RunPod

RunPod is the run club of the podcast world. And, in this episode, Jenni catches up with someone who helped set up the run club of the YouTube world. 2 years ago Anna Harding quit her role as a radio journalist to turn her passion for pounding the pavement into her job. The most incredible thing of all, she’d only just started running the previous year. This is a story of how running can truly change your life, for the better. Anna’s world has changed in the last 2 years and is now full of adventure, excitement, trainers and lycra. This is an inspiring listen about how someone decided to make a brave change to do what they love most and it has paid off.

In this episode of RunPod, we discuss a part of the body that is often neglected or taken for granted by runners, whilst also being one of the key and most important parts we have when it comes to pounding the pavement....yes this week it's all about the feet! In order to sustain an entire episode about feet, Jenni has called in one of the best shoe and foot experts around - Emma Kirk-Odunubi. Not only is she an incredible 'fitness machine' but she knows her stuff. Emma's specialist knowledge is movement analysis for runners and running footwear. So, are you wearing the correct trainers? How do you know which ones are right for you? Why do you get blisters? Which socks should you wear? How do you know if you are a neutral runner? Do you pronate? How should you tie laces? Any foot related question you may have will be answered in this fascinating episode of RunPod. And if you listen while you actually run - you never know, you might even find you pick up some tips to improve your technique....and that will keep you running longer. Enjoy and happy running!

In this week's episode of RunPod Jenni speaks to Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott. Now after 13 years competing across the globe this woman is one powerful athlete but her pace slows ever so slightly where running's concerned. In fact Chemmy's a self-proclaimed plodder! But that may not be surprising given how many injuries she's had: spinal breaks, femur fractures, bumps and bruises Chemmy's had them all. She runs despite all of this because of that incredible feel good factor - the runner's high. This conversation will remind you what you love about running and why we're so lucky we're able to do it, so what are you waiting for? Get listening!

So this is it, the final episode of the RunPod 5K Challenge. If you've made it through all 5 Blocks of training, well done you! And remember if you've found these last few tricky, just take it as slow. This YOUR running journey. But if you're feeling ready to take the plunge, congratulations because weeks of heavy breathing and red cheeks are about to pay off - you're going to run 5K today! Now that you've built strength, stamina and endurance, we want you to run 3.1 miles without stopping. This has been an incredible adventure and you're about to take that final step. As always think positive, visualise that finish and know that you have got this. Good luck, and happy running!

As you’ll know by now, RunPod is for runners at all levels from beginner to marathoner, but this week we’re going to be helping those of you who are looking to push yourselves and your 5K times just that little bit further. In this episode Jenni meets CrossFit trainer Gustavo Vaz Tostes who’ll tell us how varying your runs and adding weights to your workout can increase power, balance, coordination and speed. It’s all about strength conditioning, stretching and varying the muscle groups we use as runners. In fact, CrossFit works so well that just one session a week could help you shave 5 minutes off your 5K! Gus is a serious professional who knows it all and makes it fun! So if you’re looking to impress your mates at parkrun, this is the episode for you.

So today we're going to really test your progress and put all the things you've learned about pacing and endurance to the test! Now remember you can repeat all of these runs as many times as you like, so just take your time and do what's right for you. As always, good luck, smile and happy running.

Following on from your first run of the week we're focusing on pacing. That's right we want to get you going that little bit harder with confidence! Yet again think about lengthening those legs, keeping your arms nice and relaxed and don't forget to breathe! Happy running!

This is it, you're so nearly there! And what a long way you've come. Now that you've built strength and stamina, in this session we're going to look at your pacing and yet again we're mixing things up with a little bit of interval training! As always think postive, visualise that finish line - you've got this!

Some people love running so much that they want to run everywhere! This is Mimi Anderson. Nicknamed Marvellous Mimi, she quite honestly has a ton of marvellous tales to tell. Mimi has been described as one of the most inspirational female distance runners - in fact, I’d say she is the queen of running a long way! In this episode of RunPod, Mimi describes some of the world’s most exciting and gruelling ultramarathons and endurance races. Whether or not you aspire to ever take part is irrelevant, it’s absolutely fascinating to hear about the different races that are out there and Mimi has firsthand experience of them all! She also took on the ultimate challenge-running coast to coast across the USA. Her experiences and achievements are incredible to hear and the fact that she, in her words, was simply a stay at home mum who took up running is hugely inspiring. In fact, Mimi is not just a mum, she's also a grandma...Probably the fittest granny out there! Sadly her extreme running has also had a serious impact on her body-the consequences are severe but of course this won’t stop her. Believe me, listening to this episode will absolutely make you desperate to go for a run yourself....even if it’s not quite as far as Mimi!

Well done, you've made it block 4 of 6 in your 5K challenge! This one's all about building mental endurance - but nothing too scary, you've done this before. As always think positive, visualise that finish and take it slow - you've got this!