I Did A Runner Podcast

Joining me on the Podcast tomorrow Is TV personality, hybrid athlete, father, and my good friend Ryan Libbey aka big bear. In this episode, we reflect on the past few years, from life on TV to becoming a father. In 2021, Ryan’s partner Louise, suffered a horrific experience during the birth of their first child Leo, leading to both physical and mental complications. Ryan is extremely open about his own experience during this time, becoming the primary caregiver for both his partner and child. Ryan discusses the monumental hurdles he and his family have had to face over the last two years, his resilience and strength is something I greatly admire. In this episode he reveals his upcoming running challenge, and his pursuit for peace. This episode is a powerful one, which will help so many. I couldn’t be prouder of him for being so open and vulnerable.

Joining me on the podcast is elite runner Anya Culling. Three years ago I met Anya during a walk in Norfolk, since then she’s honestly blown me away with her journey. When I first met her, she’d only just really taken up running, her story is remarkable and one that leaves so many questions to be answered. In the space of two years she has gone from not really being a runner to shaving off two hours on her personal best time with a quickest marathon time to date being two hours and 34 minutes, earning herself a call up to represent England. Anya’s your story has gripped the nation and has sent the  message that it really is never too late to start something. I honestly love her vulnerability and her rawness, no matter the position she finishes, she is, in my opinion the people’s champion. Every time she steps foot on that start line it’s a reminder of what’s possible to anyone and to people of all abilities. From a first time runner to elites, we can all take inspiration from Anya’s story.

Have numbers dictated your happiness? Joining me on the podcast today is Hybrid athlete and influencer Lucy Reeves. Lucy is such a relatable person, so much of her life has been a battle with her mind, and accepting the body she has. Her journey of trial and error to find solutions to improve this has made her realize that happiness isn’t defined by numbers. In this episode it was fascinating to hear the pros and cons that have come from her initial investment into the bodybuilding world. Training 6 days a week but unable to walk up a hill without being breathless. Her passion for the perfect physic is what led to the demise in her mental health. With a more versatile approach to fitness, less focused on her body, it has helped heal the relationship with her body. This is something most men and women will have struggled with at some point. Lucy then began running. Running has been instrumental at reminding her what of she’s capable of, and helped to silence the voices in her head. I believe this episode will help a lot of people going through their own personal journey into fitness, and give you reassurance that you’re not the only one feeling, or going through something like this.

Joining the podcast today is a remarkable individual who made a historic mark by winning a race that will be remembered for years. Jack Scott shattered an unbreakable record by an astonishing 10 hours. This year, he conquered the Montagne Winter Spine Race, covering 268 miles in just 72 hours, 55 minutes, and 5 seconds, with only 50 minutes of sleep. To put that distance in perspective, Jack ran over 10 consecutive marathons in that time. Jack's story is truly inspiring. After battling a gambling addiction, he discovered a love and passion for running, which led him into the world of ultra running. What's even more impressive is that running isn't his full-time job. With the rise of ultra running, there is much to learn from Jack, and at just 29 years old, his story is already fascinating, with much more to come. What does it take to become one of the world's greats? In this episode, we will find out.

Joining me on the podcast today is one of my closest friends Ben Tensely, who has been one of the biggest influences in my life, and the inspiration behind some of my biggest challenges. The first time he met my daughter India, would become a day we would never forget. On his way home he was involved in an accident that would paralyse him from the chest down, and would change his life forever, and steer mine in a completely new direction. His resilience, ambition, and positivity is what empowers you to believe anything is possible. Having been told he would never walk again, his journey to taking that first step is what has driven me to test my limits, understanding the value of life and seeing first hand how quickly it can change in an instant, he’s my reminder to make it count. In order to succeed, you must be brave, for some of the goals we set ourselves may seem impossible. This episode is a special one, with my book coming out this Thursday, I wanted to Ben to see it for the first time together in this conversation, so he can too realise the impact he has had on my life, and how far we have come together.

Joining me on today’s podcast is comedian, actor, presenter and BAFTA winner - Joel Dommett. This episode was so insightful, hearing from someone at the top of their game be so honest about their rise in success and what it takes to get there. Success comes with a price, hearing how Joel copes with that will benefit so many people.  Since becoming a parent, it’s had a profound impact on his career and passions in life, his burning desire to be a role model to his child and now understanding more than ever the importance of connection and families has steered him in new directions. The fitness community has become an integral part of Joel‘s journey, and in this episode we delve deep into the benefits it’s had on his mental health. Inspiration can make you do wonderful things, most recently he completed his first official marathon dressed as a piranha. This is only just the beginning for Joel, but with his all in attitude, what does the future look like?

This week's podcast features Milly Pickles, who, despite having only been a brief presence in my life, has left a profound impact. Her attitude to life and what comes with it is what makes her so remarkable. After almost loosing her life to a horrific accident and becoming an amputee, her story could have finished there, but her determination has shown it’s far from over.  In this episode, we discuss how she defines herself by her approach to life rather than her injuries, the value of her environment and what impact it has on her, and what the future looks like with the many ambitions she has set herself to achieve. Milly’s message is creating a formidable ripple effect across the globe, she gives people hope no matter the circumstances. Where some see limitations, she sees a new opportunities.

Joining me on this week's podcast is a man who knocked my tooth out and made me drink it as his own wedding, he’s my mucka, my hombre, and a good friend James Dunmore. He was made to look a mute on our screens, but the man is far from that. This will be the first time to hear and see him say more than 6 words. Very few know the real Dunmore, he’s as beautiful inside, as he is out. He’s used his platform to help raise money and awareness to improve the lives of so many living with cystic fibrosis. Having lost both of his sisters to the disease, it comes from an incredible passionate place. What I’ve lost in teeth knowing this man, i’ve gained in memories. We’ve come along way since the day we met, he’s now a husband, recently become a father for the first time, and now devoted to his newest passion of running, we hear how he’s balancing it all.

Joining me on this week’s podcast is TV personality, campaigner, and ultra athlete, Ashley Cain, who is at the beginning of his next challenge facing John o’Groats to Lands End, not once, but three times over, running, cycling, and kayaking the distance to continue campaigning for key change in childhood cancer. After the tragic loss of his daughter Azaylia to cancer, Ashley has committed his life to helping others, his work has created a ripple effect across the nation giving so many people hope. Strength must be found if we are to face the inevitable challenges life throws at us, Ashleys resilience is testament to what can be achieved when faced with such a tragedy. His daughter's legacy lives on through his work. This episode is incredible powerful, and is a reminder to never give up.

Joining me on this week’s podcast are two instrumental parts of my team and the reason behind the success of my most reason challenge R41M.  Charlie my physio and Nick my strength and conditioning coach have elevated my performance and enabled me a far more sustainable approach to my training with the intention of producing longevity with what i set out to achieve. This episode was hugely insightful and will help so many with their approach to both performance and the recovery side of things. With a wealth of knowledge and experience behind them, this will help all runners, and anyone testing themselves physically.  Comparison is the thief of joy, so many can relate to this, we discuss how this view can be improved to ensure the most fulfilling outcome for you personally. With whatever you have set yourself, this episode could change your present and the future outcome of it.