The UKRunChat podcast.

Merili Freear began running in April 2020 during the first Covid-19 lockdown in England. Since then, she has run many thousands of miles, including two marathons and an ultra marathon. Through her experiences, Merili has learned that it’s possible to achieve things that may seem impossible at first glance, and she has written and self-published, a book, Just Run, that she hopes will inspire others too.Follow Merili on Instagram

In this episode Michelle chats with Emily.Emily ran competitively as a teenager, but had a break due to injury and took up running again in her twenties.  After many hospitalisations Emily was diagnosed with IBS is 2019, and in the podcast Michelle and Emily chat about the impact of this on her running and racing.Emily has ran five marathons and one ultra-marathon and her favourite distances to race are 5k and half marathons. Since joining a running club in June 2023, Emily has PB'd across all distances except the marathon. This has shocked her at only two years postpartum!You can follow Emily on Instagram 

Anna Dingley is the founder of the inaugural FT Nikkei UK Ekiden race which will take place on Monday 24th June. The race will follow an iconic, 76-mile route from Oxford to Windsor along the Thames Path. 19 teams of 10 runners will compete in the long-distance relay wearing the traditional tasuki sash instead of using a baton.Michelle chats with Anna all about the event, Anna explains about the traditions and the history of the Ekiden, and about the challenges of organising a long point to point relay race. The UK Ekiden is happening for the first time on Monday 24th June.www.ukekiden.com 

On Monday May 6th at the UK Milton Keynes marathon, British runner Steve Edwards achieved what many people have described as the ultimate multi marathon world record when he was crowned the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title holder for running 1000 official marathon races in the fastest average finish time.Listen to this episode to hear Michelle and Steve chat all about what has been a 43 year journey! A few stats1000 Official Marathon Races from 1981 - 2024.Finish Times ranging from 2hrs 51min - 3hrs 57min.325 Sub 3:15s, 500 sub 3:20s, 801 sub 3:30s & 1000 sub 4,00sA marathon on average every 13 days for the last 36 years.First 500 marathons - 22 years - aged 25-45Average finish time - 3hrs 18min.Second 500 marathons - 14 years - aged 45 - 61Average finish time - 3hrs 24min.Total Average Finish Time for all 1000 marathons - 3hrs 21min 47secYou can follow Steve on Instagram here

In this episode Michelle chats with Steve Cram and Lisa McNally (Director of Public Health) about the upcoming Wythall & Hollywood Fun Run. Listen to hear:Steve's great advice for new runners, the importance of the running community, the physical and mental health benefits of running, participating in your first race, and an appeal to other local authorities to prioritise public health and support their local running communities. https://wythallhollywoodfunrun.org.uk Follow Lisa hereEvents of The North

In this episode Michelle chats with Susie Chan.  Susie is an Ultra Runner, Peleton Instructor and Author with her new book Trails & Tribulations having just been published on the 6th June. Since taking up running at the age of 35, Susie has completed the legendary Marathon des Sables more times than any other British woman, set the 12-hour treadmill World Record and was one of the first women to finish all the World Marathon Majors.Michelle & Susie chat about:Susie's new book, The Marathon des Sables, Badwater, the Jungle Ultra in the Amazon, a 24 hour track ultra and Susie's 12 hour treadmill Guiness World Record.You can follow Susie on Instagram and find her new book here

In this episode Michelle chats with Andrew Hood. Andrew is an ultra runner and chats with Michelle all about:- Andy's love of ultra running.- Andy's diagnosis with, and recovery from, testicular cancer.- Andy's recent challenges, including the South West Coast Path, a tour of Mont Blanc, a 50km treadmill run in a shopping centre, and a 50km donut run!- Andy also asks listeners for ideas for running challenges as he enters his 6th decade. Andy's blog: www.runningwestwardho.co.ukfollow Andy on Instagram: @runningwestwardho

In our latest podcast episode Michelle chats with Ben Parker who is a Running Coach and one of the Co-Founders of our partners Runna.Listen to hear Michelle and Ben chat about:The Runna app.Strength and conditioning.Mobility.Summer training tips.How to prevent injury and improve performance.Follow Ben on InstagramFollow Runna on instagram.You can claim an extended free trial with Runna using code UKRUNCHAT1 here.

In this episode Michelle chats with community member Rohan who has been running for over 10 years. Michelle and Rohan chat about Rohan's love of running, his charity work, mental health, and his goal to reach 100 marathons by his 50th birthday. He will be running his 100th marathon this Saturday 1st June.Trigger Warning: This episode contains a discussion about attempted suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners.You can follow Rohan on X / Twitter @ro_jito & Instagram 

In this episode Michelle chats with Tim.Tim Goule is a community member who enjoys running to keep himself fit and active and for his mental health.He has been running seriously for about 4 years, a commitment that began during the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite not always having the chance to run as often as he'd like, Tim cherishes his identity as a runner, valuing the community, and the sense of accomplishment it brings.Follow Tim on Instagram here.