The Runner's World UK Podcast

Celebrated author Richard Askwith comes on the podcast to discuss the lessons he learned through writing and researching his latest book, The Race Against Time, which looks at the world of masters running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Barkley Marathons is widely regarded as being the world's toughest ultramarathon, completed by only 17 people in its 35-year history. Author and ultrarunner Michiel Panhuysen knows firsthand how difficult it is, having competed in it multiple times, and his new book In the Spell of the Barkley (Bloomsbury, £15.29) offers some hard-won wisdom on "the race that eats its young". On this week's episode, Panhuysen provides some illuminating insights into the Barkley, its characters and the qualities required to succeed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Often considered a training and racing technique for those new to running, the run/walk approach has infinite potential for those willing to embrace a little purposeful strolling when running. Running coach Laura Fountain joins us to discuss all things run/walk and perhaps why you should give it a go on your next long run. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before retiring from cycling last year, Alex Dowsett was the only known elite sportsperson with haemophilia to compete in an able-bodied field. He's now setting his sights on the London Marathon to raise money for his charity, Little Bleeders (littlebleeders.com), and shares some inspiring lessons from his remarkable career.Co-hosts Rick and Ben also share the expert approved seven strength moves all runners need to do (see below for details)Dr Richard Blagrove is one of the foremost experts in strength and conditioning, having worked with some of the UK’s top runners at St Mary’s and Loughborough universities. So when Blagrove was asked, on Matthew Boyd's The Adaptive Zone podcast, what the seven best strength exercises are for runners, his answers are worth noting down. Here’s what he said:1.   A squat-type movement, such as a front squat or back squat.2.   A hinge-hip movement pattern, such as a Romanian deadlift or a deadlift from the ground.3.   A stepping movement pattern, such as a barbell or dumbbell step-up (try holding the dumbbell only in one hand to challenge your trunk).4.   A lunge pattern, such as a split squat5.   Loaded single leg calf-raise or a calf-press hold on a leg press.6.   Pull-ups on a bar7.   Standard press-upsFor a gold star, add in some deadbug exercises, which will recruit your hip flexors a little bit more. Do these exercises twice a week to see the benefits. If you struggle to fit in two whole workouts, consider doing 10-15 minutes a day, with the aim of accumulating the same amount of work per week as two full sessions.In terms of reps, for novices, Blagrove recommends 10-12. As you become more trained, you can vary the repetition ranges. For instance, you could try a more maximal block, where you go as low as 3 reps. And then work a bit more in the middle ground, between 5-10 reps.By the end of each exercise, aim to be on a perceived exertion level of about 8 out of 10. ‘That will tell me they’ve got maybe two or three repetitions in reserve, which is about right,’ said Blagrove. ‘You’re working hard but not to complete failure.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show, we speak with the world-renowned performance coach Steve Magness about his latest book, Do Hard Things, in which he looks at why we get it all wrong when it comes to mental strength – and what true toughness actually looks like. Steve's website: stevemagness.comSteve's latest book: Do Hard Things Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show, Rick and Ben discuss running and stress. Is there a 'sweet spot' when it comes to pushing our bodies? And what other factors should we consider when putting together a training programme? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TV presenter and radio host Jenni Falconer joins us to talk about her love for running, coming back from injury, becoming obsessed with golf and so much more.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time to turn your back on running? With the search term 'backwards running' becoming ever more popular, it seems more of use are putting our running into reverse gear. Converts say it bulletproofs their knees, but what evidence currently exists as to its benefits? Running physio Tom Goom (running-physio.com) sifts through the latest studies to give us an expert opinion on the pros and cons of backwards running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Photographer and film maker Emily Maye joins us to talk about how she approaches taking pictures of runners and what led her and Tracksmith to make an 84 minute film about the long run.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Spine Race is a 268-mile, non-stop ultramarathon taking in the entirety of the Pennine Way. The winter edition takes place in January, meaning competitors must battle snow, wind and sub-zero temperatures, as they make their way from Edale, Derbyshire, to Kirk Yeltholm, Scotland. Little wonder it’s become known as “Britain's most brutal race”. Our guests this week are male winner Damian Hall and second-placed female Hannah Rickman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices