The Runna Podcast

10 Episodes
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By: 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 t...

Clare Elms: The Mum of Triplets Who Became a World Record-Breaking Runner at 45
#44
Last Friday at 6:00 AM

What if your greatest athletic achievements came after having triplets? This week on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Clare Elms, a multi-time world record holder and one of the most dominant Masters runners of all time.


Despite discovering her talent later in life, Clare has gone on to:

🏆 Win five European indoor gold medals and multiple world records.

⏱️ Break the W60 Mile World Record with an incredible 5:26.13.

🇬🇧 Set 14 UK age-group records

🏃‍♀️ Dominate ParkRun—she’s been the fastest female finisher in all 158 ParkRuns she’s done!


In this episode, we t...


Steph Elswood: Running for Mental Clarity and Choosing an Alcohol-Free Life
#43
02/07/2025

This week on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Steph Elswood—former professional dancer and soon-to-be mom. During a challenging period navigating an eating disorder, Steph turned to social media as an outlet for accountability and healing. What started as a personal journey has grown into a vibrant, safe space for healthy living, positivity, and joy. Steph now uses her platform to inspire others, sharing her experiences of living alcohol-free, embracing running for pure joy, and cultivating balance in life.


We talked about:

💃 Life in the Spotlight: From starting as a professional dancer at 14 t...


Georgia Bell: From Quitting to Olympic Glory – The Ultimate Comeback Story
#42
01/31/2025

What does it take to go from thinking you’ve run your last race to standing on the Olympic podium? Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Georgia Hunter Bell, Olympic bronze medalist and National record holder. Georgia’s journey is anything but ordinary and we unpacked it all…


What we spoke about:


🌟 The Lowest Point: How Georgia’s dream seemed over after stress fractures, injuries, and an identity crisis during her U.S. scholarship experience, leading her to leave running behind for the corporate world.

🔥 Her Astonishing Comeback: From quitting th...


DeoRuns: Running from Cape Town to London to Tell the Story of Human Migration
#41
01/24/2025

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Deo Kato, a Ugandan-born trail runner, coach, and campaigner, who has completed an incredible journey running over 12,000km from Cape Town to London. Deo’s monumental journey was driven by a purpose: to retrace the history of human migration from Africa to the rest of the world. By doing this, Deo campaigned to end racism and show the world that all humans migrated from Africa.


We talked about:

🌍 Tracing Human History: How Deo’s journey brought to life the story of human migration from Africa to the re...


Alex Yee: The Mindset Behind an Incredible Olympic Comeback
#40
01/17/2025

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Yee, Olympic champion, British triathlete, and a true embodiment of resilience and love for sport. Alex’s journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring—marked by humility, grit, and an unyielding passion for triathlon.


We talked about:

🌟 The Humble Champion: How Alex’s love for triathlon fuels his journey and keeps him grounded, even at the pinnacle of success

🥇 Inside His Olympic Victory: The mental battles during his iconic gold-medal fight against Hayden Wilde—moments of depletion, disbelief, and the ultimate decision to seize his chance...


Colleen Quigley: Sacrifice, Perseverance and the Movement Behind Fast Braid Fridays
#39
01/10/2025

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Colleen Quigley, an Olympic steeplechaser, model, and our very own Runna coach who embodies resilience and balance in both sport and life. Known for her iconic “Fast Braid Fridays,” Colleen shares her journey of grit and growth—on and off the track.


We talked about:

Nature vs. Nurture: How growing up with supportive parents shaped her running journey.Making Sacrifices as an Athlete: and the choices she’s made along the way.Balancing Modelling and Running: The challenges and joys of straddling two demanding careers while staying tr...


Phily Bowden: How the UK’s 10th Fastest Marathoner Balances Olympic Dreams with Life Beyond Running
#38
01/03/2025

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Phily Bowden, an incredible marathon runner with one of the top 10 fastest times ever by a British woman—despite having only run four marathons!


We talked about:

How a dislike of maths led Phily to running, eventually earning her a sports scholarship in the USThe mental health challenges she faced during her time in the US and the pressure of figuring out life after universityRunning her first marathon in an astonishing 2:34 and how she improved to 2:29 in just her second race, earning a podium finish for Engl...


James Warnock: Running for Your Mental Health, Building Meaningful Adult Friendships and Finding Balance
#37
12/27/2024

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by James Warnock, who opens up about how running became a transformative part of his life after the passing of his dad. 


We talked about:

How James found running as a way to process grief and improve his mental health after his dad passed away.His balanced approach to training and the importance of enjoying the process and being ready for anything.The role shared values have played in his relationship with his girlfriend Alex.Tips for making friends and building meaningful connections as an adult. How to s...


The Christmas Special: Anya Gets Her Dream Present & Our Top Sporting Moments of 2024
#36
12/20/2024

Today on the Runna Podcast, it’s our festive Christmas Special! Our very own coaches & podcast hosts - Ben and Anya - are unwrapping gifts, reflecting on an unforgettable year in sports, and setting their sights on 2025.

What you can expect:

🎁 Gift-giving —what did Anya surprise Ben with, and did Anya finally get her dream present?

🏆 Their sporting moments of 2024—from record-breaking runs to iconic comebacks, we share the highlights that had us on the edge of our seats.

⭐ Their standout sports stars of 2024 – the ones who truly dominated and left their mark.

<...


Laviai Nielsen: The Road to the Olympics with Your Twin by Your Side
#35
12/13/2024

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Laviai Nielsen, a two-time Olympian and superwoman. 


We talked about:

Her journey to competing in the Olympics not just once, but twice.What it’s like training with her twin sister, Lina, throughout her entire career.The inside scoop on Olympic Village life—yes, including the food and the epic after-parties! Her refreshing take on diet culture as an athlete: "The only diet is one where you don’t eat enough."


This episode is packed with insights, humor, and inspiration from one of the mos...