The Runna Podcast

Russ Cook, ‘Hardest Geezer’, joins Coach Ben and Anya Culling for a special live recording in London, chasing a blistering 2:35 marathon goal. Despite running across a continent, he shares how marathon training is pushing him in new ways.

From raw, often hilarious stories from Africa to his broader journey from rock bottom, Russ reflects on completing one of the toughest endurance feats in history - admitting he could never do it again.

From raw, hilarious stories of life on the road in Africa to his broader journey from rock bottom, Russ reflects on the grit required to keep going when things get tough. This episode explores why the real value of doing hard things isn’t the finish line, but the self-belief you build along the way.
If you're training for a marathon, chasing a PB, or need a shot of running motivation, you'll love this one.

Listen for more on:
🏃‍♂️ Why marathon training feels harder than ultra-endurance challenges
🧠 The marathon training mindset that got Russ through Africa
💪 How a “nothing to lose” mindset changes your running performance
🎯 What actually matters most on race day (pacing, fitness, and mindset)

🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.

🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26

📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Everyone told me I'd peaked. Then I ran my fastest marathon at 40."

Whether you're questioning your running longevity, chasing a marathon PB after a setback, or wondering if the best is really behind you - this conversation with Sara Hall will make you think differently about what's possible.

Sara raced in Boston this week and called it the most painful race of her life. Hours later, she sat down with Anya - honestly, openly, and with the kind of perspective that only comes from two decades competing at the elite level. At 43, she's one of the fastest American marathon runners in history. And she's still not done.

In this episode, Sara opens up about winning the Masters field in Boston, her Olympic Trials DNF, and the mindset it takes to keep going when everyone assumes you've peaked.

Listen for more on:
🏃‍♀️The exact details of Sara’s 2:20 marathon training and recovery
🗓️ How she maximises longevity and prevents injury
🧠 The race-day mindset secrets for pushing through the "pain cave"
🚀 How to rebuild self-confidence after a major athletic setback

🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.

🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26
And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛

📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

📖 Check out Sara’s new book, ‘For The Love of The Grind’ here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Grind-Memoir-Sara-Hall/dp/1250404282

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re underfuelled, you will underperform.

Most runners are unintentionally holding back their PBs because of "carb fear"-this week, we’re fixing that.

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, sports nutritionist Sian Seccombe explains why underfuelling is one of the most common mistakes runners make. From ‘hitting the wall’ to the serious risks of RED-S, Sian breaks down sports nutrition for runners in a way you can understand and apply.

Whether you're training for a marathon or just started your running journey, this is your ultimate guide to how to fuel for a marathon and beyond.

In this episode, Sian explains:
🍝 Why carbs aren’t the enemy (and why you need more of them)
⏱️ What to eat before a run, during, and after your sessions
⚖️ Why weight loss and marathon training often don’t mix
⚠️ Signs you’re underfuelling (even if you think you’re not)
🧠 What RED-S is-and why it’s frequently missed

Remember, the goal isn’t to eat less 👉 it’s to fuel enough to perform at your best.

🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.

🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26
And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛

📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should you actually do before a marathon?
And how do you stay calm, confident, and in control on race day?

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Coach Ben and Anya guide you through your entire marathon race day - from the night before to the start line, through the race itself, and into post-race recovery.

Whether you're running London, Boston, your first marathon or your fiftieth, this episode is your complete marathon race day guide. We cover how to prepare, what to eat, how to pace, and how to stay in control so you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy the experience.

Ben and Anya share practical coaching tips and personal routines, breaking down exactly what to do (and what not to do) so you can arrive at the start line feeling calm - and finish feeling proud.

In this episode, we cover:
🎒 Pre-Race Prep: What to Do the Day Before a Marathon
🍝 Carb Loading: What to Eat Before a Marathon
🌅 Race Morning Routine: What to Eat & When to Wake Up
⏱️ Marathon Pacing Strategy: Why Starting Slower Leads to a Stronger Finish
🏁 Post-Race Recovery: What to Do After a Marathon

From laying out your kit to pacing and fuelling right, this episode walks you through race day step-by-step - so you can stay calm and run your best race.

📥 Download Your Free Marathon Race Day Checklist:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sq8og6BVKLNbNdgSo_6U-nOnfNZ3B_WI/view?usp=drive_link

🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.

🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26
And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛

📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**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 story about what it takes to rebuild your life from scratch - and how running became the framework that made it possible.

Ken didn't just get clean - he replaced chaos with consistency, turned pain into purpose, and became living proof that it's never too late.

In this episode:
🧠 The mindset behind taking risks vs playing it safe
🏃‍♂️ What really happened in his NYC Half debut
📊 His pacing strategy - and where it went wrong
⚖️ The biggest mistakes runners make stepping up to the half
🚀 Why just starting is the hardest - and most important - step

Whether you're a runner chasing a big goal, struggling with consistency, or need some proof that reinvention is possible - this one's for you.

🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.

🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26
And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛

📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

And you can find Ken’s new book here: Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard: Amazon.co.uk: Rideout, Ken: 9781529956030: Books
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.