The Runna Podcast

**Please note, this episode contains discussion of drug addiction, substance misuse, and suicide, which some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional support.**

"Discipline is the only thing that will set you free"

He beat opioid addiction. Then ran a 2:29 marathon at 50.

Ken Rideout is the fastest masters marathon runner in the world - and this week, he brings his story of addiction recovery, discipline, and complete reinvention to The Runna Podcast.

This isn't just a running tips episode...

"It's a home Olympics. The goal is to WIN."

So why did a 2x Olympic medalist choose a race where success wasn't guaranteed?

Grant Fisher joins us the day after his half marathon debut at the United Airlines NYC Half - where he ran 1:00:53, one of the fastest American-born debuts ever. But this wasn't a perfect race. He went out hard, took risks, and learned more because of it.

This is a real-time look at how an Olympian approaches a new distance - the pacing decisions, the mindset under pressure...

Zouhair Talbi just ran 59:41, placing 1st American at the United Airlines NYC Half - and we got the inside scoop. 

Fresh off a 2nd place finish last weekend, elite runner and Olympian Zouhair Talbi joins us to break down the mindset, decisions, and race instincts behind elite performance - and what it means heading into Boston in five weeks.

Zouhair takes us inside the race - sharing how he reads his body within the first mile, how he decides when to surge, and why sometimes the smartest move is not to follow the p...

Who is running really for? Can everyone be “a runner”?

This week, beginner runner and performance artist Scottee joins us on The Runna Podcast the day after his first half marathon to talk running confidence, mental health, and why he almost never started.

This is a raw, funny and honest conversation about starting running when the sport hasn’t always felt welcoming. 

Highlights include: 

🏃 Why running in public feels so exposing, and how Scottee pushed through it

🧠 The mental health shift that running quietly created

🏅 What he wi...

Can you run while pregnant? And how do you safely return to running after having a baby? 

In this International Women’s Day special of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by two incredible women redefining what strength looks like in women’s running. Anya speaks to Hannah and Em from Twice The Health about running during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and balancing motherhood with performance.

Hannah shares her experience returning to competitive running postpartum, while Em shares her experience running whilst pregnant, both offering lived experience and professional insight as qualified nutritionists.

Toget...

“If you put more work in, you will see the results.” But how much is enough?

In this inspiring episode of The Runna Podcast, Coach Anya sits down with 2:17 marathoner and content creator Hugo Fry - serious about speed, but not about himself. 

From lockdown 5Ks to becoming one of the UK’s fastest sub-elite marathoners, Hugo reveals his training secrets around sleep, fuelling, and the ‘delusional self-confidence’ that keeps him pushing forward. Plus, hear how he broke Guinness World Records dressed as Super Mario and Santa! 

A self-confessed running addict, Hugo...

Is marathon training meant to feel this hard?🏃‍♂️ 

If you’re halfway through your training block and suddenly your legs feel heavier, marathon pace feels daunting, and your confidence has dipped - you’re not alone.

In this episode, Ben and Anya bring you a mid-marathon training check-in for anyone building towards a spring race like London or Boston (or any marathon, really). We break down why this stage of training often feels tougher than expected - both physically and mentally - and what’s actually normal.

From cumulative fatigue and slower paces...

Can a pro cyclist simply swap the bike for running shoes? 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya sit down with Manon Lloyd, former Team GB pro cyclist and GCN presenter, as she swaps the velodrome for the road and trains for her first half marathon with Runna.

Manon shares the brutal reality of being a beginner again after years at the top of elite sport. She opens up about stepping away from performance-driven goals and shares specific challenges cyclists face when transitioning to running, including impact tolerance and the ‘ego trap’.

Are elite runners born, or built?

This week on The Runna Podcast, 1500m World Champion Jake Wightman reveals the training secrets and mindset shifts that helped him beat Jakob Ingebrigtsen and conquer the world stage.

Jake shares the reality of middle-distance running at the highest level with Coaches Ben and Anya. From the "Nature vs. Nurture" debate and the unique pressure of being coached by his father, to the exact tactics used to win Gold in 2022, this episode is a masterclass in elite performance.

Highlights include: 

👟 Father-Son Coaching: Navi...

This episode contains discussion of eating disorders, which some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. In the UK, Beat Eating Disorders offers confidential support at beateatingdisorders.org.uk. In the US, you can contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at nationaleatingdisorders.org.

“It’s about what your body can do - not what it looks like.”

Recorded in Chicago following the Marathon, Coach Anya Culling sits down with NCAA Champion Allie Ostrander to explore what happens when performance comes at the cost...

"I didn’t think running was for someone like me" 

This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya speak to journalist, bestselling author, and mental health advocate, Bryony Gordon.

Bryony didn’t grow up sporty - in fact, exercise often felt like punishment. But during some of the hardest moments of her life, while battling mental illness and alcoholism, she turned to running out of desperation - and everything changed.

And after a chance conversation with the Princess of Wales, Bryony found herself starting a marathon training plan for the L...

“The number one thing that helps me mentally is physical movement”.

This week on The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya sit down with broadcaster and presenter Roman Kemp as he begins his Return to Running journey with Runna.

Listen as Roman shares why he’s picking up running again, and how movement truly improves his mental health - providing structure, perspective, and anxiety relief. 

Roman shares how running sparks his best ideas, why removing vanity has changed his training approach, and the damaging impact of rigid life goals.

From...

How do you actually build running confidence?

This week on The Runna Podcast, Coach Ben sat down with content creator and runner Anna Sitar to unpack her journey from beginner runner to training for the marathon in New York back in November.

What started as a simple goal to finish her first marathon turned into a deeper commitment to structured marathon training, performance, and proving she was capable of far more than she believed.

Ahead of her third marathon, Anna reflected on the importance of doing hard things before feeling...

Starting running is easy. Sticking with it is the hard part.

In this New Year episode, Ben and Anya break down exactly how to build running consistency and avoid another stop-start cycle that fades by February.

Whether you’re looking for beginner running advice, returning after time off, or setting your goals for 2026, this episode is designed to help you build consistency without burnout, avoid the all-or-nothing mindset, and finally make running part of your life - not just your race calendar. 

What You'll Learn: 

👟Why most runners struggl...

Ready for your ultimate 2025 Running Wrapped? 🎄 

Join us as Ben & Anya share their biggest lessons, set ambitious 2026 running goals and give you the ultimate running motivation ahead of the New Year.

In this episode, we cover:

🎧The Runna Podcast Wrapped: Your favourite moments from 2025

🏆 Best of 2025: Top running gear, races, and PBs

⭐ Guest Highlights

📊 Strava Year In Sport Showdown: Ben vs Anya

🎯 2026 Goal Setting 

🎁Christmas gift exchange!

Thank you to everyone who has listened, subscribed, and shared the podcast this year - we...

Want to know an Olympic Champion’s formula for success? 

This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sat down with Max Whitlock OBE - one of the most successful gymnasts in Olympic history. After walking away from the sport, Max explained why he’s back from retirement with unfinished business, and setting his sights on the 2028 LA Olympics. 

Alongside his gymnastics comeback, Max has taken up running - bringing an Olympian’s discipline and a laser-sharp routine to a brand new challenge. And we gain exclusive insight into his 5k PB attempt...

What if the secret to becoming a world champion wasn’t talent, data, or pressure… but joy, curiosity, and the freedom to fail?

This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sit down with Chrissie Wellington OBE - four-time Ironman World Champion, undefeated in 13 Ironman races, and one of the most iconic endurance athletes in history with a largely untold story.

Chrissie didn’t touch triathlon until age 30. She discovered running by accident. She trained by feel, not data. And she rose to the top of the world by relying on joy, intuit...

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Kayla Jeter - NEW Runna Coach, sports psychologist, ultramarathoner, and the powerhouse behind 100 Miles of Summer, the global running movement followed by hundreds of thousands.

A former Division I volleyball standout, her path shifted after a career-changing ACL injury, the loss of both parents, and the heavy reality of stepping away from the sport that once defined her.

What began as running to explore a new city became running for community and purpose - and ultimately a mission to help others grow...

From 250 lbs in rehab to 11 consecutive Marathons in NYC: Zac Clark's addiction recovery story that raised $750,000 for mental health treatment.

At 27, Zac entered addiction recovery weighing 250 lbs, broken and searching for purpose. One morning, he walked up a small hill outside the treatment centre. Two weeks later, he ran it. That single hill became the catalyst for 14 years of sobriety and a marathon training journey that changed everything. 

In this episode, Zac - founder of the Release Recovery Foundation, ultramarathoner, and former The Bachelorette finalist - sits down with marathon coach Ben Parker t...

Shin splints, runner's knee, and IT band syndrome explained by expert running physio Adrian D'Costa - discover how to prevent and fix the most common running injuries with proven strength training and recovery strategies.

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Anya Culling and Ben Parker sit down with Adrian D'Costa, Head Physio at Runna and one of London's leading running injury specialists. Learn the science behind patellofemoral pain syndrome, medial tibial stress syndrome, and IT band pain and the prevention and load management techniques to keep you injury-free.

What you’ll le...

When Uly Morazan signed up for his first half marathon, he didn’t even own running shoes. Four months later, he crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon, joining the 1% of people who can call themselves marathon runners.

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Coach Ben Parker sits down with Uly - actor, comedian, and LGBTQ+ creator - to unpack his chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt journey from “I hate running” to marathon finisher.

Uly brings the raw, relatable reality of training for your first marathon - from his first...

Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel sits down with Coach Ben to share her journey from high-school prodigy to making marathon history in Tokyo.

Molly opens up about her courageous decision to withdraw from the NYC Marathon, what it truly takes to compete at the highest level, and the lessons that have shaped her career - including the hardest one: knowing when to stop.

In this raw and honest conversation, she reflects on rebuilding after setbacks, balancing passion with pressure, and why she keeps coming back to running - despite injuries, self-doubt, and constant...

Winter running doesn't have to be a struggle. 

Ben and Anya share 6 essential coaching tips for running through winter - helping you stay motivated, healthy, and consistent when it’s dark, cold, and easy to skip your runs.

Whether you’re training for a spring marathon or just keeping your running routine on track, this episode covers everything from cold-weather gear and nutrition to goal-setting, recovery, and mindset.

What You'll Learn: 

❄️ How to stay motivated when mornings are dark and cold

🏃‍♂️ Goal-setting strategies to keep your training on track

🧠 Th...

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Schooner Scorer, the sub-3 marathoner with 500K+ followers who turned a pub joke into an internet sensation. 

From rating beers to running a 2:51 in Chicago, Alex proves you can chase PBs and pints without losing your love for the sport. Fresh off his marathon PB, he shares how Schooner Scorer went from a uni in-joke to a 500K+ community. 

We discuss: 

🔥 Running a 1:20 half marathon in Copenhagen on 4 hours’ sleep

🎥 Fresh off the finish line: his sub-3 Chicago Marathon debrief 

Olympian Rory Linkletter breaks down his 2025 Chicago Marathon race - chasing the Canadian record (2:06:49), hitting the pain cave at mile 13, and still running a PB. Learn what it really takes to train 4,000 miles a year and compete at the elite level.

Fresh off the finish line, Rory shares the mindset, consistency, and decade-long journey behind world-class marathon running. From training with Conner Mantz & Clayton Young at "Marathon University" to debating data vs. instinct, this is your inside look at elite training.

What You’ll Learn:

💪 The real secret to elite running: consi...

Jess Furness has done it all — from winning a 250 km ultra marathon in the Sri Lankan heat, to breaking sub-3 in Berlin. But her biggest challenge yet? Running 42 marathons in a single year to honour her brother Eddie, who would have turned 42 this year.

In this special World Mental Health Day episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Jess Furness - runner & presenter at The Running Channel - to explore how running became her therapy after losing both parents and her brother Eddie.

Jess reveals the mindset behind her biggest achievements an...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we sat down with Helen Glover - two-time Olympic champion, triple world champion, and the first British mother to return to elite rowing and stand back on the Olympic podium.

Incredibly, Helen didn’t pick up a rowing oar until age 21. Within just 4 years, she won Olympic gold - going on to hold every major title in her event and lead an unbeaten global streak between 2014 - 2016. By Rio 2016, she was the #1 ranked female rower in the world.

Raised in a fiercely competitive Cornish family, Helen didn’t to...

They ran across Australia. Then the UK. Over 4,000 miles, 120+ marathons, and more than $350,000 raised for cancer research.

Meet The Lambros - Stefan and Lachlan Lamble, the first brothers to run across Australia AND the UK. In this raw and inspiring episode, we unpack what drives two Melbourne brothers to attempt the world’s toughest endurance challenges.

From conquering the Nullarbor Desert to being hospitalised with a rare blood infection, this is a brutally honest story of brotherhood, mental resilience, and showing up when it matters most.

We discuss:

🏃‍♂️ 85 marathons a...

Two-time Olympic gold medallist. World Champion. Marathon debutant. And now - breaking exclusive racing news, live from Runna HQ!

In this special episode of The Runna Podcast, Olympic legend Alex Yee joins us in front of a live audience to share his journey from Lewisham to the world stage. 

From breaking records in Paris 2024 to finishing 14th in his marathon debut (2:11:08), Alex reveals the mindset, training secrets, and lessons that have shaped his career - and drops exclusive news about his next race plans, heard here first.

What You’ll Learn:

What happens when the world’s biggest fitness platform buys one of the fastest-growing running apps?

In this exclusive episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Strava CEO Mike Martin and Runna CEO Dom Maskell to uncover the full story behind the Strava x Runna acquisition - from lockdown side hustle to global fitness tech takeover.

Whether you’re a runner, startup founder, or tech lover, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and actionable lessons.

In This Episode:

🚀 How Runna grew from a lockdown side hustle...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re live from the AJ Bell Great North Run with Paula Radcliffe MBE - world record-breaker, Olympic icon, and one of the greatest distance runners of all time.

From setting the untouchable 2:15:25 marathon world record that stood for 16 years, to winning the AJ Bell Great North Run with a course record, Paula has seen it all. 

Whether you're training for your first half or chasing a PB, this episode is packed with insights from one of the best to ever do it.

We unpack:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Olympian and Runna Coach Colleen Quigley for a practical coaching episode answering the most common questions runners ask - split across 4 core topics: training hacks, finding balance, recovering after injury, and mindset.

We cover:

🏃‍♀️ Training Hacks - How to structure your week, train smart when time is short, and make sense of heart rate zones

⚖️ Balance - Colleen’s honest take on juggling life, work and running without chasing perfection

🧠 Mentality After Injury - The emotional side of injury, rebuilding confidence, and stay...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ayesha McGowan - a history-maker, activist, and rider who didn’t even discover racing until her 20s. From learning to ride fixed gear bikes on city streets to signing with Liv Racing and competing in Europe, Ayesha’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and passion.

In this incredible conversation, we cover:

🚴 Starting from scratch: how Ayesha went from music teacher to pro cyclist

🏁 The underground street race that sparked her competitive spirit

💥 Winning her third-ever race and realising she wanted more...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Laura Weightman - two-time Olympian, Commonwealth and European medallist, and one of the UK’s all-time fastest women.

From toeing the line at London 2012 as a 21-year-old with everything to prove, to battling brutal injuries that forced her into early retirement, Laura opens up about the highs, the heartbreak and what comes next when your Olympic dream ends.

In this raw and honest conversation, we unpack:

🏃‍♀️ Making the Olympic final at 21 and learning to race without fear

🥉 The behind-the-scenes pressure of stay...

What would you do if you were told, at just 23, that you would almost certainly develop dementia and lose your life within 10 –15 years?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan Adams, co-founder of The FTD Brothers, who opens up about his extraordinary journey from teenage caregiver to record-breaking fundraiser and endurance runner.

After his mum was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at just 47, Jordan became her primary carer through the final years of her life. At 23, he took the genetic test himself and learned he carries the same rare gene muta...

Welcome to The Runna Podcast - your home for the most inspiring stories, expert coaching tips, and behind‑the‑scenes insights from the world’s best runners.

Hosted weekly by Ben Parker and Anya Culling, The Runna Podcast dives into the journeys of Olympians, world champions, record‑breakers, and everyday runners chasing extraordinary goals. From mental resilience and training secrets to race‑day stories and funny “would you rather” questions - no topic is off‑limits.

On this channel, you’ll find:

🏃‍♀️ Exclusive interviews with elite athletes & everyday legends

💡 Coaching‑backed tips to help y...

On this week’s episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Richard Whitehead MBE - double Paralympic gold medalist, four-time world champion, and world-record marathoner - to hear how he turned barriers into breakthroughs.

We cover:

👦 Growing up with a disability & discovering sport through swimming and gymnastics

🏃‍♂️ Running his first marathon at 28 - with brand new prosthetics

🌙 Secret training runs, battling self-doubt & running 26.2 miles for charity

🥇 Winning double gold in the 200m sprint at London 2012 & Rio 2016

🌍 Fighting for inclusion: why representation matters for 16 million people in the UK with a...

At just 17 years old, Marcus Skeet, known online as The Hull Boy, became the youngest person ever to run the full length of the UK (LEJOG): 837 miles from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

But the real story isn’t about the miles - it’s about why he ran them.

After his dad was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Marcus spiralled into severe OCD, intrusive thoughts, and depression. He couldn’t leave his room for six months. At 14, he attempted to take his life.

Then one day, Marcus went for a walk...

This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya break down the 12 most common mistakes runners make, from training to racing, recovery to mindset, and how to avoid them.

Whether you’re new to running or chasing a new PB, this episode is packed with professional coaching tips to help you train smarter, race better, and recover stronger.

We cover:

❌ The training mistake nearly every runner makes in January

⚡ The mindset shift that will make your running way more enjoyable

🚨 Race-day habits to ditch if you want to actual...

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 coul...