

The Women's Running Podcast
Esther Newman
Running is the one thing that we all like talking about. Every week on the award winning Women’s Running podcast, we talk all things running, women, health and fitness with our own brand of happy, irreverent chat. Esther and Holly talk through their training highs and lows, and all the bits and pieces in-between. Every so often, we invite an expert to join us to help us figure out the confusing worlds of training, recovery, nutrition, health and more. And sometimes we get to talk to an incredible woman from the world of running, from Anna McNuff to Paula Radcliffe, Susie Chan to Nicky Spinks. So why do we do it? Because we realised that most of the running podcasts we listened to were full of blokes waffling on about quads and cadence (and we realised that we can do that perfectly well ourselves, thank you very much). Right here, we talk about all the things that affect us when we step out the door: sexism, hormones, menopause, food, pelvic floors, relationships, mental health, seagull attacks and wild weeing. But. BUT. We will also talk about races, PBs, shoes, training, starting running, enjoying running, finding the fun. And quads and cadence. This is the Women’s Running podcast, and it’s for women who love to run. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
Ep 6. Start to Run: Strength
Welcome back to our brand new podcast series that we’re calling Start to Run. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ll be sharing these special episodes every Monday to help you get yourself moving. Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, welcome to the gang – let’s get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.Why do I need to do strength training?Notoriously, us runners avoid strength training like the plague. But we absolutely need to be doing it. And the good news is, there are numerous ways you’re going to see the benefits in your running in no time. We take you through the reasons we need strength sessions, share our own experiences and highlight the target areas to work on.What strength exercises should I do?We talk you through a basic plan that we both used to get started, how to progress as you get stronger, as well as the equipment you might want to invest in.Lovely extrasIf you want more support with your running journey, make sure to subscibe to Women’s Running magazine this January and you’ll get 50% off AND a free 5K beginner running guide. Just head to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer or hit the link in the show notes.Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here: womensrunning.co.uk/beginners/learn-to-run-5k/We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ep 234. Toenails and runner's high
Welcome to episode 234 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running. Toenails & runner's highToenail trigger warning right from the start here, as we start off by talking about black toenails, so sorry about that. We also talk about runner’s high, and the fallacy that this is, and try to reframe it a little bit.Coopah trainingIn the middle of this episode we’re catching up with Jordan from Coopah, the training app again. We’ve got lots of worries that she has to sort out for us, from how to visualise the distance to how to keep distracted on the run. We also talk about the science behind the app algorithm and how to adapt our plans as we go along.If you want tons more inspo for your running, subscribe to Women’s Running magazine – right now you can save 50% and we’re also throwing in a 5K training guide absolutely free. Go to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer to find out more.Lovely extra bitsThis episode is sponsored by Coopah. Coopah are offering all pod squadders a 2-week free trial of their app and then giving 20% off their standard annual subscription price. Just download the Coopah app and use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up. Or visit coopah.com/womensrunning where you can find all of these details.· Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you’ll save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE ITDownload a FREE mini mag to help you run 5K! Go to womensrunning.co.uk/runBuy a Pod Squad t-shirt!Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 3, 2025 • 37min
Ep 5. Start to Run: Training plans
Welcome back to our brand new podcast series that we’re calling Start to Run. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ll be sharing these special episodes every Monday to help you get yourself moving. Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, welcome to the gang – let’s get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.What kind of training plan should I use?Esther and I are talking training plans this week – what are they, what do they look like and how do you know which one to choose? Never fear, we’ve got a few answers for you – from intricate personalised plans designed by a coach to your classic Couch to 5K numbers, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just stick with it and make sure you’ve got a reasonable goal.Tempo runs, threshold, steady runs and more explainedEven a relatively simple walk/run plan involves some interval running – well done, you’re already getting those technical runs in! But sometimes we’re guilty of using a a bunch of jargon to describe what really are pretty standard sessions, so we break down a few key terms for you.Lovely extrasIf you want more support with your running journey, make sure to subscibe to Women’s Running magazine this January and you’ll get 50% off AND a free beginner running guide for 5K. Just head to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer or hit the link in the show notes.Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here: womensrunning.co.uk/beginners/learn-to-run-5k/We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep 233. National Running Show
Welcome to episode 233 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.This episode is sponsored by Coopah, the running app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up for 2 free weeks and a further 20% off for a whole year.National Running ShowToday, we’re talk about the National Running Show, which we’ve just come back from. And we try to unpick why this year felt even better than ever. We give a few shout-outs to the people we met over the weekend – there were so many more that we haven’t, and I’m sorry if you don’t get a namecheck, as it all went by in a blur, but goodness me, it was life-affirming.Join us!And speaking of life-affirming, this is the perfect time to subscribe to Women’s Running magazine, to give you a hand maintaining the running habit – right now you can save 50% and we’re also throwing in a 5K training guide absolutely free. Go to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer to find out more.Lovely extra bitsThis episode is sponsored by Coopah. Coopah are offering all pod squadders a 2-week free trial of their app and then giving 20% off their standard annual subscription price. Just download the Coopah app and use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up. Or visit coopah.com/womensrunning where you can find all of these details.· Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you’ll save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE ITDownload a FREE mini mag to help you run 5K! Go to womensrunning.co.uk/runBuy a Pod Squad t-shirt!Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 2025 • 38min
Ep 4. Start to Run: Kit
Welcome back to our brand new podcast series that we’re calling Start to Run. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ll be sharing these special episodes every Monday to help you get yourself moving. If you’ve missed the first coupe of episodes then don’t stress – you can find episodes one and two out now wherever you get your pods. We’re not following a specific plan together, so set yourself whatever goal you want to achieve – we’ll be checking in and catching up each week to support you as we get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.What shoes should I wear for running?This week, we’re talking kit! You really don’t have to spend a bomb on your running, but the one thing you should invest in a little bit is a good pair of running shoes that work for you. We share a few tips to help you get this right, from gait analysis to where to find the best deals. And I mention a cheap running shoe list online – it’s here! What sports bra should I wear for running?The other thing we have to prioritise as women who run is a decent sports bra – you don’t want to give yourself two black eyes. We talk cheap ones, extra supportive ones, ones for big boobs – take your pick.If you want more support with your running journey, make sure to subscibe to Women’s Running magazine this January and you’ll get 50% off AND a free beginner running guide for either 5K or 10K, your choice. Just head to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer or hit the link in the show notes.Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here: womensrunning.co.uk/beginners/learn-to-run-5k/Lovely extrasIf you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine over at womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer. We’re giving you a whopping 50% off, plus a FREE 5K training guide to help you over the finish line.We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 17min
Ep 232. Training, psychology, Traitors
Welcome to episode 232 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.This episode is sponsored by Coopah, the running app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up for 2 free weeks and a further 20% off for a whole year.Marathon trainingWe’re talking training, and we’re talking pop psychology – two of our most favourite things. See if you can figure out what’s going on with our deeply troubling psyches. Speaking of which, Holly tries to persuade me to watch The Traitors – if you also avoid reality TV, let us know if she manages to persuade you. We also talk about looking forward to going to the NRS this weekend – if you’re coming along, do please pop by to our stand and say hi!Coopah supportWe have another Jordan segment this week, as she checks in to see how our training is going using the Coopah training app. She explains how our training is like a sandwich, and we’re very keen to find out what constitutes the pickle. And we’re also very keen to find out if anyone cheats the plan! Do let us know!Lovely extra bitsThis episode is sponsored by Coopah. Coopah are offering all pod squadders a 2-week free trial of their app and then giving 20% off their standard annual subscription price. Just download the Coopah app and use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up. Or visit coopah.com/womensrunning where you can find all of these details.· Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you’ll save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE ITDownload a FREE mini mag to help you run 5K! Go to womensrunning.co.uk/runBuy a Pod Squad t-shirt!Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 2025 • 34min
Ep 3. Start to Run: Motivation
Welcome back to our brand new podcast series that we’re calling Start to Run. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ll be sharing these special episodes every Monday to help you get yourself moving. If you’ve missed the first coupe of episodes then don’t stress – you can find episodes one and two out now wherever you get your pods. We’re not following a specific plan together, so set yourself whatever goal you want to achieve – we’ll be checking in and catching up each week to support you as we get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.How do I motivate myself to run?This week, we’re talking motivation. If your willpower to get out there and pound the pavements has taken a dip, you’re not alone – but we’ve got plenty of tips to keep you going. From what we really should officially call ’The Cream Egg method’, to where to find support, to how to jazz up your sessions – we’re discussing it all today.What happens if I’m struggling to reach my goals?A valid question! We’ve got some tried and tested advice here that involves creating some ‘mini goals’ – a bit like mini eggs, but not quite as moreish. Listen in for more on that...If you want more support with your running journey, make sure to subscibe to Women’s Running magazine this January and you’ll get 50% off AND a free beginner running guide for either 5K or 10K, your choice. Just head to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer or hit the link in the show notes.Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here: womensrunning.co.uk/beginners/learn-to-run-5k/Lovely extrasIf you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine over at womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer. We’re giving you a whopping 50% off, plus a FREE training guide of your choice (5K or 10K) to help you over the finish line.We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep 231. Marathon training and Quitter's Day
Welcome to episode 231 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.This episode is sponsored by Coopah, the running app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up for 2 free weeks and a further 20% off for a whole year.MarathonToday, we’re almost immediately talking about our marathon training. I’ve taken on Jordan’s comments and have actually done an interval training run and am feeling very smug. Holly has been following her plan closely (much more closely than me) and we’re both feeling quite happy with the process so far.RoutineWe also talk about the concept of ‘quitters day’, cos that’s where we are in the month. And then we talk about routine and how we can ensure our new resolutions or promises turn into lifelong habits. Subscribe now!Speaking of habits, January is of course the perfect time to subscribe to Women’s Running magazine, to give you a hand maintaining the running habit – right now you can save 50% and we’re also throwing in a 5K training guide absolutely free. Go to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer to find out more. Lovely extra bitsThis episode is sponsored by Coopah. Coopah are offering all pod squadders a 2-week free trial of their app and then giving 20% off their standard annual subscription price. Just download the Coopah app and use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up. Or visit coopah.com/womensrunning where you can find all of these details.· Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you’ll save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE ITDownload a FREE mini mag to help you run 5K! Go to womensrunning.co.uk/runBuy a Pod Squad t-shirt!Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 2025 • 32min
Ep 2. Start to Run: pace & distance
Welcome back to our brand new podcast series that we’re calling Start to Run. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ll be sharing these special episodes every Monday to help you get yourself moving. Whether you’re a runner who’s been around the block a few times or this is all completely new to you, these episodes should have all the tools you need to make running feel simple. Each week, we’re tackling a different FAQ as we get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.How fast should I be running?This week, we get into the much discussed topic of pace – how quickly should we be running? We share our very favourite bits of advice on the rate of perceived effort which, in our humble opinion, is a much more important metric than how many minutes a mile you’re running.How far should I be running?We also get into distance and share our own tips on how to measure a run and what sort of length you should be aiming for at the beginning.If you want more support with your running journey, make sure to subscibe to Women’s Running magazine this January and you’ll get 50% off AND a free beginner running guide for either 5K or 10K, your choice. Just head to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer or hit the link in the show notes.Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here: womensrunning.co.uk/beginners/learn-to-run-5k/Lovely extrasIf you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine over at womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer. We’re giving you a whopping 50% off, plus a FREE training guide of your choice (5K or 10K) to help you over the finish line.We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 31min
Ep 230. Marathon training begins with Coopah
Welcome to episode 230 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.This episode is sponsored by Coopah, the running app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up for 2 free weeks and a further 20% off for a whole year.Marathon trainingWe’ve got a corker of an episode for you today – top of the bill, we’ve got Jordan from Coopah, joining us mid-way through to talk to us about our training. Holly and I are running the London Marathon in April, and in order to get us to the start line we’ve been using Coopah, and we wanted to check in with Jordan that we’re on the right track. She puts us right about where we can flex with the plan – and where we can’t!But before and after that we’ve got all sorts of stuff to talk about – including the 75 Hard Challenge, and various other things that have been getting us hot under the collar.Join us!We’ve got a great offer if you fancy subscribing to Women’s Running magazine, to give you a motivational boost every month – right now you can save 50% and we’re also throwing in a 5K training guide absolutely free. Go to womensrunning.co.uk/podoffer to find out more.Lovely extra bitsThis episode is sponsored by Coopah. Coopah are offering all pod squadders a 2-week free trial of their app and then giving 20% off their standard annual subscription price. Just download the Coopah app and use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up. Or visit coopah.com/womensrunning where you can find all of these details.· Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you’ll save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE ITDownload a FREE mini mag to help you run 5K! Go to womensrunning.co.uk/runBuy a Pod Squad t-shirt!Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


