RunPod

This is a special bonus episode of Runpod intended to help you come up with ideas for the best gizmos, gadgets and gear for runners this Christmas. Jenni is joined by 2 experts in this field - Esther Newman, editor of the brilliant Women’s Running magazine; and Jessie Watts from Runners Need, one of the UK’s leading running retailers. Between them, they have the guide to the best GPS watches, earphones, jackets, tops, trainers, undies, socks and accessories out there. If you need ideas for gifts, or fancy updating your own kit, this episode is bursting with suggestions, top tips and excellent advice.

Striding into the RunPod Run Club this week is actress, fellow podcaster and founder of The Capsule, Natalie Anderson. Natalie chats to Jenni about taking to running in her 20s, finding that time for you, competing against herself, weight training to compliment her runs, some amazing places she's been able to run and celebrating the fit, active older woman. An upbeat listen to keep you going, go on grab those trainers!

We know he has ‘The Voice of an Angel’, he is after all the boy who sang the song from ‘The Snowman’ but now the question is, can he run like a gazelle?!! This week on RunPod, I’m joined by TV presenter, singer and Welsh wonder, Aled Jones. Like many other people in 2020, @realaled has taken to running to get him through periods of lockdown. Fitness is important to Aled not just to help him perhaps burn off the excess of lockdown life but also because of the mental health benefits. The struggle is often juggling work and life alongside a fitness regime but we discuss how he manages to fit in exercise. We also hear about his experiences growing up when fitness was far from a concern and when he found himself hanging out with pop royalty. This is a lovely episode with a guest who is brilliant and totally relatable on many levels. Enjoy and happy running.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by former 400m sprinter, Roger Black. Although Roger has since retired, he still runs daily but now he gets to relax the pace, run for enjoyment and more importantly to maintain his health. Despite the fact he was so fast on the track, even picking up a silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, throughout he had an underlying heart issue. We discuss how he didn’t let that stop him becoming a world class athlete and what it was like to face the pressure racing against the legendary Michael Johnson. Roger also has great tips for newbies, so if you’re just started running this year, he’ll give you reason to keep going!! A fascinating listen from a man who was at the top of his game for many years and who now still prioritises the opportunity to run because he knows the benefits make it so incredibly worthwhile.

This week on RunPod, fresh from her samba on the Strictly dance floor. Jenni catches up with former Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Jacqui Smith. Ok, so Jacqui might not have what it takes to win the Strictly glitterball but she is a nifty runner. She first turned to running about 10 years ago and claims it was her time in the Cabinet that led her to switching things up. Jacqui’s life has changed somewhat in the past decade, not just in terms of work but she’s also in a new relationship. Running is also key to helping her feel fantastic and is her happy place. A joy to listen to and should help keep you going on your run too!

This week, Jenni is joined by British runner Eilish McColgan. Only a decade ago, Eilish was a student living it up at university: Late nights and a typical student lifestyle are not what you’d expect from one of Team GBs elite runners but Eilish didn’t yet realise that was her true calling. One day she decided to switch things up and only a year later found herself competing at London 2012. In this episode of RunPod, Eilish and Jenni discuss the commitment required to be at the top and what it’s like to follow in her mum, Liz McColgan’s footsteps. Also since Eilish is known for running the 5000m, she has plenty of tips for us to improve our own 5k time. A great insight to life as an elite but ultimately we all have one thing in common, and that is an appreciation for the joy of running.

Ever since RunPod started, there’s been one man that Jenni has been desperate to talk to. He’s run where few men have run before....in outer space. In this episode, Major Tim Peake joins the RunPod run club and they discuss what on Earth it’s like to run in space! They chat about the level of physical fitness required to become an astronaut, what happens during the selection process and discover the gruelling side of the training programme. There is much to learn about working out in space and Tim explains about the recovery process on returning to Earth. It is a truly fascinating listen, one to listen to whether you’re running, sitting or staring into space.

In this hugely inspiring episode of RunPod, you’ll hear the story of the fabulous Emma Campbell who quite simply loves running. She claims she could talk endlessly about the positive ways that running has enhanced her life after turning to it following a time of adversity. For Emma is a three times cancer survivor…. This episode has an important message of courage and sheer determination whilst also showing how running can be hugely beneficial to individuals by ultimately offering a boost to our mental health. You won’t be able to stop listening.

This week on #RunPod, Jenni is joined by someone you will know from the telly every morning! Louise Minchin sits on the BBC Breakfast sofa, and so early starts are a thing she and Jenni have in common! The other thing they have in common is their passion for running....The only difference is that Louise has taken it one step further and enjoys adding a bike and swim element! She’s pretty good at it too and has even represented GB. Louise’s story is absolutely brilliant and truly inspiring-hard to believe she only started running around 8 years ago when she was in her 40s! Jenni asks Louise about some of the (crazy) events she’s completed, what it’s like to represent your country and how daunting it is to take on a triathlon....is the run the best part?! Have a listen, enjoy, be inspired and be warned...you’ll definitely want to go for a run afterwards. You might even be tempted to sign up for a triathlon...

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni chats to 2 guests who have both run a lot over the years. One was a part of the 2003 England World Cup winning rugby squad, the other has dabbled in rugby, triathlons and plenty of marathons. Mike Tindall and Will Cook are friends who have mixed feelings about running - one likes it, the other not so much! However both have teamed up to run and raise money for a great cause. They talk Run Local and Cure Parkinson’s Trust, as well as the pros and cons of jogging with your other half, running for rugby fitness and which rugby player is the fastest! Mike also introduces us to some more extreme running challenges the UK has to offer. An inspiring listen with an opportunity for you to get involved in raising awareness for a great cause. Cureparkinsons.org.uk