed prints for your wall. Visit: hitthewall.co.uk

The Way of the Runner podcast is also sponsored by Veloforte, who make the best-tasting running fuel around. Visit veloforte.com

The podcast is also supported by Adharanand’s Patreon page, which is full of original and exclusive material: patreon.com/adharanandfinn

Music by Starfrosch