The Plodcast: Recent Episodes
Anna
The Plodcast, with Milo and The Bull, hosted by Personal Trainer and Coach, Anna Ward, will chat to guests in the health, fitness and lifestyle industries whilst out plodding. A ‘plod’ means a run, jog, walk or amble and can be done anywhere. This Plodcast aims to keep you company whilst also out plodding, and share the fitness related stories of our guests. We hope to provide some key takeouts to help you on your health and fitness journey.
For this final episode of Plodcasting series 3, I head out on a run (out in the rain) with Tallila Henchoz, founder of online training platform, Club 5 as well as Leap Academy, an online fitness course and qualification provider, a successful fitness and lifestyle influencer and friend of mine! I have got to know TJ over the last couple years whilst working for Instate and we have had many deep chats, as well as a lot of laughs. I love how open she is in person and on her instagram, in particular about relationships so I can’t wait to dive deeper into her relationships with her body, her training, others and her work. She talks a lot about body positivity and building a strong body, as well as the importance of truly loving who you are before you start diving into deep romantic connections. We will explore why this is important to her, from her experiences with an eating disorder growing up, her forming of relationships with the opposite sex over the years, why training is her medicine and whats next in Tj’s career. We get into quite a bit detail abut TJ’s past experience with her eating disorders, in particular annorexia. Largely because, what she has learnt about this time has really helped her define the strong woman she is now. More than ever, it is hugely important to discuss mental health and contribute to this conversation.The following information to describe eating disorders was taken from the Beat, one of the leading helplines for eating disorders, website. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds. People with eating disorders use disordered eating behaviour as a way to cope with difficult situations or feelings. Weight and shape may be a big factor in someone with anorexia’s sense of self-worth. This can lead to them checking their body regularly, or else trying to avoid scales and mirrors. The way people with anorexia see themselves is often at odds with how others see them – they often have a distorted image of themselves, and think they’re larger than they really are. They experience a deep fear of gaining weight, and will usually challenge the idea that they should.If you have listen to this podcast and think you or someone else might be with an eating disorder, please contact Beat for help. The UK landline is 08088010677or their email is help@beateatingdisorders.org.ukI wanted to include the latter for understanding of Tj’s experience but it is worth noting every eating disorder is individual and may be interconnected with other issues, like both myself and TJ experienced. I am wrapping up this series of Plodcasting until after the London Marathon, but we will be back with more amazing stories to share! I really hope you have enjoyed listening as much as I have enjoyed sharing these plods with my guest!
I headed out running in Richmond Park with Emily Pullan, aka the midwife PT. An NHS Midwife, but also a fully qualified personal trainer, who is using her unique combination of skills to better support women, in particular mums and mums to be. I have previously worked with Emily supporting pre and post natal clients. She is a brilliant trainer and a fountain of knowledge, so I was very excited to pick her brains on how we can be better supporting women and some of the myths around training in pregnancy. She helps debunk some of these myths, and offers tips on improving pelvic floor, especially if wanting to continue running whilst pregnant. Despite the enormous dissatisfaction being experienced and expressed within Midwifery, she is innately passionate about supporting pregnant patients and clients, and eager to continue driving change for the next generation of midwives. One example is how she has carved out a niche in her career. In order to continue her momentum as a passionate midwife, she has managed to mould a schedule that enables her the space to train and support pre and post natal clients through exercises, as well as find time for looking after herself outside of midwifery or PT. She is a true inspiration to others working across all fields of the healthcare system in regards to time management, keeping fit and healthy, and advocating a sustainable work life balance. Her top tips are, start small, don’t over commit to too much, to soon in terms of exercise and find a coach (if you can), even if it is just some online accountability. Emily is currently in training for the London Marathon, and using Running Mind, which is great to hear she is absolutely loving because they listen and adapt her plan based on what is going on in the present. And the best bit, they take away any of the thinking! Enjoy listening
I head out on a plod with Chloe Trigg, fellow personal trainer and endurance athlete. She is currently working as Head trainer for Blok and committed to lots of events this year including 2 ultras. Chloe was diagnosed with OCD in her teens, which subsequently became a hurdle in a number of goals she had set out for herself, such as trying out for the army. Chloe has found fitness as a way to embrace how mentally and physically strong she can be, and to feel in control of her body.According to OCD Action, OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder is a clinically recognised disorder which affects around 1-2% of the population. It is debilitating and paralysing. People with OCD experience intensely negative, repetitive and intrusive thoughts, combined with a chronic feeling of doubt or danger aka the obsession. In order to comfort the thought and quieten the anxiety, they will often repeat an action, again and again aka the compulsion. One of the greatest challenges that people with OCD face is the need to fight both the enormous stigma attached to mental health disorders and the widely held belief that OCD is a mild problem that is nothing more than hand washing. Many people now use the term “a bit OCD-ish” without understanding the consuming and paralysing nature of the disorder.It is incredibly important to open up the conversation around all mental health disorders and issues, so I am very passionate about sharing Chloe story to help provide anyone listening with a bit more understanding. You may not suffer with OCD but may know if someone who is. I do want to pre warn you, there may be some triggering stories in this podcast, of which Chloe describes as dark thoughts related to self harm, so if you think certain thoughts/compulsions may be triggering to hear then feel free to skip ahead when Chloe gives you the nudge to do so.
What a privilege to head out running with Clare Smyth, the only British Female Chef to hold 3 Michelin stars in the UK and only fourth British chef in history! She is the incredibly dedicated and hardworking owner of Core in London and Oncore in Sydney. She is a living legend! Clare has been on many podcasts, but this was a completely new experience for her as we recorded on the move! We discuss growing into a chef, learning the ropes in the kitchen from some of the best at such a young age, her achievements to date and tips for budding entrepreneurs, and last but not least the importance of fitness and exercise for her and her industry. I am lucky enough to know Clare through Instate Fitness, where I first hand see her hardworking nature and determination at play. Clare is the sort of person you could chat with forever and not get bored. An inspiration, so much experience to share and advice to be able to pass on to anyone. Enjoy listening!
In the first episode of Series 3, I am incredibly excited to meet with my guest, who I have been trying to get on this podcast since Series 1. Unfortunately, due to injuries it never quite worked. Today I head out on a walk in Battersea park with Lucy Reid, England 10k and half marathon runner, who last year she ran the Copenhagen half marathon in an impressive 70 minutes!Having worn her England vest to race 10k in Valencia the weekend prior we sensibly decided to go for a walk rather than a run, to allow her a bit more recovery. I am secretly grateful as clearly I wouldn’t be able to keep up!Lucy is a humble, but inspiring athlete. She has overcome many setbacks in her career from injury but also achieved huge amounts of success. Working a busy 9-5 she is disciplined yet realistic with her training. We will be chatting about how she got into running, some of her most memorable races, how she tackles her racing and stays resilient, fitting in training blocks around her work, coping with injury and the advice she has for others, where she wants to head with her running and what she wants to see happen for the future of the running community. This is a fascinating conversation with lots to learn from, so enjoy!
For the final plod of series 2, I head out on a run along the river with James Thomas aka Fudgie or Instafudgie. I have actually never met Fudgie but have followed his running story on Instagram for a while since both running the London Marathon in 2021. It’s the first time I run and record with someone that I have not met in person but I am super excited as I love his story, ethos around running and reality that he promotes. Fudgie started out running through a competitive bet, and has since been hooked, running countless park runs and half marathon races, and always looking to push himself a little further. He has talked many times about his ‘transformation’ over the last 10 years, which we dig into. We discuss his love hate relationship with running, the role of Instagram for connecting with others, and any pressures he feels. Given the end of 2022 is a stones throw away, we reflect on his year and hear his goals for 2023. So many positive messages to be shared around building running into your life but making it about balance, using running as a way to explore what’s on your doorstep and seek out adventures, but most importantly as a tool to connect with others for that socialising hit. His Instagram is not only a place to share his story with others, promote a balance lifestyle through a realistic and honest relationship with running but also make friends and feel part of a community. I must caveat there was quite a bit of wind while we were running, so please try and zone this out, and just imagine you are on the run with us!
I head out walking with a very special guest, a friend of mine, Ali Turpie aka Apraxia man. Two years ago, during lockdown 2.0, Ali was completing a challenge of running 10k a day, to raise awareness of mental health by sharing the stories of friends that joined him on his runs. I accompanied Ali for his final 10km to discuss my history with disordered eating, and in return we set out to record our conversation for a Plodcast episode in series 1. The podcast failed to record. About a week to 10 days later, when the podcast would have been released, the news came out that Ali had suffered a stroke and had subsequently lost his ability to speak. Two years later, and I was thrilled that Ali agreed to record with me again. Ali believed he was always meant to have a stroke on 10th December 2020, and fate made sure that he had created the best network of support possible to help him with the road to recovery. Ever since his dad passed away when he was 16 he has had what he describes as a very ‘black and white’ way of facing up to adversities, and he admits it might not work for some, but this is the way he has to do it, and simply put you either let yourself suffer or you keep trying to move forward positively. In relation to his stroke, he therefore had 2 choices: to talk again or not talk again. His ‘just get on with it’ positive approach has seen hours of hard work, alone and with an amazing speech therapist, as well as dedication to practicing talking through his broadcasting job and through Cross fit coaching. Al leading to Ali getting his voice back. Relearning to talk again has been like learning a foreign language but his competitiveness with himself, his eagerness to succeed drives him forward and picks him up from the bad days. Even when it isn’t good enough he continues to give himself that pat on that backI was naively sad to hear that Ali hasn’t greatly reflected on the huge impact he had on some many peoples lives on sharing the stories of hardship during 10k Turpie. Ali explained that he finds hearing the eloquence of his speech tough to look back on and I can totally understand the reasons why this might be tormenting. But Ali, you are doing so well and the conversation we had the other week was by far one of the most emotive conversations I have had. One key learning that he does recall from that time is that ‘No problem is ever too small’ I strongly believe (and I think Ali does to) that he was put on this planet to make people happy, to help others process and bring their hardship to the surface so that they can move forward, and to help others learn how to change their perspective on facing adversities. He wants everyone to be a little bit happier. This conversation has so many valuable messages and I hope that you are able to learn as much as I have from Ali’s experience. Enjoy listening!
One half of Twice the Health, meeting ‘E’ I ran along the river in Wandsworth and around Battersea park with Emily Kier aka ‘E’ and one half of twice the health. Whilst she is an influencer in the fitness space, specialising in running and triathlon, she has more recently started working as a nutritionist alongside Renee McGregor, who many of you may know. Em also runs the run club We are Runners, which is all about community, running with friends and for fun. Em has covered many miles of the globe running, cycling and swimming with best buddy Hannah. We talk about her sister as one of her biggest inspirations for her running, how Twice the Health have grown up with their audience and adapted their brand to reflect the differences between E and H themselves. It so amazing how passionate Em is about her training and supporting others, which you will hear from all the fantastic tips she gives around nutrition, injury and training. If you are keen to know more about E’s story and TTH then listen up! What brand of trainer would Em take on a desert island?
The voice behind Battersea BeatI head out to Battersea Park to meet with Katie De Salis, founder of Battersea Beat, a south London based community Instagram for locals that lets you know what’s what and who’s who about town. It was born out of Lockdown and has been a core platform for helping many small businesses in the Battersea area thrive. Katie is a member Instate Fitness, the gym which I manage, so I was keen to go for a run with her to find out why she started the page, what she intends to use it for now and her future plans for Battersea Beat. Katie has clearly carved out a niche with a strong and engaged community, allowing her to launch this week Wandsworth Beat. If you are a business in the south London area listening to this, I would 100% recommend tapping Katie up as I am sure she would be thrilled to help and support you. If you are keen to hear from the real face of Battersea Beat then keep listening!
‘Take the leap’ with Ben Poole Join Ben Poole (aka Benjohnfit), Ultra X England winner, and I, as we plod along the river from Putney to Barnes and back! A great place to run, plod, walk and reflect. We have passed each other on the route many times so what better setting for my amazing chat with Ben.From building his fitness career whilst being locked up in a super yacht cabin with covid, to how he naturally let his name and brand evolve via instagram from not holding back and networking with others, putting himself in uncomfortable positions to build his career. You will learn about Ben’s relentless mindset, an ability to keep trying and keep being optimistic in his goals and opportunities. He has clearly built a strong and humble name for himself in the fitness world. Through his connections, achievements and positive approach he has carved out a career that is flying! Find out what Ben wants to challenge himself with next and why! Enjoy listening!If you want to donate to Movember, please do do here https://uk.movember.com/donate/details?memberId=96#amount
Emily’s Journey, finding the balance Wow, what a great start to the series and a privilege to run with Emily Young aka Emily’s Journal. It’s incredible how much Emily has achieved since starting running in her late teens, from getting a Good for Age marathon place and coming 5th female in her first marathon, to racing at Kona world champs and now setting the goal of The Sledgeman in Snowdonia. Alongside her passion for training Emily works hard, and is committed to making a career out of content creating and presenting. She sees through the filter of Instagram, stays realistic and true to her own why, inspiring others to take up exercise. Make sure you listen all the way through to find out about Emily’s tattoo and who she would get on this podcast! Thank you in advance for putting up with the various background noises I know it can be a bit annoying at times, but hey runs aren’t always plain sailing!
We have come to our final episode of the season! What an awesome line up of runs I have had the pleasure of enjoying and recording. This final episode was recorded just before Christmas and before the Christmas dream was shattered for so many. For this plod, I headed out around Battersea park with former Olympic Rower and gold medalist Scott Durant. We chat a lot about his time at the olympics, how he felt when winning gold, the training that went into achieving this dream, what he is up to now and how he coped with this year and finally, some top tips for using the Ergo in the gym! I came back beaming after this run (the day we all felt miserable as London got put into Tier 4) so hopefully it will be a joy for you to listen to as well and lighten you mood today whilst out plodding. Enjoy listening.
In this episode, I head out on a steady plod along the Southbank, The Embankment and into Green park, with Chloe Guest, leader of RunTalkRun Hackney and North London. We will be talking about mental health and the safe space that running provides to enable people to open up and communicate better. We discuss the background to Run Talk Run, a community mental health group that offers mental health support, how anyone can get involved, Chloe’s own involvement and relationship with running and the future for Run Talk Run. In addition to this, we will be talking about Ali Turpie, a friend who I ran with a couple weeks ago, to record a podcast and IGTV for his challenge 10k Turpie. The podcast however, which covered a very intense and in depth conversation about both of our mental health experiences, didn’t record. We had devastating news the week of recording this episode with Chloe that Ali had suffered a stroke to the left side of his brain leaving him with verbal Apraxia; unable to speak. Having postponed the run with Chloe to process this, when the time felt better to meet Chloe, it was important for me to share Ali’s challenge. To share the amazing message he has spread to so many people about the power of talking to each other and the impact it can have on building relationships and making us feel less alone. I want to dedicate this conversation with Chloe to Ali, and his family and friends. If you would like to donate to www.gofundme.com/f/mending-ali that would be amazing!
In this episode, Anna heads out plodding with Sam Heward, co-founder of Ultra X, an extreme multi-stage ultramarathon series for first timers, seasoned endurance athletes and elites, offering an opportunity and experience of a life time to challenge yourselves beyond the comfort zone and push yourself harder than ever before.
Anna asks Sam about setting up the brand Ultra X, his own relationship and journey with running, the challenging nature of their events that they host, pushing out of the comfort zone to grow yourself, and tips on how you might do this with your running or own training.
Anna ventured out of South London for this plod and met up in Hyde Park with Will Hudson, mastermind and runner behind The athousandkilometrejourney, which you may have seen on Instagram. They chat about his amazing challenge of running 33.3km a day for 30 days of lockdown (and actually one extra day now!) to raise money for Crisis UK and Help Refugees Choose Love campaign. They talk about the challenge, the significance of the 33.3km distance, the reason for embarking on this challenge and many associated topics that Will is using this opportunity to raise awareness of. They discuss the physical challenge and how his body has coped, some top tips for conquering challenges and his future running goals. Enjoy listening!
Anna heads out on a plod around Wandsworth Common with Olivia Parker, Brand and Content Manager at Mindful Chef, and aka Healthy_Olivia on Instagram. Liv is a true foodie, interested in simple and delicious meals, but with a real emphasis on a balanced diet and the value of nutritious food. She loves fitness and is a fellow PT in the making. They talk about Mindful Chef, how eating behaviours may have changed as a result of the pandemic, nutrition and eating in the fitness world and some useful strategies on how we can all eat a bit more mindfully!
Anna meets up with Milo Royds, founder of Milo’s Dog Running, a specialist dog walking business that is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for dogs through dog walking, running and daycare. He believes dogs are ‘born to run’ and so is letting Anna accompany him out on Wimbledon Common for a pack run with his loveable four legged friends! If you love dogs and you love running, then stay tuned as this is just the episode for you!
Anna heads out plodding with fellow Milo trainer, Josh Cooper, around Tooting Common. They discuss his Masters in Sports Therapy (and how he fits it in around zoom), injury management and prevention, how the lockdowns have changed the fitness industry and Josh’s predictions of what’s next for Fitness. For the Milo Community, they discuss Milo Month, which entails setting mini goals for lockdown and helping each other be accountable for success of these! Christmas is also mentioned!