The Runna Podcast

Roman Kemp, a British broadcaster and presenter, opens up about his journey back to running and the profound impact it has on his mental health. He explains how transitioning from heavy weights to mobility-focused training transformed his perspective on fitness. Roman shares how running sparks creative ideas and alleviates anxiety, along with insights into the importance of preparation and opportunity in life. With humorous anecdotes from his recent experiences on Celebrity Race Across The World, this conversation highlights the life-changing benefits of movement.

Join Anna Sitar, a content creator and endurance athlete who transitioned from swimming and Zumba to marathon running. She shares her inspiring journey from a novice runner to tackling marathons, emphasizing that you don’t need to feel ready to start. Anna discusses the lessons learned from the Honolulu and London marathons, including overcoming self-doubt and the importance of resilience. With ambitions set for New York, she emphasizes enjoying the race while pursuing personal bests, reminding us that confidence is built one run at a time.

Discover how to maintain running consistency with practical insights on avoiding the all-or-nothing mindset. Learn the benefits of starting small and personalizing your running goals to fit your lifestyle. Coaches emphasize the importance of scheduling runs like appointments and focusing on enjoyment over pace. Don't let bad runs derail you; they’re part of the journey! Embrace social running for accountability, prepare your gear in advance, and keep revisiting your personal motivation to stay committed. Make 2026 your year of running!

Ben and Anya look back on their favorite moments from the past year, featuring hilarious anecdotes like a toilet mishap and a piranha costume at a marathon. They dive into inspiring guest stories, including a marathoner's 42 races and a remarkable run across the UK. With ambitious 2026 goals set, Anya aims for a 2:34 marathon and her first Ironman, while Ben targets a sub-2:45 marathon. They also reveal their top running tech and compare Strava stats, promising more motivational content in the new year.

Max Whitlock OBE, a British Olympic gold medal gymnast and LA 2028 hopeful, reveals his journey back from retirement. He discusses the mental pressures of Olympic success and how he regained joy in gymnastics. Max shares his new passion for running, detailing his impressive 5K PB attempt and the role of discipline in both sports. He highlights the importance of routine, family, and redefining success at 32, proving that growth continues beyond medals.

In this engaging conversation, Chrissie Wellington OBE, a four-time Ironman World Champion and undefeated athlete, shares her inspiring journey from discovering triathlon at 30 to achieving greatness. She emphasizes the power of joy and curiosity in training, revealing how naivety liberated her to win the Ironman World Championship on her debut. Chrissie discusses the mental tools that shaped her resilience, the influence of her experiences in Nepal, and the importance of redefining success, including her decision to retire at her peak.

Kayla Jeter, a sports psychologist and ultramarathoner, shares her inspiring journey from Division I volleyball to running. After overcoming an ACL injury and personal loss, she founded the 100 Miles of Summer movement, now uniting over 260,000 participants. Kayla discusses the importance of community in running, her '1% better every day' philosophy, and how sports psychology tools can empower athletes. She emphasizes representation in endurance sports and the joy of running beyond just competition.

Zac Clark, the founder of the Release Recovery Foundation, shares his inspiring transformation from a 250-pound individual struggling with addiction to a dedicated ultramarathoner who has completed 11 NYC Marathons. He discusses how a simple hill in rehab sparked his running journey, emphasizing movement as therapy. Zac highlights the importance of accountability, self-improvement, and how running helped him rebuild his life while raising over $750,000 for mental health treatment through his foundation.

Adrian D'Costa, Head Physiotherapist and running coach, shares his expertise on preventing common running injuries like runner's knee, shin splints, and IT band syndrome. He discusses the importance of load management and how terrain can affect knee stress. Adrian highlights effective strength training techniques, particularly for the quadriceps, and stresses the significance of hip stability over stretching for IT band pain. He also dives into recovery strategies, emphasizing sleep, nutrition, and tailored cross-training to keep runners injury-free.

Uly Morazan, an actor, comedian, and LGBTQ+ creator, hilariously recounts his transformation from a running skeptic to a marathoner. He shares the chaos of training for the NYC Marathon, including the shock of his first energy gel and the importance of salt tabs. Uly discusses the ups and downs of long runs, navigating dehydration, and finding motivation incommunity. With humor and honesty, he emphasizes that anyone can join the running journey, reminding beginners to embrace small wins and take it slow.