RunPod

In this week's episode of RunPod Jenni speaks to the lady who coached Jenni to her marathon PB. Yes, if you're in training for one of the many races coming up this year, this is definitely one for you. Karen Weir is a running and triathlon coach and PT, as well as being a parkrun ambassador and pioneer. She chats Jenni through the steps we all should be taking to help us achieve the goals we set, how walking can actually help us get that PB, the importance of weight training as we get older and she walks us through the different types of runs we should be incorporating into our running schedules. Enjoy!

Colin Jackson’s been in the public eye since he was a teenager, he’s had a hugely successful career as a sprinter and hurdler with some incredibly impressive world records. In this episode Colin explains race start-line tactics, the ‘dip’ at the finish line and how it can all go very wrong with a touch of over-confidence. Jenni and Colin take a look at some of the real issues affecting athletes heading out to Tokyo for the Olympic Games and touch on the pressure of being at the top of your game. They also discuss the negative impact of all that training and the upcoming medical treatment Colin now requires. Throughout the episode Colin offers great tips from his years of experience not only as a phenomenal athlete but also as a top trainer and coach. A truly wonderful listen with a lovely man, a brilliant coach and someone who remained unbeaten for almost 3 decades. Enjoy

For all runners, there is a distance that you dream of running. It could be a 5k, a 10k, a half or a full marathon. Or perhaps after hearing people enthuse about even longer runs, you’ve been tempted by an ultra. Well in this episode, mum, lawyer and runner, Anna Rutherford does a brilliant job at describing a race she completed a couple of months ago. Anna ran over 200 miles, smashing the race record in the process. Her story is incredible. She’d just given birth a few months earlier, she napped in 11 minute bursts and her secret weapon is something you may want to try yourself….it’s a food (of sorts) and was a huge help on her journey. After hearing Anna’s account of this epic run, I would be surprised if you don’t ask yourself ‘Could I do an ultra?’ Or perhaps you’ll ask, ‘When can I do an ultra?!’ Enjoy this hugely inspiring episode with a superwoman who said she’s 'nothing special’. I beg to differ. Happy running!

Returning to RunPod this week is Colson Smith, aka Craig from Corrie! He found running during lockdown and ever since it has quite literally changed his life for the better. He has documented his running journey in a new film, which is out now. ‘Bored of being the Fat Kid’ follows Colson as he embarks on a new health and fitness regime which has now become a way of life. Colson’s commitment to running is so inspiring and will absolutely motivate you to get off the sofa and head out for a run. He offers tons of brilliant tips and advice for new runners or anyone keen to improve and discusses at what point you can officially refer to yourself as ‘a runner’. A great episode with someone who has truly been bitten by the run bug. Enjoy.

Do you consider yourself a runner, a jogger or a plodder? In this episode of RunPod, the guest is adamant he’s a plodder! He also fully expected to have exhausted all running chat in approximately 5 minutes, then surprised himself by enthusing about the feelgood of running for a good 40 minutes. Journalist, quiz show host and former presenter of the ‘Today’ show, John Humphrys, is known for asking questions, yet for a change, here you hear him answer them. John’s been running for almost 50 years and started whilst in Washington DC reporting on the Watergate scandal. Despite his reluctance to admit he truly loves running, he gives a passionate account of exactly what he enjoys about it. He represents anyone who believes they’re ‘not really a runner’....but soon realises that actually, perhaps they really are! A great listen with the longtime Mastermind quizmaster. In this episode his specialized subject is running. Enjoy.

Some people like a challenge and they always seem like a good idea, at the time... Suzanne Shaw decided to set herself a running challenge that really wasn’t for the faint hearted. Running for 19 hours straight. Having only started her running journey at the start of lockdown last year, you’d have thought a marathon would be impressive enough but no, she went one further. She took on her challenge this week and so this episode of RunPod is all about it covering the highs, lows and everything in between. Jenni catches up with Suzi directly beforehand to find out how she’s feeling ahead of stepping, or should that be jogging, out her comfort zone. Then they catch up again immediately afterwards to find out if it went to plan, how it went and whether Suzi enjoyed the experience. A hugely inspiring episode which may leave you setting yourself your own epic challenge. Happy running!

It’s mental health awareness week and so this episode is particularly poignant. Jake Tyler has struggled with his mental health for a number of years. From the outside everything looked rosy, but in reality, he was fighting a private internal battle and was truly struggling. Jake’s honesty is humbling as he discusses the challenges he experienced whilst suffering from depression - and what he did to try and take control of it. One thing that helped was exercise. He started with going for a walk and developing a routine, a simple moment in the day that was something to focus on. Over time he walked further and further until the walking turned to running. Whilst not every run is fast and easy, each run does take him to a happier, more positive place, where he feels a little better. This sentiment is certainly something most of us can relate to. This episode is a discussion of how something as simple and pure as a run can help you to turn your life around, and lead you to feel more empowered, more in control and have a far more optimistic outlook. Jake’s story and experiences are incredibly inspiring, they might also make you consider setting some challenges so you too can feel even more alive. Happy running.

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by fellow radio presenter, podcaster and friend, Zoe Hardman. Zoe loves running but her experience of it has been limited in recent years due to injury. However now she’s back, giving it a go once again and absolutely loving being back out pounding the pavements. Jenni and Zoe discuss how being a runner doesn’t mean you have to sign up for long distance races and how making time for a run can make a huge difference to your mental health. It’s a totally relatable listen and will inspire you to grab your trainers and get out there!! Happy running.

There is much excitement about races and running events gradually starting back in the coming months and if you are tempted to sign up to run somewhere exotic, try something challenging or have a go at getting your first medal, well this episode of RunPod is just what you need. Tobias Mews is a journalist and adventure athlete who likes a serious challenge and has experienced most running events out there. In fact if there isn’t one on the cards, he’ll invent one! He’s run so many different races, he’s even written a book about them! He’s got bounds of energy, is ridiculously enthusiastic and a great raconteur making this episode an absolute must-listen. So which race is the most gruelling, which is the most ‘romantic’ and which is for beginners?.... Tobes tells Jenni about so many fascinating events that you’ll certainly fancy signing up for (at least) one. Enjoy. Happy running.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by two comedians who love to run and who are fellow podcasters. Just like all good ideas, their podcast was born whilst out running! Rob Deering and Paul Tonkinson’s friendship developed through their mutual love for pounding the pavements. So this episode is a totally relatable conversation between 3 people who all fully appreciate the joys of going for a simple run. They also all admit they savour the benefits and the feel-good effect of a decent run session and recognise that after time out in your trainers, running is the best therapy that gives an incredible natural boost of positivity. They chat hills, training, talking whilst running, hitting the wall, getting lost, gaining weight, losing weight and taking up running due to a mid-life crisis. A great episode that will be your perfect companion on your next run. Enjoy.