Go! Running Talks

17 Episodes
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By: Go! Running Tours

Go! Running Talks is an interview series where Lena chats with the guides, guests, and partners who bring Go! Running Tours to lifeIn each 15–20 minute episode, Lena sits down with our guides, guests, and partners to spotlight their stories, their cities, their travel hacks, and the runs they’ll never forget.It’s inspiring, fun, and refreshingly real. You’ll get personal running stories, surprising travel tips, and the kind of conversations that make you want to book a ticket, explore a new city, and head out for a run with someone you’ve never met before.Whether you’re listening on...

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Running connects us in ways that go far beyond distance - Go! Running Tours Guide Victor from Lima
Yesterday at 1:52 PM

In this episode of Go! Running Talks, Lena chats with Victor Espinoza about running with purpose, creating meaningful connections, exploring Lima through local experiences, and remembering to be grateful for what our bodies can do.

From supporting others through running to discovering a city one step at a time, Victor reminds us why we run.



20 years in SF. Still never bored of the Golden Gate Bridge - Running San Francisco with a local
#16
05/27/2026

Julia has been running in San Francisco for close to 20 years. She says if she ever gets tired of running across the Golden Gate Bridge, something is wrong. That hasn't happened yet.

She's a two-year Go! Running Tours guide in San Francisco, an Ironman finisher, and the person who read the "no crawling" rule in a race registration form and thought: who would ever crawl? Then she ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC on a very hot day - and understood.

In this episode, Lena sits down with Julia to talk...


How quitting bad habits and running shapes your personality - Running Florence with a local!
#15
05/13/2026

Lapo was born and raised in Florence. His name is typically Florentine. And after almost nine years guiding runners through the city, he's about to reach his 1,000th guest.

He's an architect by profession - which means when he runs you past a Renaissance dome or through a hidden courtyard, he sees things most people miss. He's also been running for over 20 years and completed 24 marathons.

In this episode, Lena sits down with Lapo to talk about why he calls certain runs "running poetry," the only DNF of his career, and what nine years of...


How did these Boston finishers train for the Boston Marathon?
#14
04/29/2026

This past Monday, three Go! Running Tours guides crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. Alan from Montreal. Emily from New York. Jose from Chicago. Three different training cycles, three different race days - and one thing in common: they earned every kilometer.

In this special episode of Go! Running Talks, Lena sits down with Alan, Emily, and Jose days after the race to talk about what Boston actually feels like from the inside. The hills. The crowds. The moments where you're ready to quit and somehow don't.

What you'll hear in this...


Tokyo has 23 different worlds. Ihor will help you find yours - Running Tokyo with a local
04/15/2026

Tokyo is not one city. It never was.

Ihor, Go! Running Tours' lead guide in Tokyo, has been exploring the city on foot, by bike, and through a camera lens for five years. His conclusion: Tokyo has 23 different wards, and each one is its own world. The 7K and 12K tours he runs with guests cover what would be an entire city center in most European capitals - and still only scratch the surface.

In this episode, Lena sits down with Ihor to talk about what it means to find your Tokyo, why the best...


Running Denver with a Local: How Sara Built the City’s Best Running Tours
04/01/2026

Sara Amato wasn't sure anyone would want to run Denver. "It doesn't have the cool architecture and history that European cities do," she told us. She built the tours anyway.

Sara is Go! Running Tours' lead guide in Denver - ultra runner, trail lover, and the person behind a running community that turned strangers into lifelong friends on a 42-mile day at the Grand Canyon.

In this episode, Lena sits down with Sara to talk about imposter syndrome in running and in guiding, what it's like to show a city you had to learn to...


What Happens when a Hotel GM decides running is part of the guest experience
#11
03/10/2026

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago partnered with Go! Running Tours to offer guests something most hotels don't: a guided running service that starts at the hotel door and takes you into the city.

Two routes. Both 6K. One along Lake Michigan - past Soldier Field and the Adler Planetarium. One south through Chinatown's Dragon Gate to Ping Tom Memorial Park. Private, guided, available every day, adapted to your pace.

The partnership came from a simple observation: business travelers and conference guests want to stay active on the road, but they...


Shanghai's running culture is booming - here's what it looks like from the inside
#10
02/21/2026

What's it like to run in one of the world's fastest-growing cities? In this episode of Go! Running Talks, Lena talks with Sha (runner, guide, and Shanghai local) about the city's booming running scene, her most unforgettable race experiences, and what makes Shanghai a must-visit for runners.

🏃 In this episode:

➔ How Sha got into running and what kept her going for over a decade

➔ What it was like to run the Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea

➔ How Shanghai's running culture compares to New York and Boston

➔ The best running tou...


From Basketball Reject to Guinness World Record holder | Alex's Story | Go! Running Talks
#9
02/09/2026

In this episode of Go Running Talks, Lena interviews Alex Grady, a running tour guide based in Atlanta. Alex shares his journey into running, from his childhood experiences to his achievements in marathons, including a memorable run in the London Marathon where he set a Guinness World Record. He discusses the importance of community in running, his recognition for community service, and his passion for writing children's books that teach valuable life lessons. Alex also highlights the various running tours he offers in Atlanta, emphasizing the city's rich history and culture, and shares hidden gems for visitors. At the...


Mexico City Running Tours, Altitude & Volcano Runs with Citla | Go! Running Talks
#8
01/10/2026

In this episode of Go! Running Talks, our host Lena talks with Citla about her journey with Go! Running Tours since 2015, the most popular running tours in Mexico City, and what runners should know before visiting - from altitude challenges to local culture and food.

They discuss the famous 15K Mexico City running tour, the unforgettable experience of running on a volcano, and practical tips for runners traveling to the city. Citla also shares advice on pacing, adapting to altitude, and why exploring the city at a relaxed rhythm makes every run more enjoyable.

🎙 Topics cov...


Running with Olympic Champions in Geneva | François' Story | Go! Running Talks
#7
12/27/2025

Meet François, lead guide of Go! Running Tours in Geneva. In this episode, François shares a memorable experience guiding an Indian Olympic champion in Javelin through the streets of Geneva, and what it was like to create a personal moment away from the cameras and media spotlight.

François talks about the joy of helping athletes find solitude during high-pressure moments, the importance of personal connections beyond filming and communication, and how some of the most meaningful memories happen when you step away from the public eye. He also shares local insights on wha...


Training with Elite Runners in Ngong Hills | Daniel's Story | Go! Running Talks
#6
12/14/2025

Meet Daniel, lead guide of Go Running Tours in Nairobi and a long-time colleague in our global network.

In this episode, he takes us into the world of elite Kenyan runners and what it is like to train in the legendary Ngong Hills, home to some of the fastest athletes on the planet. Daniel shares stories from his running journey, including unexpected encounters with giraffes on the trails and the incredible story of a woman who survived a crocodile attack and went on to become an ultra runner. He also talks about Nairobi’s unique running culture, co...


Running with Kids, Finding Community & Staying Active | Marc's Story | Go! Running Talks
#5
12/03/2025

Meet Marc - long time runner and a valued Go! Running Tours guest. For the first time, we're featuring one of our guests. Marc joined our colleague Mattia in Barcelona and has been part of the Go! Running tours community since then. In this episode, Marc shares his running journey - how he started, how he got serious about it, and the physical and mental health benefits he's experienced along the way. He also introduces us to F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith), a global community of free workout groups for men across the US and beyond. Lena and Marc also...


Washington DC Running Guide Stories with Andrew | Go! Running Talks
#4
12/03/2025

Meet Andrew, our running guide in Washington DC.

In this interview, he shares fun, emotional, and memorable stories from his experiences leading running tours in the U.S. capital (including how he became part of a local running club that supports cancer survivors.)

At Go! Running Tours, we offer running tours and walking tours in 80+ cities worldwide, connecting travelers, locals, and corporate teams through movement, culture, and authentic human stories. And today, Andrew shares what it’s really like to guide runners through the capital of the United States. If you want to ex...


From wheelchair to ultras | Ben’s Story from San Antonio
#3
12/03/2025

Meet Ben, one of our running guides in San Antonio, Texas. An example of determination and faith.

After a motorcycle accident that left him in a wheelchair, doctors told Ben he would never run again. But with patience, perseverance he not only walked again, he went on to run half marathons, ultra marathons, and now leads running tours through San Antonio’s historic streets.

In this episode of Go! Running Talks, Ben shares his journey through recovery, the mental strength behind ultra running, and his favorite hidden gems in San Antonio - beyond the Alamo an...


New York City Running Tours & Local Insights | Go! Running Talks
#2
12/03/2025

Meet Emily, our New York City running guide, in this inspiring conversation about how running shapes the way we experience the Big Apple. From her most memorable tours to her funniest on-the-run moments.

In this episode, Emily discusses:

How she started her journey into running Running with her dad and what inspired her to keep goingHer most memorable and most challenging tours in NYCThe biggest mistakes runners make (and her best advice to avoid them)The importance of staying consistent and enjoying every stepA hilarious story involving a “very New York” moment you won’t forget! 😄


W...


Copenhagen Running Culture & Sustainability with Michael | Go! Running Talks
#1
12/01/2025

Meet Michael, our Copenhagen running guide, in this conversation about Denmark's capital and the intersection of running with local culture and values.


In this episode, Michael discusses:

What to do and what not to do when visiting CopenhagenThe city's approach to sustainability and how it connects to tourismHis personal insights about Copenhagen from a local runner's perspective


Whether you're planning a visit to Copenhagen or interested in how cities can promote sustainable tourism through active experiences, this conversation offers insights from a local guide who knows the city well.

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