

The Runna Podcast
Runna
Welcome to the Runna Podcast! Each week we deep dive into the world of running with some truly inspiring individuals. Join our hosts, Coach Ben (Head Coach and Co-Founder of Runna) and Coach Anya Culling (professional marathon runner), as they sit down with passionate individuals from all walks of life who share a common love for running.Expect a blend of captivating interviews exploring inspirational journeys, hilarious tales of running mishaps, and invaluable coaching tips from Olympian and Coach, Steph Davis. Each episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and plenty of motivation to fuel your next run.From seasoned athletes to beginners taking their first strides, Runna is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re aiming to conquer a faster 5k or cross the finish line of your first ultra-marathon, our tailored Runna plans and weekly podcast episodes are designed to keep you motivated. Use code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ if you’re feeling inspired to give it a go for a 2-week free trial.Join us on the Runna Podcast as we celebrate the joys, challenges, and triumphs of running, and help you achieve your Runna goals one stride at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 23, 2025 • 49min
I Consistently Showed for Myself and It Changed Everything: Randi Zuckerberg, CEO, Mum, and Ultrarunner
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by entrepreneur, ultramarathoner, and media powerhouse Randi Zuckerberg, fresh off completing her sixth World Marathon Major in Tokyo.As CEO of Zuckerberg Media, mother of three, and now a Cocodona 250 trainee, Randi opens up about what running has taught her—not just about physical endurance, but about presence, perseverance, and the joy of showing up even when motivation runs dry.We unpack: Her path to becoming a 6-Star Finisher, including 16 marathons and 11 ultras 🏃♀️ The leap from entrepreneur to ultrarunner: how running helped her navigate stress and build resilience Training for Cocodona 250, a grueling 250-mile ultra in Arizona and one of the toughest footraces on the planet How she balances family, business, and a race calendar that spans continents The power of community, showing up when you're tired, and what it really means to redefine your limitsThis episode is packed with wisdom and some serious motivation from one of the busiest, and boldest women on the planet. 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.

May 16, 2025 • 1h 5min
"I Thought It Was Never Going to End": Romesh Ranganathan's Unfiltered London Marathon Experience
Romesh Ranganathan, a world-renowned comedian, shares his humorous and heartfelt journey through the London Marathon. He reflects on how he went from dreading cross-country runs in school to embracing marathons, revealing the emotional highs and the quirky moments of race day. Romesh discusses his unique training strategies, the sense of community among runners, and hilarious personal anecdotes, including a comical bet involving tattoos. This candid chat highlights that anyone can be a runner if they just show up.

6 snips
May 9, 2025 • 37min
From 135kg to 2:52 Marathon: How El Burrito Proved Everyone Wrong
Oli Paterson, known as El Burrito, transformed from a 135kg man struggling with addiction to an inspiring runner who completed a marathon in 2:52. He shares his journey of self-discovery and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace fitness and creativity. With a unique perspective on running's power, Oli discusses how he's breaking stereotypes and challenging limits set by coaches and society. He also talks about the balance between enjoying food and achieving speed, leaving listeners motivated to pursue their own unconventional fitness paths.

May 2, 2025 • 43min
How It Feels to Make History: Cal Calamia, First Non-Binary Athlete to Podium at All 6 World Majors
This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Cal Calamia—a California-based marathoner, educator, activist, and now the first non-binary athlete in history to podium at all six World Marathon Majors.After stepping away from collegiate running, Cal returned not just to compete, but to transform the sport. With their podium finish in London on April 27th 2025, they’ve now made history —all while advocating for inclusive race categories they helped build.In this episode, we explore Cal’s incredible journey including:🏅 Historic Podiums – Podium finishes at NYC, London, Tokyo, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, LA & more 🏃♂️ Creating Space – Founder of the Non-Binary+ Run Club, building community across the US 📚 Educator & Poet – Professor at University of San Francisco and author of San Franshitshow 🎥 Out of the Dark – The documentary capturing Cal’s story of identity, struggle, and triumph 💬 Changing the Game – How their advocacy is reshaping the future of competitive runningWe dive into Cal’s mindset, motivation, and how it feels to make history.📩 We’d love to hear what drives you. Email us at podcast@runna.com or tag us on Instagram @runna. 📱✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 51min
How Anya Culling Ran Her Best Marathon at London 2025: Live from The Runna Race Hub
Recorded live from a marathon hub, a renowned elite runner shares her inspiring journey through the recent London Marathon. She discusses balancing her career, training, and personal life while embracing the community spirit of the race. The conversation touches on crucial race day preparations, emotional crowd moments, and effective recovery techniques. Humorous anecdotes and camaraderie highlight the joy of marathoning, alongside debates on treadmill versus outdoor running. The episode celebrates the iconic experience of racing and the special memories created along the way.

Apr 26, 2025 • 40min
Helen Skelton: Why We Should All Do Hard Things
How do you build a mindset so powerful that nothing life throws at you can hold you back?This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by the unstoppable Helen Skelton—broadcaster, adventurer, mum of three, and true superwoman. Known for saying yes to the wildest challenges—from kayaking 2,010 miles solo down the Amazon to cycling to the South Pole—Helen has become an inspiration for what’s possible when you refuse to let fear or difficulty stand in your way.Think of the craziest challenge? Helen’s probably done it. As she gets ready for her fourth London Marathon with Runna, we talk about fitting marathon training around her busy career and three kids—including how a 24-hour rollerblading challenge for Comic Relief became part of her prep.🌟 Superwoman Mentality – Why Helen says yes to the toughest adventures and how each one builds her resilience💪 Doing Hard Things – How she uses her wildest experiences as reference points for life’s toughest moments🏃♀️ London Marathon – What keeps her coming back and how she fits training around family and work👧 Mum of three – How her children inspire her and how her adventures set an example🧠 Mindset – Using adversity and challenge to shape a powerful, positive outlookHelen’s story proves that saying yes to challenge doesn’t just change you—it inspires everyone around you to see what’s possible. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 25, 2025 • 24min
What Should You Do in the Final 48 Hours Before Your Marathon? 8 Essential Tips From Anya Culling & Coach Ben
The countdown is on! With just 48 hours to go until the London Marathon, what really matters most?In this short episode of The Runna Podcast, pro marathoner Anya Culling and coach Ben Parker cover everything you could want to know in the final two days before race day—delivered in just 8 essential tips. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned marathoner, this is your go-to checklist for feeling prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy every mile.We break down food, kit, mindset, logistics, and give you the final advice you need to enjoy every mile. Tune in for 20 minutes of focused, practical advice you can put into action—so you can make the most of your final 48 hours and line up feeling ready to smash your 26.2 miles 💪 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 20, 2025 • 43min
Paul Sinton-Hewitt: The parkrun Founder Who Transformed Running Forever
From one event with 13 runners to a global movement that’s transformed lives—this is the story of how parkrun came to be.This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, to hear the inspiring story behind one of the world’s most powerful community movements.What started as a small time trial during a difficult period in Paul’s life became a lifeline—not just for him, but for millions around the world.🏃♂️ The Birth of parkrun – How injury and isolation led to an idea that would redefine community running ❤️ Family & Connection – Why Paul wishes he had parkrun as a child, and the special bond it fosters between generations 🤝 The Volunteer Spirit – How the volunteer-led model makes parkrun one of the most welcoming and supportive environments in sport 📖 Stories That Inspire – The moving, real-life accounts of people whose lives have been changed by showing up on Saturday mornings ⏱️ Why Slower Is Better – The surprising and powerful reason the average parkrun finish time is getting slowerPaul shares the lessons he’s learned, the magic that makes parkrun what it is, and the power of running’s community. 📘 One Small Step by Paul Sinton-Hewitt is published on 10th April 2025. 👉 Get your copy here ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 11, 2025 • 58min
The Ultimate Pre-Marathon Race Guide With Anya Culling and Coach Ben
Answering every question you could possibly have ahead of your next marathon!This week on The Runna Podcast, we bring you the ultimate pre-marathon race guide, packed with tangible, actionable advice from pro marathon runner Anya Culling and Head Coach Ben Parker.We’re joined by Izzy, who’s gearing up for her upcoming 26.2 miles. She shares how she’s feeling, what she’s nervous about, and asks the exact questions so many runners—whether it’s your first marathon or your 100th—are thinking.We break down:🥞 How to fuel properly – in the days before and during the race🧠 The mindset that will carry you through the toughest moments🎒 What to bring on race day – gear, nutrition, and kit essentials⏰ Night-before and race morning routines – staying calm and race-ready✅ Top tips from a pro and a coach – practical advice from those who’ve been thereThis is the episode to save, revisit, and put into practice on race day—your complete guide to feeling confident and ready to take on 26.2 miles. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 4, 2025 • 41min
Ben Felton: From Chef to Sub-2:25 Marathoner Filming Every Step of the Way
This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Felton, the chef-turned-runner who’s bridging the gap between elite athlete and content creator. With a 66-minute half marathon PB and a 2:24 marathon, Ben doesn’t just run fast—he captures it all on film, offering rare first-person insights into the world of high-performance racing.🔥 A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to train and race like an elite athlete—while filming every step of the way (running 3:08/km splits)👟 Unfiltered, honest gear reviews from someone who’s tested nearly every carbon-plated shoe out there🎥 A rare first-person view of elite races, showing the mental and physical effort in real time🍳 From Chef to Sub-2:25 – how he traded life in the kitchen for life on the road 🇰🇪 Training in Kenya – what it’s like to run with the world’s best (including someone who ran a 2:18 marathon in flip-flops).🎯 London Marathon Goals – how he’s preparing to break his 2:24 PB and what it takes to keep levelling up.Tune in to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to train as an elite athlete while filming every step. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.