The Runna Podcast

Ayesha McGowan, the first African-American female professional cyclist, shares her remarkable journey from a music teacher to international racing with Liv Racing. She reflects on her breakthrough moment at the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l'Ardèche and the challenges of representation in cycling. Ayesha discusses founding initiatives like A Quick Brown Fox and The Abundance Project to empower women of color. Her story not only inspires with tales of resilience but also calls for meaningful change in the sport and beyond.

Laura Weightman, a two-time Olympian and one of the UK's fastest women, shares her journey from athletic glory to coaching and mentorship after injury forced her retirement. She discusses the intense pressure athletes face, the transformative power of mental health support, and what she wishes young female athletes knew. Laura candidly reflects on her evolution from competitor to mentor, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and the freedom she found in coaching. Her insights are a powerful reminder of resilience in redefining one’s identity post-dream.

Jordan Adams, co-founder of The FTD Brothers and a passionate fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK, shares his inspiring journey living with frontotemporal dementia at 23. He discusses his transformation from teenage caregiver to record-breaking runner, revealing how running became his 'license to live.' Jordan details his incredible challenges, including running marathons and traversing the UK with his brother, while emphasizing the emotional toll of grief and the importance of finding purpose. His story is a powerful testament to resilience and family legacy.

Discover inspiring journeys from Olympic champions and world record holders in the running community. Get expert coaching tips to train smarter and recover stronger. Enjoy candid discussions about overcoming setbacks and finding purpose. Tune in for humorous 'would you rather' questions that add a lighthearted touch. This podcast promises uplifting stories and insights that motivate both elite athletes and everyday runners. Each week brings new fascinating content to keep you engaged and energized.

Richard Whitehead MBE, a double Paralympic gold medalist and four-time world champion, shares his inspiring journey from overcoming childhood challenges to achieving athletic success. He discusses his late start in marathon running at 28 with specialized prosthetics and the importance of inclusivity in sports for the 16 million individuals in the UK with disabilities. Richard also shares his humorous take on marathon fuel mishaps and dreams of an ideal race experience that’s flat, inclusive, and fueled by pizza. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience and belief.

Marcus Skeet, known as The Hull Boy, made headlines as the youngest person to run the full UK length at just 17. He shares his inspiring journey from battling severe OCD and depression after his father's dementia diagnosis to completing an 837-mile marathon. Marcus discusses how a single walk ignited his passion for running and the profound mental health benefits he experienced. His mission raised £160,000 for the charity Mind, emphasizing that his journey is about finding purpose in pain, not just physical achievement.

Explore the common pitfalls runners face, from training errors to race-day blunders. Discover the importance of gradually increasing mileage and incorporating rest for optimal recovery. Learn how to set realistic goals that prioritize enjoyment over strict time constraints. The hosts also tackle the critical role of carbs in fueling your runs. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted debate about balancing pizza with marathon training. This lively mix of coaching tips and humorous insights will enhance your running experience.

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by two-time Olympian Elise Cranny and American record holder in the indoor 5000m.From her breakthrough moment as a college athlete at Stanford to representing Team USA in both Tokyo and Paris, Elise opens up about the mental shifts that transformed her career and the mindset it took to not just reach the top, but stay there.Mindset has the power to make or break your running - whether you’re just starting out or racing at the highest level. Tune in for tips that could change your perspective and your enjoyment of the sport.We unpack: 🏅 The turning point in college where the Olympic dream finally felt real 🧠 Her evolution as an elite athlete – from chasing perfection to celebrating the wins 🚀 The importance of a healthy mindset for consistency and success 💡 Building a training rhythm she can actually sustain without burning out 🎯 Trusting her instincts, racing with boldness, and letting go of rigid splitsElise’s story is about more than medals. It’s about self-belief, breaking the mould, and showing up with purpose.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, follow, and share The Runna Podcast so you never miss an episode. ✨ Use code PODCAST25 to try Runna free for 2 weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Aimee Fuller, two-time Winter Olympian, X Games trailblazer, and now one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting.We cover everything from:🎿 The “love and passion” that gave Aimee the ability to chase her Snowboarding Olympic dreams and land the first ever women’s double backflip🎤 Finding purpose in broadcasting and the stories of others🏃‍♀️ Discovering running as an outlet post-retirement and falling in love with it at the London Marathon🧠 The mental strength she gained from elite sport and what it taught her about owning her space as a woman💥 What excites her now, and why she calls her career “the degree of life”Whether you’re navigating life after sport or seeking inspiration to chase a new goal, this one’s packed with energy, honesty, and serious motivation.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, follow, and share The Runna Podcast.👉 Make sure to join our Runna Community where you can chat to Ben and Anya and other listeners about each episode: https://club.runna.com/n9Tx/community?space=11ce8dd2-bc2a-4eb6-8a65-9252df47312d Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Alexandra Bell, an Olympic 800m finalist and middle-distance star, as she dives into her transition from track to road running. She shares the adrenaline of receiving her Tokyo call-up just a week before the Games and reflects on her identity beyond athletics. Resilience is a key theme as she discusses overcoming rejection and her evolving aspirations in the sport. With humor, she highlights the excitement of exploring unique running challenges, including quirky scenarios, making this a lively and insightful chat about pursuing passion.