Young Hearts, Run Free: Recent Episodes
Steven Watt
The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning.
Welcome to season 11 episode 1, welcome to the Danger Zone!
Let's talk iconic Scottish trail races, let's talk Scottish running icons, let's talks West Highland Way race, let's talk to Fiona Rennie.
Fiona started running in the early 1980's and has covered a fair few miles since! 103 ultra marathons...so far!
Fiona's first ultramarathon was the Speyside Way and her results from that race were posted to her with a wee note from race director Don Ritchie. How times have changed!
Proud to wear the Carnegie Harriers (Fiona was the first female member) vest, it's a familiar sight at many iconic race across the land, none more so than the West Highland Way Race, which Fiona has completed 17 (SEVENTEEN) times.
Also an ever present at both the Glenmore 24 and Loch Ness Marathon events, the miles have been racked up...and then some!
Fiona's first experience of the West Highland Way Race was supporting her twin sister Pauline, and somewhere along the way (in 2002 specifically) Fiona felt inspired to give it a go herself in 2003.
We hear openly from Fiona about health issues and treatments which she has suffered and recovered from, explains how messages and support the ultrarunning community meant so much to her and what inspired her to get back out running again.
They make 'em tough in Fife ye know!
Fiona wakes up with a smile every day, and shares her inspirational story of 'getting back to being me' after major surgery. Maybe grab a wee hanky for this bit!
Where would you keep 17 (SEVENTEEN) West Highland Way Race goblets? We find out about that, and a decanter too, and they aren't just for display, which we love!
And another decanter for running over a 1,000 miles around the course at Glenmore, jeezy peeps man.
Fiona posts a message each year on the Facebook West Highland Way Race Family page, we discuss this and so many other glorious memories and inspirational messages from a woman who lights up Scottish Ultra Running by simply being who she is without compromise. To quote Fiona, running is an 'enjoyable celebration of being alive'
There are tips aplenty for both runners and support crews in this episode, and who better to deliver them than our pal and yours Fiona Rennie.
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EPISODE 200! It's a whopper!!
We lay out the red carpet for the return to the podcast of the indomitable Jasmin Paris. It's the most fitting of season finales.
We've a single-minded agenda as Jasmin leads us through her historic Barkley Marathons finish.
Her achievement rightly became global news but how exactly did she manage her time out on the toughest of ultra-marathons? How did she prep for such a monumental endeavour? How did she build up the enormous self-belief that she could achieve the impossible dream?
Oh, we've a ton of questions for Jasmin and she enlightens us to them all plus spades more.
In relaxed and reflective mood Jasmin treats us to a glimpse inside her Barkley Marathons 2024 story. The highs, the lows, the aftermath and everything in between.
This is sensational, Jasmin's account of her final lap and finish is powerful, dramatic and emotional. It's guarenteed to have you entranced.
And how do you top being the first ever female finisher at Barkley? Jasmin hints at what's next....it may not be what you'd expect!
Season 10 has been quite the epic, it's flown by, now steel yourselves cos in Season 11 we're off into 'The Danger Zone'.....thank you for listening, back soon y'all.
Podcast Art Photo Credit: David Miller Photography
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This week we're joined by two-time Scottish Anglo Celtic Plate Team member Catherine Cowie. You'd think that would top the bill for our discussion, you thought wrong.
Catherine first leads us through her own running odyssey and of course we spend a good while chatting all thingsACP and the memorable events that took place on the North Inch in March 2024.
However, Catherine has been a busy lass, her recent undertaking of the gruelling Hardmoors 110 on the Cleveland Way National Trail dominates our chatter.
Catherine gives us an inspirational take on her last year that started with an ankle break in June 2023 and ended on a magnificent Hardmooors 110 finish line.
Bouncebackability at its finest. We are privileged to hear about her training, find out about her coach and Catherine is brim-full of sharing tips andlessons learned.
An extra special review of her fav kit and gear will give you some food for thought. Oh, talking about food we also give airtime for some discussion on one of our fav topics!
Be ready to get googling new races a plenty as Catherinelets us know what's up next, there's no stopping this remarkable human-being. She's keeping it lit!
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Magical things happen on the West Highland Way. We know that. This week's guest Elsey Davis does too.
Hot off a phenomenal performance at the 2024 Highland Fling where she took the win and set a new course record Elsey joins us to chat about her career.
From an iffy first marathon wearing her Dad's ill-fitting socks to chipping her marathon time down to elite standard her running has been on upward trajectory from the off.
We hear how injury, and a global pandemic opened the door for Elsey to find a voracious appetite for trail running. And so that upward trajectory ski rocketed.
The North Face athlete talks us through her triumph at The Fling. How much did she enjoy that world-famous red-carpet experience?
With a treasured golden ticket for the iconic Western States 100 earned we get a glimpse of how Elsey's build up is going ahead of flying out to the States for the race of her life. We've offered tae carry her bags of course!
Elsey was an absolute star to catch up with, she's packed heaps in already to her relatively short time on the trails. But we can't wait to see where the future takes her.
Before Elsey arrives to brighten our week we have a fair old discussion on the clusterf*ck that was the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Emotions were stirred!
Give Elsey a follow on her braw Insta account here https://www.instagram.com/elseydavis/?hl=en
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We're off berry picking this week, the good news? You're invited along!
We were thrilled to welcome Andy Berry back to the podcast for a catch-up with a focus on his recent outing at UTS by UTMB. A 2nd place well-earned on race weekend but we want to know more, much more, and Andy is open to tell us all.
The rugged Welsh mountains provided the backdrop for an epic weekend of racing, with the British summer deciding to arrive and under a dreamy celestial show from the Aurora Borealis how did our Andy fare?
Like his last appearance after his magical win at the Lakeland 100 last July Andy dishes out a race recap full of personal learning, golden nuggets and honesty. Did he go off way too fast like a dickhead? Of course he did!
We cover off all the important nooks and crannies of his training and race management. Touching on his competitors, his support crew and skirting some UTMB controversy along the way.
We find out what's up next for Andy as he gears up for a truly memorable 2024. Between coaching, training racing and living he has a busy agenda on the cards!
We found a love for Andy last year, it's difficult not to get on board with a lad who is as open and honest as they come. This episode is a breath of fresh air, just like the man himself. You'll lap this up!
We take a moment in the intro to laud our official songsmith's new album. Beluga Lagoon The Slug's Bunnet is oot now and a masterpiece LISTEN HERE
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It's here, you've asked in your bucket loads, we've listened, we've responded. It's John's Highland Fling recap for your listening pleasure.
We do love having guests, we also love the odd episode where we get a good blether with each other!
John has hot footed back from his hols just in time for this week’s recording, and boy is he full of beans.
When a normal deep dive isn't enough what dae ye dae? Ye take a stylish swallow dive into a race day that promised so much and didn't fail to deliver. In every department.
Making a triumphant return to the first half of the West Highland Way John fills us in on how his day played out.
As you'd expect with JC there are laughs a plenty, a few wee happy tears along with a fare smattering of golden nuggets.
What did he have in his drop bags? What did he scavenge from the leftover table? How did he adapt as the temperatures soared? Stevie Boy asks the questions people want to know, how many pre-racejobbies were had??!!
And what of that sensational red-carpet finish, it's a blow-by-blow account of a day thatwill be etched in John's memory forever.
With hunners of pals met along the way this episode is a quintessential YHRF offering, the story spun through John's unique and lovable lens.
Enjoy this walloper of an episode and gear yourself up to swallow dive into your own personal littleadventure soon!
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Running. It's an addiction, eh? This week's guest knows all about it. Boab Keenan is that man and we're glad to have him along to to tell his tale of recovery.
A chronic alcoholic at the age of 21. Hooked on drugs. Down with the gang culture. Life was unravelling at a rapid rate of knots for Cumbernauld based Boab. Then running became his life saver.
As powerful an episode as we've ever published, Boab's honest, straight talking (sweary warning is activated) and charm exude throughout.
The underlying message is how Boab found a path out. How a refocus of his purpose aided him to a lifestyle he now adores and how he's helping others try to do the same.
He's no slouch with the trainers on either and we zoom in on a running high experienced at last month's Manchester Marathon, 'one of the best days of my life'.
Strap yourself in for this one, Boab's infectious story telling will have you greeting and laughing at the same time. It was a pleasure to speak with Boab, we're a hunner % sure you'll enjoy the listen!
Affected by the content in this episode? A few links to help find guidance
Alcoholics Annonymous WEBSITE
Cocaine Annonymous WEBSITE
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Come plunge yourself into an hour of unadulterated self-indulgence, this week we welcome non-runner Andrew O'Donnell tae the YHRF sofa for all the chat.
Andrew, ya know, is the official Young Hearts Run Free Podcast songsmith. Better known as Beluga Lagoon his tunes have fuelled many a mile in the hills n glens. The soundtrack to our running adventures!
We briskly take Andrew through an alternative line of questioning as we get filled in on his story, the origins to his musical project and find out what inspires his craft.
At first, he seems bemused to have been asked on a running podcast, but as you know we're no normal running podcast and soon we get tore into it with Andrew happy tae come along for the ride.
With his captivating nature Andrew catches the imagination regaling his tale, almost surprised by the furore (it's just what he likes dain after all) as his gigs and music explode in popularity.
Our whistles are wetted with talk of his hotly anticipated new album (The Slug's Bunnet out 23.05.2024) and high doh levels are ramped up as Margo & Barry enter the fray!
We touch on his filming projects and find out who else contributes to the success of Beluga Lagoon before getting back onto more familiar ground with talk of scran, dialect dictionary and an epic song choice!
This uber-talented likeable lad loves the outdoors, loves his art and loves his country. With a knack for entrancing us with his story telling lyrics and melodic hooks Andrew's music inspires, it fits, it sets the scene perfectly to the backdrops we love tae explore.
We were helluva excited to speak with Andrew, Scotland has something very special in Beluga Lagoon. Go get yir lugs aroond it!!
We've curated a spotify playlist of our Beluga Lagoon favs here BELUGA LAGOON WALLOPERS
Give the superb Beluga Lagoon website a visit here (merch store is a must!) BELUGA LAGOON WEBSITE
Give Andrew a follow on INSTAGRAM and X/Twitter
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Spring marathon season reached it's crescendo on The Mall last Sunday, Stevie Boy was on the ground to witness it all.
London Marathon debrief anyone? Step on in.
John grills Steven on his weekend in the big smoke. The focus is on his race however the all-important pre-race activities and post-race festivities are also meticulously discussed.
From travelling, expo, race day logistics, race execution, dealing with issues and the crucial feel goods after the finish line John covers all the ground in braw detail.
The atmosphere and the sense of occasion make London an unforgettable experience, John's questioning and Stevie Boy's responses make for a honest fun-filled account of another memorable marathon major.
Run, Run, Run boy........
It's not too late to sponsor Steven who was running the marathon the charity The Rooprai Spinal Trust visit here to throw anything you can into his pot FUNDRAISING LINK
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Blow the conch baby and rock on into another belter of an episode! This week our guest is Chamonix based runner & coach Kaz Williams.
Living on the doorstep of the UTMB route it's no surprise we start in the Alps finding out why she's also known as 'Mountain Kaz' along the way.
Kaz then treats us to a world tour of her running adventures, peppered with golden nuggets a plenty.
We find out all about Mettle Running, Kaz's coaching platform is so much more than just plain old run coaching!
Having had the pleasure(?) of taking part in the Barkley Marathons it would be remiss of us not to spend some time on that. We also take the oppo to get tore into Kaz's experience at the lesser known but equally as sadistic Vol State 500k Road Race, another from the mind of Lazarus Lake.
With another huge race and endeavour coming into sharp focus for Kaz she leads us through her prep, it's a tricky one when you call home the mountains!
You'll love this one, you might even need a few listens!
We take the oppo in the intro to preview Steven's London Marathon trip, look back at Manchester and Boston Marathon's and there's even been bonus content published for your listening pleasure!!
Sponsor Steven as he takes on the London Marathon for the Rooprai Spinal Trust here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steven-watt
Listen to John and Steven on the Greenock Glenpark Harriers Pod here or search your fave pod player https://open.spotify.com/episode/5x1MItMKF9qxgiz38onnBB?si=ldzZihV5Q52a8cPYUvtvbA
Find out all about Kaz's Mettle Running here https://www.mettlerunning.com/
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We are bouncing along in our season of unpredicatability just fine, this week we're being purposely predictable though! Just to twist your melons eh.
Joining the fray for a chat is Dougle Selman, the men's 100k winner at the 2024 Anglo Celtic Plate 100k. He's a fella with running in his DNA.
We find out how he's moved through the distances from track to road before making the leap to ultra marathon in 2023.
With running a way of life for Dougie this blether allows us to home in on how he's taken his track speed, added endurance and found himself at the top of the tree in the 100k distance.
We make no apology of covering his glory run on the North Inch, Perth in detail. We're fascinated with the answers Dougie responds with, particularly a blow by blow account of hie final lap. That'll go down in history that one, high octane stuff!
With the aftermath still settling down we get Dougie's thoughts on making the grade for Team GB's 100k squad at the World Champs in India later this year.
And should podiums in other ultras feel threatened, is Selman ready to batter some other races? We find out in 'What's next for Dougie'
And it's not til the very end of the show that Dougie lets us in on his big secret! What could that be then?
Please sponsor Steven in his London Marathon attempt for a small charity close to both his and John's heart The Rooprai Spinal Trust here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steven-watt
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In this episode we catch up with Sarah Webster. We had the privilege of watching up close as Sarah set a New European 100k record of 7:03:48 at the Gathering of Awesomeness in March 2024.
This works out to an average pace of approx 6min 49 sec per mile, or 4 min 14 sec per km. The previous record of 7:04:03 was set by Florianne Hot in 2022.
Sarah has represented England and the GB team at championship events, and the Isle of Man in the Commonwealth games, we hear about how all of that has come together.
The Island Games...who knew? Sarah fills us in with what the Island Games are all about. A learning experience indeed.
We hear about how Sarah got back into running after a few years out after Uni and then having a baby, her intro back was running home from dropping her daughter off at school and then running back to pick to pick her up and look at what can happen!
Sarah is heavily involved in running activities in the Isle of Man, and we chat about the commitment of the athletes and coaches, parents, and guardians about attending events in the UK and what's involved with the logistics around this.
We hear about Sarah's training plan for 100k, and how she fits that in around a busy working life.
The training plan for the 100k is quite fascinating, there are loads of golden nuggets in there, get a notepad!
Of course we speak about nutrition, what does a European 100k Champion have for breakfast on the day of the event, people have to know!
In our intro we speak about what Steven and John are up to and launch our latest competition for 'prizes money can't buy!'
Oh...anyone for Race or Not?Another wee nudge for donations to Steven's Rooprai Spinal Trust fundraising at the London Marathon, use the following link to donate:
Stevie Boys London Calling
Link to Chris Sutherlands Kicks and Clicks
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When we started the podcast back in 2020 this week’s guest was on our hit list, 4 years later we’ve managed to pin him down for a chat. It’s well worth the wait.
Paul Giblin is that man, John and Stevie Boy are primed to unearth his story. Just who is Paul Giblin?
From familiar begginings as he took his foray into running through to his recent epic journey along New Zealand’s Te Aroroa Trail we cover a heap of ground. He’s created quite the story for himself picking up a ton of pals, experiences and accolades along the way.
We uncover what makes Paul tick, what drives his motivation to search for new boundaries of what’s possible and home in on his evolution not only as a runner but as a human-being.
Paul talks most passionately when on the topic of sharing experiences with others, a passion that kick started his Pyllon Ultra community. He’s maybe at the helm of this community but so many other people make it what it has grown to become.
With many life objectives already conquered we get a feeling that Paul show’s no sign of losing his appetite and love for the sport. Buoyed by his network of connections across the globe we get a wee glimpse of bigger adventures that lie ahead.
Big bold adventures. That’s the main takeaway. Now go be inspired and seek out your own!
In our intro we get the chance to have a quick Anglo Celtic Plate debrief, gush over the magnificent Jasmin Paris and Steven reveals a spring marathon trip!
Please if you can donate to Steven’s marathon fundraising attempts for the Rooprai Spinal Trust here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steven-watt
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The gathering of awesomeness, you've maybe heard us mention it. In this week's episode we're joined by Adrian Stott to discuss all things Anglo Celtic Plate ahead of the event on Sunday 24 March.
The Home International battle for the ACP takes top billing but there are many other sub plots and stories waiting to unfold on the North Inch in Perth both in the 100k event and the 50k. We chat through just some of them.
Adrian takes us through the runners and riders to watch out for across both distances as well as regaling some of the fantastic history of the race.
Whether you're taking part, coming along to support, watching the live tracking from afar or even a fan of ultra-running in general you'll love this appetite whetter ahead of the biggie!
So, it's all down to 21 or 42 nods to the owl now, conditions are looking perfect, the path is looking fast. We'll be back next week with all the post race results and banter.
Full race details here SRI CHIMNOY 50 & 100K
Check out the race preview HERE
Get on to the event live tracking HERE
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Unpredictable? Well this week Steven bails after the intro leaving John to fly solo!! The cheek!
In this episode we welcome to the podcast Sarah Perry. Fresh off setting a new Backyard Ultra British female record of 41 laps/yards at the Rasselbock Backyard Ultra. Sarah snatched the record from oor pal and inspiration UltraKazy aka Karen Nicol.
For those not aware backyard ultras (BYU) involve completing laps (known as yards) of 4.167 miles on the hour, every hour. Runners drop out if they don’t complete a lap within the allotted hour, or fail to make the start line for the next lap. The last runner standing is the winner. Previous guest Mike Raffan took the overall win at Rasselbock.
We get the lowdown on how Sarah prepares for Backyard events, hear about her running background, and tap into the mental side of her game
Sarah lets us know who inspires her, what running means/brings to her, and we get a wee appearance from Murphy (Sarah's dog) as a wee bonus.
Sarah ran the Rasselbock Backyard Ultra completely unsupported, we find out how that came about to be also how she approaches each lap/yard, strategies are very unique to the individual and we find her take very fascinating.
No stranger to the BYU scene, Sarah informs us of her previous experiences, and how they helped shape her imperious performance at Rasselbock.
And you know what, there's more...much more to come for Sarah Perry, you'll love this, go get tore in!
As mentioned in our intro, check out #17 - To finish the Barkley Marathons
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The Tunnel. A 200 mile (ish) ultra-marathon through the darkness of the UKs longest pedestrian tunnel. 100 out n backs. Who's in??
In this episode we speak to Alan Risk. He said yes to The Tunnel and he's with us to tell the tale. We caught up with Alan a mere day after his race. Listen in to get his superb immediate take on taking part.
As is routine we first get to know about Alan, what brought him to be on a start line of The Tunnel? We unpack a lot as this chatty fella takes us on a whistlestop tour of his running story.
Adventuring with his other half to take in new events, in new countries and making new connections in the running community rank high on his priority list. It's his recent partaking in the Tunnel though that we zoom in on.
Buoyed by the knowledge that nobody under the age of 40 had ever successfully finished, 30 year old Alan takes us through his pre race mindset before letting us hear all about how the race panned out for him.
With unexpected twists along the way and with the reality of the prospect of finishing within the 55 hour time limit dawning Alan recounts his time in the black hole of The Tunnel. Did he get the prize of finishing? You're gonnae have to listen to find that one out.
A self confessed blether Alan's energy and vigour for running is always evident, he's achieved much already but we reckon he's only getting started! Decide for yourself by tuning into this proud Falkirk dafty.
John and Steven also take the chance to unveil the winner of our David Miller / Allie Bailley framed print as well as round up the week's happenings in our quick intro!
Interested in the Tunnel? Find out all about it HERE
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It was last summer we last caught up with our Yorkshire correspondent Mel Sykes. Since then, much has happened, this week Mel gives us a huge update.
After successful outings last year, Ultra Trail Snowdonia, Summer Spine Challenger and Lakeland 50 amongst them, Mel has been hampered.
After suffering from blurry vision and some balance issues Mel was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. The result? Brain surgery, a scar that tells the tale and a temporary pause on her upward trajectory in the world of ultra running.
We find out how Mel noticed the symptoms, how her major operation went and, of course, get all the updates on her road to recovery as she looks to make up for lost time.
Mel, in typical positive mood, also tells us all about her gig volunteering at this year's Spine Race, an event she was due to compete in. Is she in for the Winter Spine 2025 though?
A run through her plans for the rest of 2024 reveals she's cracking on with her recovery and we even let you all know about our own planned race meet up in September.
Oh, and we've a bumper intro for you too as John and Stevie Boy take the oppo to get caught up on all their chat, a race or not segment thrown into the equation too. Spoiling you we are!
We love our catch up's with Mel, we are sure you will too.
Enter Auchterarder Running Festival 2024 HERE - Opens Sunday 3 March at 7pm
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Continuing Season 10's highly unpredictable nature this week's episode takes a look at the sport we love through a different lens. We welcome along to chat all things running and photography with the renowned David Miller. His expertise has become increasingly well appreciated in the last few years, it's easy to see why.David first shares his own running story with us, and we unearth a highly capable runner with a clutch of ultra finishes of his own tucked in his belt.It's in the world of photography though that David shines brightest. Only seriously picking up a camera for the first time at the beginning of lock-down David has found an uncanny knack of capturing events like no other. His work soon coming to the attention of a global audience for its unique story-telling style.Now in high demand by race organisers around the world David remains firmly grounded, still striving to improve and learn from the world's best. He prob doesn't even realise that he is amongst that elite group himself.We delve into the most memorable races he's shot with Barkley Marathons and getting the money shots at UTMB taking centre billing. David also lifts the lid on the capture of his already famed snap of Allie Bailley, the cover for her bestselling book 'There is No Wall'.David's photo-journalist style is what really catches the eye, a breath of fresh air from the usual event pictures, he gives us an enticing glimpse into life on the other side of the lens and what it takes to get those vital shots.We don't let David go without covering your YHRF favs getting tore into his fav gear, his fav long day out snackages before finding out about some of his own bucklet list events.We clicked with David. We're sure you'll click with this episode.Check out David's website here https://david-miller.uk/Be sure to give David a follow and check out his Instagram here David Miller PhotographyPodcast photo credit Jake Baggaley
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It's only been a wee while since Kayleigh Webster started running, like 3 years!
Starting with Couch to 5K in 2020 and completing the final 5k run on Christmas Day was a great way to start. Then things started to change...
May the 4th be with you? Why indeedy! A significant date in 2022 for Kayleigh as it started a change in direction of going alcohol free and transitioned to a plant based diet (more on that later)
Kayleigh shares her thoughts on social media (it's not always a bad thing!) and the running community that's developed (and that she plays a big part in) for her as part of this.
5ks to half marathons to marathons to ultras it's been some escalation!
A now... big fan of the backyard ultra format Kayleigh has it in her sights to go again at this type of event, who knows how long she will go next time?
For Kayleigh, it's about distance not time, and the beautiful thing is she ain't in no rush to get there, the joy of running oozes out of Kayleigh and we LOVE that!
We discuss the benefits of being a plant based athlete, and Kayleigh has also taken that a wee bit further, and published her very own cookbook, and it's a belter!
We get the lowdown on the Kayleigh Buff style (it's a finger poke!), and also enquire about how many buffs Kayleigh actually owns!
Did we mention the 3x3x3 challenge for Kayleighs 33rd birthday? Always dreaming up (dream big) ways to celebrate life differently Kayleigh is true inspration both as a runner and as a human.
The Happy Diet Website
Kayleigh on Instagram
Kayleigh on Strava
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'Follow your nose, follow your heart and run, run hard'It was so predictable, wasn't it? This week we welcome the man himself, Winter Spine Race 2024 winner, Jack Scott along for a chat.
And it's incredible. Jack, still in recovery phase after the race of his life, is in compelling form as he recounts his astonishing tale.
Not only do we get to understand his ruthless approach to racing on the Pennine Way we are treated to so so much more.
With a back story covering his discovery of running as an outlet for a gambling addiction and how quickly it grew as Jack discovered a love and talent for the sport. His honesty and openness shines throughout.
We then take one of those famed deep dives of ours into his 2024 Spine. It's a frightening insight into the steely mind of Jack, compulsive listening for runners or for anyone keen to understand the limits of human endeavour. From race prep right through to post race recovery, nowt is left uncovered.
With an obvious admiration and respect for his peers and for those who have trail blazed before him Jack is a refreshing mix of meticulous and uncomplicated.
He has time on his side too, the 29-year-old looks to the future and teases us with his future plans. With plans to widen his horizons the world is his oyster.
Could anyone dig deeper than Jack Scott? We're not sure of the answer to that but this straight-talking steel fixer from Stoke-on-Trent will take a helluva beating.
We also take the chance to launch our new LeBuffBuff 'The Unpredictable Owl' head on over to our socials to get your grubby mitts on one!
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Season 10? Come on in, make yourself comfy the kettle is just off the boil!
We've a magic guest to get the season motoring along. Carla Molinaro, 2023 World 50k Champion, joins us all the way from her base in Cape Town.
First up John n Steven have a feature length intro as we peel back the skin on the unpredictable plans for the next 20 episodes! This could go in any direction! We take the oppo for a look back the way oh and we've an ask.....please share the podcast with your pals, interact with us on socials and even (if ye can be ersed) leave us a review on Spotify, Apple etc etc! CHEERS!
Our headline act Carla enters the chat and she is in fine form. We fire through her running origin story including her time spent in Glasgow, a city where her running really started to flourish.
We then hurl through her multiple finishes at the largest Ultra Marathon on the globe, the Comrades Marathon. A race that her affection for is obvious.
Carla's phenomenal 2020 Lands End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) FKT then rightly dominates as she regales her approach as well as the rigours of her 874 mile epic adventure.
We then zoom into something more recent; Carla ran out victorious at the 2023 IAU 50k World Championships in Hyderabad, India. Find out how she proudly wore the Team GB vest in a sweltering city to triumph.
We finish up hearing all about Carla's Strength, Conditioning and Yoga program for runners, see links below, and finding out what's next on her racing schedule.
Of course, it wouldn't be YHRF without covering the essentials, fav kit, fav refuelling, fav dialect word and a starter song for our new Le BuffBuff collection Vol 7 playlist.
Season 10, we're only getting started, twit twoo.
Try out Carla's SCY program by enjoying a week's free trial here https://www.carlamolinaro.com/scy
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And here we are, SEASON FINALE, and we're off to Cornwall. Unchartered territory for your dynamic duo!
On the eve of the 2024 edition of the Arc of Attrition we were mega chuffed to snare a sit down chat with the uber busy Andrew 'Fergy' Ferguson, one of the race directors. It makes for a fitting close to an epic season.
In customary fashion we first find out about Fergy the runner, quite some CV of races and adventures is uncovered with a wanderlust to explore new places with pals massively apparent.
The ARC, now considered as one of the winter classics, then takes centre stage and Fergy give us a wonderful insight into the history of the race, the logistics involved in staging it in often challenging conditions and recounts some of his own memories of past event highlights.
With tales of 78% DNF rates, the best starting location to any race in the UK and a huge nod to the race volunteers (The Arc Angels!) this is definitive listening with Fergy's passion for the sport and for putting on unforgettable experiences abundant throughout. We finish up with a quick preview for this years race as runners prep for the off!
Be warned, once you catch this episode you'll find yourself hovering over the enter now button for 2025. And you know just what to do? Get that button pressed!
Season 9? It's a wrap!!
Find out all about the ARC of Attrition and the RAT at Mudcrew events website here https://www.mudcrew.co.uk/
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Most podcasts don't have 20 episodes in a season. We're not most podcasts!
In our penultimate episode of Season 9 we welcome Andy Campbell to the party, and with good reason.
John and Stevie Boy have a quick round up of this week'shappenings with Jack Scott's Spine Pennine Way heroics taking centre stage.
Pitlochry based Andy then enters the chat! Andy is fresh off a superhuman effort tackling the West Highland Way in it's winter glory and snatching the winter season ‘Fastest Known Time’.
We find out first about Andy the runner, a hiker to trade, and certainly an outdoor enthusiast. Only what do youdo when you have reached your top speed in hiking? Well naturally you start running.
Andy soon discovered running up hills and on trails was his thing and so began his foray into ultra marathons. And, as can be the case, soon became entranced with the West Highland Way.
Putting in the training miles, learning his running craft and learning from past experiences put Andy in a great place to have a stab at the WHW winter record. We are treated to hearing all about it.
Andy beams most when chatting about his support crew, his other half Gilly and his hill buddy Graham playedan immeasurable part in the attempt. We find out how crucial they were to what was a hugely successful day on the way.
Andy then reveals to us his own new venture, Highland Trails Guided Running, offers adventures in the Scottish Highlands on iconic routes and stunning places led by the experienced Andy. See show notes for links!
We finish up in traditional fashion finding out whatAndy is up to next, a cracking dialect dictionary entry and his submission into the YHRF playlist (incredibly a song JC had never heard of!!
Find out all about Andy's HIGHLAND TRAILS GUIDED RUNNING
Adrian Stotts tribute to British ultrarunner and orienteer, Ed Catmur
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Dinnae fret, after our short festive hiatus we're back and we're ready for a tumultuous 2024. We find out just why in this weeks episode.
Appetites are whetted, new kicks are ready for action and renewed energy for adventure is abundant.
We've hundreds of inspirational guests lined up for ye but this weeks 2024 curtain raiser is the pair of us previewing the year ahead. What we're upto, what's happening soon (Spine tingling stuff) and what you guys have let us know you are up to (that was quite some response you gave us to our ask on our socials!)
It's a veritable miscellany of races, goals and dreams. It might even fuel some new adventures for your own 2024.
We also take time to catch up on what we've been up to with John starting his Lakeland 100 prep in style (and in esteemed company) by getting his foot on the route and getting a wee bit lost. Steven meantime continues his romancing of Beluga Lagoon who we (kinda officially) appoint as the soundtrack of YHRF!
We've even our first competition of the year to anounce with Devilla (or is it Devilia?) Forest Trail Race places up for grabs courtesy of our good pals over at Carnegie Harriers!
2024, here we f*ckin' GO!!
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Not many words needed. It's our alternative take on awards season, live from YHRF HQ.
Video and Audio versions available. All the festive fun, we loved recording this one as you might tell!!
Massive thank you to all who took part and submitted a nomination. And a huge huge YHRF Merry Chrimbo to all you listeners, we'll see you all again real soon! Eat, drink and be merry y'all!
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It was take two in Spain for Stevie Boy last weekend as he made a return trip to the continent for the 2023 edition of the Malaga Maraton.
In this weeks episode we chart not only a weekend on the Costa Del Sol but find out how Steven has managed his training since his endeavours at the Chicago Marathon back in October.
A full episode of John and Steven chewin' the fat about running and dain' braw hings with even brawer people.
We cover more than just happenings in Espana though with a veritible feast of chatter as we pore over the last weeks running headlines plus plenty of irrelative sh*te you've grown accustomed to! We've news too that nominations for the YHRF Unawards 2023 are now open, follow this link to get involved YHRF UNAWARDS 2023
The meat of the episode then ensues with our Malaga Marathon debrief. If you ever fancy a wee trip abroad for some winter sun whilst ticking off a marathon (or a half if you cannae be ersed with 26.2 miles) with the enjoyment of savouring the post race highs along with good food, apt hydration and fine folk then you'll love this trip recount.
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We might've mentioned Season 9 would be different. Our gift this week is a video version of our chat with Nicky Spinks of course you can still access the audio version if you prefer.
Nicky has been on our wish list of 'guests' since round about day one, it's well worth the wait!
We start off with an intro from Nicky about her running journey, her 'why' and her love of the outdoors life.
We then get the best description ever of the 'big rounds' in the UK, a passion of Nicky's which she has both set records on and also racked up an amazing number of support runs playing a part in many other runners successful rounds. Listen in to find out more......even the coveted double rounds are covered?
From being inspired by runners including Joss Naylor and Roger Baumeister, Nicky has picked up the mantle and now inspires runners far and wide with her endeavour and fortitude, motivating others to push themselves and see what is possible.
Nicky celebrated 10 years of surviving cancer in 2016 by taking on a Double Bob Graham round, the film crew invited to follow her got a right treat! And what a celebration it is...
Run Forever: The film of Nicky Spinks & The Double Bob GrahamNicky likes it dark n gnarly, she's pretty good over the flatter ground too, it's just a means of getting to the harder stuff quicker is our guess!
We criss-cross the globe as we speak about some of Nicky's many adventures running long distances over many days and of course the subject of food is covered, took us a record breaking 23 minutes to get there!
There are golden nuggets aplenty and shared wisdom from one of the greatest runners to ever lace up a pair of shoes. Nicky is part of running folklore, it was an absolutely honour for us to spend some time in her company.
To quote a line from Nicky's songs choice: I can climb the highest mountain...
You'll love this, you'll likely listen to it more than once!Nicky's fundraising link for Odyssey
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Wrapped, it’s what all you Spotify-ers are getting tore in about this week. Well, here's another 120 minutes of (mostly) quality podcasting to add to your 2023 YHRF listening total!
This week we cast our net far to catch another eclectic guest, as we're joined John O'Donnell. John has plenty to talk about, let's waste no time.
A relative late comer into running John, as is customary, first takes us through his running story. From discovering the power of Parkrun, tackling marathons, and ending up falling head over heals in love with Ultras'!
It's been a steep trajectory for Uplawmoor based laddie with a fair modicum of running talent in his legs.
The marathon time was soon skittled down to the always impressive sub 3 hour marker and race podiums soon appeared within his reach.
John recounts memorable days out on the West Highland Way and a watermark moment on the Great Glen Way as he honed his ultra marathon race craft.
It's not all glorious successes though as John remains grounded with honest tales of the day's things didn't quite go to plan with a hat-trick of learning from his DNFs (we all need a few DNFs in our CV right?)
Run Llama? Whits that all about then? John reveals all.....and more.
A mega 2024 looms large on John's horizon, a half century birthday to be celebrated in style by taking on the gruelling Marathon Des Sables. Every wandered what training and prepping for the iconic multi stage desert marathon is like? Johns got you covered! See fundraising link at bottom of show notes!
With Berlin Marathon 2024 also in his sights it's awfully apparent John has no intention of slowing up, the exact opposite in fact. With a running pal circle as valuable as any motivating and encouraging him along the way we cannae think of much that will stop him.
With his Ella Kitchen in hand and more bromances flourishing we're sure you'll lap up our chat with Run Llama's John O'Donnell!
John is raising funds and awareness for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) as he takes part in the Marathon Des Sables, throw him whatever you can spare here https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-odonnell-1700811484654?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjohn-odonnell-1700811484654&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
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We continue to hurtle through Season 9. Join us in thisepisode for a ‘feature lengther’!
Ye might want to make sure your earbuds are fully chargedfor our extended chat with this week’s guest, the cultured Mr Ally McColl.
You may recall Ally featured recently along with Graham Connolly (Season 9 Episode 4) to give us the lowdown on their Barkley Fall Classic adventures. Now it’s time for Ally to go solo and have the floor to himself, he grabs it with bothhands or as he might say himself ‘baithe tatties’.
Ally provides us with a thorough look back at his running story, it’s part podcast part biography as we delve into a blow-by-blow account of Ally’s foray into the world of ultra running.
From being a wet behind the lug novice, to mastering his race craft and transitioning into a competitive racer. That might sound a bit wanky, thankfully it's only yir show note scribe who is, Ally is anything but.
Tales of a torturous first marathon, discovering the wonderof the trails and hills, finding pals with similar fires in their bellies and the good karma of volunteering ensue as Ally recounts his experiences.
Ally’s passion for running comes over loud and clear, hislove of the area he calls home along with a drive and determination to batter his former self’s performances. What did he do when racing was snatched away from him in the COVID years, sit on his arse and mope? Nah, this fella made sweet potato brownie and went for a few wee runs.
He’s achieved a lot in a short number of years, who eggedhim on? That often mentioned ‘mate at work’ might just have played a part. Enjoy our full 90 min plus extra time with the exquisite Ally McColl!
P.S. John and Stevie Boy have a wee ask, a regular and loyal listener to the show is currently undertaking a survey of ultra marathon runners and we’d love it if you took 15 mins to fill it in. Please follow this link to help us help a pal out https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uhi/ultra-running
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Where to even start with this week’s episode, it’s a question we’ve asked ourselves a few times since recording with the outrageously entertaining and super-talented Allie Bailey.
We hit the ground running with a thorough intro as JC and Stevie Boy catch up on plenty happenings mostly but not exclusively running related with sequin jackets and shwanky socks to the fore.
Allie then joins us for a rip-roaring account of her running story. It’s quite something.
A coach, an author, a podcaster, a runner, a recovering alcoholic, a depressive, a sensation.
Allie took up running back in 2008 to combat depression. It didn’t quite work out how she thought. However, it certainly changed the direction of her life.
From running 58 ultras in a year, to discovering the route to help her mental health problems, through to acknowledging her struggles with alcohol this episode takes twists and turns multiple times.
With a unique perspective gained from lived experience peppered with humbleness, humility and an (un)healthy dose of self-loathing Allie’s chat will get you thinking, nodding, or even disagreeing.
In this tell it all brutally honest conversation Allie sends a clear message. Define your values and live by them.
It's YHRF but not as you know it. We loved our blether with Allie, so will you...
Pre-Order Allie's Book There is No Wall
Allie's website
Allie on Instagram
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We've a world exclusive. Have we said season 9 is a bit different?
We skip through a quick intro with some Chill Trail Race chatter before this week's headline act join us.
Both massive pals of the podcast who we've already shared some great episodes with. Now they've something rather sensational to share with us. Say hello to Wildheart Runners the thrilling new initiative of Karen Nicol and Debbie Martin-Consani.
We're privileged to find out all about it and, not being shy retiring types, UltraKazy and Badwater Debbie are ready to give us the lowdown.
We find out what the plans are for creating a hugely valuable new community for runners, pitched at covering some of the unique barriers and challenges female runners face whilst acknowledging the need to widen and involve everyone in the conversation.
We hear from the passionate duo about safety whilst out running, about hormones and female admin, and about how with their knowledge, connections and experience now is the time to create the opportunity to learn, interact and get involved in the conversation.
We hear from Karen about how she's raising awareness of gender balance in races particularly ultras and endurance events. Whilst Debbie tells us about facing the time challenges of being a busy parent with the juggle of training, work and other commitments can be a big obstacle to overcome.
With coaching, workshops, shared running experiences and adventures a plenty in the pipeline this chat creates a big buzz for what the future holds for Wildheart Runners. Watch this space, we see a wild bright future!
Wildheart Runners on Instagram
Female Body Bible by Dr Emma Ross, Baz Moffat and Dr Bella Smith
Next Level by Stacy Sims
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Well that's us half way through season 10 already, this season is going lighting fast! Bit like John on an interval sesh.
We're back to normal service this episode. John and Steven batter through a eccletic intro as they get excited about this weekends Chilli Trail Race amongst plenty more!
This week's guest Dave Shaw then joins the party as we get a chance to blether all sorts with mostly running related content.
Dave's latest escapade saw him have a magic day out on the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon, 55 miles of mostly canal toe path. Turns out Dave quite like canal toe path, thankfully.
But we get tore right into much more than that including Dave's running back story and then onto the juicy topic of Run Rhaw.
Dave is rightly proud of Run Rhaw, a community he's created in Dumbarton. It's fair to say it's caught fire, Dave tells us all aboout it. Inspirational stuff.
With all your fav YHRF bases covered this belter of a chat with Dave might well light your fire too! In aboot it y'all!
Find out all about Dave the Coach and Run Rhaw here https://www.runrhaw.com/
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Transatlantic baby, that's what we are this week. We're mega pleased to be joined by Kevin Kaduk, Chicago Marathon 2023 finisher.
We've a heftier than normal introduction as Stevie Boy and John reconnect after a month of irregular podcast activity! We've a heap to cover!
It's then over to Steven to take the lead as he chats with proud Chicago native Kevin to explore how prepping and running in his first ever marathon went.
No stranger to the world of podcasting Kevin came on to our radar when we discovered his own Chicago Marathon Podcast (see links below), it became abundantly apparent that getting the lowdown from him on YHRF was essential.
Self-confessed mid-packer Kevin gives us his running backstory, what his motivations were to run his first marathon, talks us through his training block before re-counting marathon Sunday.
It was an historic day in the Windy City for all sorts of reasons, an event that unifies a city through the running community not only chewed up and spat out a new world record, but it heralded an epic lifetime achievement for Kevin.
His perspective lends us an entertaining and different insight, many of us will relate to and find ourselves nodding in agreement throughout.
With a ton of lessons learned from the 26.2 and a first Chicago Marathon medal firmly in his grasp Kevin allows his thoughts to drift to another foray next year, armed with newly gained steel and resilience.
Throw in a charity close to his heart, a city he adores and of course that sensational Chicago Marathon support we predict more heroics to come from the brilliant Kevin Kaduk.
Lace up, volume up and go 'Run Like an Antelope' gang!
Find Kevin's Chicago Marathon Podcast plus all others sorts of content and features here https://allchgo.com/
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In this episode we catch up with Ali Eadie. Ali describes herself as a 'seasoned listener' to the podcast, and this chat has been a long time coming.
Ali peaked our interest with her involvement at Run Talk Run, a group whose mission is to increase accessibility to mental health support through running & walking. But there is a whole lot more to Ali that this!
Ali tells us what brings her joy from running...and life in general.
Still to complete a road marathon (it's on the list) Ali has found a love of the trails and hills.
Canicross is a love of Ali's and Fin (Ali's dog) and we find out a bit more about what Canicross is. If it's your thing too, let us know.
From running a marathon through lockdown, to taking on the Dava Way 50k, the Cateran Trail, the Devil of The Highlands, and a podium place at an ultra in the Faroe Islands, the last couple of years running has brought Ali great joy and success.
Define success...in Ali's words 'it was just a nice day', all the success you will ever need.
We speak about the Love Trails Festival in Wales, big shout out to this, it sounds like an awesome experience, and it's played a big part in Ali's running story.
It's not just putting on a race number that excites Ali though, we speak about her love of the hills, Edinburgh's Pentlands specifically and having adventures with friends and the EH3Milers run club (a run and a pint, what's not to like!)
It wouldn't be a YHRF episode with chat of food would it? Pot Noodles, Salt n Vinegar Hula Hoops, Dairylea Dunkers (the midge version), Percy Pigs...it's all in here!
If your thing is getting great joy from running, keeping it simple and living life with a smile, this is the episode for you.
Did we mention the funky shorts? Mon in, your gonna love this...
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He just blew in from the Windy City! You need big shoulders in the city of Chicago, well we've got just the guy . John catches up with Steven Watt a.k.a. Watty, a.k.a. Stevie Boy and his adequate shoulders live from Illinois, shooting from the hip on his Chicago Marathon experience.
Steven headed to Chicago looking to secure his 5th star of the 6 World Marathon Majors. It wasn't the quite the journey Steven had planned. His 2023, beset by injury, forcing him to suss out and plan how he may have to walk parts or even all of the Chicago course.
So what do you do? You could suck it up and do just that, pick up the medal and your 5th star, it's the same medal if you walk, run, shuffle or crawl afterall!
Or...you could continue to maintain your fitness even if you can't run the miles you would in a standard marathon training block. How do you do that? You swim, you cycle, you join the gym, you change your mindset, you become stronger, resilient and focused. Guess what Stevie Boy chose to do?
This post marathon catch-up took place two days after what tuned out to be an almost perfectly executed 26.2 miles given the circumstances building up to Steven's ChirCarGo adventure.
It's a warts and all breakdown (cos that's how we roll at YHRF) of the travel, sleep, race build-up, the run, the finish, the highs, the lows. the buddies and the aftermath, it's just what you'd expect from Stevie Boy and JC.
The food...well, we're waiting on a separate update on that spectacle and watch out for our spin off Young Hearts Eat Free Podcast starting soon ;-), you'll be able to check out our socials for the culinary delights of What Watty ate in ChirCarGo!
Steven was joined by Paul Stoddart and Allan Carr for his Chicago trip, Allan continues to raise funds for the Kano Foundation and his fundraising link remains open here https://justgiving.com/page/allan-carr-1691697784846?fbclid=IwAR3AwHGpjCXy6Bls63lpdlv4nbkIlGNlMIMQYxSZZ8nh1-y9n85h72VO104
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We knew from the moment we started chatting with Emma (aka The Scarpa-rer) on our Access All Areas spin off we were talking to someone with running talent. Fast forward only a few months and Emma has added in some wonderful running performances, as well as sharing a stage with us at the Lakeland 50 and 100 Running Festival in Coniston in July.
Arc of Attrition, Ultra Trail Snowdonia, Lavaredo Ultra Trail and then top it off with Tor des Geants, you could say it's been no a bad year for Emma !
This episode takes us on a journey through all of the above, but our main focus is Tor des Geants, it just takes us a wee while to get there!
There is talk of when Tor des Geants came onto Emma's radar, the preparation beforehand (including altitude tents!) lessons learned from events, and the execution of all of that into a fantastic eeh few days out in September 2023 in Italy's Aosta valley.
Refuges, life bases, hallucinations, deja vu, nutrition and kit, it's all in here! Buckle up baby, this is a belter of a feature length episode.
We also discuss Emma's plans/hopes for 2024, we have the feeling she may just be getting started. Listen in and let us now what you think by sending a wee message.
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Here we, here we, here we f*ckin' ChicaGO!!!
Boarding passes ready? Welcome on board our virtual flight to Illinois as we find out all about Steven's up n coming weekender to Chicago as he chases a medal in the Windy City.
John leads our pre-race conversation as we find out about Steven's unconventional training block in a year that's been beset by tales of injuries for one half of your YHRF hosting team. We hear about adaptability and keeping discipline to ensure the marathon start line remained possible.
A mindset shift is clear as Steven reflects on the year thus far and sets a different kind of target for Sunday 8 October. Plan A went out the window many weeks ago, but what about plan's B, C and D?
John finds out not only about his current thoughts and hopes for the run but also the rest of the (long) weekend-plans, including how he's had help from YHRF family in planning the non-running actvities the city has to offer.....you knew it would turn to scran quick right, but this quick?
With a whistlestop run through his itinerary plus an intro to Steven's travel pals including a v.important info regarding a fund-raiser one of them is undertaking (see link at bottom) .
We finish up in customary fashion, dialect dictionary and song of the week. Good luck to Steven, his pals, all YHRF listeners and everyone else taking part in or helping out at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. All eyes are now on the tracker......Steven's race number? 9309
Give generously to Allan Carr as he raises money for the Kano Foundation here https://www.justgiving.com/page/allan-carr-1691697784846?fbclid=IwAR1FypBqtYZ8f0A5WpVbO3wXUAQPonJ6_IZ3gwctMlso924zfg_hKLqANg4
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We've mentioned Season 9 will be full of surprises, this week we even had a surprise ourselves!
After dissecting the weeks movers n shakers in our intro as well as the arrival of 'dart player style running nicknames' feature we move quickly onto our guests who were keen n eager to get their tongues wagging!
Making his YHRF debut we welcome Ally McColl he's joined by YHRF vet Mr Graham Connolly as we get down n dirty on all things Barkley Fall Classic!
Ally n Graham are fresh off the plane from Tennessee after making trip to the mecca that is Frozen Head State Park to partake the 2023 BFC. And they've come armoured with a tale or two on what was an unforgettable transatlantic sojourn.
So gather in round the campfire as we get the on the ground review of their experience in the Disneyland of ultra running. Roll up roll up there's Rat Jaw, Testicle Spectacle, Fire Tower and Meth Lab....all the fun of the fair. Ups n Downs aplenty.
After battering around the 50k (ish) BFC - known as the Barkley Marathon's 'Little Brother', our guests give a frank and honest account of what it's like to be on the ground at a Lazarus Lake event. From beer barn get togethers, missing luggage dramas, flying stinging venomous nature and the hotly anticipated jaggy nettle adventures! Nothing disappoints.
Ally takes the lead with Graham ably backing up. A warning, at times Graham was lost for words and inputting through the chat facility (yip we did say there was a surprise!).
A heady mix of travelogue, race report and observations on US culture this episode lives bang up to expectations. If running and living life to the max with your bestie's is your bag you're gonnae love this edition.
Titan up baby and enjoy the ride!
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We welcome Nic Dawson to the podcast this week, and we cover way more than we had originally planned!
From running up and down the sand dunes of Irvine (check em out if you've not heard of them before), to the giddy heights of representing GB at the European Duathlon Championships in Bilbao.
We chat with Nic about injuries (multiple) and the recovery journey involved to other sports, distances and disciplines.
Inspirational isn't a word close enough to describe how Nic has rediscovered and reinvented herself, in her own words...'Why Not'?Nic also finds time in her busy life to run Epic Trails, based in Milngavie (you just know what happens next right?)
From the Fling, to the WHW, to the Devil, oh that's the Triple Crown isn't it!
Then throw in the Celtman, swimming wi jellyfish...you starting to get the picture?
As you'd expect by now. we spend some time on the topic of scran, what works, what doesn't, this weeks wee food teaser...runny porridge!
Never one to stop developing and enhancing her skills, Nic is currently undertaking a qualification be a licenced running coach, so keep an eye out to get involved if you'd like to work with Nic and get an up close insight into some of the dedication, devotion and pursuit of joy that can be derived from fitness and from running.
Epic Trails Instagram Profile
Epic Trails on Facebook
Pre the chat with Nic we chew over a few things including 'supershoes', autumn marathon majors, the Jedburgh 3 Peaks competition, oh...and Race Or Not is back baby!
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Well hello again, we've had a busy week since we last spoke. We're here to recap it all PLUS welcome to the show a most excellent guest. Come on in, the kettle's just off the boil.
We spend the majority of this week's intro blethering about the epic Auchterarder Running Festival, a warm weekend of racing and achievement in glorious Perthshire. We do have a quick nip over to the Aosta Valley to see how a few pals of the show got on in the gruelling Tor Des Géants.
Neil MacNicol then joins the fray, a familiar face on the Scottish Ultra Running circuit, himself a superb athlete as well as being pivotal to many others in his role as run coach.
First up we find out all about Neil's running back story and his entrepreneurial motivation to set up his successful run coaching business RunRecover (see link below).
It's Neil's personal successes and approach though that we home in on, after breaking into ultra running races back in 2011 it's fair to say he's achieved great heights. A methodical approach, a discipline and a love for stats and data emerge as we get under the lid of what drives Neil on and gives him his competitive edge.
From early impressive forays into the marathon distance Neil recaps finding his strengths in longer distances, the appeal of the hills and trails winning over the tarmac and towpaths he'd started off with.
A love affair with the Lake District is apparent and his regular return ticket to Coniston to take part in the Lakeland 100 each year dominates our chat. A first go at the Lakeland 50 in 2023 allowed for Neil to race hard, it was one he was up for ending in a superb victory.
With a glimpse forward to an up n coming Bob Graham Round attempt thrown in along with all your YHRF favourites (fav kit, fav scran etc etc) this episode covers all the bases. Enjoy and let us know what you think!
Neil's Runrecover website details all his offerings https://www.runrecover.co.uk/
Date for Auchterarder Running Festival 2023 is 7 & 8 September - get yir diaries marked!!
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We said we'd be back soon, we dinnae lie, welcome along to a brand new season of the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast!!
We kick off our curtain raiser with an intro that serves up all sorts of delights, some of them even running related! 'Oh Courtney Dauwalter!'
Our opening guest of the season then joins the party. Hot off the heals of being crowned Devil O the Highalnds 2023 champ Rachel Normand chats to us about her running story.
And it's quite the tale, Rachel leads us through how she got into running, her first forays into racing and how she found the trails and hills that she adores before discovering a little thing called ultra-marathons!
We pause for a while in the Lake District, as we do often, before scooting up the road to the West Highland Way to discover a bit of a love affair Rachel has with the route. Success followed her and we hear all about some amazing days out on 'the Way'.
We are then treated to a story of her 2023 Devil victory. A day immensely enjoyed by Rachel, that comes across loud n clear!
It's not all racing though, Rachel is a relatively new mum and we find out how she's eased her way back into running post pregnancy. Of course it wouldnae be a season opener without talk of kit and scran, Rachel plays along and provides the insight we crave!
With training, coaching and mindset all covered we were thrilled to have Rachel on for this seasons curtain raiser. Enjoy Episode 1, we've plenty in the pipeline for what will be a sensational Season 9!
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message
It’s only another SEASON FINALE!!! Episode 160 coming at ya!
First up we take a moment to celebrate and be thankful for the support we’ve had from all quarters in helping us grow YHRF to where it is now, we’ve naeintention of stopping.
A thorough intro covers a cracking amount of goings-ons in the wonderful world of running including UTMB, G24/12 landmarks, Loch Ness 24 review, Dunoon Ultra competition winners, Tiree Ultra, Canal Race victories, Auchterarder Running Festival final countdown and last but by no means least the opening of the 2024 Lakeland 50 / 100 ballot.
A neat segway to our final guest of season 8 as we welcome to the show Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn. The Multiple Lakeland 50 winner makes a fitting season finale guest.
We get the Katie running back-story and find out how she's adapted to the juggling demands of being a mum along with some bumps in the road with illness and yet still maintain her place at the very top table of British ultra-running. Adaptability personified.
We'd be telling big fibs if we said that the chat didn't turn heavily to the Lake District but we do take a fair winding road before arriving in Conistone to hear Katie's tales of her 4 Lakeland 50 victories. We couldn't leave appearances for Team GB trail team out of the conversation really, could we?
Katie's affinity with the Lakeland event shines bright though, it's become a defining part of who she is and a huge motivation for her to keep pushing the boundaries of her abilities. Course records have come her way, more than once, we get a rich insight into her approach and race tactics as she recaps her memorable outings.
We do get to YHRF fav questions of kit choices, nutrition preferences but not before covering the important topic of how to deal with post ultra-marathon blues.
Katie leaves us with some food for thought on how she approaches races and lastly there's some exquisite tips on mastering those technical downhills.
So, another season comes and go's, only one thing to do....lets get tore right into season 9.......coming real soon!!
Remaining entries to the 2023 Auchterarder Running Festival here https://www.entrycentral.com/arf2023
Throw your name in the Lakeland ballot here https://lakeland100.com/enter-the-event/
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John's recovered from his 100 miler and there's much to catch up about. Welcome to the penultimate episode of season 8 (featuring John live from a toilet cubicle!)
On the agenda we've got (in no particular order)
- Auchterarder Running Festival Competition Winners
- Dunoon Ultra Marathon Competition opening
- Devil o the Highlands Recap
- Loch Ness 24 Preview
- John's post 100 mile recovery
- Friend of the show Martin Heggie takes on the Canal Race
- Josh Kerr wins gold
- Annual UTMB excitement festers
There might be some other chit chat too, you'll need to listen in to find out.
Back next week for the season 8 finale joined by a very special guest! Remain in aboot it y'all!!
Find out about and enter the 2023 Auchterarder Running Festival here https://www.entrycentral.com/arf2023
Find our about and enter the Dunoon Ultra Marathon here https://www.entrycentral.com/festival/2634
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This week we're joined, live from Germany, by the man of the moment Mr John Cassidy. He's in bouyant mood, he has a hundred reasons to be.
We get to hear all about his wunderbar Berlin Wall adventure as he conquered the Berlin 100 Miler Ultra Marathon. Is he emotional? Of course, he is, he's just done something momentous afterall.
From good feels on the start line, to the inevitable highs n lows that go with running 100 miles, to a euphoric finish line we leave no stone unturned as John recounts his experience.
He's made new pals, he's made some lifelong memories and he's even gate crashed a wedding. Yip, welcome to the wonderful world of John's Berlin adventures!
From taking the power of all your messages of encouragement to the most bizarre of hallucinations ever experienced (Mick Hucknall features heavily!), there's a lot of sh*t happens when running for this kinda distance. Throw in John's effervescent approach to life and you've a heady cocktail ripe for some prime storytelling!
John let's us in on some unique new nutrition discoveries, how his kit choices worked out and just how the hell he dealt with both the fierce midday sun and the darkness of the nights.
All in all, it's an epic as was John's race performance. Chill out and enjoy the 100% gold hour of YHRF unplugged and naked(!) all the way from Germany.
Our Auchterarder Running Festival competition remains open head to our Twitter and Instagram to enter or enter the event here https://www.entrycentral.com/arf2023
Be sure to leave us your feedback on the episode using the link below or on our socials, we love some audience chatter! If you're on Spotify try out the new leave us a voice message feature too!
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message
In this week’s episode we’re mega chuffed to be joined by the 2023 Montane Lakeland 100 men’s champ Andy Berry. It’s a classic YHRF conversation with a diamond of a fella.
Before we get cracking with chatting to Andy, we’ve a few topics to cover, one being the news surrounding the cancellation of this year’s Pentland Skyline race. A controversial subject that we try our best to dissect. Also, on the agenda we’ve Devil o’ the Highlands, a superb Auchterarder Running Festival competition and, of course, John’s trip to Germany to take on 100 miles of the former Berlin Wall!
Andy, hot off his thrilling win in the Lakes, then joins us. We cover much more than his recent victory as we take a trip through his running story. It starts in a familiar setting, making pacts with mates in the pub.
We learn of his first forays into ultras and fell runs before getting the low-down on his spring 2023 24 hours fells record. A record he snatched from his very own coach!
It would be amiss not to spend a chunk on his Lakeland win and we get a 1st hand account of how he approached the race day and how he managed his race. Kit, nutrition, and mindset all poured over. The result is no surprise, but hearing how those last crucial few miles panned out from the horses’ mouth is spectacular.
With a candidness when recounting his experiences, a relatable start into running and his post-race glow still fully present this episode is not to be missed!
Enter the Auchterarder Running Festival 10k or Half Marathon (or both?) here https://www.entrycentral.com/arf2023
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message
Join us for the 2023 season finale of Access All Areas, our Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 podcast series.
We’ve two special guests join us to help wrap up the 2023 Lakeland experience.
We catch up with the familiar faces of Race Director Marc Laithwaite and Chief of Staff Terry Gilpin aka Uncle Terry in the immediate aftermath of an epic weekend in Coniston (and surrounding areas!).
Relaxed after another successful delivery of the UK’s largest ultra marathon Marc and Terry are in fine spirits as John n Steven dissect the 2023 edition in their company.
We get tore into a retrospective look at how this year’s races panned out from their perspective. Uncovering just what it’s like organising and overseeing the event, it’s insightful stuff and leaves us with a greater appreciation of the scale of logistical operations going on to help the success.
We spend time chatting about the charity legacy the race leaves each year, the nonstop challenges going on behind the scenes throughout the weekend and get to delve into some of the unique craziness that makes the Lakeland 50 & 100 into the memorable, euphoric event it is so well known for.
Take a look back at our previous episodes on the You Tube channel or segway across to John and Steven’s world famous Young Hearts Run Free Podcast link and explore a whole world of running inspiration here https://t.co/4PnqqFBGpa
Let’s talk about the Conistone. People have to know!
Last weekend your dynamic duo headed off on our hotly anticipated summer road-trip to the Montane Lakeland 50 and 100 for an epic weekend. In this week’s episode we regale our unforgettable experience helping behind the scenes.
A weekend that promised so much delivered in spade loads. We met old pals, met listeners for the first time and made hundreds of new pals. It exceeded even our high expectations, listen in to hear our tale.
We’ve just about recovered from our own event jetlag and we weren’t even taking part in the hard task of racing! We run-down on our roving reporting role, our access to behind the ropes and cover some insight from behind the scenes of this hoe-down of an event.
We got first-hand experience of what it’s like being on the other side of a large-scale event where fun, euphoria, and endeavour shines bright. Needless to say, we had an absolute hoot along the way.
We’ve been long-time evangelists for this uniquely brilliant festival of trail running, our 2023 experience has simply swelled that sentiment further.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy our stories, laughter and emotion from the Lake District.
Entries open to the 2024 Montane Lakeland 50 and 100 at 9am on 1 September, we’ll maybe see you next year 😉
We’re off on our summer road trip this week, but fret not, we’ve managed to squeeze in a corker of an episode to keep the good times rolling. It’s been a while in happening but we reckon we got the chance to speak with this week’s guest at just the right moment, Mike Raffan is that man, the freshly crowned champion of the 2023 Highlander Last One Standing.
In typical YHRF style we first up get the lowdown on Mike’s running story, he’s literally a lot of ground to cover. And we learn about a big hurdle in his journey that Mike reflects on openly and honestly. Mike isn’t the type of guy to let a hurdle deter him and hearing how he responded to a major health set back proves inspirational stuff.
With a glittering list of ultra finishes and podium places peppering his running CV Mike looks back fondly at how things have unfolded for him. Mike spends time talking to events that have drawn him in, most notably The Tunnel Ultra and The Bridge Ultra, two races from the wicked mind of Mark Cockbain.
We then spend a chunk talking Backyard Ultra, it’s obvious that Mike has been captivated by the event format. With 7 race outings under his belt his expertise, race craft and learning is still growing, how many yards has Mike got in him??
This is an awesome keek into the mind of Mike and what drives him to go longer…..and longer. We finish up finding a little more about Mike’s own media project appropriately titled ‘Run Till You’re Done’ See link below.With hints, hacks and tips galore Mike delivers, was there ever any doubt he wouldn’t? You can catch Mike’s Run Till You’re Done YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/@runtillyouredone
The boys are back in town this week as Stevie Boy re-joins the fray after John’s expertise in running the show for the last few weeks. And, as you’d expect, we’ve plenty to catch up about!
A wee glance back at the last few weeks of happenings gets us underway. There’s talk of the hairy toy getting a new name, it’s all serious stuff, along with a chat about recent races including the Great Glen Way and the formidable Courtney Dauwalter’s outing at the Hardrock 100!
Steven then updates us on his 2023 running trials and tribulations as he looks to get over a series aches n pains, this running malarky isn’t always a bowl of cherries. A right good look at the mindset needed along with the ups and downs of injury rehab. Adaptability and patience seem key.
Our headline news then follows as we reveal all the details of our up and coming ‘Summer Road Trip’. Yip, your YHRF hosts are off on their travels! John’s talking outfit choices, think gold, think cowboy hats. We also discuss the Summer LeBuffBuff design origin story, it’s all linked. YEEEHAAA!!!
We take a quick look at this weekend’s Highlander Backyard Ultra with some good pals of the show readying themselves for an epic before the 2nd of this week’s sensational reveals. It’s over to Mr John Cassidy as he furnishes us with the lowdown on an August trip to the continent for quite the undertaking……ACHTUNG BABY!!
Enjoy getting your lugs roond this, we’ll be back next week with a belter of a guest lined up!
Alison McGill has made history this year, not only did Al win the 2023 Women's West Highland Way Race in 19:02:41, she is also the very first guest to record a full episode with the Young Hearts Run Free hairy toy! There is some background noise to this episode, it's real authentic and quite magnificent.
The North Inch in Perth was the setting for our meet-up and chat for over an hour about everything really, all of the lessons learned and preparation for this years West Highland Way Race.
We speak a wee bit about Als experiences representing Scotland at three Anglo Celtic Plate events, and what these experiences have brought to Als running toolbox.
We often use the term 'golden nuggets' here at YHRF, and Al delivers those nuggets big time in this episode.
Mindset features a lot in the chat, and how we can pick up 'one little thing' from a variety of sources, and all of these 'one little things' can turn into an unstoppable force. How many of us actually listen to our body? You might listen a wee bit more after this episode. Did we mention the power of smiling?
We're sure there's loads more to come from Al, but for now, let's embrace the opportunity to listen in to what Al put in place to travel on foot from Milngavie to Fort William, and how it feels to be the winner of the West Highland Way Race 2023
Some reading resources Al mentions in this episode: Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop
Rebound by Cindy Kuzma and Carrie Jackson Cheadle
Taking on a 108 mile challenge on the Pennine Way is no small feat. But then our Yorkshire Correspondent Mel Sykes loves a challenge doesn't she?
Mel does most of her training alone and on the hills and moors, perfect preparation for this kinda endeavour...right?
Pushing personal boundaries is something we all should do now and again, and this episode may just inspire you to do just that. Did we mention that Mel did this as part of recce for a future challenge? Oh...we maybe missed that bit out!
Mel finished nearly six hours ahead of the second fastest woman, running a 32:22:19 and had also been inside the women’s record until some tough overnight conditions kicked in...we speak about that a bit!
This is a full and in-depth conversation about Mel's time on the Montane Summer Spine Challenger South event on 17/18 June 2023
From prepping (getting her hands on) essential kit, planning where to top up with water, mastering the use of poles, management of hydration, nutrition and sleep, there's quite a bit to cover and talk about!
As you'll find out during the episode, this was Mel's longest distance endeavour so far, and you might say it didn't all go to plan, but that's where we learn our most valuable lessons, and there's lots more to come from our Yorkshire Correspondent, You'd better believe that!
Also included in this episode are a number of answers from Mel to questions sent in over social media platforms, that cover shall we say 'a broad range' of topics!
Enjoy.
This week's guest is winner of the West Highland Way Race 2023 Stuart Johnston. You all know our fondness of the iconic route, that's no surprise, Stuart though brings an altogether different view of his memorable day to the table and deliver he most certainly does.
Before Stu rocks up we've some exciting intro chat revealing your chance to get your mitts on our brand spanking new Summer 2023 LeBuffBuff! be quick
Stuart, who only flipped the switch for him to start dabbling in the world of ultramarathons relatively recently, then joins the fray. Running his first ultra in 2019, and just 4 short years later, in his debut at the West Highland Way Race, crossed the finish line in 1st place to win the coveted first prize in a time of 16 hours 35 mins 31 secs.
Pre-lockdown (remember that?) Stuart confesses to cramming in too many ultras, it was around the same time he made contact with running coach Gary House and together they hatched a plan that had paid massive dividends.
There are golden nuggets aplenty in this episode as Stuart gives us access into his running toolbox, providing us with information around his nutrition, hydration, building mental strength, finding his breaking point and understanding his body. Oh...and ice lollies!
We speak about how Stuart trained specifically for the West Highland Way Race, how he planned to combat the heat, and in his own words, how he left 'no stone unturned', thoroughness seems one of his many talents.
Stuart also gave us a heads up about the work being done by Bruce Smith around exercise and type 1 diabetes as well as recommending a book by Patrick Wilson 'The Athlete's Gut' (see links at bottom of shoe notes)
In what is a superbly insightful episode into the immediate post race thoughts of Stuart we are treated to an hour and a half of diamond content. There's learning here for us all, tons of takeaways, ye might even need a few listens.
Bruce Smith around exercise and type 1 diabetes
Patrick Wilson 'The Athlete's Gut'
Just the two of us.....we can make it if we try.
That's right it's one of those delightful week's we know you all, errrm, long for. John and Stevie Boy chewin' the fat.
And we've plenty to pore over in this shorter than normal episode.
First up, if you can make yourself comfortable for our West Highland Way Race 2023 Race Review. John takes the lead here, filling in Steven on happenings on the Way last weekend. Lots of well kent faces were out running, supporting, and volunteering. It's a race that's already under our skin, this year's edition just strengthened that.
We also take a trip down south where we find out how our Yorkshire correspondent Mel Sykes got on in her on the Spine Challenger South, her biggest endeavour to date, spoiler alert......she did no bad!
Then we shift over to the states where our insatiable appetite for watching dots move across maps is fed by the staging of the Western States 100. We've even a friend of the show over enjoying the occasion!
With a return of our semi regular feature 'Race or Not? and a surprise reveal of some new merch this might be a trimmed down episode but it packs its usual punch.
So buckle up because 'Here Comes the Hotsteppers'
Only 5 weeks until race weekend! How did that happen??!!
We’re back with another episode of Access All Areas our Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 collaboration. In this episode we speak to Stuart McNeish who is taking on the 100 for the first time. It’s a completely different perspective than our previous guests.
After getting to know a wee bit about his history we delve right into Stuart’s prep for the upcoming Lakeland race weekend.
We touch on recces, he’s done well to get his foot on the route. Kit prep, all that essential kit needs a spot in a well packed race vest. Fuelling strategies, how does he plan using aid stations?
In our entertaining hour(ish) chatting with Stuart we get a glimpse of his trepidation as his big race of the year draws into sharp focus. Yet we are left feeling quietly confident that his meticulous training and textbook preparation will see him through the ups and downs of the 2023 Lakeland 100.
Whether it’s your first time at the 50 or 100 or indeed you’re a season pro there’s some brilliant takeaways to be had with Stu.
The John Muir Way. A coast-to-coast waymarked path
stretching from Dunbar on the east coast of Scotland to Helensburgh on the west.
This week’s guest took on the entire route, all 134 miles of it, in a oner last
weekend. Say hello to Martin Gray, a man whose mission was powerful.
Martin joins us after a thorough intro where we cover this weekends
West Highland Way Race, the warm weather, another Stevie Boy running rant and
we’ve another round of our comeback feature 'Race or Not?'
Martin regales to us his running history, how he got into a
sport and blossomed, how it changed his life forever and how he’s become
indebted to his running coach who he values enormously.
Martin is no stranger to big challenges with a mighty progression made in his
running distances and times as he learned his craft - hard work and sacrifice
reaping reward by the way of finish lines and (impressive) finish times.
His why for choosing the John Muir Way endeavour though is a
real personal one, in memory of his old man he set off on his cross-country adventure.
The goal, apart from having the running experience of a lifetime, was to raise
money for Beatson Cancer Charity. Come listen in and discover how he phenomenally
achieved both.
Martin talks us through the event prep, the supporting cast he’s indebted to
and then onto how his journey panned out on what turned out to be one of those
rare Scottish days, that’s right the sun was blazin’ and the temperatures were
soaring. How did he cope with the inevitable attrition, what forces of nature
drove him onwards to that finish line?
Martin labours on paying regard to the many many people who supported him, whether
that was donating to his fundraising attempts, joining him along the route for
a few minutes or a few hours or even just by sending him a simple message.
So, step on in to the YHRF studio to hear how this gallus lad from Bishopton
ran home, with purpose, will and determination. For his Da.
You can still sponsor Martin’s fundraising, please give
generously to a simply awesome cause https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-gray77
As you get older you get slower?? This week’s guest Mark Gallacher knows otherwise!
Before Mark joins us for a thorough chatter of his astonishing running story we have our customary weekly round up with your hosts big Friday night road trip to the Black Rock 5 in Kinghorn rightly taking centre stage!
Mark then joins in the laughs, a well-known face in the Scottish running circuit, Mark’s performances across a range of distances catch our eye on an almost weekly basis.
And he’s not shy at telling us all about how he’s went from beers, gigs and cigs to races, shwanks and podiums. Mark’s progression in running is jaw dropping. He’s grabbing a second chance at the sport with both hands and is striving to keep on improving as he enters his 6th decade.
Not only a talented athlete Mark also has a talent for writing, conveying his thoughts and experiences on his brilliant (and award winning!) yet inappropriately named blog, ‘The most irritating runner in Scotland?’ (link at bottom of show notes)
We spend most time talking through Mark’s recent exploits at the Edinburgh Marathon, a distance he’s not unfamiliar with but one he’d not taken on for 5 years. He had a target, he set aboot getting it with a regimented approach to training and making sure all his bases were covered.
With a burgeoning medal hanger proudly displaying his growing number of achievements Mark speaks to us with an air on incredulity, even he can’t quite believe how far he’s come. And he’s not finished yet either, far from it in fact!
Singing praises of everyone around him but leaving his own abilities in the shadow are a measure of the man, that pride though in talking about his outings for Scotland and that extensive list of honours is apparent throughout.
With a right good idea of how your YHRF hosts roll Mark allows us to get into the nitty gritty of his running inspirations. So, pull up a chair, you’re going to enjoy this absolute classic of an episode!
Check Mark’s running blog out here https://markgallmac.com/
Donate to Martin Gray running across Scotland on the John Muir Way in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-gray77
This week we are joined by Freya Morgan, she’s better known as her alias Human Disco Ball.
She’s doing something quite remarkable at the mo, it’s a serious cause, but she has brought the fun. Lots of shiny mirrored fun.
We have some interesting pre guest chatter to get the ball rolling covering the Edinburgh Marathon, a Stevie Boy running rant and Athletics Trust Scotland's National Running Week amongst much more.
Then Freya joins us to tell us all about her running story and just what has compelled her to don a full disco ball suit and run 2500km.
The Human Disco Ball aims to raise money (and awareness) on behalf of the charity Bail for Immigration Detainees charity. They strive to improve outcomes for refugees often caught up in what could be a hopeless situation. Freya strongly believes in their work, she tells us just why it’s inspired her to run for the cause. (see links at bottomg of show notes to donate!)
Freya faces her biggest challenge on the 8 June when she attempts to run 200km from Bristol to London non-stop. A feat which would see her add 150k on to her longest ever run to date, will she do it? We think we already know the answer to that.
Freya is brilliant company, the serious underlying message she brings is belied by an energy, passion and sense of fun that will power her to success whilst bringing quite a few others along for the ride.
So let some of Freya’s positiveness rub off on you, get settled in for an hour plus of everything that makes the YHRF podcast what it is. We never shirk from hitting difficult topics - if we can do that whilst keeping an element of fun we’re on to a winner and Freya does not disappoint.
Donate to Freya’s cause here https://www.justgiving.com/page/freya-morgan-1669119657286
Read more about Freya’s challenge here https://www.biduk.org/articles/solidarity-fund
Sign and up get involved in Athletics Trust Scotland’s National Running Week here https://athleticstrustscotland.org.uk/nationalrunningweek/
We're back with another superb episode of Access All Areas our 2023 collab with the Montane Lakeland 50 and 100.
In Episode 4 we're joined by Nick Wishart. Nick has 10 years of history with the event, it's included a fair few highs in amongst a couple of lows.
The event has become a huge part of Nick's life, and his family have all got in on the act too.
We natter about all things Lakeland spending time on both his multitude of finishes, his year manning the Mardale Head checkpoint with his club and then there was his 2022 experience! He should've been picking up his slate for ghis 5th 100 finish, he ended up In an ambulance getting rushed to hospital.
Jam packed full of advice none more so interesting than the contents on Nick's dropbag at Dalemain! It makes for essential listening as minds start focusing on race weekend at the tail end of July!
You can catch the video version of this episode along with other content on your hosts YouTube platform here: Access All Areas
We’re ramping up the temperature this week as we get readyfor summer!!c
We welcome back to the show, oor pal from Yorkshire, Mel Sykes to give us herlowdown on what proved to be a challenging and toasty race in the Welsh mountainsat the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 50k (ish).
First though we’ve an extended intro featuring your dynamicduo. There are all sorts of funky happenings across the nation and that takesus on a wonderful meander to Cape Wrath before being catapulted back to thecapital as it awaits this weekends Edinburgh Marathon.
We also take a much-needed deep breath and convey how it’s not always plainsailing this running lark. The peaks and troughs all of us must work throughfrom time to time are discussed, all that insta shit and Strava success canoften overshadow folk dealing with loss of mojo’s or what seems like constantinjury woes. Hopefully some sage advice in amongst our blether!
Mel arrives to lift the mood, and she’s plenty enough chatter to keep usentertained. You might remember she recently finished 3rd at theManchester to Liverpool Ultra (covered in Season 8 Episode 3). She changed theterrain and elevation profile to toe the line at the super popular UTS by UTMB.
A non-exhaustive list but we cover 1. Running Poles. A help or a hindrance? 2.Greedy race organisers. How many entrants is too many? 3. Drinking from streams.A risk worth taking? 4. Aid station heroes. Do they work harder than raceparticipants? 5. The heat in Wales. Don’t forget your sunscreen!!
There’s some mild controversy and debate in there to get your heckles up. AndMel reveals her next challenge, one we’re pretty sure she’ll have the spine for.
Enjoy folks and good luck to wherever you’re off adventuring this week, whetherit’s racing, meandering or exploring.
Welcome to the Young Hearts Drink Wine Podcast. It’sa change of pace this week as we indulge in combining a few of our fav things. Running& Vino.
After a thorough weekly round up in our intro we are joined by runner, authorand wine connoisseur Colin Renton for a continental tour that inspired therelease of his first ever book, The Wine Runner: My Year of Hard Yards andVineyards.
It’s part running journal, part travelogue mixed in the essential component….samplingall sorts of local wine.
Colin leads us through what motivated him to take up running and then gives usthe lowdown on how he researched races before embarking on his quest thatfinished with a first ever marathon distance being covered in Austria.
Grab The Wine Runner book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wine-Runner-Year-Yards-Vineyards/dp/1915359058or direct from the publisher here https://www.polarispublishing.com/book/the-wine-runner
What does it take to hold the West Highland Way Race course record? In this week’sepisode we’re joined by ultra-running royalty and current female WHW recordholder Lucy Colquhoun to find out.
It’s fair to say that Lucy considers her racing days well behind her and joinsus in reflective mood. Her spirit and passion though are evident throughout ourchat.
Lucy confesses to falling out of love with running and ultra-running. A normal episode this is most definitely not.There’s a lack of rah rah motivational and inspirational moments, it’s a candideye raising honest assessment of how Lucy’s mindset has been flipped on itshead.
It’s a deeply authentic chat with Lucy who now doesn’t train with any structureand finds enjoyment in just moving, often with company, likely with her dogs.
Of course, that doesn’t hold us back getting to the nitty gritty of Lucy’srunning story and career highlights. By the time she discovered ultra-marathonshe was already a very accomplished road runner and owner of an impressive marathontime.
We spend most time fondly recalling Lucy’s epic day out in 2007 on the world-famousWest Highland Way trail when she wrestled the course record from its previousholder. It was her one and only appearance in the race and one she made thevery most of.
It’s not doom and gloom by a far stretch, most of it is fantastically relatableand the marmite nature of the sport is discussed with a lorra laughs along theway.
‘It's YHRF, Jim, but not as we know it’. Enjoy gettin’ yir lugs roond this!!
Ello! it's only our Yorkshire correspondent, Mel Sykes!
She's been in the news a bit lately; she's been front pagenews to us for much much longer.
Since we last spoke to Mel a fair bit of water has passedunder the bridge. Mainly being that her ultra-marathon standing has flourished.
We cover plenty ground, much like Mel does most weekends. Wekick off looking back at a memorable day at last year's Lakeland 50 rightthrough to her recent outing the Manchester to Liverpool 50 ultra. A day thatturned out to be equally as memorable for a host of reasons.
Mel was caught up in some controversy that day, as resulther 4th place finish was subsequently upgraded to 3rd place. If it's a witchhunt you want though you've come to the wrong place. Mel's much too braw alassie to get hauled into that malarkey. Instead, we speak about the race andsubsequent events from Mel's perspective.
We look ahead too at what's coming up, be prepped for adouble take on what Mel's planning the next few months. Safe to say she's beenwell and truly bitten by the ultra-marathon bug.
If you need a reminder of how keeping your approach andmindset simple, not over complicating your training or prep and just enjoyingour sport for the feel-good factor of moving then Mel is an essential listen.And it's all done with humbleness and a serene fashion we should all get onboard with.
Oh, there's some fruity language in this week's dialectdictionary and there might be an unexpected appearance from a penis cushion.Intrigued? Now come on in and get yir lugs roond this!
Right guys, we’re not even joking, this week we’re joined byJohn Kelly.
That doesn’t stop us having our usual weekly round-up though, evenultra-running royalty doesn’t stop that!
John then dials in from Tennessee and we give him the fullYoung Hearts Run Free going over.
John treats us to an hour of chat as we delve into hisrunning story, talk about his time in the UK covering all sorts of running andnon-running topics. Of course it’sBarkley Marathons that fills most of our airtime, and why the hell not?
Frozen Head State Park is John’s local hood, the trails afamiliar place. We get never heard insight from the legendary two-time BarkleyMarathons finisher. We cover the enigmatic Lazarus Lake, interloopal fuelling/sleeping,navigation, weather, playing tour guide, race tactics, lessons learned and findout about John’s ‘disaster prevention mode’ in action.
John is way to gracious with his time, we seize the opportunityto unearth a multitude of golden nuggets, the chance to pick his brain andlisten to his wisdom was an absolute treat. Turns out he’s a heck of a guy too,the Irn Bru swigging Tunnock teacake munchin’ dude even promises a returnappearance, we’ll hold him to that!
Your boys are striking gold at the mo and boy will we keepprospecting. Enjoy y’all.
Give John a follow on his socials for lots of musings and entertainment INSTAGRAM and TWITTER
Jump on in, it’s only our season 8 opener. And yip, we’restill bouncing after last weekend’s Manchester success story!
So, who better than to invite to the party to get our new season off to a flyerthan the fella with the 2nd best mohawk in running, the one and onlyDamian Hall.
After our usual intrepid intro Damo joins us and we cover plenty enough to getyir lugs tingling with glee. From his first foray into running right through tohis most recent adventure at the Barkley Marathons. We get to the bottom of hisrunning story; you did know he ran his first mara dressed as a toilet, right?
With time spent on discovering ultras and the realisationthat his body was capable of much much more than he first imagined. Damo lets usin on how he found adventuring ultra-addictive, bimbling along often with palssoon becoming his preferred leisure pursuit.
Spine Races, the Barkley Marathons take centre stage for ourmiddle segment before we move on to more important matters like bendy bodies,favourite trail snacks and of course his wee bromance with the tea dodger JohnKelly.
Lastly, yet most importantly Damo discusses his role withinthe Green Runners movement and shares his concern about environmental mattersthat he works so hard to raise awareness of and seek action against. It’s somethingwe can all do a little (or a lot) to help with even if that’s just sharing alift to the next race you’re running.
It feels over in a flash, and yet we have so much more tochat about. They’ll be a part II to this one at some future point, we’re onlygetting started with this tea loving, mohawk donning legend.
Find out more about Green Runners and sign up here THE GREEN RUNNERS
Sponsor Sam Miller undertaking his epic 300 mile cycle from Warrington to Perthhere Sam Cycles JustGiving Page
It’s season finale time! Manchester was the ultimate destination last weekend. The start line to John’s personal quest for a sub 4-Hourmarathon awaited.
We get a full blow by blow lowdown on the hoedown in this epic episode. Johns on the ceiling, Steven tries his best to scrape him off to dissectwhat literally just happened.
Come find out how your favourite guy rolled the dice as we unearth his pre-race rituals, his in-race tactics andof course we’ve all the finish line feels imaginable.
From suits of armour, putting action plans into motion and how you, the listeners helped fuel his burning desire. Playlists, run rewards and the race photo of your dreams, step on into this stonker of a race recap as a fully trained and coached Mr John Cassidy relives his Manchester Marathon experience in full.
High doh levels may have just reached a new peak.
Buckle up. It’s emotional, it’s inspirational, it’s downright unmissable. This is the feel-good shit you just gotta get your lugs roond.
Reach out to John’s coach Fiona through social messages here FACEBOOKor INSTAGRAM
Alternatively drop Fiona an email to fivestaractive@gmail.com to enquire.
Hud the bus, what's this? Episode 19.5, wtf? Well, it is a big week for one half of your hosting gang, JC is Manchester bound!
We take time out to capture John's final thoughts as he finishes up his taper and gets himself psyched for his big outing this Sunday morning.
He's been dedicated to his training plan for 16 weeks, how's he feeling? Greeting, excited, emotional.....all these things?
We take a meander through his approach to race-day talking weather, outfit choices, playlists, high-doh levels, race numbers and ultimately finish up on confidence levels. Our discussion will pique your interest, if you too are tapering it'll maybe even help steady those nerves a little.
John's invested heavily into this journey, now it's time to press play and let it all come together.
Come on in, it's time to find out how ready and raring John is to blooter that sub-4 hour marathon holy grail. The Manchester Marathon awaits. This is the one.
Access All Areas Episode 3 - Montane Lakeland 50 100 with Matt Neale - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - 12 April 2023
Welcome back to Access All Areas. Your one stop shop for all things Lakeland 50 and 100!
In Episode 3 your hosts, John and Steven, welcome along 13 time Lakeland 100 finisher Matt Neale.
Matt takes us on a journey through all of his Lakeland experiences, there are golden nuggets aplenty in here for you whether this is your first trip to Coniston or your umpteenth.
An early shout-out and a reminder to attend the world famous Sunday presentation ceremony, it's legendary don't you know!
You can catch the video version of this episode along with other content on your hosts YouTube platform here: Access All Areas
Terry Fox Movie on YouTube
We’re making a good habit lately of speaking with formerguests. We do so again in this episode as we welcome back Karen Nicol, she’sbeen a busy lass since we last caught up.Last time we spoke to Kaz she’d just completed her firstBackyard Ultra, she’s done 3 more since and they’ve all been part of a learningexperience that’s went much deeper than just running.We hear all about Karen’s race experiences which have seenher not only contribute to Team Scotland’s ‘yards’ but have raised the bar interms of her own personal achievements.With outings at the Cow Shed Backyard Ultra, the HighlanderBackyard Ultra and most recently a notable Rasselbock Backyard Ultra under herbelt Karen reflects on her own evolution as a runner. But there’s something more going on too, a change in mindset that perhaps isthe secret to her success.Karen has switched up both her training and overall approachas she reveals a drastic volume cut in her weekly mileage, the introduction of simulationweekends and time set aside to invest in her mind and body. It’s quite the story and Karen tells us it all in her (newfound)calm, collective and measured way. There’s a few constants remain though; hersupport team and Muller Rice consumption need no evolution whatsoever.Enjoy listening to Karen, she makes it sound easy peasy, it’sfar from it but you’ll learn a thing or two from her to consider tryingyourself. Now where’s those links for the Backyard Ultra sign ups?Rasselbock Running Races sound da bomb, find more out HERE
The Barkley Marathons. From the mind of a genius has spawneda phenomenon. We’ve been lucky to chat to some guests about taking part in Barkley.But what about behind the scenes?
We’re joined by Larry Kelley to find out. Larry has the privilege to see theBarkley going-ons through a very different lens than most. He’s part of the extensiveevent team who together make the Lazarus Lake magic happen.
Larry, a seasoned ultra-runner in his own right withmultiple finishes on his CV tends to follow his ‘a lot of stupid in me’ moto. Thisis a man who run all the way across Iowa after all, just the 310 miles!
We’re treated to an unprecedented insight as Larry respectfullylifts the lid into not only the Barkley Marathons but also the Barkley FallClassic. The routes, the characters, the challenges along with some sensationalstories from his time supporting the races in Frozen Head State Park.
Larry gives us his take on what attributes make a Barkley starter a good candidate to become a Barkley finisher. He dishes outtips and anecdotes galore. It’s gold. So is Larry who describes the races as magical, is there another race on the planetrequires athletes to show aggressive patience??! What even is aggressive patience?!?
Strap yourself in. Larry delivers in spades.
Warning, after listening you may find yourself checking out ways to getto Tennessee. We know we are!
In this episode we’re joined by returning guest RobbieBritton. We’ve plenty to ask him and, as always, he has plenty to tell us! It’snot every day you break GB records after all!
After a chunky opening intro segment covering Twenty Alongthe Forth, an Anglo Celtic Plate preview and a little bit of empathy for thosestarting to taper for spring marathons the wee man joins us for high paced rundown of what’s been going down since we last spoke.
Robbie is back at the very top of his game, his recentouting at the 24-hour race in Torino, Italy testimony to that. He walked awaywith a freshly baked new GB 24-hour record tucked under his arm and boy does itsuit him.
We get the full monte low-down on his prep and execution ofa spectacular day (and night) in Piedmont. Robbie is super generous with histime and knowledge, we delve into an intricate look at his fuelling, training,and mindset. The record he breeched had stood for an incredible 40 years!!
We spend a plenty time just chewing the fat with Robbie andhearing his take on all sorts, mostly but not exclusively running related. Thecadence is high, the takeaways are endless. This one might well take you 2 listens.
Phew, we’re outta breath even thinking about it, enjoy gettin’ yir lugs roondthis!
Get the full run down of Robbie’s nutrition plan from hisrecord breaking 24 hour race HEREKeep up with goings-ons over at the Anglo CelticPlate in Northern Ireland HERE
A big welcome back to the Young Hearts, Run Free podcast. Wewere thrilled to have the pleasure of catching up with the legend that is JasminParis.
She needs little introduction, so we dive right in to findout what brought Jasmin to where she is today, her intro to fell-running and howshe found a love for ‘the longer stuff’.
Still recovering from her very recent outing at the 2023Barkley Marathons we’re able to grill Jasmin on her 2nd experience overin Tennessee and just what it took for her to finish 4 loops of the daunting 20-mile(in Laz miles)) course. Whether you’re a Barkley newbie or seasoned Barkleyfanatic it makes for compulsive listening!
We also chat plenty about Jasmin’s iconic Spine Race course-record as sheregales how she found her love for wild places and how she unearthed a world-classknack of moving effectively over tricky terrain. There’s simply no doubtingthat last statement.
Passionate about her role within The Green Runners, amovement she is proud to have co-founded, Jasmin enlightens us all in ways wecan contribute to reducing our footprint, as their moto puts it ‘You don’t needto be perfect, just keep improving by putting the planet first when making decisions’.
It was a privilege to speak to Jasmin and we can’t wait foryou to get your lugs around this.
‘Messieurs, wiz zese bonus episodes you arereally spoiling us…..’Find out more and sign up to a pledge on THE GREEN RUNNERS
We love to welcome back former guests for a catch-up. Thelast time we spoke to Nikki Johnstone was 2 years ago, you might remember him,the quickest Elvis Pressley on the planet, ah ah ah.
So, jetting in from Germany, with a freshly baked newScottish 50k record under his belt and a refreshed lust for racing in tow itwas a joyous occasion for us to reconnect with Nikki in this week’s episode.
Of course, we start the show with our usual rip snorting introfeaturing a stacked agenda topped with a close inspection of the state of John’sundercarriage obliterators! It’s the content ye all crave!
Nikki then joins the craic. It’s been far from plain sailingthe last couple of years, he admits to his running being a bit up and down.Curtailed by injury and even a temporary loss of mojo (it happens to us all!).
But boy has he got his swagger back now topped off with alandmark 50k time set over on the continent that took him by surprise as muchas anyone else. Nikki gives us a lap-by-lap account of his race day, thatlovable alternative mindset of his is apparent throughout.
With a 2023 planned around ‘New faces. New places. New races.’ We can’t wait tosee how far this lad can stretch his ability, we know our prediction.
It’s a brilliantly honest account as Nikki lets us know how he’s battled backto the top of his game and rekindled his love for the sport, for life and forracing. MR RACE DAY IS BACK!!
That inspirational Zach Miller North Face 50 video clip - take 3 mins of your time to watch it HERE
We have proper running royalty join us in this episode as Liz McColgan dials in from Qatar to talk all things running with John and Steven.
From humble beginnings Liz stormed on to the world athletics stage back in 1986 with heroics at Meadowbank Stadium. We find out her story from way back before then as she entertains us with her running story.
Memories are recalled from all her major outings both on the track and out on the world marathon circuit. A real glittering career.
Liz also treats us to her pride in watching her daughter Eilish follow in her footsteps culminating with a that tear jerking last lap in the 10,000m in Birmingham in 2022.
Full of tips, advice and spade loads of inspiration we were just over the moon to get the opportunity to speak to Liz, she takes time to give John some stellar marathon training advice as well as give us her take on the evolution of the running shoe.
Settle in and join us as we meet Liz McColgan. One of our running heroes.
A video of out interview is also available on our You Tube Channel here LIZ MCCOLGAN MEETS YHRF YOU TUBE INTERVIEW
Marco Consani is our guest this week, it was smashing to finally catch up with him after having him in our sights for ages.
Marco, who has repped Scotland and GB in a glittering ultra-running career takes us through his running story.
We loved this chat with Marco who kicks us off with his introduction to running in the early noughties and takes us right through to his recent foray on the Pennine Way as he took on the 2023 Winter Spine Race.
Peppered with insights and a heap of fond reflection our blether entertains throughout as we find out just how Marco is adapting his running and his mindset to prolong his love affair with the sport.
Tales from the West Highland Way, the Lakes and beyond ensue along with coping with the set-back of injury. Adapt, adapt, adapt is the message that rings out loud and clear as we are treated to the evolution of an ultra-runner.
Thing is though, we kinda underestimated just how big a story he has to tell. It feels like we’ve barely scratched the surface, a return appearance for chapter 2 will be a necessity!
A magic episode featuring not 1, not 2 but 3 bawbags.
John and Steven kick off proceedings with a thorough intro rounding up a hot week of action as the Scottish half marathon season gets well underway in Inverness and Alloa along with the iconic D33 Ultra. We also take a hurl over to Tennessee for a Barkley Marathon update and figure out what we’re up to ourselves as John starts shitting his breeks ahead of the Manchester Marathon.
Now come on in, grab a comfy seat or your comfy shwanks and settle in for a few hours of proper class YHRF chit chat.
This week we meet Phil Shin and Mark Murphy, they’ve an immense story share with you all.
A chance meeting with Steven in Boston last April resulted in us learning about the reason they’d completed the Boston Marathon that very same day. Phil is a 2-time liver cancer survivor. Mark is his liver donor, or as Phil prefers to call him his hero.
In our most uplifting episode to date we are lead through Phil and Mark’s story. From their own running history right through to the here and now. Simply put, this is an unmissable edition that will inspire and warm your heart.
Phil has given cancer the boot, running has played a huge part in that. Mark, a much more reluctant long-distance runner, has embraced the role he has played with a humbleness, the selfless act of organ donation almost whimsically passed off.
The result is an incredible conversation touching on mortality, the bond of running connections and being inspired by the people you meet along life’s unpredictable path.
West Coast USA based Phil and Mark quickly get into the spirit of some of our YHRF fav questions. Food, fuel, fav places to run, unique dialect dictionary entries and music choices all covered.
We also find out that they show no signs of resting on their running laurels, 2023 has big plans in store for both these super-human beings. Life is being richly grabbed. Sensational.
John and Steven have a raft of matters to discuss in their intro chatter, the weeks break since our last episode has seen shed loads happening as listeners and former/future guests take on the start of the year with gusto. We’ve also not 1 but 2 competitions to announce, you can get yir name in for those over on our socials!
Welcome back to Access All Areas. Your one stop shop for all things Lakeland 50 and 100!
In Episode 2 your hosts, John and Steven, welcome along the marvellous Nikki Knappet and Morven Walsh to the show. Nikki and Morven are part of the army of volunteers who make the Lakeland magic work.
The Chapel Stile checkpoint is located approx. 95 miles into the Lakeland 100, or 40 miles into the Lakeland 50. Like all checkpoints it's a vibrant place to be! We get to find out heaps from our guests about what to expect at checkpoints along with some stories from past years.
Nikki and Morven met through the Lakeland family, it's evident how much the experience of participating in and subsequently volunteering for the race means to them. We're sure you'll learn something new from this fun chat.
There is one message we'd like to reinforce....remember to be nice and show your appreciation to all volunteers, the superstar army who make the race happen!!
Let us know in the comments your own Lakeland checkpoint experience or if you have a question for Nikki and Morven (we'll do our best to get it to them).
Lastly, remember to hammer that subscribe button to make sure you don't miss a future episode of Access All Areas.
You can catch the audio only version of this episode along with a virtual shed full of other content on your hosts pod platform here Young Hearts Run Free Podcast here https://t.co/4PnqqFBGpa
How do you follow up last week’s episode with Eilish McColgan then? Ah, we've got just the ticket.
This week one half of your hosting team takes centre stage, yip the man, the myth, the legend Mr John Cassidy is our main talking point as we get a mid-term update on his preps for April's fast approaching Manchester Marathon.
And we've a special guest join us, John's coach. A familiar face. Who can it be?
We hear from both John and his coach on how he is steadily progressing, building confidence, and adapting to a whole new approach.
On the agenda is fuelling strategies, mobility work and even whisper it a growing love for strength and conditioning.
From Burst Baw to Race Ready this revealing and honest chat gives a new insight into the resilient runner John has always been, throw in some structured training and accountability and we're cooking up a real tour de force, fully conditioned athlete to take on 26.2 Mancunian miles!!
So grab yir under-carriage obliterators and listen in tae find out how our man JC is rolling.
Find out more about John's coach on Facebook here Five Star Run Club and Instagram here Five Star Run Club Insta
We also discuss entries opening for September's Auchterarder Running Festival, if you'd like to join John n Steven enter here now ENTER ARF 2023 HERE
As regular listeners are aware we like to welcome guests from right across the running spectrum on to the podcast. This week that guest is super popular Scottish track superstar Eilish McColgan who joins John and Steven for a chatter.From her early beginnings into running, we get the lowdown from Eilish on all manner of things, the ups and downs, the highs and lows. For Eilish the highs have come thick and fast over the last few years, but it's taken grit, belief, and determination to get there.A sensational 2022 for Eilish was capped with that unforgettable performance in Birmingham as she stormed to the 10,000m Commonwealth gold with a spine-tingling final lap that had us all up off the sofas cheering. Eilish lifts the lid on the race of her life, it's every bit as emotional hearing it from the girl herself.With 2023 now underway Eilish shares her hopes for the future as she enters her final preps for her marathon debut on the famous London course in April.We cover tons more from her inspirations, the importance of the running community she's part of as well as plenty of insights into just what it's like being a full-time athlete.Eilish is a busy lady, she also lets us know about her 1:1 coaching as well as her exciting foundation Giving Back to Track as she looks to continue to inspire and support the next generation of athletes.With pride of her family abundant throughout we couldn’t leave her mum Liz McColgan out of our chat, it's obvious just how much family mean to Eilish.Episode Links -Giving Back to Track https://givingbacktotrack.org/Running Made Easy 1:1 Coaching https://runningmadeeasy.co.uk/Please follow this link to access hours and hours of Young Hearts Run Free podcast episodes, our light-hearted and relatable take on running featuring weekly guests and plenty laughshttps://linktr.ee/youngheartsrunfreepodcastYou can also give us a follow on twitter and instagram to keep up with latest episode releases and join in the general fun.
Well, it’s been a tumultuous week at YHRF HQ. And here comes the icing on the cake as we catch up with Spine Race 2023 finisher and all-round inspiration Aly Caldwell.
We cover all 268 miles (and mare) of the Pennine Way with Aly as we dissect her 6 plus days out racing. Yes, like many others we watched her dot shift efficiently to Kirk Yetholm, and now we get the lowdown straight from the horse’s mouth!
Listen in to find out what drove Aly to enter the race, how she trained for it, her unique techniques for assembling the required kit and how her race experience panned out, nae spoiler alert needed, she finished it. Blimin’ terrific.
As is mandatory on the Young Hearts Run Free podcast, we cover food and fuel in detail and get the insight we need on important matters such as Alston Lasagne and Aly reveals what was in her ‘bowl of heaven’!
Of course, we cover a pile more than just the Spine in our refreshing, and often candid, blether with Aly as she reveals her running journey hasn’t quite been plain sailing all the way.
With the race still fresh in her memory this first-hand account of just what it’s like competing in ‘Britain’s Toughest Race’ is an absolute treat from start to finish.
John n Steven cover a wee bit of happenings in our intro with Forfar Multi Terrain Half, Pride BuffBuffs, Auchterarder Running Festival 2023 entry news and competitions all grabbing some air time. Oh, and the small matter of our new venture with the Montane Lakeland 100 is kinda mentioned too!
ENTER AUCHTERARDER RUNNING FESTIVAL 2023 HERE - Entries open Sunday 12 Feb at 7pm
ACCESS ALL AREAS LAKELAND 50 100 YOU TUBE CHANNEL - Episode 1 featuring Emma Stuart avail now, remember to subscribe
Welcome to Access All Areas. In episode 1 of our spin off collaboration with the Montane Lakeland 100 your hosts, John Cassidy and Steven Watt are joined by the super talented Emma Stuart.Emma is well qualified to give us her chat on the Montane Lakeland 100 (and 50) having placed first place female in the 50 in 2021 and the 100 in 2022. John and Steven grill Emma on a variety of (mostly) related topics including her own journey into ultra running, her recent day out at the Arc of Attrition 100 plus of course grab Emma's insight into all things Lakeland with tips, hacks and inspiration coming by bucketload along the way.We reckon there's something for everyone in this magic chat so whether you're toeing the line for the first time in July or are a seasoned Lakeland vet you'll hopefully find something to takeaway! Catch the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast here https://t.co/4PnqqFBGpa
This week we are joined by man of many talents Daniel Bye. One of those talents is even running related and was in full display just a few weeks ago when he competed in the infamous Montane Spine Challenger Race.
We get the lowdown on how that 108 mile jaunt turned out but not after finding out heaps more about Daniel and his long term love affair with running.
Now a proud member of Lonsdale Fell Running Club Daniel hasn’t always been accustomed to the trails and hills. We grill Daniel on how he graduated from running on the urban canal toe paths of Leeds to running half the length of the Pennine Way in one fell swoop.
Daniel’s day job is to ‘write, direct and perform’ plays and pieces, his running passion and that day job collided in his (and his pals) touring show ‘These Hills are Ours’. Turns out his pal, Boff Whaley of Chumbawamba fame, was a no bad fell runner too.
Our main topic of conversation soon returns to ultra-running, Daniel discovered ultras in 2016 when he took part in the Lakeland Trails 55k. The fact he now considers that to be ‘quite a short race’ tells you how far he’s come since.
We get a sneaky glimmer at his triumphant Bob Graham Round, his day of days. But filling us all in and whetting our own appetite for an outing on the Pennine Way soon dominates the YHRF airwaves.
With tips, tricks and motivation abound your expectations will be matched by the excellent and charismatic Daniel Bye, a born storyteller.
Find out more about Daniel on his website here http://www.danielbye.co.uk/
When someone as awesome as Wild Ginger Running approaches you to have a wee chat on the pod you seize the moment with gusto. This week we’re awfully chuffed to welcome Claire Maxted to the Young Hearts Run Free podcast.
Writer. Author. Media entrepreneur. But most importantly, runner. Claire has spent a huge chunk of her life following her passion and in this week’s episode we get the lowdown.
Claire, co-founder, and former editor of Trail Running magazine, created Wild Ginger Running back in 2017 as a way for trail and ultra-runners to get tips, advice, and inspiration in a plain, jargon free and accessible way.
With gear reviews (and tests), training pointers and race inspiration sprinkled with the magical wild ginger running fairy dust her website and You Tube channel is a resource with something for all.
Claire is also a published author with her book, The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook (links below), offering pages upon pages of easy-to-read content covering all of the above and much much more. Trail Running Hacks? We all need as many of them in our lives as possible, right?
Even better than all of this though we get to hear about Claire’s own running history. We find out how she settled on finding her preferred race distance, how Bob Graham has played a big part in her running evolution and how the disappointment of her only DNF has simply fuelled her fire.
Our favourite kit segment is littered with Claire’s preferences, and John finds a kindred spirit in his quest to find other folk who love their big knacks.
With an immense 2023 in the pipeline, we are 100% (a hunner %) positive you’ll lap up this quality blether with the Wild Ginger Runner Claire Maxted.
So, grab your shwanks, get the headphones on and settle in for an hour and a bit of classic YHRF listening.
The links for The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook here https://amzn.to/36tuO8x
Wild Ginger Running Website https://wildgingerrunning.co.uk/
Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWEw4ys-SlXU1pCp6oyMemQ
Wild Ginger Running Patreon (your chance to win monthly £400 worth of prizes) https://www.patreon.com/WildGingerRunning
Is that a week passed already? Just where does January go 😉
We are back to chase away the blues with another corking episode to jangle your senses.
We are thrilled to welcome Catriona Bruce to the show, Catriona is the owner of Edinburgh based race organisers Blast Running. She’s also an accomplished and experienced runner herself with multiple marathon and ultra-marathon finishes to her name. We take time to speak about her own running evolution then hear all about the Blast Running story.
We start with our familiar weekly chinwag though with ice, undercarriages and spines dominating proceedings. Oh, and with John’s 2023 race debut at Maryhill Harriers Nigel Barge 10k this weekend we get tore into racing too.
Catriona then joins in. After finding out how she made her way to become a proud member of the Hunter Bog Trotters via Fife, London, back to Fife, Perth and eventually Edinburgh we delve into some of her own running highs, lows, and everything in between. From favourite places to run and a great list of running kit favourites, we cover tons.
Blast Running was born in 2019 and Catriona is rightly proud of how popular and established it has become. We hear all about how she has grown the races Blast Running offer to an impressive 27 events in 2023. With unique distances, settings and formats she’s catering for everyone. Her passion mixed with creativity is obvious and she’s certainly found a recipe for success. With a side hustle of Edinburgh Running Tours this entrepreneurial lass has all the bases covered!
Ready for Blast Off?
Find out all about Blast Running and their exciting events calendar here BLAST RUNNING WEBSITE
Fit like? Proud Aberdonian Ultra-runner David Scott has inspired many people. He’s honest, genuine and isn’t afraid to go that extra mile when the going gets tough. In this week’s episode we meet David to find out about both his own running story and the stories he’s helped create as we delve into Fit Like Joggers and the Brewdog Run.
David took up running himself in his mid-30s, like many we speak to he thought he’d get the marathon ticked off the list and that would be that. It turned out a big bit different to that.
After hearing all about his own spectacular foray into running we settle on a couple of lengthy conversations. Fit Like Joggers is a movement that David is rightly very proud of. What started as a couch to 5k group in Aberdeen has grown into so much more. David shares with us the evolution of the Fit Like Joggers.
We then shift to a monster David has created, the Brewdog Run also had small beginnings. It quickly ‘hopped’ its way forward and is now 3 times a year outing enjoyed by hundreds; it’s even went on tour. You don’t even have to like beer to get involved!
David then shares with us his fav running kit, his fav place to run, his fuelling essentials and some startlingly simple yet inspirational running tips. We end in traditional fashion with a dialect dictionary and song choice that’ll please tons of ye.
Find out all ab out Fit Like Joggers here https://www.fitlikejoggers.com/
Catch up on all things Brewdog Run on the Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/brewdogrun/
No other way to start a new year than battering out our first episode of 2023. YHRF, we never stop.
And we’ve a guest in da house! Joining us for a blether about all manner of things (mostly but not exclusively running related) is Amanda Woodrow. She certainly brings the fun along with her.
Of course we kick off with our customary chat where the headline news is the heightening of John’s 2023 plans, a trip to Germany beckons!
Then Amanda joins the equation, and a belter of a conversation follows.
Amanda has run competitively since she was 12 years old, she’s went from chasing down speedsters on the track to scurrying herself along the Lands End to John O’Groats route with lots in between.
In 2017 Amanda suffered from septic shock, resulting in a long hospital stay where she eventually emerged minus half a butt cheek. To say she has bounced back from this life changing experience would be the understatement of the year.
In her own words it allowed her to ‘sack the track’ and instead concentrate on going slower for further, much further. This forced adaption though has opened new doors for Amanda and she’s set on blootering those doors off the hinges.
We talk through some of her finer moments out racing along with a few not so fine moments, she does love an adventure. With a 2022 filled with 50k wins, the small matter of a LEJOG attempt and participating in the Pyllon Endeavour 192 we hear plenty about it. With an equally cracking 2023 plan already hatching we can’t wait to see what this lass can achieve in the sport.
Amanda touches on her fav run kit, now hold on to your seats for that one, it’s not all shwanks and skorts, trust us!
So go lube yourself up, the last thing you want to is a chaffed arse crack right, settle in and listen to the lass who’s chasing the sunset and winning.
Tune in to the new YHRF Listener's Choice Playlist on Spotify here https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Sj3cbzo9He1UWfRMxpOIT?si=bcf243af636c42d6
Well, that was 2022! Happy Hogmanay guys!
This is a first for a number of reasons! Our first ever ‘Unawards’ AND our first bash at a video edition of the pod. Filmed live and uncut, eeek!
We devote this episode to the ton of you who interacted with our social media posts during the month of December.
Our categories were a wee bit different to the norm, here they are in all their YHRF glory -
Beard of the Year
Outfit of the Year
Video of the Year
Inspiration of the Year
Event of the Year
Bit of Kit of the Year
Best Dropbag Item
Proudest Moment of the Year
John n Steven yap thru all of the above and pick out their winners and runners-up, some categories we didn’t even bother picking a winner cos, after all, we’re all winners in our own way.
Batter on in and get involved in the discussions over on our Insta and Twitter. We’ve even a competition for you all to enter!!!! RACE PLACES up for grabs!
Have an awesome new year folks, tell awbody ye love that ye love them, even folk ye kinda like tell them you love them too. Us? We’ll be back pronto in the new year with oodles of stuff planned and in the pipeline. We cannae wait, ye coming along for the ride?
Twas the week afore Chrimbo, when aw thru the hoose, no a creature wiz stirrin’ no even a moose.
Ye didn’t think we’d let you down and not have a pre-Christmas episode up our sleeves, did you?!
Firstly we spin through our weekly intro chit-chat in style, covering the fall-out from Stevie Boy’s Malaga Marathon endeavours (and of course his Twitter food thread!) plus we take a look in the rear view mirror at our own 2022 highs. Seems we packed a fair bit in!
Then we’ve got a festive treat for you as we welcome to the YHRF pod Gayle Tait. Gayle completed the fabled UTMB in 2022, you’d think that would take centre stage in our conversation with her, you’d be wrong. Something much more valuable has happened during Gayle’s running journey.
Gayle realised she had a talent for ultra-running after segway-ing into the distance from marathon. Already a very accomplished road-runner she soon found her love of trails and hills, a smattering of podium finishes, 1st places and a blossoming romance with the West Highland Way followed.
We do spend time chatting all things UTMB, a dramatic aborted attempt in 2019 and how that led to a triumphant race in 2022. The itch of not finishing in 2019 not only scratched but obliterated, or beast-ed as Gayle would put it!
A sense of what running means and does for Gayle is evident throughout. Whether that’s finding solace spending hours on the hills and trails on her own or chatting the miles away with a plethora of running pals she’s acquired over the years. Running is Gayle’s game-changer, mood-changer and lifeline all wrapped up in one.
And she’s no intention of stopping now, Gayle lifts the lid on her 2023 plans and if racing across Scotland is your thing, you’ll be keen to hear all about it!
So come listen in, find out about Gayle and take away some running and life lessons. Check in with your pals this festive, you might just be their game-changer.
Massive Yuletide greetings from your Sexy LeBuffBuff host team y’all!
It’s beginning to look a lot like………Season 7!
We get our new season off to a flyer with a trip to the continent. That’s right, Stevie Boy has been on his travels again and this time he was joined by some big pals of the show. Destination Malaga.
Of course we’re ready to take you along and get the inside track on the Malaga Marathon experience. Ever wondered what it’d be like taking on a winter marathon in warmer climes? Now’s your chance to find out in delectable YHRF stylie.
We do kick off with a round up of the latest wonderful goings-ons in our world of running. Plenty of you have been in touch lately as we launched our ‘2022 Unwards’ and plenty of you have swooped to grab one of our now sold out LeBuffBuff’s v2. Mr John Cassidy also reveals more about his Manchester Marathon plans…..we’re even given a peaks into his training!
Then it’s off to Espana for the lowdown, the city highlights, the people we met, the marathon and of course the food are all covered in detail. Steven gives us his thoughts on how he got on and ponders what his next move is as he bookends 2023 with another medal in his collection.
We had the hairy toy along for the ride too and it’s made its European debut on the Iberian peninsula. The real highlight of the episode ensues as we spend some brilliant moments dissecting the race with Steven’s fellow travel compadres made up of Stuart McNeish, Martin Gray, Paul Stoddart and Gerry Healy. Aka the Malaga 5.
We’ve the customary launch of our new LeBuffBuff Collection Vol 4 playlist (see link below) with some belters added already by our guests as well as a dialect dictionary word that must be one of the most apt for the day after a long run!
So look out the shades, ye might even need some sunscreen as we take our deep dive into the pleasant Mediterranean waters for our season opener!!
Links - YHRF Le BuffBuff Collection Vol 4
Welcome back to the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast. Welcome to the Good Life.
It’s time for the curtain to come down on Season 6! And as promised it’s a belter!
Our season finale is headlined by someone well qualified to do so, we’re thrilled to be joined from Orkney by Scottish running royalty William Sichel.
Whilst most of us were either young (and wayward?) or indeed still an apple in our parent’s eyes William’s running story was already well underway.
An early foray into marathon running, a life changing move to Orkney and the fire catching on what turned into a passion for long (long, long, long) distance endurance races. William takes us along for a ride through his many running chapters.
Already a very accomplished marathon runner William talks us through his method, approach and transition into ultra distances. Ever ran a marathon completely fasted? No.
Hear how chance meetings with others in the running community, nae spoilers but lots of familiar well kent faces, opened the door to ultra-running for William. The arrival of the internet in the 90s plays a key role in this Orkney treasure discovering more and finding his tribe.
We home in on William’s greatest ever running achievement. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Self-Transcendence 3100 mile in New York City, to hear about its format it itself is hard to absorb. To hear about the highs, lows, and triumphs of competing in it is simply absorbing.
William has a new book out charting his running journey (see link below) and we are treated to some stories from the book that simply whet the appetite.
William treats us to a dialect dictionary spectacular along with a song choice that’s simply transcends the generations. We loved meeting William and his running CV contents are altogether next level for most of us, the fact he makes what sounds like the impossible possible for us all is what makes this episode quite so entrancing.
Finally, we’d like to thank you so much for all your support and for listening to the podcast. We’ll be back for Season 7 before you know it, and we’ve big plans in place, oh yes, YHRF is not going anywhere!
Grab a copy of Williams Book A Head for Running here https://williamsichel.co.uk/shop/
Read more about the 3100 mile race here https://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/
We’ve no guest this week so you’ve an hour of your host team chewin’ the fat to see you through our penultimate episode of season 6!
First up, John makes a sensationally big reveal on his 2023 plans. It’s gonnae provide us some really riveting content, what’s more it’s running related!!
After settling down from the fall-out of that we get to some of this week’s talking points as the West Highland Way Race 2023 entry window slams closed. We discuss too the news of the Highland Fling having a year off in 2023 and get excited already about it’s triumphant return in 2024.
We’ve got a couple of new running rants to get yir heckles up, car drivers AND other runners beware, you’re both in our sights this week. Even the usually mild-mannered John is raging!
We also introduce our Young Hearts Run Free 2023 awards! We are looking for category ideas with a little YHRF twist to them, head on over our insta and twitter to contribute to that one!
Last weekends sad news with the passing of Doddie Weir brings our recent episode with Greg Lee into sharp focus, whilst the fantastic accomplishment of the Pylon Endeavour 192 in aid of The British Heart Foundation triggers an emotional memory.
Also it’s December, for many of us that means only one thing, no not the visit of Auld Sandy Claus it’s Marcothon month…..time to lace up and get in aboot it!
And lastly, a message to never travel without a saltire is raised with big friend of the show Adrian Stott reminding us of the importance of always being in the right place, at the right time with the right flag!
Oh we’ve also some merch news, there’s defo going to be more about that magic over on our social channels very very soon 😉
Next week it’s our season finale, no spoilers but we’ve a fitting smasher lined up for you!
Join the Marcothon movement here https://www.facebook.com/groups/284884195701656
Enter the Nigel Barge 10k here https://www.entrycentral.com/NigelBarge10k
Read Adrians Stott’s latest blog on travelling with a saltire here https://runnersaresmilers.com/always-travel-with-a-saltire/
Contribute to the terrific fund raising attempts of the Pyllon Endeavour 192 here https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-nicol-1667573595679?utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=page%2Fkaren-nicol-1667573595679&utm_medium=one_page&utm_source=copyLink&utm_term=5871ae3c35a74af1a7a7a7a4a64d380b
We like to throw our net far and wide in our search for inspiring guests, this week that net came up trumps yet again!
Helen Wyatt joins us to take us (and you!) on a VIP tour of her own running journey all the way from starting out back in 2010 right up to the present day. That present day being the finish line of the Centurion Running Wendover Woods 50 miler just last weekend.
In fact it turns out Helen has had quite the year of 50 milers with her Wendover Woods outing being the culmination of her Centurion Grand Slam of 50s. What does that consist of? Listen in to find out all the details as Helen recounts her race experiences and lifts the lid on her training and motivation.
We find out just why Helen runs, it started out as a way of making new friends but has grown to be such a part of her DNA. It becomes pretty obvious from early on that there aint much else Helen would rather be doing than running. But that doesn’t always come easily to a busy mum working full-time, right?
It's a great account of an exceptional 2022 and so much more. Helen also lets us know about all her favourite things. What’s in her drop bags? What’s her fav bit of running kit? What’s on her feet? All your fav YHRF topics are covered in this over-flowing episode.
If you too fancy the holy trinity of Soreen Loaf, Babybel Cheese and Tunnocks Caramel logs to fuel your running dreams then you’ll adore our fab catch up with Helen.
Find out more about Centurion Running Races CLICK HERE
Find out about the up and coming Pyllon 192 CLICK HERE
Support the Ban on Pavement Parking in Scotland CLICK HERE
Edging towards our season 6 finale now, and in episode 17 we’ve got a treat to get your lugs round.
Joining us this week is Ruchill’s very own Lynsey McLaughlin. And she has quite the tale to tell.
Before welcoming Lynsey we speak about all sorts of happenings in the world of running in our now customary weekly roundup. Main topic, John’s beard, should it stay, or should it go?! Baby, we will let you know.
Lynsey though is at the very top of our bill. She’s been at the running for around 25 years, her running journey is captivating. Full of highs with some lows it’s an extraordinary reminder of that age old saying ‘when life gives you melons, make melonade’ (or is it lemons?)
2022 has seen Lynsey reach new heights as she not only completed a much dreamed about, and somewhat delayed, Triple Crown on the West Highland Way but topped that off by a trip Stateside to take part in the Chir-Car-Go Marathon (that’s the Chicago Marathon to new listeners!)
We find out who lit the fuse to get Lynsey up n running back in the late 90s, discover how she filled buckets full of resilience as she found running solace to help her through some major life events and discover where she keeps her literal mountain of running bling (where do you keep yours?)
We do zoom in on her 2022 and chat about the race experiences in some detail. Focus is of course on your Young Hearts, Run Free favourites such as what shwanks did ye wear and what was in your drop bags. We do talk about running too, honest.
Lynsey is also very proud of her part in starting up the Ruchill Parkrun, it’s been a rip-roaring success and one we’ve got our eye on visiting for a day trip. Bunty insists.
Lynsey’s year has been topped off by getting a call up to the Pyllon Ultra team for their forthcoming Pyllon Endeavour on the West Highland Way. We chat about that as well as find out more about Lynsey’s foray into being coached under the eagle eye of Pyllon coach Kevin Banks.
It’s a phenomenal chat with a phenomenal lass, one that will likely get you thinking about your own mindset and goals. There’s even time for a quick greet, we love a greet here at YHRF. So go get your lugs roond this belter!
Would you run 500 miles? Greg Lee did. Have you planned and delivered on your own adventure? Greg Lee did.
And he's very kindly given us an insight to what inspired him to do so.
A number of Greg's extended family have been have been diagnosed with various illnesses which would be categorised under the umbrella of Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
We talk about the planning involved, the logistics, the kit, the support and obviously the scran!
Join us with Greg on a journey around:
- Arran Coastal Trail
- Speyside Way
- Ayrshire Coastal Path
- West Highland Way
- Skye Trail
- Speyside Way
- Cumbrae Cycle
Oh...there's a wee FKT in there an aw!
Greg's Just Giving Page link for you to donate.
We’re closing in on the final quarter of season 6 in style. John Beveridge joins us this week to chronicle his running story. We take the sharpest focus at his recent trip to Chicago where he claimed his 5th World Marathon major star.
We know John well, you’ll have maybe even heard us mention him before, John is after all The Ballingry Bolt. He hasn’t always been jet heeled, we are fascinated to find out how as a late starter to road running he’s now enroute to conquering the world.
What started as a familiar tale of feeling a little unfit, a bit overweight and needing to do something positive to help his health. John’s running evolution soon caught fire; he found a love of the marathon distance. It’s fair to say that he’s since become a devout disciple to the 26.2 miles.
He became a student of the distance, picking up tips from running friends he’s made along the way and striving to squeeze every drop of ability he had mixed in with a discipline and work ethic that’s second to none. He’s only to happy to share his approach with us and we’re sure that you’ll pick up some brilliant inspiration and golden nuggets throughout our chat.
We find out about his recent foray into being coached, and how it’s helped him break a barrier he once considered out of his reach. A reminder to us all that age really is just a number. We do get into the nitty gritty of favourite run rewards, one that both your hosts fully back.
With a brilliant outcome on the streets of Chir Car Go under his belt you’d forgive John for being satisfied with his lot. Not the case, a no holds barred acknowledgement that there is even more to come from the Fife Flyer merely whets the appetite for John’s next running chapter. A trip to the far east beckons…..land of the rising sun and of PBs.
So come on in and settle down to our fantastic chat with Kinross Road Runners very own *Ballingry Bolt.
*6th World Marathon Major Star pending
We're keepin' the episodes rolling and we've another topper for you this week. Were joined by a lad we've got to know well during 2022. Martin Heggie, the pride of Whitburn. We kick off the show with our usual anecdotal review of what's been happening in the world of running. That takes us on a world tour to Chicago via Glasgow with even a hint of Arabia thrown in for good measure. Martin then makes it a threesomse as he recaps his year to date. He last joined us in January after completing the Spine Race. We're glad to report that the rest of his running season has conjured up some more memorable outings. With a new coach in his armoury Marty has blasted through 2022 in style. His race craft evolving and his results improving. It's been a busy year peppered with PBs and new experiences. North Inch in Perth, last one standing and that's before we even mention a West Highland Way Triple Crown. Martin tells us the highs along with some lows and startles us with his undying passion to keep learning, to keep improving and to keep loving the sport of running. Our main topic covers his recent exploits at the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon. A day when the stars aligned for him but that alignment was earned, course records don't just happen, right? Find out how Martin has found his strengths and identified his weaknesses. It makes for a sparkling tale with a fairytale ending. And he lets us in on what's next on his big running adventure, needless to say it's reaching for the stars and there's no way we're not backing him to hit new heights. His Nan agrees. Mind hang in til the end as Martin gives us a belter of a dialect dictionary entry along with a LeBuffBuff song choice that epitomises the fella he is. Run Free Y'All 💪🏼
We love speaking to folk from right across the running world. This week's guest we discovered by chance. We love chance. Ellis Bland, there's a surname to set expectations for life, kindly took our chance offering to blether to us on the pod. Ellis was raised on the fells, he dipped away from the fells for a bit before they called him back. When they called him back Ellis found renewed vigour, and then decided to run further by saying hello to ultra marathon. Ellis takes us on a tour de force of his running career. It's delightful stuff from start to finish. A wonderful story, anecdotes galore and many words of wisdom. He has a beautiful take on the world of running, keeping things simple yet complicated. Strong views and values mixed with some whimsical storytelling. We also find out about Vaga. The unmistakably recognisable hat brand that's swept into races over the last 3 years. Ellis is co-founder of Vaga, he lets us know about their mission goal and how the business grew from a nutshell. Our main topic of discussion though is Ellis. He's had some unforgettable race experiences, not all end well sometimes the stars align. With his sights firmly set on Double Bob Graham's and a running holy grail we should all embrace Ellis will leave an indelible mark on you. Ellis is a dude. He's our kinda dude. Whether you like to run hills, run ultras or just run you'll be absolutely buoyed by this feature length cracker of an episode. ENJOY. ENJOY. ENJOY.
Ellis on Instagram: @ells_fells_
Nadir Khan book link: Extreme Lakeland: A photographic journey through Lake District adventure sports
This week we welcome back one of our biggest pals, a lad who helped us set the podcast well on its way, he’s had multiple appearances but we’re well overdue a catch-up with the boy fae Croy himself, James Stewart.
And James, as always, indulges us in a chat peppered with inspiration and wisdom. We’ve got plenty content to cover with James who’s hot off an appearance for Team GB at the European 24-Hour Championships over in Verona, Italy.
After a meticulous and consistent summer spent piecing together one of his most solid training blocks ever James’ race didn’t quite pan out the way he wanted. That though didn’t stop him having an unforgettable experience. James is a master of adaptability, hear how he reframed his own race and still managed to slingshot his team collective to new levels.
James shares his whole experience with us as well on his views as to where, as a nation, GB are in the ultra-running world along with his take on the incredible Alekszandr Sorokin’s relentless quest to go further faster.
But don’t think that’s all we cover, not a chance. James chats to us about Run with Pyllon, about his own upcoming plans and even his own radio show. It’s a chat pebble dashed with golden nuggets; you wouldn’t expect anything less from the wise owl that is James Stewart.
Find out about the next Run with Pyllon event here RUN WITH PYLLON MOUNTAIN DAY
Dad Lawson's Re Run Clothing here RE RUN CLOTHING
Sign Up to hear James talk at Jog Scotland event here (Registered Jog Leaders Only) Jog Scotland Jog Leaders Conference
Catch James show on Cumbernauld FM here FROM SCOTIA WITH LOVE
Earlier this month saw the 7th edition of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race, a multi-day race dissecting Wales. With a distance of 236 miles and an elevation gain of over 57,000 ft it’s a 6 day event not for the faint of heart!
This week we get a first-hand, up close, and personal account of just what it takes to complete what is a gruelling route. Our guest Alasdair Meldrum enlightens us with his 2022 Dragon’s Back Race story.
Still on a high after completing the vaunted Cape Wrath Ultra in 2021 Ayr based Alasdair threw his hat in the ring and signed up for the 2022 Dragon’s Back. Feeling prepped by success in the north of Scotland little did he realise the challenge that lay ahead.
Tackling Wales beautiful yet rugged terrain the Dragon takes the high road from the North of Wales to Cardiff in the South. So what does prepping, taking part and the aftermath of look like? Listen to Alasdair tell us all, and of course there is a good delve into the food on offer.
We hear of never-ending climbs, of spine-tingling ridges and daunting descents. A big focus of our conversation centres on Alasdair's race management for the event, not just the running and moving part but the meticulous approach needed to camp-life routine to aid success.
Fighting cramps, looking after feet, fuelling, and sleeping. We cover plenty ground as we make our way down the Dragon’s Back in pursuit of the finish line.
Alasdair had a race plan, that race plan was executed exquisitely. So, whether you fancy a multistage event yourself or baulk at the mere thought we’re certain you’ll be inspired and informed by Alasdair’s story. Come join us and get mingin’ along the way.
The Triple Crown. All 3 footraces run on Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way. All in the same year. A halcyon objective for many an Ultra Runner. This week’s guest not only completed this year’s Triple Crown, she smashed it out of the park.
Jacqueline MacIntyre joins us to recount her epic 2022 Ultra Running season. The 53-mile Highland Fling, the 43-mile Devil of the Highlands and the famed 96-mile West Highland Way Race, all within 4 months.
We start with a longer than usual introduction segment as we cover Tor Des Geants, European 24-Hour running championships and review last weekends Auchterarder Running Festival. There might be (there defo is) mention of pies.
Jac then blows us away with our favourite ever response to our standard first question, ‘so Jac, what got you into running?’ We’ll let the guest batter on from here, another talent from the never-ending pool of ultra-runners Fife manages to produce. We aren’t sure what they put in the water there? But, we want (need) some of it!
Jac leads us threw her running story and takes us along on that West Highland Way adventure she’s so enjoyed this year. From bursting an arm in training to crossing the finish lines in Fort William, it’s quite the journey.
It's obvious how much talent Jac possesses (and it’s growing by the year!) but even more obvious is how much others inspire her, and she’s plenty inspiration to call on from her running pals.
So come on in and find out how you too could complete 192 miles in 35 hours, yip, that quick!
John and Steven spoke about the up and coming 10K Chilli Trail Race in the intro – ENTER HERE NOW!
Glenmore 24, move for 12 or 24 hours, sounds easy...right? Think again!
This episode is focused on an insight into G24, which is organised by Rockets Events
Your hosts Steven (support role) and John (athlete...read that again) ventured up the A9 to Glenmore Forest, and had themselves a ball of a time.
What does it take to run/walk/move for 12 or 24 hours (there are two options)? Well, that takes a lot of things including: kit, food, hydration, mindset, a smile, did we mention food?
Most importantly, it takes people, an army of people who support each other with a special kinda (sometimes) tough love.
DISCLAIMER: Listening to this episode may end up with you standing in the Hayfield one September thinking "what happened there!"
Our one-week hiatus is over, long live YHRF!! And we reckon you deserve a belting episode; this week certainly fits that bill.
We kick off proceedings with a wee host catch up. We’ve a fair smattering of stuff to cover after what has been a busy few weeks in the world of running. 100k World Champs featuring plenty pals of the show, UTMB with Jim Walmsley wearing tights as the GOAT delivered yet again. On top of all that there is the small matter of John toeing the start line this weekend at Glenmore, 24 hours of forward momentum pending!
Then we are delighted to welcome our guest, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys. Sabrina classes herself as a passionate amateur athlete, after spending an hour plus in her company she is all that plus lots lots more.
It's fair to say that Sabrina has coped with a lot during her life. In an honest, frank and powerful way she explains just how she fell in love with running and how that love for running helped fuel the activist in her. Sabrina co-founded Black Trail Runners in 2020.
Black Trail Runners are a campaigning group and registered charity who strive to diversify trail running, encouraging, inspiring and supporting black people to participate. Black Trail Runners has quickly grown into a movement that campaigns to remove the barriers for black people to take part in trail running. Our conversation with Sabrina surrounding this is emotive and thought-provoking. Her energy and desire shining brightly. Now a published author Sabrina talks about her book and what compelled her to write it. Black Sheep: A Story of Rural Racism, Identity and Hope has already received 5-star reviews across the board and we can’t wait to get our copy to be inspired.
We then discover Sabrina the Ultra-Marathoner. The coach. The leader. The inspiration. She’s quite the woman and we are 100% sure you’ll love to hear her story.
Visit Black Trail Runners website HERE
Give Sabrina a follow on Instagram here, you won't regeret it HERE Grab https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/sabrina-pace-humphreys/black-sheep/9781529418552/
In this week’s episode we focus on our trip last weekend to the inaugural Run with Pyllon event held in shadow of the Cairngorms at Badaguish Outdoor Centre.
If gleaning knowledge from inspirational coaches, mixing with other like-minded folks from across the running community or indeed running in the breath-taking Scottish Highlands is your thing you’ll be keen to hear our review of what turned out to be a memorable day.
None of that turn you on? Well, there was scran and, unsurprisingly, we cover that in great detail.
Leading the day were our pals (and joint YHRF appearance record holders!), James Stewart and Debbie Martin-Consani heading up an all-star Pyllon cast. Ably abetted by fellow coach Grant MacDonald and the amazing Karen Nicoll providing the icing on the cake we knew from the off the day would be special.
Under blue blue skies we got to take full advantage of our location as we were taken on a tour of the iconic Glenmore 24 loop on the banks of Loch Morlich, describing the setting doesn’t quite do it justice, Scotland in its fullest pomp.
A run workshop with an opportunity to pick the brains of the coaches as well as other athletes flew by, meeting some of you guys who listen to the pod provided the cherry on top of that already tasty cake. That’s before we got the oppo to take a dip in the Loch….yip taps aff the lot!
With an avo spent refuelling whilst getting to hear from James, Debs, Grant and Karen in a workshop designed to help mindset and approaches to endurance events a rich day of learning was complete.
We had a treat of a day mixing with all the other participants and learning so much about how to approach 24-hour or looped racing. A whole new set of tactics were gleaned and are now sitting pretty in our toolbox waiting to be unleashed.
Good luck to anyone racing at Glenmore in a fortnight, that includes Jamie Marshall our Run with Pyllon competition winner who had a blast at the event, go get that ton Jamie!!
Find out more about the event and any future Pyllon events here Run with Pyllon
Get in touch with Pyllon Ultra to find out about coaching options here Pyllon Ultra Website
Clicking Click it’s Season 6 Episode 6. And we’re going running up that hill this week in pursuit of yards, lot’s of yards as we welcome a familiar face to the show for a long overdue debut. Joining us to have a deep dive into her recent outing at The Highlander Last One Standing is Fiona Watt (aka Steven’s other half).
With John asking the questions we get to know about Fiona the runner and Fiona the coach. A potted history of her running story takes us to a first ever marathon in Glasgow in the year 2000 as well as (frequent visits) to Newcastle for 13 Great North Runs.
Before moving on to the main topic we also discover more about Five Star Run Club where Fiona is head coach and get an insight into how run coaching has helped both her athletes and herself.
We spend the majority of the time though talking through Fiona’s recent experience in Blair Atholl where she took part in her first ever Last One Standing Backyard Ultra. An epic weekend in Highland Perthshire ensued and we get the full nitty gritty of her high’s and lows. Her tactics, her fuelling strategies, frequent loo visits, failing head-torches and camaraderie with other runners. No stone is left unturned. How many yards did she complete? You’ll need to listen to that one out. Oh and fish suppers were involved…….
We finish off by finding out about Fiona’s race director role at the Auchterarder Running Festival and the famous Chilli Trail Race. Links to both these events are noted below.
Fiona offers 1-1 virtual run coaching as well as hosting 11 coached run sessions a week in Auchterarder. Again links below to all the info, message the page to contact Fiona.
Auchterarder Running Festival Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Auchterarderrunningfestival/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/auchterarderrunningfestival/
Twitter https://twitter.com/auchterarderrun?s=21&t=MYAap0wonbvSlslfrcVoAw
Five Star Run Club & Coaching Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FiveStarActive/groups
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fivestarrunclub/
Here it is our Lakeland 50 race report and review.
Warts and all, a no-holds barred episode all around our weekend down in Coniston.
We had an agenda for the weekend, and top of that agenda was to cross both start and finish lines. What transpired was a whole lot better than we could have dreamed and that's because of the people.
Listen in to hear the frustrations, the smiles, the pain and the suffering, all in the name of having fun...right?
What happens at the Lakeland 50 is quite special, unique actually, an experience like no other. If your considering taking part in a future Lakeland event, all the info you will ever need as a runner is in this episode...no even joking!
Renee McGregor is a renowned sports dietician, she has worked with elite athletes across a spectrum of sports. You might wonder then why she agreed to speak to John n Steven.... We aren't sure either, but we made the most of our time in her company, and the result is an episode chock full of priceless golden nuggets any runner will benefit from.
We not only find out about Renee the dietitian we also unearth Renee the ultra runner by taking a deep dive into her own running story. Including a detailed blether about her recent superb outing at the Spine Sprint.
Renee is an authority on nutrition and with your hosts liking their grub getting the lowdown on approaches they could adopt, things we should all be considering and how there is no one size fits all solution is a wonderful insight. Renee makes the science of it all simple and understandable.
The big takeaway....keep it simple.
Enjoy learning from the entrancing Renee McGregor.
P.S next stop for us is the Lakeland 50, full round up next week! You can grab her book here https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/more-fuel-you
Make sure to give Renee's educational Instagram a follow here https://instagram.com/r_mcgregor?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Coming at ya with our Young Hearts Run Free Summer Special!
As you will be aware (if no where have ye been?) our gal Debbie was over in the U S of A taking on Badwater 135
We get the lowdown, delivered in Debbie's inimitable style about her adventure, the training, the crew, the build-up...the whole shebang!
Debbie also describes a very personal part of the build-up to her race, one that turned into an opportunity to raise some awareness and also funds for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, if you are able we would urge you to donate using the following link.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Debbie-Martin-Consani
'John Connolly of Dumbarton, Scotland' the immortal words spoken as this week's guest's name was pulled out of the Western States 100 tombola earlier this year.
We were as thrilled for John, as everyone was when we heard the news, in fact we'd even say it got us up to high-doh. Our enthusiasm though also got us into a wee bit of a bother with John......eeek. This week's episode is sensational.
Note: Adult Language from start to finish
We start with a quick hop, skip and jump over to Eugene, Oregon for some Track n Field action, then a preview of this weekend's Last One Standing, The Highlander and a stark reminder that your lovable hosts are just a week away from a return visit to the Lakeland 50.
John then treats us to a warts n all chat unearthing not just his 2022 foray over to compete in the Western States 100 but his full end to end running story.
What started with throwing an entry into Toughmudder 8 years ago cumulated on the track at Placer High School in Auburn, California. His coach and best mate Paul Giblin at his side.
John had the time of his life, we'll leave it to the man himself to tell his compelling story.
It's authentic, it's moving and it's absolutely compulsive listening.
Hello Season 6, we’ve been expecting you.
And we are off to a flyer, quite literally, with this week’s guest Robbie Dunlop. Robbie has enjoyed a remarkable 2022 so far and we were super keen to get the lowdown from the man himself.
We start with a look at happenings over in California as our gal Debbie Martin-Consani mastered the conditions at the Badwater 135 AND we’ve a competition for all you to enter!! And it is well worth winning, we’ve a place at the Run with Pyllon event on 13 August up for grabs! Listen to find out how you can join Debbie and James Stewart in Aviemore!
With two outstanding outings under the belt this year bringing 2nd place finishes at the Highland Fling and West Highland Way Race our guest Robbie is enjoying the time of his life out on the trails. His year-on-year improvement since a debut marathon in 2016 has been astonishing.
Robbie gives us the story of his running journey. From a footballing background to finding running. Learning his craft from some of the best, understanding the importance of structured training and consistency along the way.
We then home in on those 2 recent great outings on the West Highland Way. In Robbie’s own words they both ‘couldn’t have gone much better’. We get under the skin of all that though, a 16 hour and some loose change West Highland Way doesn’t just happen after all right?
We have our first shwank discussion of the season (quell surprise!) as well as find out Robbie’s nutrition/hydration fav choices. Robbie unveils how his own motivation and inspiration was super-powered by his daughter Maisie. A real personal reason for stoking the fire.
Robbie offers us an honest and refreshing take on his own progression into the world of ultra-marathons, a super talented athlete with a super humble outlook. We know fine well there is plenty more to come from Robbie, his dedication to learning and improving is meticulous, he’s only getting started!
So, grab your ear buds, give Alexa a shout or whatever you do and settle down for our amazing season opener with Robbie Dunlop.
Find out more about Run with Pyllon event here RUN WITH PYLLON
It is our Season 5 finale!! It is episode 100!! Best make it a good one eh!
A massive thanks for tuning in, it has been the most unexpected of times since we launched the podcast back in 2020. Meeting new folks and being constantly inspired. Life enhancing, we really hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have.
Our guest this week is quite fitting for us hitting the big century. We’re going transatlantic baby!
20 years ago, when she was 26, Jacky Hunt-Broersma lost her left leg to cancer. She did not run back then, but it started a quite remarkable journey into running that makes for a jaw dropping story cumulating in an inspirational world record earlier this year.
104 marathons in 104 days, it’s quite something.
We were excited to catch up with Jacky, you should be excited about hearing her story, our chat with her is amazing. You’re in for a treat.
Jacky is a gem to speak too, easy going but with a steely determination. She is so open to speak about the challenges of adapting to being an amputee. From the moment she decided to invest in her first ever running blade the freedom she felt became an unstoppable force. Not one to ever be told she could not do ‘anything’ Jacky’s positivity and attitude shine bright, that led her to running marathons, which led to running trail marathons, which led to running ultra-marathons…..which led to, well we’ll let you listen to see where it took her.
Her gratefulness for life and love is abundant throughout, using the power of her mind to overcome personal challenges once perceived to be impossible. Jacky is proud to be an amputee. She has not let it stop her so far and with more adventures and exploits planned for her next chapter we cannot see anything stopping her either.
Jacky has a passion for bringing the joy of running to other amputee’s. As part of her 104 marathons challenge she has already raised an eye watering amount of money for the Amputee Blade Runners charity. You can still donate to that effort here https://www.gofundme.com/f/102-marathons-in-102-days
Jacky has a fab Twitter account charting her day to day, follow her here https://twitter.com/NCrunnerjacky
Welcome to another episode of YHRF, it’s our 99th, it’s our penultimate of season 5 and needless to say….it’s a belter.
Joining us this week is none other than the incredible Lynne Allen. Hot off the heels of her magnificent West Highland Way Race victory we were stoked to get the chance to catch up with Lynne. We cover her superb day on the Way, but we discover much much more too.
We start tho with our pre-guest amble through the latest weeks happenings including a look back at the Moray Way Ultra, Race 2 the Towers, Lairig Ghru Hill Race and of course the Western States Endurance Race, some brill action to keep our agenda packed!
We then pose the questions to Lynne who offers us her take on all sorts. We cover her journey into running as Lynne reveals part of her why and her unearthing ultra-running as her ‘thing’. We find out about the critical role that the friends she has found along the way have played as she was embraced by the always supportive community.
Lynne then leads us through how her planning and execution of her West Highland Way Race went as well as she could have hoped for. Race management was nailed, and Lynne is happy to let us in on what that looked like and how she stayed in control of her day as the battle for the win heightened. Crucially Lynne also speaks about what she ate, spoiler alert pot noodles and chips are to the fore!
With many running honours already under her belt Lynne lets us know what it felt like to pull on the Scotland vest, she’s had the privilege of a two-time appearance at the 100k Anglo Celtic Plate in Perth.
What shines through though is quite how humble Lynne is. Despite being at the sharp end of her sport she speaks more passionately about the importance of human connection and what being part of the running family means to her. Tipping her hat firmly towards the people who help both her and the sport blossom.
Lynne has big plans remaining for 2022 and even bigger ones for 2023, the mountains are calling, and she must go. With a massive list of golden nuggets for you to pick up along the way Lynne brings an honest and refreshing angle to the chat, we hope you enjoy this one as much we enjoyed speaking to Lynne.
You might've heard of Stranger Things but have ye heard of Hairy Things? No? Well step on in.
Last weekend was a busy one, this weekend is a busy one, in this episode we do our best to unpack it all. From West Highland Ways to Western States with plenty stops along the way.
With John undertaking his support duties for Gillian McGale (Team 67) and Steven managing a flying visit to Bridge of Orchy the West Highland Way Race unsurprisingly dominates our agenda. The iconic race was back, and back with a bang. We even managed a half successful outing of the hairy toy so expect some unprecedented snippets from out on the Way.
We’ve shed loads more to discuss too. Summer Spine Races, , LEJOGs, Belfast 24, and a LeBuffBuff travelling all the way to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
We also take a quick look ahead at what’s coming up, are you getting Twatted in Orkney, will you be glued to the Western States this weekend? We even managed a quick trip over to the Dolomites for the Laveredo Ultra Trail.
It's all happening and we’ve not even got to John’s lengthy waterproof trousers kit review yet. Oh, and there’s even some hint of new YHRF merch on the horizon, form an orderly queue!
Roll up to the show, and get your lugs roond this……
And just like that we’ve been at this podcast caper for 2 years…..time for a brief interlude.
This week you have the veritable treat of a hour long chat between your hosts. In a poll of our listeners at least 5% of you expressed such episodes as their very fav, and we aim to please as many folk as we can.
Thankfully we’ve got more than just mangled feet pictures and the latest state of John’s under-carriage on the episode agenda!
On the eve of the return of the iconic West Highland Way Race it’s fitting that we include a wee chat on what lies ahead this weekend, including John’s own support role. The Pork Pie Keeper is the most important role in any crew ain’t it?
John quizzes Steven on his own support crew duties last weekend as he got an insight into triathlon at the Stafford 70.3 Ironman event, and we thought obsessing over shoes was peak shwanker-ism!
We chat through some magnificent racing that took place last weekend across Scotland with the Mhor Half Mara and the Strathearn Marathon topping the bill. And we give a wee reminder about September’s Auchterarder Running Festival, it is your chance to hear John live on the mic, entry fee worthy on its own. Oh, and we give plenty of airtime to one of our fav guests ever, the legend that is Alan Cormack has been off doing epic things, again.
We then turn to the serious stuff. Favourite ever drop bag items in an ultra-marathon. A two-pronged question for your hosts who enter a heated yet sentimental discussion about the topic. We are also looking for your best ever drop bag scran, get over to our socials to contribute to that hot debate!
With tons more covered including our new pride logo, current running sock favourites and of course the latest biscuit trends our 97th episode will keep you ticking over nicely on your weekend long run. Enjoy everyone and good luck to all those doing amazing stuff this coming week!
Sign up for this years Auchterarder Running Festival HERE
Episode 96 of the Young Hearts Run Free podcast is upon us. You’ll know by now we don’t like to disappoint. We’ve another smasher of a guest to tell an amazing tale for you.
We kick off with our wee round up of the week’s happenings, covering a whole heap of crap before catching up with this weeks headline act Rebecca Brennan.
Rebecca has just completed the arduous Cape Wrath Trail on Scotland’s rugged west coast. Not only did she complete it she completely FKT’d it. Listen in to hear her amazing, emotional, and inspiring story of what drove her to reach the very symbolic Cape Wrath Lighthouse.
Running has been a big part of Rebecca’s life for 20 plus years. A first ever marathon in NYC, a mere few months after 9/11, was meant to be a one and done experience…..we know how that story often unfolds, right?
We delve in to what lit Rebecca’s fire and saw her make the leap to ultra-marathon and discover her love of running in the hills and mountains. The freedom, friendship, and camaraderie she has found are all evident as she recounts some of her running highlights.
And what of the Cape Wrath Trail. This was not only a massive journey on two feet but also a massive journey emotionally, Rebecca was fuelled by honouring her late Mum, she certainly done her proud on all fronts. From the thorough route research, the assembling of a dream team support crew and the race kit we cover it all, it is a real blow by blow account of what turned out to be the most spectacular of efforts.
Fish Suppers, pizzas and powernaps. Now if that does not get you intrigued, we can’t think what will? Perhaps a glimpse at what Rebecca has planned in the future? No spoilers but it seems nothing is impossible!
Step on in and join us for a good time, it’s Cape Wrath Time.
You can donate to Rebecca’s ongoing fundraising efforts in honour of her Mum, Dorothy - BREAST CANCER NOW CAPE WRATH FASTEST KNOWN TIME
Follow Rebecca on Instagram HERE
This week we were super chuffed to catch up with Dr Nicki Lygo. Nicki has played a huge part in some massive FKT attempts in the UK over the last few years. Most notably crewing for Damian Hall and John Kelly on their Pennine Way record breaking ding-dong.
Nicki brings a wonderful insight into what it takes for the athlete to give themselves the best chance possible of breaking a FKT. These mega-record attempts take a whole heap of planning, logistics and a cast of super-heroes behind the scenes.
We delve into some of the pitfalls that endanger endurance feats, not only in running but any sport. Hyponatremia, caused by drinking too much and diluting the salts in your system, Nicki enlightens us into how this serious ailment can be spotted and combated. Just what do we put our bodies through to achieve new running highs?
Most of us will tolerate feeling pretty low on runs, it's part of the ups and downs, some even say it's part of their why. What about if you're crewing and you're trying to make sure the athlete gets their goal AND stays safe, where's that balance?
Gladly though most problems are solvable. Nicki goes into detail of how we can figure out our own best approach. Both for avoiding medical issues in the first place and what steps we can take to stop our day(s) unravelling.
John and Steven are even treated to a glimpse of what Damian and John have on their nutrition menu plans. From pizza stacks via donuts all the way to 'Ultra Slop', stay tuned for the ingredients to that priceless concoction! Oh, and if you've never considered the need to carry a stock cube in your pack think again, it could just be your saviour.
This insanely interesting episode with the fabulously engaging Nicki gives a much different angle than our norm, you'll be entertained with the chat and educated with the content. Now, come on in and learn a thing or two from Nicki Lygo.
Catch Nicki on her twitter where she provides some amazing coverage on her crewing plus much much more HERE
Contribute to Nicki's ongoing fundraising attempts in aid of End Duchenne HERE
Have ye met the fella who’s completed 141 Ultra marathons and doesn’t class himself as much of a runner? We bet a few of you have, and those of you that have not are about to. You are all in for a treat.
Neil MacRitchie is a ‘one in a million’ guy, as humble as they come yet with an extraordinary story to tell. It’s not all about racing at the sharp end, it’s not all about medals and awards, for Neil it’s about doing something he loves and finding a community that welcomed him in right from the off.
Comfier out of the limelight we reckon it’s high time more of you found out just how astounding Neil’s running achievements are, that wealth of experience along with a heartfelt appreciation for the people he’s met along the way, it makes for some amazingly grounding listening.
On the cusp of taking part in his 16th(Sixteenth) West Highland Way Race our chat inevitably drifts towards tales from the way, after all with nearly 1500 racing miles spent on the iconic trail Neil has an intimate knowledge of what it takes to complete Scotland’s world renowned premier ultra-marathon.
Neil’s running bug started way back in the 90’s, yes he started young, and caught fire from there. He moved quickly into marathon distance before hearing about these races called ultras, from then a seed was planted and lets just say it grew with vigour and shows no signs of abating.
It’s one of our favourite chats ever. We were treated to a unique insight into how to persevere, endure and succeed. To never stop exploring and discovering new adventures whilst going back time and time (and time) again to the ones that leave an indelible impression.
Think of running as an adventure, anything else is a bonus.
You’ll enjoy this one. A lot.
Join us for Episode 13, Season 5 of the Young Hearts, Run Free Podcast. We insist.
This week’s guest, Sam Amend, doesn't do things by halves. And at 43-year-old she shows no signs of slowing down. Hot off the heels of breaking her own British 100-mile record Sam lifts the lid on her running story, she says it's been a slow burner. We’re not sure you'll agree.
We kick off the show though with a look back at happenings in the last week. The re-emergence of the race calendar dominates along with a wee trip to Germany for a look at the Backyard Ultra Champion of Champions, so that's good that, cos it's mostly running related. Then we talk about your favourite biscuits for ten minutes, we know that's the content you came looking for, right?
Sam tops our bill though, a proud member of the newly formed Hour 7 Ultra-Running Team, she has lots (and lots) to share with us. We cover the lot!
So, just how do you run 100-mile records? The prep, the training, the mindset, the fuelling, the team, the race-day. From Marmite tiger bread sandwiches to treadmill desks. We get right into the nuts n bolts of it.
Sam chats fondly about her career highs but we also get insight into her survival techniques for dealing with the inevitable lows. Team GB vests at 50k and 100k have followed and pride beams as we cover these historic outings for her country. We even cover her outing at the 2022 ACP aka the gathering of awesomeness, well we could not leave that out, could we?
With her sights set on continuing to inspire us all this episode will not fail to get you thinking about your own boundaries. So come join us for the long haul with this feature length episode with the hardest of working athletes Sam Amend. Follow Sam on Twitter HERE and on Instagram HERE. Find out about Hour 7 Ultra Running Team HERE
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 12 of the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast! We are coming at ya this week with a quadruple strength episode! First up John n Steven have their customary weekly blether, it’s unscripted ya know! Then joining us for a brilliant chinwag we welcome ultra-runner Dave Andrews. Proud Northern Irishman Dave has been a regular at the sharp end of ultra-marathons for nigh on a decade. We’ve eventually managed to catch up with him to get his running story! We find out what started as something to keep Dave fit when a promising football career was halted through injury went from 5k, to 10k and soon progressed to ultra-marathons.
Dave realised that he had the ingredients needed for ultra-marathon the ability to run slower for a long time PLUS the ability to eat like a horse! From taking part in D33 egged on by running mates Dave has not looked back, he’s being doing very epic shit since. Throw in the ups and downs of the days where all goes perfect along with the days where you just want to chuck running and you’ve quite the story.
We find out about Dave’s relationship with running, there is more to that than meets the eye. Let’s just say Dave keeps it simple, running is simple after all, right?! 24-hour races are simple, right?! With regular wins and podium places along the way it’s clear to see that Dave is a man of ability, a sparkling day out on the West Highland Way Race in 2018, repping his country at the Anglo Celtic Plate (twice) amongst the many career highlights. Trips to France and Italy for 24 hour races bringing opposite kinda results, both positive and not, and Dave is open to tell all.
He’s also a fella who has a lot to share from his running experience, has many lessons he’s learned to pass on to you all and 100% is a kindred spirit with the YHRF hosts eating habits…..30 jaffa cakes in one sitting, welcome to the club!! He might consider himself to be average, we don’t agree, we don’t think you will either. You don’t represent your country being average after all.
This week we spend some time with winner of the 2022 women's Highland Fling (Ding Ding) Footrace Jo Meek. Jo's running journey is quite something, her writing is awesome too, be sure to check out her blog at https://jomeekblog.wordpress.com/ Jo has raced in some awesome places all over the world, as well as having had the honour to pull on both an England and GB vests.
Still the highest ever placed British female (2nd in 2013) finisher at Marathon Des Sables, Jo has also had other notable results with top 10 finishes at CCC, Comrades Marathon, Lavaredo Trail, San Francisco 50 miler, Tiger Ultra Trail among others.
This episode though is aw aboot The Highland Fling and Jo's 2022 race experience, we speak about her run from Milngavie to Tyndrum on what turned out to be a wonderful day on the Scottish trails for Jo.
We start with our usual John n Steven chinwag before welcoming Jo into the house for a brill chat, enjoy another inspiring guest y'all.
Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
Jo's Instagram
Jo's Twitter
Purchase Ross Brannigan's Running Adventures Scotland Book
Pyllon Ultra Coaching Options
Take a seat (or head for a long run) we've a feature length episode for your listening pleasure....it's only our Boston Marathon 2022 debrief.
We take a 'deep dive' into co-host Steven's experience as he headed to take on a race he's chased for some time, with nuggets and nuggets of insights into the race itself and on his trip to Boston to enjoy one of the most iconic running experiences out there.
First up, we're joined by Steven's coach Bob Turner of Pyllon Ultra. Bob gives a detailed end of term report on how Steven's marathon training block has gone. It's a fascinating listen and allows valuable access into the coach - athlete relationship that blossomed. A deep mutual respect formed, ye might even call it a bromance.
With John asking the questions we then take a virtual trip to New England for that Boston Marathon weekend. It's part travelogue and part race day review as we unpick what turned out to be a phenomenal experience for Steven. Travel plans, race prep, expo insights, race report, shwank report and (it wouldn’t be a YHRF episode without) a good look at the post-race indulgences and run rewards.
What went right? What went wrong? Any lessons learned? No stone is left unturned, this episode offers you the chance to have your own Boston Marathon appetite whetted, delivers hundreds of tips and advice on making the most of your own Boston Marathon experience..........and if we could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
Completing the Boston Marathon has been a long-time pipe dream for Steven, come along with us taking that 'Right on Hereford and Left on Boylston', as that dream became a reality. Enjoy and remember...RUN FREE!
Find out about coaching & training with Pyllon Ultra here PYLLON ULTRA
The Highland Fling is a 53 mile trail race which traditionally takes place every year in April. This years race is the first since 2019 as a result of the global pandemic. Ding Ding The Highland Fling is back! The route follows the West Highland Way, Scotland’s oldest official long distance footpath, through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
The Fling is one of the hottest race tickets around in Scotland and sells out (normally goes to a ballot) very soon after race entry is made available. For those who are already thinking ahead...The Highland Fling has been classed as a three point qualifier for entry into the 2023-2025 UTMB® races. #justsaying
In this episode we catch up with race director John Duncan aka Johnny Fling to speak about preparations for The Fling, find out what's involved in setting up that world famous finish line, and cover some of the race advice and rules in the 2022 Runner Handbook (you've all read that...right?)
We hear about John's own running memories where he picks out and shares some very special moments.
What's behind the 'Ding Ding' race tradition? Where did it start? All is revealed in this episode!
The chat is focussed mainly on the race itself and the people involved, volunteers, marshals, runners and supporters. It's all of these people that make trails running such a wonderful sport to be a part of.
We also catch-up with co-host Steven Watt, still stateside and fresh from his adventure in Boston Marathon. Yep, Young Hearts Run Free are transatlantic...again! We begin to unpick Stevie Boys USA trip (more on that later!) with a wee chat about the hot topics, weather, food and of course...shwanking!
The time has come, the time is now.
Be brave, be bold, show us yer shwanks...
Since January this year, a large part of Steven's focus has been on preparing for running the 2022 Boston Marathon. A dream come true? Damn right!
Listen in to hear how Steven's training has went, how he's feeling a few days away from lining up at the start line in maybe the biggest, most famous marathon of them all!
There's a wee bit of Boston Marathon history in here too, a Boston shwank reveal and also information about how to get involved on the day.
We cover everything from preparation, travel, food, mindset, and also chat about the course and that infamous 'Scream Tunnel!'
You can check out 26.2 miles in under 10 minutes watching this Official Boston Course Preview, and you can also get excited about "right on Hereford, left on Boylston" and what that means!
Steven discusses his work with coach Bob Turner from Pyllon TRAX, and how it's more than just running, maybe it's something you want to find out more about? Find out more about Pyllon TRAX, and how it can work for you.
The time has come, the time is now. Stevie Boy, unleash the beast...
Gather together….it’s time to be awesome.
You’ve maybe heard us mention once or twice that we were looking forward to the Anglo Celtic Plate. It’s been and gone now, it was every bit as epic as we had predicted, the gathering of awesomeness did not fail to deliver. Both the 50K and 100k events turned it to classics, and we had ringside seats.
In this week’s episode we take a deep dive into how the day panned out, first up that’s through the eyes of John & Steven as they recall some magical moments from the day. Recapping on some spectacular individual and team performances as well as wallowing in the glow of meeting some folks from this amazing community we’re so happily immersed in.
Then we get to speak to the girl of the moment, yes, we are joined by Jo Murphy to unpack her jaw-dropping 100k win in 2022’s Anglo Celtic Plate. On Sunday 3 April she created history, obliterating the 42 lap course record on the North Inch, Perth. On her way to victory she smashed her own 100k PB and was crowned UK 100k champ, Scottish 100k champ and retained the Don Ritchie Trophy, whilst surely cementing her place in Team GB’s 2022 100k World Championship squad.
We love Jo. It’s hard not to. We were very lucky to be able to grab some of her time during her recovery from the performance of her life. We‘re treated to the race build-up and prep, the training, the fuelling and the plan….that’s before we even get to the business of the race itself.
Ever wondered what it’s like to run the perfect 100k race? Then look no further. This was one of the finest executed race performances you are ever likely to see, precision pacing, epic support team along with determination and resolve in absolute spade loads. It was a wonder to watch it unfold and we get the low-down on just how Jo managed her 7 hours 41 minutes 12 seconds out on the laps.
The chaos and energy of the start/finish straight, the kit, the trainers, the race day fuelling secrets and the reliance on her team mates & support crew and of course what were her post race rewards. It’s a brilliant listen, there’s a defintite lump in your throat moment as Jo sums up quite how much the win meant to her, make sure you hang on until the end for that!
This episode will make you smile, greet and feel ALL the feels. Jo lit up the North Inch and now it’s time for her to light up your day.
Enjoy our ACP round up!! We’d like to say the final thank you to Adrian Stott and his team of volunteers who staged a magnificent and fitting gathering of awesomeness in our home city of Perth. Haste ye back.
Frozen Ed Furtaw
Welcome to the Young Hearts, Run Free podcast.
Ed Furtaw is many things. Being first ever finisher of the Barkley Marathons would maybe top that bill for most mortals. A total of 22 outings at the Barkley Marathons have since followed. Even a book, Tales from Out There, published on the topic.
However, Ed’s greatest ever Barkley appearance came very recently, in 2022 he made a glorious return to the start line at Frozen Head State Park. At the ripe old age of 74. He had quite the reason for it being an extra special occasion.
To add to that he’s also just become Young Hearts, Run Free’s first ever transatlantic guest. Yes, we had the absolute privilege to hear ‘Tales from Out There’ straight from the horse’s mouth.
Joining John & Steven from the USA Frozen Ed gives up one hour of his time to chat to us about the history, the characters (there are many), the course and it wouldn’t be complete without an insight in to the wicked mind of Gary Cantrell aka Lazarus Lake.
You’re in for a treat, whether you’re a Barkley aficionado, a trail running enthusiast or just love hearing about human beings being stretched to the very outer limit of what’s possible.
Enjoy this special edition episode. And remember, ‘Dream, Plan, Do’.
A massive thanks to Ed for chatting with us. Thanks also go to Graham Connolly of Team Pyllon for hooking us up with Ed.
You can read more Tales from Out There by grabbing Ed’s book here Tales from Out There: The World’s Toughest Trail Race Vol 1
Catch up on 85 other Young Hearts, Run Free episodes here YOUNG HEARTS RUN FREE Episodes
Follow us on twitter here Young Hearts Run Free Twitter
Catch us on Instagram here Young Hearts Run Free Instagram
Cue CONCH
Baby, this is what you came for……….
No April Fools tomfoolery here at YHRF, 100% we’ve another humdinger of an episode for your listening pleasure, it’s no joke.
To start us of we treat you to a first. John & Steven have a new toy, a hairy toy. Our hairy pal joined us to capture a first stab at an outside broadcast, join your hosts for a walk and talk around the hallowed turf of the North Inch in Perth. A lap of the Anglo Celtic Plate course, with our typical twist on it.
Then it’s the start of some Barkley Marathons content we’ve all been waiting for, we’re joined by Graham Connolly. A Barkley Marathons support crew vet.
Graham was fortunate to make a return trip to Frozen Head State Park last month for the 2022 edition of ‘the race that eats its young’. A veritable Disney World for ultra-runners
He gives us a remarkable insight into what it’s like to be on the ground in a support capacity at the world’s most infamous endurance event. The logistics, the unpredictable weather, the camp atmosphere as well as lifting the lid on quite how demanding the role of runner support is.
The history, the characters, the behind the scenes. It’s all covered. Graham’s been entranced by the whole history of this unique event in the running calendar, that becomes apparent early on, and it’s hard not to be pulled into the magnificent Barkley universe.
We’re grateful to Graham for many things. But his Barkley escapades really made us feel part of this event. He caught up with Lazarus Lake, he chewed the fat with Keith Dunn, he even almost got a shot of Danger Dave’s Bugle! All whilst supporting our big pal, the boss man Paul Giblin.
Graham also made some new pals….and that is where things get even more interesting. He regales us, in an excited kid on Christmas morning style, about how he got to spend some time on the trail with a couple of Barkley Alumni. Frozen Ed Furtaw and Leonard Martin (yes, of Leonard’s Butt Slide fame). Not only did he spend a memorable mile with them out on the Barkley trail, but a chance request has also led Ed to agree to speak to the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast. And what an episode we’ve got coming right up as we welcome our first ever transatlantic guest…
So come on down and enjoy Graham’s effervescent craic and be treated to an alternative take on the Barkley Marathons.
Cue Bugle
Well hello y'all! Another belting episode? Och, go on then.....
This week we say hello to runner, writer and environmentalist Ross Brannigan. Our chat gets us off exploring some wild places!
Before welcoming Ross to the YHRF recording studio (a studio not immune to the odd fault) John and Steven kick off the show with a wee blether. Updates on Steven's exploits at the Inverness Half Marathon, John peaking just in time for the hotly anticipated Self Transcendence 50k as well as a dip into Steven's Pyllon Trax training ahead of his forthcoming trip to New England, USA!
We're then treated to a braw chat with Ross. Our conversation centres on his forthcoming book, Running Adventures Scotland, but we first find out much more about Ross's personal running history. A lad who from an early age has had a passion for the outdoors burning brightly inside. Ross lifts the lid on some personal battles he's overcome before returning to the trails and wild places he holds so close to heart. He's not even let a move south of the border extinguish that fire, in fact we'd say quite the opposite.
Ross's debut book then takes centre stage, avail to pre-order now (see link bottom of show notes) ahead of publication on 5 May, it takes us on an epic tour of the country John and Steven call home. Discovering '25 Inspirational Runs in Scotland's Wild Places' we find out just how the opportunity came a knocking for Ross before delving into the book itself.
Ross gives us the lowdown on how he compiled the book, how he lent on some well kent faces in the Scottish running and outdoor community, why he had to stop at just 25 places and even gives us a glimmer that there are plenty of places yet to explore!
The book floats John n Steven's boat with it's easy and concise layout, detailed maps and route guides plus the essential 'where to refuel' location for each route!! Ross treats us to an hour plus of sublime chat where his enthusiasm for Scotland as well as his love of exploring and cavorting around the hills and glens of the bonniest country in the world is evidently clear.
Ross finishes up giving some of his own tips on gear and trail snackage, a soreen loaf baguette? Yes please....
So come along and get clarty with Ross and your YHRF dynamic duo, Run Free y'all.
EPISODE LINKS
Get your pre-orders in now for Running Adventures Scotland direct from the publisher Vertebrate Publishing here PRE-ORDER RUNNING ADVENTURES SCOTLAND
Check out Ross's superb blog here Ross Runs Wild Blog
Reach Ross on his social channels here Ross on Twitter and here Ross Runs Wild on Instagram
The Anglo Celtic Plate eh, you've heard us talk about it tons. It's now nearly upon us and we think it's about time to speak to two of our pals who'll be heavily involved on race day as well as both pre and post race!
First, John, freshly off the Jet 2 flight from the Canaries joins Steven to catch-up. With his sun-drenched enhanced warm glow John finds out from Steven how his foray back into racing at the Inverness Half Marathon panned out. Was there PB's to celebrate? How many selfie's did he get asked for? What was the shwank to non-shwank ratio? All the important questions ye might say.
Then it's over to Steven to get the lowdown from ACP race organiser Adrian Stott and Team Scotland Manager Debbie Martin-Consani.
We delve into a bit of the history of the event first held in 1995 taking a trip down memory lane at some race highlights. Adrian treats us to his top 3 moments in the previous 26 editions of the ACP as well as recalling the late great Don Ritchie's ways of coping with a bad patch during his record breaking efforts at the distance.
Debbie recalls her own appearance in the race and reminds us just how tough running 100k on the road is. Brutal is overused, but you guessed it, it's brutal. Relentless type 1 fun!
Debbie then gives us some insight into the Scotland team for the 100k as well as focussing on some of the top talent making it's way to Perth on Sunday 3 April from the England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland teams. Adrian and Debbie also let us into their top tips in the 100k open race as it's revealed that the field is every bit as stacked as it could be.
With the 50k and 100k open races also on the agenda we're left with a rallying call to get to the North Inch in Perth with your cowbells in tow and make some noise for the athletes taking on the 1.5 mile loop. We're up to high-doh and we think you should be too!
It's not too late to sign up! Entries close on Sunday 20 March (remember choose the correct link!) 50k race or 100k race
Fancy getting involved and volunteering on race day? You can reach out to Adrian on twitter here Tarit Tweets
In this week’s episode we are really chuffed to eventually catch-up with Aberdeenshire based ultra-runner Jenni Rees-Jenkins. She's been in our sights for a while and with John's newfound speed training we've somehow caught up with her. And boyo was it worth it....
We kick off proceedings with some John n Steven chatter. The Barkley Marathons tops our agenda as we start by analysing the 'race that eats it's young', lucky for us we had a few pals reporting live from Frozen Head State Park. We then have an announcement, our local running festival in Auchterarder is returning to in person racing and taking place on 10 & 11 September 2022, entries open this Sunday! In non-running chat, or food chat as we call it, we find out foods John has never tried....is it melon? is it mango? All is revealed!
Then Jenni joins us for a most chilled out chat on her own remarkable running story. Jenni first captured us when we started out ultra-marathoning ourselves, she was/is an absolute 'kent face' in the Scottish ultra-community. With regular podium finishes she's also proved to be quite the athlete too.
We chart Jenni's progress and find out such a refreshing outlook and spirit for running that's it's hard not be entranced. She talks openly and honestly about the reasons she runs with mental health and weight control cropping up. Running gives her sanity, now how many of us can relate to that?
Her running though has allowed Jenni to find her tribe. What started out as 10k's soon became half's and then on to marathon distances before finding the wonderful world of ultra-marathons where she has achieved so much but more importantly made lifelong friendships and bonds with so many.
2016 saw Jenni compete in 20 ultras and the reason for that is one that sums up her approach to running so well, listen in to find out how things went a little crazy that year.
Now firmly part of the ultra-running family Jenni has learned so much along the way and she's happy to share her lessons with us all. A talented storyteller we're sure you'll enjoy her tales from race experiences every bit as much as we did. With Bob Graham Rounds and Lakeland 100 in her sights for 2022 she's got plenty of chapters still to write too.
As Jenni says herself 'the journey is more important than any PB's'. We agree. Enjoy our chat with the wonderful JRJ. Run Free.
Well hello Season 5!!
Joining John & Steven for our season opener we welcome Karen Nicol aka Ultra Kazy. Karen has been in our sights for some time and we were super chuffed when she agreed to a chat on the pod.
John and Steven spend their routine 10 mins chatting on the weeks happenings before being joined by Karen for an insight into her remarkable running story.
Now a seasoned ultra runner with a glittering list of race finishes Karen admits running hasn't always been her thing. Her background was in dance before finding a love of running. But running itself is just half the story, she's found friendship and support in abundance and it soon becomes clear just how much that means.
Karen plays a key role in Pyllon Ultra, she's the one who schemes with Paul Giblin on how many miles you'll have to run for your Pyllon Exposure hour miles. Another 6 miler? No! But we get a brill insight into Pyllon Ultra including news of their up and coming Pyllon XP5 weekender.
Karen recently competed for Team Scotland in the Backyard Ultra in Castle Ward, Northern Ireland. We delve right into that experience including how many fizzy pigs and muller rices she managed to get through!
Karen has fought adversity through her running journey, battling back from career threatening injury to get right back to being a superb endurance athlete. She also pays back the running community in abundance, none more so than her role of guide runner for young Felicity, an inspiring story awaits on that one.
We had so such a good time talking to Karen, we are sure you will love her infectious spirit just as much as we did. Check out her instagram for a glimpse at her awe inspiring running locations and some amazing days outs in the hills with her pals here @UltraKazy
Enjoy this one, it's a cracker. And remember, running isn't just about running......it's about much much more than that.
We're back and we're comin' atcha! It's only our Season 4 finale!!
Episode 80 of the Young Hearts, Run Free podcast takes us back to our basics, yip, you guessed it gassing for an over an hour with one of our absolute favs, the boabylicious Bob Turner.
We've a smattering of everything you love in this episode as John & Steven chew the fat for 15 mins before being joined in the YHRF studio by Bob. And we've plenty on the agenda to catch up with him about.
We talk about the weather, all the feckin' weather, and how overcoming it can help build mental resilience to make you runstoppable! Also, what can you balance in your facial hair!? What exactly is John's new party piece? As usual it doesnae take us much to get waylaid on to topics completely and utterly irrelevant to running!
Gladly, the calm voice of Bob guides us effortlessly back on course as we find out how his prep for his up-and-coming appearance in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k is coming along. We also discover how his plans for the remainder of 2022 hinge on the Anglo Celtic Plate outcome. It's a big year for Bob, he's defo not for letting a milestone birthday pass by without making it a landmark and unforgettable year!
We then delve into his new adventures in run coaching, an insight into his role within the Pyllon Ultra Coaching network. This includes a glimpse at the Training Peaks app and cumulates in dissecting Steven's mid-term training block report as he races towards the start line of the Boston Marathon in mid-April under the tutelage of Bob.
We sign off giving a wee insight into what season 5 holds for the YHRF pod, lots of exciting content on the very near horizon. Unsurprisingly our focus will firstly turn to the epicentre of the running universe very soon as the home nations collide on Sunday 3 April on the North Inch, Perth. Our high-doh o'meter is off the scale for that one!
A huge tip of the hat to Bob who was able to join us at short notice.
Enjoy our season finale, thanks for listening and please please give us a shout on our socials with any craic or comment. As always, RUN FREE!
We are cruising along in the home straight of Season 4 now, time to put the foot down? LET’S GO!
We’ve a smile on our pus for this week’s episode as we welcome along to the YHRF couch another brilliantly entertaining guest, Daniel Kershaw calls himself a ‘fun runner’, now we aren’t quite sure if you’ll agree with his definition of fun, you’ll need to listen in to find that one out!
Daniel joins us to (mostly) speak about his recent adventure as he took part in January’s Spine Challenger Race, that’s 108 miles of the Pennine Way, part of the Montane Spine Race. But we couldn’t let Daniel appear without uncovering a whole lot more!
Daniel has a quite extra-ordinary running history. His trajectory from beginning to run in 2009 to where he is now is quite something, it’s saw him participate in an eye-watering number of races. We find out what fuelled Daniel’s raging fire. ‘How many marathons have you done Daniel?’ WOW!!
Then we are treated to a quite wonderful account of Daniel’s Spine Challenger Race, it has highs and almighty lows and everything in between. Daniel articulates the whole experience in his own unique style, it was certainly a week in which he learned lots about the race AND about himself. It has quite the ending!
So if you’ve every wondered about hallucinations late in ultra-marathon’s being a thing, déjà vu biting your ass when you’re on the last dribble of your emotional and physical energy or indeed where the remainder of Bill Duff’s brick collection is waiting then you’re in for a right treat! We think there is a thing or two to learn for everyone in this fantastic episode.
So, let’s get on with the havering…..ENJOY!
Hey boys, Hey girls, Superstar Guests..........here we go.....
Season 4 is creeping towards it's finale, and we've upped the ante yet again with this weeks episode.
Joining John & Steven fresh (kinda) off the Penine Way this week is none other than friend of the show and Spine Race 2022 female champion Debbie Martin-Consani!! We were super excited to get the chance once again to catch up with Debs and what a topic to top the agenda!
In mid January Debbie achieved the crowing moment in her 20 year running career by winning the 268 mile Spine Race. We have an insightful and honest chat with one of the most inspirational UK ultra marathon runners. It's glorious stuff, warts n all.
Come find out just what it takes to master Britain's most brutal endurance race, the epic feeling of lifting the title and the aftermath of driving the body and mind to the finish line.
We also manage to squeeze in some non-Spine chat with Debbie as we find out about her becoming a Pyllon Ultra Coach, touch on her forthcoming managerial role at the Anglo Celtic Plate which she holds so very close to her heart and gather some more golden nuggets from this golden girl of ultra-running.
We also get to share some amazing news of what 2022 holds for Debbie, a trip to the US of A beckons....
Tune in and zone out to an hour a half chat with the incredible Ultra Run DMC!
Episode links
Badwater Ultra Marathon
Hour 7 Ultra Running Team
Photo credit: Jamie Rutherford (twitter @JMRuther4d)
In this episode we catch up with Martin Heggie, top 20 finisher in The Spine Race earlier this month, a quite phenomenal accomplishment, and as you'll hear, it wasn't all plain sailing!
Martin shares his running history, he's covered (literally)a lot of ground in the last 3 years, yep you read that right...3 years!
Given that short time Martin's running resume is a belter! From Skye to Devon and pretty much everywhere in between, yer man's been inabootit
There is a wee gap in the audio as Martin show us his bespoke running shoe box, when we say box...check oot the photies on our socials!
If you like your ultra chat open, honest and from the heart, you've arrived at the right place. Martin describes his Spine experience and friendships made very humbly and, careful now...inspirational.
DISCLAIMER: if you feel like signing up to The Spine after listening, it's nothing to do with us!
For those that like to read race reports: Martins Blog on The Spine
Enjoy the chat with Martin, and get back to us on socials. let us know what you think, we appreciate all the chat.
OH YOUNG HEARTS RUN FREE NEVER BE HUNG UP, HUNG UP LIKE MY MAN AND ME…..
We’ve got a guest!! No hour of John n Steven chewin’ the fat this week, yeh we know some of you lap that up too, so we make sure to have our customary 10 min weekly catch up.
Then, joining us in the YHRF studio this week is Joe Symonds. Joe is a not too shabby a runner, in fact we’d say running is laced through his blood. Named after the King of the Fells Joss Naylor, born and bred in the shadows of the Lake District, inspired by his fell-running father…..yip greatness was written in his stars.
Joe has starred both for his country of birth and his adopted homeland, home is now at the foot of the Campsie Hills, in mountain running championships around the globe. A born hill runner maybe, but that hasn’t stopped him from dippin’ his bruised and battered toes into the world of road running!
We explore Joe’s remarkable running journey; we unearth most of his greatest achievements and dig into some incredible experiences he’s had along the way.
Our focus shifts to what became a quite amazing and emotional 2021. Joe lost a dear dear friend to suicide in springtime of last year. We find out how this tragic event fuelled a personal endeavour that saw him scale 3 local peaks 100 times each during the year. His 300 for Polly challenge saw an eyewatering amount of elevation gained but more importantly a huge sum raised for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (see link at bottom of show note to donate)
Joe charms us with his openness and honesty. Running is a huge part of his life and hearing how he describes his favourite place in the world to run is worth the listen alone, ye’ll need to tune in to find out where that is! And 2022 promises to be another big year in the running journey of Joe, all is revealed!
He also has the honour of being the first guest ever to submit their one song into the YHRF playlist, and what a choice it is. Enjoy the episode, and remember, RUN FREE!!
Joe Symonds SAMH Fundraising LINK HERE
YHRF Le BuffBuff Collection Vol. 1 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
Grab a paid of Stonewall Rainbow Laces HERE
We did have a guest this week, then we didnae. Circumstances sometimes take a turn BUT you know us, we couldn't let a week slip by without an episode.
And quelle surprise, we've plenty to chat about!
So join John & Steven for an hour as we mediate over this week's various running news, happenings and inspiration. And it's been quite the week....
Taking top bill is our coverage of this weeks Montane Spine Race. Britain's most brutal race is in it's 10th year and is coming to a stonking end out on the Penine Way. We provide some commentary and updates on what has been another phenomenal edition as we watch 'the dots' making their impressive way towards the finish line Kirk Yetholm.
We also introduce Pyllon Ultra's just announced Pyllon Exposure Dark, taking place on sat 29 January the 2022 version comes with a few new twists and all for tremendous awareness and fundraising causes! See link at bottom of show notes.
This leads us to speak about some 2022 races we're both looking forward to, from Western States to Chatelherault! Maybe even some inspiration for our listeners in there? January is the month we make contracts and plans after all!
We make time to hear about Steven's new relationship with Training Peaks, the app he's using to consume his new Pyllon Trax coaching plan. A bit of an explanation and his own take on how it's used. We also hear how early into his 'Boston Bound' training he's had to adapt to circumstances!
You'll be glad to hear that we'll be back to normal guest service next week! But for now, enjoy this week's episode and remember, RUN FREE! ENTER Pyllon Exposure Dark here
2022, how the hell are ye?!?!
We're right back in the old routine here at YHRF HQ. And we've our first guest of 2022 in this brilliant episode that see's us get the year off to a flyer!
First up, John n Steven catch up on what's been happening this last week. We chat about the WHW bridge crowdfunder for the late John Kynaston, annual mileage goals, John's race plans for 2022, running every street in your home city (like Michael Shanks just done in Glasgow) and we set Steven on his way to the Boston Marathon with a first look at his coaching under the expert tutelage of Bob Turner & Pyllon Trax.
Soon you'll have enough of us and it's over to the magnificent Karla Borland to brighten up your entire week. Karla took up running (seriously) whilst at Uni and managed a superb debut marathon time of 3 hrs 20 mins in 2008. Since then, she has pushed that marathon PB down to well below 3 hours. She's also had the sheer delight of repping her home country, Northern Ireland, in the 2021 Anglo Celtic Plate 100k champs. Amongst tons of running adventures a trip to complete the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa ranks high up her list of achievements.
So, an extremely talented athlete. But she finds time to do much much more aside, a busy day job already mixed with a disciplined approach to her training, Karla also blogs regularly on her own website (link at bottom of show notes) about her own running as well as some fantastic interviews with runners from across the spectrum of distances. Essential reading!
Karla is a brilliant guest who loves the social side of running but has found a real stubborn streak in her approach to running to squeeze out every bit of talent she has, she calls it being 'thran' we call it being awesome.
Oh, and last thing. We've a challenge for you this week! We want you to share with us the oldest (and mouldiest?) bit of running kit you own! Head on over to our social channels to 'show us yours'
Show links
What Karla Did
John Kynaston Bridge Fundraiser
AMASS 2022 Mileage Accumulator Challenge
City Strides - Glasgow Street Challenge
Season 4 Episode 13 The Inbetweener
It's thon filthy time of year for most of us. Christmas in the rear view mirror. New Year front centre. Crack open another tub of Heros? Give in to the wink from the beer in the fridge? Tan the last of the uneaten cheeseboard? Or..... start planning an explosive 2022 running attack!
And we've the perfect antidote for that last point in this week's episode.
It's all about looking forward. Looking forward to our own plans for 2022 and looking forward at the plans of you the listeners.
We find out what many of your have in your sights. What's your goals? What's your A races?
We're blown away by some amazing sounding targets and some spectacular race trips in the pipeline.
We've also big news. Our first ever collaboration is upon us and it's one that's got us helluva excited. In fact, we'd even class it as being up to high doh.
Have a fantastic New Year from us here at YHRF. And let's pick up 2022 in style.
Welcome to our Ho, Ho, Ho Down.
In a first, we love a first, we recorded this episode in the same room as each other. Yip, it's only taken us 72 episodes to get together, but it was well worth the wait.
Join John & Steven as they catch up to chat mostly about you, the listeners. We focus this episode on 2 things. Firstly, people (or things) that inspire you to run. Secondly, what has been your running achievement of 2021 you're most proud of.
We got tons of folk get in touch with us through our socials to let us know theirs. We, of course, manage to cover our own inspirations and proudest achievements as well as a heap of other, erm, wisdom.
It's a little different, and yes we are still learning how to use a microphone.
Go use this episode to kill some time out on your festive runs, burning off the excess turkey, puddings and cheese!
Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!!
Welcome back to the YHRF party! We've a stoater of an episode this week that'll fuel your advent(ures). We start with our now customary pre-guest chat covering a veritable selection box of topics of the week, we've some asks of you the listeners so be sure not to skip straight to this weeks headline act!!
Joining us is Nicola Duncan. Edinburgh based Irish gal Nicola made a huge splash when she inadvertantly landed on the running scene over 10 years ago. Already a talented athlete in other disciplines an unexpected spot on the start line of a local 10k saw her unearth her almighty strength in running.
We love hearing Nicola's humble take on her remarkable running evoloutuion since that initital 10k. From crushing marathon's without even realising it to taking on the worlds best representing her beloved homeland. It's not just a talent she unearthed it's an apptitude and spirit that has taken her to the very top level of both the road-running and ultra-running worlds.
Couple that with her quiet determination to strive for even bigger and better future acheivements as she approaches a landmark birthday and you've quite the inspirational listen.
We spend time chatting Nicola's fav races, fav achievments and fav running pals. We head to Patagonia, to Chamonix and spend a fair bit of time in her adopted home city of Edinburgh.
Hear how an eye-watering FKT on the Fife Coastal trail for a cause so very close to her heart became her favourite day of 2020, and what next for the Galway Girl? 2022 see's some big plans already laid, featuring some iconic races we simply can't wait to see this inspirational lady continue to fly.
Go 'get your lugs aroond this'!!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at YHRF HQ!! And what better way to usher in the festive season than to catch up with a couple of Twatts about hosting the first ever official Ultra Marathon on the Orkney Islands.
Yes, we move off mainland UK to welcome Erica Clarkson and Sarah Scarth to the famed YHRF couch. At first the plan was to speak about the launch of the Back Yard Ultra taking place on 25 June 2022, after all Erica and Sarah are part of the driving force behind bringing this spectacular event to the place they proudly call home. Continuous hourly 4.1667 mile loops until there's only one person left standing anyone?? Tempted, visit the website for more information here BACK YARD ULTRA TWATT
However, in true Young Hearts Talk Pish spirit we covered literally heaps and heaps more. First we find out about Erica and Sarah's running history and soon realisie their friendship and camaraderie is a big part of it. And all this talk of Twatts, well thats the farm on Orkney where the Back Yard Ultra will take place in June.
More important matters are raised though, ones that we never shirk from. Sarah speaks openly and honestly about the menopause, backed up ably by Sarah this enlightening discussion skirts on some topics that are often not raised. We learned so much ourselves and feel that many of our listeners, of any gender, will too. (please see links at bottom of show notes for more info!)
Sarah, herself a dab hand at ultras and marathons amongst many other things tells us about her love of trail and mountain running. A love which is made all the harder living on Orkney where there aren't many trees or mountains! She also explains to us, as simply as anyone we've heard, the science behind the Keto diet and how it can help endurance athletes. Truly interesting stuff!
To add to things, little did we know before the recording that Erica has a place in the Guinness World Records. 10 days of running an Ultra Marathon distance everyday around a track on Orkney, listen in to hear all about that and the role that Twatty-mole played in her fuelling strategies as well as the incredible community togetherness of her endeavour, all for the charity Wellbeing of Women
An exceptionally fun episode to record with plenty laughs mixed in with some serious topics. Please go and get your lugs aroond this asap!
Here is the links to various links we discussed around the Menopause
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/
https://www.dietdoctor.com/intro-welcome?c_source=google&c_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzMGNBhCyARIsANpUkzOXQaFow-U59oJFCBDJeMJwJKLsQJlwbXk9e2QiNo28Ek0fDVEfFxAaAoyGEALw_wcB
https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/
Hello December!! The festive season is upon us, but that's nae excuse for us not to keep churning out the podcast goods. In fact we hear Santa is a big fan, and we wouldn't want to disappoint the big man this month. We like to speak to athletes from the front of the pack, the back of the pack and of course the middle of the pack. Our episode guest today admits to being a bonafide member of the middle of the pack gang. It's an esteemed gang with John's membership being stamped for approval at the mo and Steven being a long standing member. Ross Beveridge, a Dad of 2 young kids (or bairns as we like to call them) juggles a busy home life with his adoration of running. Running, especially ultra running, can be time consuming. Ross though has managed to find the balance of that hectic home life and still achieve the remarkable in his running world. A self confessed non-runner before finding a treadmill in the gym whilst on honeymoon he soon found an attraction to pounding the pavements. The bug then grew and today he stands with multiple (and we mean multiple!) finishes in an array of ultra marathons across the UK. His race CV reads like a glittering prize. We have a brilliant chat with Ross covering his running story, he's remarkably understated about his achievements but we soon unearth his motivations, his passions and of course his favourite post race refuelling rewards! And after a tumultuous 4 or 5 years of races behind him what lies ahead for him, spoiler alert 2022 see's quite the change of direction bubbling away! We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did recording it, use it to build your own plans for 2022, it'll inspire you to plan a big big year!
Black Friday these days is a lot diff to the Black Fridays we used to enjoy back in our heyday. Today Black Friday means tons of faux discounts along with the release of another Young Hearts Run Free episode.
We do have a BIG Black Friday announcement to make during our pre-guest catch up as YHRF merch finally lands! Yip, you can now support the podcast by grabbing a YHRF Buff. Contact us through Twitter, Instagram or email us on youngheartsrunfreepodcast@gmail.com to secure yours!
And our conveyor belt of top notch guests just keeps churning out the goods. Joining us for our 68th episode is former professional footballer Mark Reilly. Mark enjoyed a sparkling career in the top flight with memorable spells at Kilmarnock bringing career highs that would fulfil any boyhood dreams. On retiring Mark found a new passion, that passion eventually led to completing the Marathon des Sables in Morocco in October 2021.
Listen in to find out the driving force behind some of his mammoth running endeavours as he speaks openly and honestly about his charity fundraising on behalf of Reverse Rett. Mark's daughter Dionne was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome early in her life. To date Mark has raised in excess of £21,000, and as you'll hear, his every step has been fuelled with the desire to raise awareness and money for a cause so very close to his heart.
Get Mark's inside track on participating in the gruelling and iconic Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert. A real from the horses mouth account of the before, during and after of toeing the line. And in Mark's own words, for a boy from Bellshill it was certainly a bit different!
Mark also completed an inspiring run between his former Scottish Football clubs he turned out for during his career. 100 mile plus covered in an astonishing time.
Mark's take on approaching these challenges is refreshing, a steely determination to put himself through the ringer and how mind over matter can help achieve what feels like the impossible.
Sponsor Mark's Reverse Rett fundraising attempts here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-reilly12
Read more about Mark's charity Reverse Rett here https://www.reverserett.org.uk/
Welcome to Episode 67 of the Young Hearts, Run Free podcast!
Joining John & Steven this week is Gillian McGale. Gillian recently completed the Glasgow to Edinburgh (G2E) Ultra Marathon, a monumental journey that crowned a rise through the running distances that started way back in 2012.
Now, we first invited Gillian on to speak mostly about her G2E experience. Turns out though she had much much more to talk to us about other than that! She has quite some story to tell us.....
From humble running beginnings running laps of George Square in Glasgow, to finding a running dreamland in Vietnam via a couple of stops at the Highland Fling running has become an absolute staple part of her life. That does not tell the full story though.
The episode also discovers some of the reasons that Gillian possesses mental resilience that most of us can only dream of. We touch on a harrowing part of Gillian's life where she lost her 1st husband to suicide, we find out about raising money for and awareness of mental health and how perseverance mixed with a spade load of determination has allowed Gillian to reach the heady heights of competing in some of Scotland's most high profile ultra-marathons.
Gillian is one in a million and there are laughs galore as she regales some of her experiences and thoughts on running. An athlete with an attention to detail as strong as Gillian's we've yet to meet. We even have a new shoe reveal for any fellow 'shwankers' out there!
So prepare to be inspired because this episode is a belter.
Well, we only went and hooked a biggie!! This week's guest provides all sorts of excitement!! After John and Steven spend 10 mins catching up on the weeks happenings it's over to our main event!
We finally track down the most mentioned man on the podcast, Adrian Stott, and he delivers an episode that's both different, beautiful and interesting all at the same fantastic time.
Many of you will know Adrian his legend goes far, some of you won't. So we find out about Adrian's formidable running journey, spanning just the 63 years, so far. We also get an update on his own health after a recent encounter with an Edinburgh pot hole left him needing some rather major attention from the NHS.
We could babble on for ages about how thought proovking this 90 mins with Adrian is, but we think we'll just let you listen to a legend of the sport talk to us in the most relaxed way about lots of extraordinary stuff.
We are informed by Adrian of some sensational Anglo Celtic Plate news, we'd like to thank Adrian for sharing this on the YHRF pod.
There are tips galore, so get your brain engaged into listening mode because it's going to be brimful after this fantastic episode!
Show links
Chris Smith Memorial Fund
3100: Run and Become - Documentary
2022 Anglo Celtic Plate 50k and 100k Sunday 3 April
Run and Become Edinburgh Running Store
This episode is a must listen. We say that every week, but seriously, this one defo is!
First off John is back in his customary co-host position. So expect some craic from his chatter with Steven before our main event.
Joining us this week is a fella we've had our eye on for some time, well who wouldn't with dance moves like his. We welcome Gary House to the Young Hearts Run Free podcast, and what a guest he turns out to be.
Gary, a seasoned and competitive ultra/mountain runner is also a well respected coach. In fact his Run Strong Club has hundreds of clients from all corners of the globe on it's books. We reckon we uncover just why that is.
We get to know Gary, how he's got to where he is. His running background, his fave races and some of his magnificent fails too.
If there's something we'd all like to be it's entertaining AND knowledgeable. Gary ticks both these boxes in abundance, and in his own unique style delivers us an unforgettable episode.
All the fun, and heaps and heaps of valuable takeaways. We even manage to overcome the Scottish/Welsh accent barrier with as much ease as it takes Gary to scale Snowdon.
Enjoy this belter, it's got something for everyone in it.
Gary on YouTube
Gary on Twitter
Gary on Instagram
Run Strong Club
Man this podcasting nonsense is good. We get to speak to the coolest and most inspirational of folk. This week is no exception.
We're thrilled to have Jo Murphy join us to provide an instant review of her sensational weekend at the Gloucester 24 Hour track event on Sat/Sun 23/24 November.
With John off on his hols it's left for Steven to hold the fort, or you'd think that would be the case? Reality is that Steven needs all the help he can get, so in John's absence we've conjured up quite the substitute. Co-hosting this week is our pal Debbie Martin-Consani.
Jo's debut at 24-hour track running turned into a stunner of a race, a hugely gutsy perfromance with quite the outcome. Executing her race plan to near perfection we hear from the horse’s mouth exactly how it all panned out.
Not only that we get right into finding out how Jo caught the running bug, her motivations, her inspirations and ambitions. With an incredible 2021 already under her belt we're also treated to some amazing insight into her appearances for Scotland at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100K.
A humble interview with a lady who credits so many people with helping her get to where she is today, from her dream team crew to her run buddy pals who she simply loves spending time with. What can't be denied is the incredible talent Jo possesses, couple that with a discipline to train and a desire to embrace the pain of endurance running and you've a potent cocktail. What's created is a formidable force, and with ambitions to keep on achieving the momentous we're only just getting a glimpse of what's to come.
Now, pull on those headphones and enjoy Debbie & Steven's craic with Jo....
Episode 3, Season 4 coming at ya! And we've managed to bag another inspirational guest to catch up with.
We start, as has become customary, with a quick weekly update. How's John's diet going? What are you up to on Saturday 6 November? AND in a world first a live shwank off (we kid you not!)
Then we're joined by our guest Sophie Mullins, Sophie's running CV speaks for itself. She's repped both Scotland and GB, crowned 2019 by winning the British 100k Championships and competed at the sharp end in some iconic ultra-marathons in the UK and on the continent.
Recently Sophie has made some big changes, moving to Spain as well as launching her new coaching initiative Ultra Potential (see bottom of show notes for exclusive discount).
We enjoy chatting through recent race experiences, revisit Sophie's poignant encounter with the West Highland Way Race, Anglo Celtic Plate antics in Perth, training approaches and Sophie shares some valuable insights into her own training routines and mindset.
We do touch on a few topics we've never been able to discuss before now. First, 'why do womens jeans have tiny pockets?' and secondly, but much more importantly, 'what effect does the menstrual cycle have on training and performance?'. A conversation that is hardly discussed nor researched, something that many of us guys are ignorant of or afraid to talk about (it's uncomfortable....but it shouldn't be). We're blessed to have Sophie allow us to open the door to get the conversation started and have some amazing insight into this important topic.
We also hear about Sophie's BIG plans for 2022 as she surges back into full on race mode! The future looks both exciting and adventurous for her and we can't wait to watch her progress back to the very top of her game. Oh and please hang on to the end for this weeks dialect dictionary, it's a belter!
Visit Sophie's newly launched coaching website here ULTRA POTENTIAL Sophie is offering listeners a generous 15% discount site-wide with the code ANIMO (also applies to the first month of subscriptions)
We said Season 4 was going to be a belter, we better start upping our game then!
We're moving on from the excitement of big city marathon's, almost, and heading back up into the high ground to catch up with this weeks guest, Italian Alps based Robbie Britton.
Robbie will need no introduction to many of you. For some of you he will, a geezer from South London who found an extraordinary talent for ultra-running. A fella who's repped GB multiple times, competed in an array of blue ribband races across the globe and recently been forced to adapt to cycling whilst continuing his uber successful run coaching.
Robbie though is back, and back with a bang hot off a win in his first race in over 2 years. And he's excited to update us all!
Not only that he's found time to pen a book, yip an author now too, with his '1001 Running Tips' due to be published on 15 November (see link at bottom of show notes)
Now don't be mistaken, the book is touched on a little, but this is a gem of an episode full of golden nuggets. Be careful though, Robbie's enthusiasm is infectious, it'll be tricky not to get caught in it!
Robbie's book is available to pre-order from Vertebrate Publishing now using the following link - https://www.v-publishing.co.uk/books/running/1-1-running-tips/?utm_source=Young%20Hearts%20Pocast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=1001%20Running%20Tips%20-%20Robbie%20Britton&tab=1
Photo credit Natalie White
KABOOOOOOM!!!!!! Welcome to Season 4, thank you for keepin' on listening, it's a marathon not a sprint right?
We start what is going to be a sensational season with a trip down to London Town. Co-host Steven Watt took part in the 2021 edition of the London Marathon on 3 October, come join us as John Cassidy asks the questions you all want asked!!
We have a brilliant chat reviewing the before, the during and the aftermath of what proved to be a memorable weekend. It was London, not quite as we know it, but it didn't disappoint. It was unique and for Steven, after a year of highs mixed in with some lows in rounded off his 2021 racing season.
So whether ye enjoy the story surrounding the whole trip or focus in on the actual business of running 26.2 miles we hope there's something in this episode for you all. There’s insight into how one of the biggest city marathons on the globe adapted to it’s post pandemic return, Steven gives a warts n all take on his own race experience and of course there’s food chat, there’s always food chat.
Oh and we make no apologies for covering the bases for the shwankers amongst us as carbon arrived in London. Steven also wants to thank the guys at Spinal Research, his chosen charity who provided support throughout his fundraising attempts.
Now got get yir lugs roond this…JUST DAE IT.
Our Season 3 FINALE is upon us, and what a season it has been. Peppered with guests from right across the world of running with plenty laughs along the way. Crank up the heat and step into the YHRF sauna..............!!
In our final episode of the season we’ve chosen to look back at some of the highlights, a review, a recap, a journey through the last 19 podcast editions.
Of course we do that in our own wee style and that includes welcoming back to YHRF a former guest (let’s call him an extended part of the team). Helping us out for our season review is friend of the show and proud owner of a YHRF coaster Bob Turner.
We touch on some of the material that has really inspired us or made us chuckle. Update you on some of the feats our guests have achieved since appearing and generally just have a good ol’ blether about what has been a memorable season.
We also take the chance to quiz Bob on his own 2021. Conic Cantering, Anglo Celtic Plating and finding that smoothie recipe of the ultra-running pain cave. We hear too about his next event as he gears up his biggest challenge to date, a centurion in the making?
We can’t wait to unleash what will be a sensational season 4, but for now step into the YHRF sauna. Enjoy this review of season 3. Big things are just around the corner.
Back once again. It's another Young Hearts Run Free extravaganza, we've packaged up a magic episode for you this week.
We welcome Scottish Ultra Runner and all-round good guy Derek Fish as our guest of the week. Derek has been on quite some journey since taking up running back in 2013.
That journey reached new summits at the recent Swiss Peaks 360 Ultra Marathon. That's 360km in distance, or a smidge short of 224 miles if you will. Throw in some serious elevation gain of 27,000 metres and you've an endurance event to match any on the continent.
Before Derek joins us we catch up on a few matters, mostly around Strava, London Marathon and racin'. On that note there's a big shout out to Ally Beaven's nonsensically brilliant result at the recent Tor Des Geants.
Then we find out all about Derek and it's quite the story. We focus on 2021 but talk about tons more. 2021 has been awesome for him with an East West Highland Way 180 finish and Swiss Peaks topping the bill.
If you're looking for inspiration as to how to be bold and go experience the races of your dreams, then Derek delivers this in bucketloads. It comes with a danger warning too, if you're anything like us you'll be tempted to go sign up for something extraordinary. And who are we to stop you?
Enjoy our 360 with Derek.
Episode links
Strava's Project Kudos
Join John & Steven by enter the 10k Chilli Trail Race
We've a belter of an episode in store this week. Joining us to shoot the breeze is none other than acclaimed athlete, coach and all-round inspiration Kim Collison.
Now let's be honest, Kim operates at a wee bit higher level than your 2 hosts, however that doesn't stop us. We have a thought-provoking chat with Kim as we chart his successes and uncover his deep love of the sport of running.
We of course don't jump in two footed to our blether with Kim, no no, you've got the privilege to suffer John & Steven chew the fat on the last weeks world of events in running. Tor de Geants, Conic Cantering, Shwankering and a hale heap more including big news of a YHRF invite to Auchterarder's acclaimed 10k Chilli Trail Race!
Kim though take centre stage. His long running CV reads like a glittering prized list of achievements most of us can only dream of. It's latest addition, most Munro's in 24 hours, is focussed on and rightly so. But with awe inspiring times and podium places aplenty there is tons to keep you all entertained and inspired.
Find out who sparked Kim's passion for running, his fav places to run, his driven desire to nail the big 3 UK rounds. And crucially Kim lets us in to his secret fuelling strategy that has propelled him to reach his running dreams.......and YHRF simply cannot argue with it!
So come join us for the ups and some downs as we go the distance with Kim Collinson, DING DING ROUND 1!!!
Episode Links:
Kim's website including Coaching and those smiles and grimaces! Kim Collison
A chance to hear John on the mic!! Enter the 10k Chilli Trail Race in Auchterarder
Nikki Gibson wasn't an ultra-runner at the start of August 2021, that had all changed in spectacular fashion by Sunday the 22nd.
We welcome Nikki to a Young Hearts Run Free episode with a twist!! We handed over the hosting reigns to someone quite qualified to pick them up!!
We start with a wee bit chit chat from your usual hosts covering the last weeks 'news', who got into the Lakeland 50? Who smashed it at Glenmore? Auchterarder Running Festival news and the weekly feature......what has the shwanker been buying??
Then we're onto this week’s headline act, Nikki starred for Scotland at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km in Dublin last month. Our guest host grills Nikki on not only that amazing experience but loads more too. We find out a little about why Nikki runs, her new found love of nut butter and that tipping point of ultra-running, paracetamol treats at 50k's in.
Seriously though, it's a brilliant interview with a tremendously hard-working and talented emerging ultra-runner. It reminded us of many of the reasons we run, a recurring theme of appreciating the community and making lifelong chums.
So get out there, be inspired, and remember........be less of a pussy from the beginning.
Enjoy our YHRF takeover!!
EPISODE LINKS Enter the Auchterarder Running Festival HERE
Aaaaand we're back and so are the guests. This weeks episode is an epic!!
Our main event is welcoming guest Jason Kelly to the podcast, the north-east Scotland based ultra runner has had a monumental 18 months since taking the victory at the 2020 D33 Ultra Marathon. The 18 months were crowned with a recent debut for Scotland at the 100k Anglo Celtic Plate!
Before chatting to Jason, John & Steven spend a good skelp of time chatting about some happenings in the last week. Covering some heroic performances across the globe as well as reviewing Steven's surprise appearance on the start line at the Speyside Way Ultra Marathon. Did Steven manage to expel some of his Lakeland 50 demons? Listen in to find out.......
Jason though is the headline act. We get to know what got him into running and how he's got bitten by the bug. From learning his craft, to being inspired by his folks and then realising some of his dreams in ultra running.
Jason competes for that hotbed of ultra running Aberdeen Metro Running Club and regales just how much joining a running club meant to his own running evolution. We make no excuse for focussing on Jason's recent appearance for Scotland at the Anglo Celtic Plate, a race that saw him reach extraordinary levels. His finish line screams were visual proof that nothing was left out there!!
Come find out just why Jason has become intoxicated with running, it's already quite the story and we reckon it's only just really beginning.
In this weeks 'shorter' episode it's 'just the two of us'. It's been a hectic season so far with guests joining us and sharing their stories with us, but this week there's no guest. But don't fret, we've plenty more lined up......
In the meantime, get yir lugs roond this.
We chat about the tremendous performance from the Scottish lads n lasses at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k over in Dublin. It was quite some day out for lots of 'friends of the show'. Another friend of the show, Paul Giblin, is discussed as he continues his ultra impressive End2End Trail journey, running from Lands End to John O'Groats exclusively on trails!
Current fitness, current plans, transition from ultra training to marathon training, alternatives to running. Basically we just blether and update, a real cantor about all sorts topics. There's some hints to the much requested YHRF merch along with new adventures in coffee roasters as we sample something new.
So time to get on with the listening, it won't fuel your long runs for the full distance this week, John recommends filling the rest of the time listening to The Jam. And who could argue with that.....i wish i could be like Steven Watt ;-)
Enjoy and please get in touch with us on our socials to let us know what you're up to!!
We like to chat to all sorts of folk in the running community on the podcast. This weeks episode takes us back into the world of hill running (or fell running if you're that way inclined).
Joining us this week is Hamish Battle. A regular on podiums at hill races and also fleet of foot on tarmac, north-east based Hamish chats to us about his running story. We find out about an unusual motivation that helped Hamish become addicted to running, one for all you Strava fanatics out there.
Hamish, now backed and supported by Hoka, enlightens us with a different take to others on what drives him on. A lot of kudos is paid to folk who have helped him improve over his years on the circuit. We discuss his favourite races, memorable routes and (of course) his fav running gear.
Hamish is an Active Root ambassador and shares his love of their products with us as we discuss fuelling strategies. Steven maybe also gets a bit shwanker-ish as he finds out about Hamish's all time fav running shoes!
Before our catch up with Hamish we have a quick chat about 2 things in particular - the up and coming Auchterarder Running Festival and the Anglo Celtic Plate taking place on Sat 21 Aug near Dublin (a massive good luck to all competing and taking part in that brilliant event!)
You can follow Hamish and his quite wonderful running photography on his Instagram account warning prepare to have major FOMO
Sign up for this years Auchterarder Running Festival by visiting here - ARF Facebook page
Since we started the Young Hearts, Run Free podcast we've had the pleasure to meet tons of new folk who as well as entertain us also inspire & motivate us. Some of those folk are guests who have given up their time to blether with us and pass on words of wisdom and stories from their adventures.
We've also been lucky enough to meet loads of new folk through our Twitter and Instagram pages. In Season 3 Episode 13 we managed to catch up with one such super likeable person. Cumbria based Jodie Laird has been entertaining us on her own candid Instagram posts since way back. Our worlds kinda collided in Coniston in the Lake District a few weeks back, where Jodie took on the challenge of the LL100.
A lady with a certain way with words Jodie gives us a warts n all look at her ultra running career. There are some highs, there are some lows. It's all uber relatable sht though and we love Jodie's approach to ultra training and racing. In a refreshingly honest take on things we lift the lid on some memorable experiences from fell races, to learning her ultra 'craft' to finishing epic sht like WHW races n all that.
A certain synergy emerges with a mutual love of scran and run rewards, 'Jodes' also likes a sweary just as much as we do. We barely even touch on Jodie's recent experience at this years UTLD, who even knows what that stands for??
Enjoy this super easy listening episode with one of our many many new pals.
Read all about Jodie's Ultra races on her brilliantly written blog here Jodes Running Blog
We're well beyond the half way point of season 3 now. We're keeping the episodes comin' at ya thick n fast, we hope you're keeping up! We've another cracker this week as John & Steven catch up with another top class athlete in the shape of GB Trail Runner Meryl Cooper.
Before Meryl joins us (all the way from the French Alps) we have one last look, we promise (we don't actually), over our shoulders at Lakeland 50. Taking stock of where we are and reinforce some of our own personal learning.
Meryl is our main event though and what a story she has to regale as we chart her running progress from the football pitches of Dubai to the mountains of northern Thailand, via the high country of the Alps. There are many stop offs along the way too, a truly insightful discussion with a lady who has emerged as amongst the elite of GB trail running.
Meryl not only has a passion for running she also swamps us for her enthusiasm for pretty much any sport, couple that with her knowledge and expertise in health and lifestyle coaching and you've got a heady mix of golden nuggets of advice. There really is so much learning in this weeks episode.
Our chat (eventually) turns to Meryl's recent superb success at the Lakeland Trails 100k Ultra where she gained qualification to rep GB at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Thailand this November. We also turn our attention to the next event in her calendar, the small matter of the CCC, part of the UTMB week of events based in and around (when we say around, we mean the long way around) Chamonix, France.
We so enjoyed and got tons out of our catch up with Meryl, a real talent in the circuit yet humble and inspirational along with it. Enjoy the show and get ready to take those mental notes!
Link to Meryl's Website - Meryl Cooper Coaching
Ultra Trail De Month Blanc CCC
World Trail Mountain and Trail Running Championship 2021
Pod photo credit Jumpy James Photography
Our follow up Part II covering the remnants of our LL50 race weekend.
Finishing up our race stories and making some immediate post race thoughts and decisions!
What went well? What went (horribly) wrong? What kit worked? What lessons were learned? Is a return visit in 2022 on the cards? What next for your intrepid hosts?
So many questions, so many important questions plus of course a whole heap of nonsense!
Lakeland 50 left a lasting impressions on us, we hope we've managed to convey what was a superbly well organised and staged event.
You know we love nothing more than hearing from listeners, please connect with us on our Twitter and Instagram. It was awesome to meet and say hello to some of you during the weekend, when like minded folk like ultra runners get together for the first time in what seems like an eternity it's going to be an extra special sorta weekend, ain't it?
Let's PULL THE PIN on our Lakeland experience..........
Welcome to Part I of our Lakeland50 race review. Time to hear all about John & Steven's long awaited return to racing.
In this episode we find out about their pre-event build up, their time in the Lakes and of course how each of their races panned out.
There's a surprise right from the off as the tables get turned on your hosts. It's a great listen as we reflect on a memorable weekend in the north of England. The emotions are still raw making the post race thoughts all the more real.
Spolier alert It ain't all shits & giggles as Steven finds out the hard way that ultra-running and heat can be a dangerous concoction!
So, if you want to find out who snored the loudest, who spilled the pre-race coffee and who got their hands on a small plate sized glittery prize medal now's your chance. A real warts n all listen at how we spent our Lakeland 50 weekend.
We had that much to ground to cover we've a Part II Lakeland 50 debreif coming right up!! Double the, erm, fun....
The mention of running and beer piqued our interest, let it pique yours too. As we hit the half century our 50th episode ticks tons of boxes. Not only is our guest Connor Grady a top fella, a quickly developing runner he also works at 'friends of the show' Top Out Brewery in Edinburgh. We find out about Connor's own running; he has some surprises up his sleeve about that topic! He's a guy who is drawn to the hills and has already made some impressive appearances in some of our favourite races. But as you will hear, there seems to be much (much) more to come. Top Out Brewery are also discussed at length, a brewery with running and outdoor adventure in their DNA. Check out their can art for proof of that featuring the topography for some of their very fav hills and summits. Find out how they adapted to the global pandemic and how they manage to get out on the hills when not brewing! With a mix of Scottish and German owners their beer certainly hits the spot. The usual laughs, banter and veering off topic is present including a confession from Steven that he fancies some hills weirdo alert We start the show with a quick blether about our now imminent appearance at the Lakeland 50, how we're feeling and what we're thinking about just over a week out from race day! We both cannae wait to be toeing that start line, excitement levels have been ramped up to 'up to high doh'. Top Out Brewery can be bought at Top Out Brewery
Ha'way!! We've another blazing episode for you all! This week we're joined by Devon Scott. Glasgow based Ultra runner Devon was all set to complete her first ever West Highland Way race in 2021, as we all know COVID put paid to that. So what do you do when you need to scratch the ultra itch? You replan, that's what you do! Devon settled on running the iconic Great Glen Ultra, Rocket Events superb 71-mile Ultra Marathon following the Great Glen Way from Fort William to Inverness. What a dreamy route eh? Join us as we not only find out how her race day panned out but much much more on top of that. Devon enlightens us all with her running story and gives both seasoned and new ultra-runners some amazing tips and strategies that have become the cornerstone to her ultra-approach. There's some devastating news for John too, it involves drop bags and disappointment. John & Steven find some time too for a quick update ahead of their Lakeland 50 adventure happening real soon. Food and kit being prominent in that discussion.
Episode Links Rocket Events - for some of the best Ultras the UK has to offer Harrier Trail Running - John & Steven's hydration vests of choice for LL50
Some of you, like us, might listen to some other podcasts. You listen to some for a few episodes then drift away, others become mainstays in your favourites. One of John and Steven's favourites is the well established Tartan Running Shorts.
This weeks guest is co-host of the TRS podcast Kyle Greig. We've been chasing Kyle for a while now so are super chuffed at being able to welcome him along for a chat on Young Hearts, Run Free. Kyle certainly is a busy lad as you'll find out!
An uber accomplished runner with some eye wateringly good PB's Kyle progressed through the distances and is now amongst the cream of the crop of Scottish Ultra runners. He's represented GB and has proudly represented Scotland too. An elite, some might say, but Kyle remains firmly grounded and passes an hour or so entertaining us with tales of his running story, his proudest moments, juggling a hectic workload and how he's recently become both a proud Dad (again) and a proud Race Director. We chat podcasting and how it's allowed us to connect with a whole new network of folk who inspire and motivate us to get the most we can out of running. We talk about the Moray Way Ultras series Kyle is Race Director of and how the pandemic has impacted on his debut races. And of course we find out about what Kyle is up to now, including how his training is ahead of his next Scotland vest at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k in August.
In fact we cover a veritable sh*tload of stuff and have the usual laughs along the way, anyone for a TRS x YHRF Beer Mile Collab??!!
Tune in, zone out and listen to us chew the fat with the fella who is 16th on the UK all-time list for the 100k. The same guy who was bold enough to try to run his way into the world records with a 24hr treadmill attempt!
A few links we mentioned:
Kyle offers run coaching through TRS Training Kyle is fundraising manager at the newly formed charity at Athletics Trust Scotland
And once again get your ass along to one of the brilliant ultras that from part of the Moray Way Ultra Series. They are sure to become an absolute fixture in the Scottish Ultra calendar.
PIC: Kyle reps GB at the 102km Tarawera Ultra Marathion in New Zealand in 2018
Coming back at ya with another laugh filled episode! This week runnings answer to Ant & Dec are joined by Sam Miller. Sam likes to do things a little unconventionally. Before our catch up with Sam we visit 2 things happening this weekend that mean a fair bit to us.
First a wee race preview of the Western States Endurance Run which starts Sat 26 Jun over in California and second a wee bit of awareness raising for a previous guest. David Wallace (S1 Eps 6) is attempting a DOUBLE Ramsay Round in the Lochaber Munros this weekend. Raising funds while taking on this monumentally epic endurance feat.
But our main event! Sam Miller recently participated in the first road marathon on Scottish soil for over 18 months, the first post COVID lockdown get together. The Strathearn Marathon takes in some beautiful scenary as it snakes it's way around the country roads of rural Perthshire. Sam only realised he was due to be on the start line 3 weeks before.
Listen in as Sam enlightens us as to his unique approach to getting around 26.2 miles. We chart some of his past glories too, he's a man who likes to take on a challenge shall we say. In his own unique style Sam entertains us for the entire episode with a series of amusing tales from his 10 years of running. He'll maybe never win a race but, like us, the sheer satisfaction of completing drives Sam on to take on some mad cap challenges that many would turn their back on.
With the carrot of a footlong Meatball Marinara Subway being dangled drawing him towards the finish line come find out if Sam completed his Couch to 42k! Sam also asks you the listeners a question, what Ultra Marathon should be his first!?
Throw in a couple of our fav dialect dictionary entries so far and it's an episode not to miss!
Please visit our socials Twitter and Instagram to say hello and to leave your suggestions for Sam's Ultra Marathon to enter!!
A few links John and Steven mentioned in the episode
David Wallace Double Ramsay Round Fundraising AND Track David's attempt LIVE
Western States Endurance Run website with links to all the live footage #seeyouinstates
Let us introduce you to a right pair of FKT'ers. Your pod hosts John & Steven are now in the history books grabbing their first ever Fastest Known Time!!
On Fri 11 June 2021 they completed the River Tay Way, a long distance path in Perthshire, Scotland. Starting in Kenmore in Highland Perthshire they made their way to their home city of Perth. 50 odd miles in the Scottish summer, it really was a special memorable day out.
In the episode John & Steven review their day and unpack a lot. The planning, talking through the route and it's many highlights and most importantly about the folk who helped make the day even more special.
Plenty words of wisdom (have you ever tried running up hills backwards?) loads and loads of lessons learned and, as if it was ever in question, we cover what fuelled us both during AND after!!
We analyse in detail John's amazing ability to find an excuse to have a walk or a seat. The list is never ending!!
We'd like to say a huge thank you to Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust who helped us plan and support our wee FKT attempt. Find out more about the route on their website here RIVER TAY WAY INFO
John & Steven's FKT attempt now appears on the FKT website, you can see it (and explore other routes) here Fastest Known Time RIVER TAY WAY
Lastly, we'd like to personally thank Pam, Lyndsey, Alison and Lesley for taking the time to come run sections of the route with us, they gave us a massive lift. And to Dave Martin for the most welcome aid station set up in Dunkeld for us. Oh, and our finish line cheer squad of John's wife Susan, who witnessed the first ever finish of a River Tay Way FKT.
Come listen in to pals having the craic looking back on a brilliant day doing what they love , you'll lap it up!! And once you're done go plan an adventure, go smash our FKT, get out there and enjoy yourself.
PIC: John & Steven on the steps of the Albert Monument on the North Inch of Perth. The finish line of the River Tay Way
Big wheel keep on turning, episodes keep on burning!!!
We're back with another topper of an episode. Not only have we a sensationally inspiring guest we also reveal details of a BIG challenge your podcast hosts are taking on very very soon!!
First our guest this week. Chiara Franzosi hails from Northern Italy but in 2015 she swapped the Italian climate for that of Edinburgh. She soon fell in love with Scotland and fell in love with many other things including running.
In May 2021 she was bold, very bold. Under the tutelage of friend of the show and Pyllon Ultra coach James Stewart took on a challenge of running an incredible 7 marathons on 7 consecutive days all around the streets, trails and hills of Edinburgh. Find out why she done so, what fuelled her desire and why it meant the absolute world to her to be joined by many running friends along the way.
We also treat(?) you to 20 mins or so of John & Steven shooting the breeze whilst unvieling details of their very own FKT attempt happening imminently. A challenge that will test their friendship as well as their resolve!
It's fun, it's light hearted, it's Young Hearts, Run Free. ENJOY!!!
You can still donate to Chiara's fundraising efforts by clicking here Chiara's Just Giving Fundraising Page
Find out more about Chiara's charity BEAT by clicking here
If you've listened to any previous episodes of Young Hearts Run Free you'll have at some point heard us mention the West Highland Way Race. It's a trail that is very dear to us both.
Well, we were honoured to be joined by West Highland Way Race Director Ian Beattie and seasoned WHW race finisher (as well as race crew extraordinaire!) Lorna Macmillan for our latest episode.
We find out all about the impending 2021 Virtual West Highland Way which starts on Friday June 11 (entries open now!). It's not the race we all know and cherish but it's a unique way to be part of the humungously welcoming West Highland Way Race Family.
With vast expereince of delivering the most iconic ultra in Scotland under their belt there's not much Ian and Lorna don't know about the West Highland Way Race so we spend the chat finding out all about it. Some of the cherished characters of the race, some fab memories and how electrician goggles & bracken should be in your essential kit!!
We also have a MASSIVE reveal of a brand new race AND updates on plans already afoot for the return of the race proper in 2022.................this is exciting stuff...........as you'll be able to tell by John's reaction!!
Enter this years virtual WHW Race here SI Entries Virtual WHW 2022 entries avail right up until Mon 14 June
Donate to the Virtual WHW fundraising efforts in memory of the late John Kynsaton here Just Giving - Play for Change
Find out more about the WHW Race and all past results, future plans and race info here WHW Race Website
The power of 3!! James Stewart is back for Episode 3 of Season 3 for his 3rd Young Hearts Run 'Three' appearance!!
It's a welcome return to Croy's force of nature himself as James joins John & Steven to recount his most recent audacious Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt.
The route targetted this time around was the iconic Fife Coastal Path. Starting in Kincardine and finishing some 116 miles later in Newburgh navigating the entire coastline of Fife, a stunner.
James lifts the lid on his prep, his (lack of) planning and then regails with brutal honesty how his day in Fife panned out. The highs, the lows, the ups, the downs and of course the folks who played a vital part in what turned out to be a memorable day in the Kingdom.
There are tips, there are stories, there are nuggets of inspiration. We can't thank James enough for again giving up his time to share his experience. Prepare yourself, in typical YHRF style, for some choice language and talk of Giant Wotsits.
In this Episode John & Steven catch up with the winner of our most prestigious competition to date, Michelle Melville won a spot on the start line of the recent Pyllon Exposure Ultra Marathon.
Michelle had never before been to Ultra Marathon distance and we were super keen to hear all about her 6 hour Expsoure went.
The challenge was dreamt up by the guys over at Pyllon Ultra and set athletes a comfort zone pushing test of resolve. Each hour a text would arrive letting folks know how far they had to cover in the next hour, that sounded uncomfy to us! So dive in and find out how Michelle coped, did she bag a finish to her first ever Ultra??
Steven also takes the oppo to quiz John on how he got on exposing himself. John took on the 12 Hour Exposure, we find out about how he planned, executed and recovered from what turned out to be a sensational Saturday. Not many stones are left unturned and in true YHRF fashion we find out the fascinating answers to what John ate, both during and after the fun of running an Ultra.
A massive well done to all runners and riders who took part in Pyllon Exposure. To the winners, we salute you. To the DNF's and back of the packers, we salute you. To everyone in between, you guessed it, we salute you too.
Steven’s Why?
It’s only our Season 3 launch episode!!
Time to dig a little bit deeper into one of your podcast co-hosts running story.
John takes his turn to quiz Steven on his running why to find out his passions, influences, motivations and thinking behind running.
We hear about who and what inspires Steven to lace up his running shoes and get outside on the tarmac, trails and hills.
It's a journey well worth listening in to, it may be similar to your own, or it may be very different. Steven's story is guaranteed to inspire you to challenge yourself, maybe try something new, or push yourself that wee bit further (or big bit further?)
As expected, there is plenty talk about food, drinks, drop bags and some wonderful race day memories. The chat about Stevens favourite ever race day experience is worth the listen alone!
It's a full 1 hour 30 minutes of golden nuggets and insight into the ‘Strava Schwanker’ himself, so charge up those headphones, and enjoy the journey into Steven's Why.
Catch up with Steven on here >>> Steven the Strava Schwanker
And in the blink of an eye the final episode of season 2 is upon us!! We end on a high, there's no other way!
Are you ready for the weekend? Cos this week's guest is, in fact he's ready for more than just the weekend, he's ready for a welcome return to racing!! Something he's not bad at, not bad at all.
John & Steven are joined by Mallorca based Scottish trail running super-hero Casey Morgan. Casey has quite some story to share with us as we chart his journey from Parks runs in Glasgow to Ultra runs in Patagonia and everything in between. A real talent in the sport we love Casey has used that to fuel some amazing adventures around the world. Listen in as we go globetrotting and get the inside track on sensational runs in the some of the world's most iconic races.
Casey also speaks passionately about his love for the Isle of Arran, from using it as his training playground as he made his ultra running breakthrough to establishing the renowned Ultra Trail Scotland event which he is now the race director of. Sharing his love for what he classes as a trail and hill runners paradise!
As is the norm, it's fun filled and relaxed, we venture to some topics way off tangent but that makes it all the more entertaining. Casey's story is an inspirational one and will make you want to go have your own adventure tomorrow. And what's stopping you?
This episode wraps up season 2, but fear not, season 3 is just around the corner, we'll see you there very soon. Now quick go share the episode with your pals, we'd love it if you done that.
ENJOY!! Namaste.....
Casey has an Instagram feed, but you might get a bit jealous of his sunny mountain piccies, find out for yourself here https://www.instagram.com/caseypaulmorgan/?hl=en-gb or catch Casey on Twitter here https://twitter.com/caseymor?s=20
We speak about Casey's Training for Trail virtual series, you can find out all the details for that plus Casey's coaching offerings here https://www.caseymorgan.co.uk/
Follow and interact with John & Steven on our own social channels YHRF Instagram and YHRF Twitter
Back once again for the renegade master!!! It's season 2 Episode 19 and another we've sensationally good treat in store for your lugs.
John & Steven are joined by an author (a first), hill runner and much much more too. Ally Beaven came to the fore in 2020 by scribing a wonderful book called Broken 2020: the year running records were rewritten. We catch a wonderful insight into the mind of the author who, in his own individual style, introduces us to some of the characters covered in the pages of the book.
Ally lets us know just how huge feats the FKT's featured are. He even has some on the ground experience with FKTer's in his armoury so is well palced to share with us a real feeling of what it's like to be involved in some of these amazing human endeavours.
We can't just cover the book though without finding more about Ally. We find out heaps about how his running journey started and how he went from struggling up the Pentland Hills with bags full of sandwiches to running some amazing world renowned ultra-marathons. Ally has a real individual approach, refreshing, witty and interesting. He also loves exploring, with favourite races in Andorra and Italy, listen in to find out why.
In usual YHRF style we meander way off script and, thankfully, Ally embraces all that with glee. So if it's racing ghost riders on Mario Kart or laughing along with John's usual lack of geographic nounce you'll defo love this blether with Ally. Pizza's are mentioned as is beer, what's not to love?
Now, hurry go get FKT up and listen to us shoot the breeze with Ally....enjoy!
Grab a copy of Ally's brilliant book direct from the publishers Vertebrate here Broken by Ally Beaven
Read Debbie Martin-Consani's Tor des Geants race blog here Tor des Geants race report
Watch Dan Lawson's Breaking 10 LEJOG Documentary here note costs £3.75 (well worth it!) Breaking 10
Watch Donnie Campbell's self propelled Munro round documentary here note costs £3.99 (also well worth it!) Self Propelled Munro Round
Grab a beer for that run reward by Top Out Brewery (mentioned on the pod) here Top Out Brewery
In this episode we catch up with Michelle Melville aka Scot_Lassie_Runs. Michelle won our recent competition, in conjunction with Pyllon Ultra, for a place in the up n comin' Pyllon Exposure Race.
John & Steven also have a quick blether about their own current respective run loads as they ramp up their training ahead of an imminent (fingers and toes crossed) return to 'racing' before welcoming our prize winner.
On Saturday 24 April Michelle will join fellow competitors on the start line of the Pyllon Exposure Race. It'll be the biggest undertaking of her running journey to date.
The race-format is an unsual one, most races you'll know what to expect beforehand, not this one. Each hour starting at 8am you'll be informed what distance is to be covered in the next hour. Each hour is a new exposure, either 6, 12 or 24 of them. Comfort zone stretched yet?
We are so pleased to have had the chance to chat to Michelle about how she's feeling about the event, her strategies and mindset. It's also fabulous to hear how she's embraced the opportunity and although nervous about what lies ahead is prepping herself for the task in hand.
We'll be catching up with Michelle after the event too, to get the lowdown on how she got on. And how it feels to become an Ultra-Marathoner.
Please give Michelle a follow on her Instagram. Keep up with her quest and give her a word of encouragement https://www.instagram.com/scot_lassie_runs/
More on the Pyllon Exposure race can be found here
Follow and interact with John & Steven on our own social channels YHRF Instagram and YHRF Twitter
And just as you thought Easter weekend couldn’t get any better along comes our 37th episode. Time for another brilliant guest to join us and be sure to hang on until the end of the show as we announce our Pyllon Exposure Ultra Marathon place competition winner!!
This week John & Steven catch up with Bob Turner. It’s safe to say Bob likes running and now specialises in a distance most of us struggle to comprehend.
100k racing isn’t for the faint of heart, but then you don’t become the British 100k champ being faint-hearted. You don’t choose 100k racing, it chose’s you.
Bob lets us know in his own relaxed, mild mannered way what it has taken to get to what we’d class as the summit of his running mountain. Not that he intends leaving that summit any time soon.
From early promise as a Steve Cram inspired kid to a wayward spell on the side lines during Uni years and then falling back in love with running in his 30s we leave no stone unturned.
During that time Bob’s represented both Scotland and GB numerous times, we speak about the memories these have left behind and his plans to keep on featuring in team selectors thoughts for many years to come.
His journey has taken him from a spritely 5k/10k specialist through to a seasoned ultra-marathoner. Injury though hampered Bob’s progress several times and we discuss how he came through that, and how discovering mobility and strength & conditioning helped cure his woes.
With a marathon PB of 2hrs 31 mins and a 100k PB of an amazing 6hr 51 mins it would be an easy assumption to make that Bob’s story is unrelatable to many of us. Trust us, it isn’t, it’s all relative and all inspiring.
Happy Easter everyone from us. Enjoy the treats, enjoy your miles!!
Link to Pyllon Exposure Ultra Marathon details
Hook up with us over on our socials....
YHRR Twitter @YHRFPod
YHRF Instagram @YoungHeartsRunFreePodcast
In January whilst most of us were either hiding in the house, warm and cosy or getting back to some form of post-Christmas binge training our guest this week was doing something extraordinary.
We’re joined by Vic Owens, better known as The Happy Runner. Vic chose to run 1000 miles in January. Now, if you’re like us that may take you a little time to compute, 31 days and an ultra-marathon covered in every single one of them.
Welcome to the world of The Happy Runner. Vic amazes us, she’ll amaze you too. Listen in to find out what drove her to run what would be a brilliant annual mileage total………in one month!!
Vic, who started running seriously in 2016, quickly realised that running on tarmac wasn’t for her but after finding trail running she well and truly caught the bug. Shifting through the distances in a flash and choosing to enter events most of us would baulk at.
An advocate for barefoot running Vic gives us a fascinating insight into how minimalist footwear (or sometime no footwear) is her ride of choice. Food for thought for your hosts!
It’s an inspirational chat as we explore lots of Vic’s own motivations. Incredibly Vic reckons she is just doing what anyone could do. Vic’s fastest known time on the 625 mile Monarchs Way might give you an idea that she really is a bit of a wonder woman.
If you need to little shove, or your mojo has currently gone amiss this episode will give you a jolt. Next on Vic’s agenda is the small matter of the 250 mile 'Lon Las Ultra Marathon' in Wales, another of Mark Cockbain’s wicked events!
Vic is an Ambassador for Active Root - https://activeroot.co.uk/
Some of Vic’s fav events are Cockbain Events - http://www.cockbainevents.com/
Follow Vic’s adventures on her Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/the_happy_runnernw/
For a last chance to enter our Pyllon Exposure race place competition head over to Young Hearts Run Free Twitter and Instagram to enter.
Well this is a spectacular episode, why? Well, not only are we joined by a brilliantly entertaining guest we also have a HUGE competition announcement!!
Season 2, Episode 15 is unmissable!
Our guest this week is Nikki Johnstone, a fella who is making a big splash in the marathon distance, a fella who is addicted to racing.
Nikki is a proud Scotsman who's lived in Germany for the last 15 years. He talks in KMs where we talk in miles, apart from that though he's bang on our wavelength! He's unearthed an unbelievable talent for high octane racing, crushing PB's along the way has become customary and the last 2-3 years have seen that race day approach transfer into several magnificent marathon outings.
So quite how did Nikki make the progress from talented mid packer to rubbing shoulders with the elite? Listen in to find out......SPOILER ALERT!! Nikki is anything but conventional.
We find out about some of Nikki's greatest races, how his addiction to racing has been curbed by the COVID pandemic and, amongst many other laughs, how his running exploits saw him get (unofficially) into the Guinness World Records for the fastest marathon dressed as Elvis!!
We loved chatting with Nikki, a refreshing and grounded athlete who does things his own way, and who are we to say that way is anything but the right way? What's more Nikki is primed and ready to make the transition to ultra running, he's got big plans on the horizon, we can't say we are surprised.
Our big competition news? We have a place in Pyllon Exposure Ultra Marathon up for grabs!! A massive thank you to our pals over at Pyllon for offering such a fantastic prize, taking place on Sat 24 April the winner will have the choice of the 6 hour, 12 hour or 24 hour event! Head on over to our social channels Twitter and Instagram to enter now!! Prizes money can't buy!! Full info on Pyllon exposure can be found here http://www.pyllonultra.com/exposure
Some links we mentioned during the episode
Strava profile Nikki Johnstone
Unsanctioned Running - Makers of Nikki's brilliant marathon Elvis costume
Brauereienlauf Brewery Marathon 25.09.21
Dan Lawson's Re Run Clothing - Extending the life of running clothes
Please give us a shout on our social media channels, we love some interaction with our loyal band of listeners!
John & Steven expose themselves....yikes!!!
Amidst the plethora of awesome guests who come on to the pod and give us their craic, words of wisdom and inspiration every now and again we like to just have a wee catch up, just the two of us.
So that’s what is in store in this episode. We shoot the breeze about all sorts of stuff, incredibly most of it is running related!! So, here’s an hour that will just fly by, come join us and remember please get involved on our social channels.
First up we talk Young Hearts Run Free merchandise, what would you like to see on the shelves of our merch store?
Steven enjoyed a unique February and all due to a running superstition, we can’t be the only one to have running superstitions? We end this segment challenging any ex-professional footballers to run an ultra!
We chat about our own current training load as we set about 2021 with gusto, John elevates himself and Steven making a welcome return to consistent mileage, its all unearthed.
John 'officially' announces his participation in Paul Giblin’s Pyllon Exposure, what did he plump for though? The 6 Hours, 12 Hours or 24 hours?
We blether about some of our favourite bits of running kit, and mostly that’s about how we carry gear, hydration and nutrition on long runs. This gets us onto other strategies to overcome carrying too much.
Lastly, the good news of a return to group running is under the spotlight, it was so good to discuss this positive topic as we race towards the return of events soon (fingers crossed!)
Oh and Steven finally admits he’s a sh-wanker thanks to Graham Connolly’s kind words on Instagram.
It’s full of fun & laughs as you’d expect, so come on in and get comfy, the kettle’s always on.
Link to Pyllon Exposure
Steven's fav running kit UD Waist Belt
YHRR Twitter @YHRFPod
YHRF Instagram @YoungHeartsRunFreePodcast
It's March, time for another treat, let's go Episode 13, Season 2!! And it's a huge huge welcome back to the pod to Debbie Martin-Consani.
Ultra runner Debbie first appeared on YHRF in Episode 4 of Season 2. She was busy prepping for The Spine Race (it got postponed) whilst juggling the social media rigours of the wonderful Marcothon.
We catch up with Debbie this time around about all the stuff we failed to cover last time round, and that's heaps! With her wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of running how could we resist from picking her brains once again?
We talk running tours of the Glasgow Mural Trail in the city she loves, joining Dan Lawson during his iconic LEJOG attempt, Team GB 24 Hour racing, her favourite races....ever, coping with 100 mile race curveballs, Anglo-Celtic Plate managerial duties, virtual racing (and rainbow buffs), competing in the gruelling Tour De Geants, Steven & Debbie find they share a trainer addiction and we even slip in an(other) blether about the Kinlochleven Chip Shop.
We find time to touch on a more serious topic too, that of female solo running and how Debbie feels about it along with some of her tactics to ensure she's keeps safe out on the streets, trails and hills.
Steven challenges Debbie to run to the moon, does she accept though?
Remember hang on until the end as we coax out Debbie's favourite local dialect word and assess if it's a worthy entry into the YHRF dialect dictionary!
It's another fun filled chat full of laughs & precious tips, hints and inspiration from a lady who leaves an indelible mark on everyone she meets with her enthuisiam and commitment to achieving great things.
You can catch up on our first part chat with Debbie on this link - Debbie Martin-Consani Part 1
We're back for another blether. And this episode we're joined by yet another inspirational guest.
Alan Cormack started running when he was 39 years old. Alan hasn't stopped running since. And what an incredible journey he's been on.
Since his first 10k back in 2006 he's followed a steady but relentless rise through the distance landmarks. Half marathons became marathons. Marathons quickly became ultra marathons. We'd call it an addiction, but what a healthy addiction to have.
We ask Alan, what's your favourite distance of race? His answer 'the longer the better'.....listen in to see just how far that is!! Clue...it's far.
It's a treat to hear Alan chat about how he truly caught the running bug. His ultra marathon count is now sitting at 80 plus, but he's not intending slowing down. Find out about lots and lots of his lessons learned, his fave kit, his relaxed approach to nutrition and where he loves to run the most.
We spend time talking about some of the races he's remembers the most. The Hill Ultra (55 reps of a hill, just the 160 miles in total), The T184 Ultra (184 miles the full length of the River Thames), The Spine Race (268 miles) and the Tunnel Ultra (200 mile long ultra - all inside a tunnel)
You get the drift?
Of course more importantly we establish what he uses as lube? LOL
And hang on until the end, Alan has one of our favourite YHRF local dialect words yet!! ENJOY!!
Picture - Alan mid T184 Ultra
In this brilliant episode John & Steven catch up with not 1 but 2 incredibly talented Scottish Ultra Runners! Iona Mackay and Jo Murphy join us to talk about the importance and benefit of training partners. At a time when all we can do is run with one other person, thanks for that COVID, we hear all about how Iona & Jo inspire, motivate and drive each other on to reach new heights. Insights into their training, what motivates them and even turning the clock back to what got them started. It's wonderful stuff and to cap it all they both enjoy triple carbs, pasta with a side of chips AND some garlic bread, which makes them very much kindred spirits of your podcast hosts!! Tune in to find out their favourite ever races, some of their biggest mistakes, their absolute love affair with the West Highland Way and how they use each other (as well as their extended training network) to give each other accountability. How many hours of Glenmore 24 Hour Race do you reckon they spent together?!?! Of course we finish up with their local dialect word and with a proud Fifer as well as someone with Dundonian roots as our guests those are pretty special too! Iona is a keen blogger you can catch up on her ramblings here http://www.ionarunningblog.co.uk/ Please visit our social channels to join the blethering and let us know what your own thoughts are, find us on Twitter @YHRFPod and Instagram @YoungHeartsRunFreePodcast
Episode 10 of Season 2 already?!?! The weeks are just melting away as we continue to enjoy the paradise of lockdown (convincing?)
It's another belter of an episode as we're joined by James Waldie. James enjoys running, like us all, but he's also not bad at it. not bad at all in fact. As you'll be able to tell when he modestly lets us know his 5k PB. James though is a man who prefers the steep stuff offered in fell and hill racing, listen in to find out why.
James also enjoys an interesting day job, he's Operations Director with Active Root, the Edinburgh based Ginger Sports Nutrition, a firm favourite of your podcast hosts! We spend some time talking about the Active Root story and finding out just why it's becoming the go-to hydration choice for so many.
We get to find out heaps about James, how he got into running from a young age, how his Dad played a huge part in his coaching, how he's taken pride in representing his country (what country though?!) as well as some utterly jaw dropping days out in the Scottish Hill racing circuit.....ok, not all of them were successful, but aren't those the ones we learn most from??
You can try out Active Root for yourself and propel yourself to ginger fuelled new high's by visiting their website here https://activeroot.co.uk/
Mel Sykes is a Yorkshire girl who hates being indoors. She spent lots of that time outdoors last September completing a solo walk of our fav trail, the West Highland Way in Bonnie Scotland.
In Season 2, Episode 9 John and Steven welcome their first ever guest from south of Hadrians Wall as Mel joins us for a brilliant natter about her WHW adventure. Listen on for some precious tips and pointers for anyone considering completing the WHW or indeed any would be solo adventurers.
We cover much more aside, Mel enchants us with her tales of adventures on foot and on the bike and we find a mutual love for Coffee and Cake! Check out Mel's Twitter and Instagram for some piccies of those amongst other fab content. Not only that Mel is a runner too, with multiple marathons and an ultra under her belt we hear about some of these incredible achievements.
Mel show's no sign of slowing down either with big plans ahead to complete her Wainwright bagging quest, an eye on the Penine Way end to end trail, a continued fondness for trig pointing.
Some links we promised in the episode
Mel's WHW Solo Blog https://www.baldhiker.com/2020/10/05/a-solo-walk-along-the-west-highland-way/
Ordnance Survey Maps App https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/apps/os-maps/
COVID Trig Point Challenge https://www.facebook.com/groups/857557981374878/
Alpkit BruKit all in one cooking system, Mel's essential item on her WHW Walk https://alpkit.com/products/brukit
Plenty laughs guaranteed with the accent barrier more or less surmounted, oh and listen to the end to get Mel's rather unique favourite Yorkshire-ism.
Connect with John and Steven over on the Young Hearts Run Free socials https://twitter.com/yhrfpod and https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast/
In this episode we welcome a guy who has a seriously good way of telling a serious personal story.
Graham Connolly competes at the sharp end of ultra marathons, battling for those cherished podium places for which he's enjoyed a few. John & Steven caught up with him to find out more about how he found his spark in running and how he went from newcomer to competitor in a surprisingly short period of time.
Graham's serious message is one of his own mental health. Graham gives us an open and honest account of this and how he has used running and found coping strategies to overcome these difficulties. It's an often-taboo subject to discuss and hearing about it in such a straight talking style from a man who faced up to his own demons we hope goes a little bit towards breaking it's persistent social stigma. If this helps one person in any way, shape or form then it's been a worthwhile chat to have.
There's so much more to hear about too, Graham is a fella who put us to shame with his pre-podcast prep, we find out that level of planning carries over into his approach to running and racing. He doesn't keep all that positive energy to himself either, no, no no....Graham is a self confessed 'Support Crew Groupie' lending his vital knowledge, support and experience to, amongst others, his coach and fellow Pyllon Ultra Athlete Paul Giblin. We're absolutely fascinated to hear about a memorable support crew visit to the Barkley Marathon in Tennessee.....a trip that's whetted Graham's appetite for future big adventures!!
Graham entertained us, we're sure he'll entertain you. Now come on in and enjoy a cracker of an episode.......
Episode Links!
Listen to Graham's brilliant podcast with Caroline Mckay on 'Of Mountains and Minds' https://open.spotify.com/episode/28ok48G5IxBaLWXhD7KHqq?si=h1r6px-oQ-u2nRt8PcdyXQ
Read a couple of essential blogs Graham has scribed on PyllonUltra website
Fixing the Machine and The Enemy is your Ego
Graham is currently taking part in Pyllon Enedeavour 2021 raising awareness of Mental Health Awareness, read all about that here Pyllon Endeavour 2021
Connect with Graham on Instagram (he is desperate for more followers to eclipse his big bro!) here https://www.instagram.com/grahamojoe/
POD PIC: Graham pictured with his biggest fans at the end of Pyllon Endeavour 2020 in Kirk Yetholm!
We've held back the release of our next planned podcast, this week we were rocked by the news of the passing of John Kynaston.
John was a well kent face in the ultra running community, in fact he was a well kent face in lots of communities. Our planned next podcast had already been recorded when we heard the extremely sad news about John. Like many other of our podcasts, John was mentioned in it.
Like others who had the privilege to meet or chat to John we were both infected by his enthusiasm and passion for the sport and for the outdoors in general. John was an absolute colossus of a man and his energy for life will be sadly missed by many. We have a chat about John in recognition of what he meant to us and we're sure we echo others in saying how deeply he will be missed by the hundreds and thousands of people he motivated and inspired.
We also have a chat about our own hopes and plans for 2021, what our targets are and how we intend achieving those. It's been a snowy week here in Perthshire so we suss out how we adapt our individual running schedules to meet the wintery conditions.
In this episode we refer to the many blogs, podcasts and video content John Kynaston has produced over his years involved in the world of running. These are all linked here https://johnkynaston.com/ and we are sure that John would've loved you to access these, take a look it'll give you a flavour of just the man John was. Our thoughts and hearts are with John's family and friends at this most difficult of times.
A massive Happy New Year from us to you! And we've got your next episode as a welcome to 2021 treat! We're joined by GB 24 Hour team member, Grant MacDonald, for a fascinating look at his amazing foray into running and running and keeping on running. What makes Grant's story all the more remarkable is that he recovered from a brain haemorrhage in 2014 to then get to the qualifying standard for the 24 Hour team! It's a refreshing and honest chat as Grant leaves no stone unturned and shows us all that bounce-backability and resilience can lead you to amazing heights! Grant is a proud member of the Pyllon Ultra stable and lifts the lid on how the accountability of his training plan has lead him to reach his goals. Grab the ear pods and settle down for a fascinating insight into another superb Scottish athlete!
2020, what a feckin year!! But it's one that has absolutely united the running community, right?!?
In our final (?) episode of 2020 we catch up to look back on what has been the most unique year of our lives. We try our utmost not mention the C word!! And we've our FIRST EVER COMPETITION!!!!!!
We look at some of the highlights of the year (there were many) as well as some of the lowlights (there were some). We discuss what we've learned as well as cast our minds back to some of the extra special moments we've enjoyed during Young Hearts, Run Free Podcasts so far.
Lastly, a quick glimpse ahead into 2021 as we throw around some of our running plans amidst the ongoing uncertainty.
To enter our first ever competition you'll need to give one of our social channels a follow, find us on Twitter @YHRFPod and Instagram @YoungHeartsRunFreePodcast
Sit back, grab the tub of Heroes and enjoy the final furlong of 2020 with us in your lugs!!
Merry Christmas to all our listeners, go forth and enjoy the festive season in any way you can!
Thanks for listening and subscribing, John & Steven x
Season 2 keeps rolling, the guests keep showing.
You're in for a festive treat as we welcome to the podcast ultra 'ultra marathon runner' Debbie Martin-Consani.
Now, we could've spoken to Debbie for hours on end, her passion, insight and humour for running seem absolutely boundless. So, instead of having an epic 5 hour long podcast we focussed on two things, the Montane Spine Race and Marcothon.
Two topics Debbie is more than qualified to chat about!! Debbie's only race of 2020, yes she raced in 2020, was the small matter of 268 miles long. The Montane Spine Race starts in Edale in Derbyshire and finishes in Kirk Yetholm in the bonnie Scottish Borders following the Penine Way National Trail. It's run in deepest darkest January, so daylight is at a premium and the 2020 edition had a guest appearance from Storm Brendan. Listen to the tale of Debbie's race, it's truly inspirational.
The second part of the show focuses on Marcothon!! The much-loved challenge of running either 3 miles or 25 minutes (whichever comes first) every day for the month of December. Debbie is the founder of this amazing movement. Hear from the source about how Marcothon came about, how it grew (and grew and grew) and how it pretty much fills a month of Debbie's time every year! Whilst simultaneously she trains for the Spine Race 2021, oh yes, Debbie is going back for more Spine tingling fun!!
Grab a brew, go for a run, head out for a walk, whatever way you listen enjoy!
Remember to give us a follow and chat to us over on our social channels Instagram and Twitter
Some links relevant to the show -
Spine Race - https://thespinerace.com/ and Marcothon Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/284884195701656
We all love a quickie right??!! (fnrr fnrr)
In episode 3 of Season 2 John and Steven have a catch up on the topic of December Running Challenges!!
Many of you will be taking part in these, with Marcothon being a particular favourite. Many of you won't be partaking in them too. Whatever camp you're in we try to cover the bases.
Find out what hair brained challenge John is in the midst of!! No prizes for guessing it's a bit mad cap, like always.
We also speak about the ongoing Auchterarder Running Festive event with a first ever outside broadcast from the Chilly Chilli 10k Trail Race (warning the sound is a bit keich as our equipment is limited!)
We also hint at some of the future guests we have lined up to take season 2 into the stratosphere!!!
We hope you enjoy our quickie ;-) Stay safe y'all.
Podcast Pic - John and Steven catch up at the finish line of Auchterarder's Chilli Trail....🌶
John and Steven pick up the chat where we left off in the last episode with James Stewart. And if you enjoyed part 1 you will LOVE part 2.
We delve further into James' career finding out about his recent John Muir Way FKT, his involvement in the amazing Dan Lawson's LEJOG effort and (in a first) we actually get talking about some proper running stuff like training load and focussed recovery!
There are some absolute nuggets of gold of info and inspiration in here for anyone who runs. How often the only barrier to progress is your thoughts and mindset, yes, we get tore right into all that with laughs a plenty along the way.
Our two-parter with James has been brilliant fun to record, it's provoked so much thoughts and discussion about our own running why. We hope that these episodes have a similar effect on you.
James is part of the formidable Pyllon Ultra stable under the tutelage of Paul Giblin, James also coaches through Pyllon himself check out more about Pyllon including Paul and James's brilliant podcast here Pyllon Ultra Website
You can catch up with James latest goings ons over on his Insta and Twitter @james_stewart13 and Instagram @jamestewart13
We mentioned in the show that we'd put links up to quite a lot in the show notes!
Ally Beaven's new book Broken https://www.v-publishing.co.uk/books/running/running-broken/
Fastest Known Time website https://fastestknowntime.com/route/john-muir-way-united-kingdom
The fantastic Of Mountains and Minds podcast (subscribe to this) as Ultra Runner Graham Connelly chats to Caroline McKay https://www.ofmountainsandminds.com/post/grahamconnelly
LEJOG record holder Dan Lawson's brilliant podcast https://www.britishultrarunningpodcast.com/
Remember to subscribe on your preferred podcast player and catch up with and say hello to us over on our socials twitter https://twitter.com/yhrfpod and Insta https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast
Podcast cover picture: James on his fav trail with his biggest supporter. Listen to find out more!
It's the hotly anticipated Young Hearts Run Free Season 2 opener!!
We did say we had a cracker for you and if you enjoy this one half as much as we did recording it then you're in store for a treat!
John and Steven chew the fat with one of Scotland's finest long distance runners James Stewart. James has enjoyed an absolute inspiring journey from middle of the pack marathoner to elite ultra marathoner. In our candid, fun and relaxed chat we lift the lid on that journey and find out a ton about what has made James the complete athlete he is today. A real show of how hard work, consistency, family love mixed in with an abundance of humility can take you to new levels you didn't even know existed.
It's an essential listen whether you're a novice runner or already at the top of your game. And what's more, we didn't have time to get through the whole story, so James will be back for a part 2!!
You can now follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/yhrfpod as well as on our insta https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast
It's time to bring the curtain down on Season 1!! And we do so in style with Episode 20.......
Steven catches up with John about his recent birthday treat, a 55 mile solo lapped ultra marathon in Perth.
Did John manage to complete another unique choice of birthday celebrations? Listen to find out
John was raising funds for the c200 Fund as he tackled 55 miles on 11 November 2020. Read more and donate here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-cassidy-c200?utm_term=nZEed55eQ
Please subscribe to out podcast on your choosen podcast player. Season 2 beckons and it's going to be cracking!
Welcome to Episode 19 of our wee podcast. We really hope you're enjoying our chats so far! If you are let us know on our instagram https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast
No guest on this episode but still plenty reason to give it a listen as John and Steven chew the fat about a ton of exciting stuff happening.
First John, he's set himself a ludicrous target to 'celebrate' his up and coming birthday, no it's not eating 24 Murray's scotch pies, this one is actually running related!! It's for an amazing cause too, the c200 Fund. John's fundraising page is here, he'd be awfy chuffed if anyone sponsored him in his #Goingfor55 challenge https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-cassidy-c200?utm_term=A6gPrJKG5
We also discuss the recent launch of the Auchterarder Running Festive, an incredible event happening throughout the month of December with something for all. Find out more here https://www.facebook.com/Auchterarderrunningfestival
And then generally we just blether about where we are right now, find out why autumn is such a friggin awseome time of year to get outside and run. but also how you need to keep your wits about you for what could lurk under a pile of leaves!!
We hope you enjoy the show!
We first met Windy Wilson back in Episode 12. Known as the 'Scotland's Greatest Amateur Weatherman' the colourful meteorologist has amassed an epic sized following across his social media channels.
But underneath all that wind an inspiring runner has evolved. Already with marathons and an ultra under his belt his latest challenge was altogether different. And the reason for doing it was all about the fundraising, CHAS (Children's Hospices Across Scotland) were the focus of Windy's latest fundraising adventure.
John and Steven find out about Windy's 4 x 4 x 48 David Goggins challenge he undertook just over a week ago. He was still buzzing from it, as you may be able to tell, word of warning this episode is for after the watershed....there's a few swearies!
You can donate to Windy on his fundraising page here https://justgiving.com/fundraising/windywilsonkilimanjaro2021
ENJOY and remember to give us a comment or two on our insta page www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast
It's been a few weeks since our last pod, but this episode is worth the wait, Episode 17 of Young Hearts, Run Free is a belter. We're joined by Owain Williams aka @scottishrunner on insta.
Owain talks to John @J0hnCassidy & Steven @wattinperth about his running journey, and it's one worth hearing, trust us. From a standing start in 2008 Owain has taken his running to the next level, chopping a massive 2 hours plus off his marathon time into the equation.
Our chat focusses on his recent double marathon weekend which not only was a remarkable feat but gave him the chance to raise a stack load of money for 2 charities very close to his heart, Scottish Air Ambulance (https://www.scaa.org.uk/) & Oxford Hospitals (https://www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/)
In an often candid and entertaining catch up we find out some of Owain's why, his motivations, his greatest achievements, his rewards and about our mutual love of Coffee, yes we do drift off topic but then it wouldn’t be a YHRF podcast if we didn't!!
We also hit him with our quick-fire round, listen to the end for that one!
Sit back and listen or even better hook up those ear pods and run or walk whilst you listen it's well worth an hour of your day!
Remember follow us on instagram @youngheartsrunfreepodcast and make sure you give Owain a follow too @scottishrunner (his daily pics are well worth it!)
In this bumper episode (our longest pod to date) John & Steven are joined by a couple of very special guests. Frank McGaffney and Ewan Stewart were lucky enough to be able to take part in the iconic Lairig Ghru Hill Race on Sunday 6 September 2020.
It marked Frank's 2nd attempt at the run but for Ewan it was a whole new experience, not only his first Lairig Ghru but also his first foray into an ultra marathon distance. We've have an interesting, and (mostly) light hearted chat about how their race day panned out and most importantly what they ate!!
We also take time to wrap up the Auchterarder Running Festival Virtual Edition, an event both of us had the chance to take part in and complete the ARF Double Dare!
Grab a brew or make sure your headphones are fully charged and come join us for Episode 16 of Young Hearts, Run Free.
Full results from the Lairig Ghru Hill Race re available here https://scottishhillrunners.uk/RaceResults.aspx
Remember to give us a follow on Instagram and please comment and give us feedback there too! https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast/
The episodes keep coming thick and fast.......join us for Episode 15 and our 4th Virtual Auchterarder Running Festival Special!!
Steven was lucky enough to catch up with Chartered Physiotherapist Cammy Marr aka @PhysioCammy twitter link https://twitter.com/physiocammy Cammy (he's the one on the left in the podcast cover pic) gives us superb tips and advice on some of the most common running injuries, ways we could avoid them, things we can do to speed up recovery from injuries as well as some great ideas for pre and post race routines. We also hear a little about what lockdown has been like in his profession and generally have a good chinwag about running, physio and injury. Something nearly all of us can relate too! And Cammy's song choice for the ARF Virtual Playlist? Ah well you'll need to listen until the end for that nugget! Cammy primarily works for NHS Forth Valley but has a busy schedule also providing Physio services for St Johnstone Ladies and Badminton Scotland. Cammy is also the Lead Physio at the Perth and Kinross Sports Medicine Clinic based at Bells Sports Centre in Perth. You can access the clinic once it re-opens after lockdown by checking out their website here https://pksmc.webs.com/ Enjoy the pod, remember PEACE & LOVE! Oh and do give our Instgram a follow at https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfree podcast During our conversation Steven asks Cammy for some suggested You Tube viewing for a Warm Up and Cool Down, you can check his recommended vids hereWarm Up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T62oCz0RAos Cool Down https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=typR0_81TzM
You can sign up for ARF Virtual still, check out the event facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Auchterarderrunningfestival
It's part 3 of our Virtual Auchterarder Running Festival Specials!!
In this brilliant episode Lynne Hoggan, better known as Pure Radio's Lynne on the Radio, joins John & Steven to speak about her own foray into the world of running.
Not even a year ago Lynne took up running, convinced it wasn't for her but willing to give it bash anyway. She had 'barely ever run the length of herself' before then. Less than a year later and she is hooked and readying herself to take part in the Virtual ARF 'Double Dare', running both a 10k and a half marathon between 10 and 13 September.
Lynne talks about how she found an unlikely love for running and how she has grown to enjoy something she never thought she would. It's an inspiring hour so sit back, grab a brew and enjoy....
Entries for the Virtual running festival are still open, head on over to the event Facebook page www.facebook.com/auchterarderrunningfestival for entry details.
Join us for the 2nd edition of out Virtual Auchterarder Running Festival specials. In this episode Steven catches up with marathon runner Andy Lochhead for some tips on pacing and motivation.
Andy is in a good place to give out advice, in 2019 he completed pacing duties during the Auchterarder Half Marathon. Asked to cross the finish line in under 2 hours he came in with just a few seconds to spare, leading those who had joined him to a treasured sub 2 hour half marathon.
He's got some golden tips to pass on. Hear about how best to set your target time, advice on pacing your run, some mind tricks to help motivation and how to make sure you keep driving towards that virtual race finish line. Who even needs streets lined with crowds to spur on that finish line sprint??!!
Andy also adds his choice of song into the Virtual ARF playlist............and it's a belter..........so let's get ready to rumble and enjoy the pod!
Comments, feedback and your own pacing tips always welcome, please post on our insta account www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreeppodcast
Pacing band Andy talks about avail here http://rogercortesi.com/athleticlog/wristsplits.php?fbclid=IwAR3kQin4yEHOpal-edv48SZdwwaI7bsXd-12r6OUkPIhJcv_4ZB0DZ7oJJ0
Entries open for Virtual Auchteradrer Running Festival 2020, choose from 10k, Half Marathon or do them both to compelte the Double Dare. Sign up here:
https://www.entrycentral.com/Auchterarderdoubledare
https://www.entrycentral.com/auchterarder10K
https://www.entrycentral.com/Auchterarderhalfmarathon
Oh ya hoor sir!!! In the first of our Virtual Auchterarder Running Festival episodes John and Steven catch up with Scotland's Greatest Amateur Weatherman Windy Wilson.
Windy tells us about his own running journey including some awe-inspiring achievements , his participation in this years running festival and we delve into some of his amazing fundraising feats. There's a few belly laughs along the way and of course we talk food, a mutual love of food defo transpires!! Join us for our entertaining chat with the one and only Windmeister!! You can enter the Auchterarder Running Festival, just check out the links on the facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Auchterarderrunningfestival You can sponsor Windy on his next fundraising epic adventure here https://justgiving.com/fundraising/windywilsonkilimanjaro2021?fbclid=IwAR3pHOA8WlTMONiiIebpjePKx6b8s6KYfwRLbPSUD-f7jiLaGo-UUv7mdss
In episode 11 we take the chance to find out a little bit more about on of your hosts. It's John taking the questions as he's interviewed by his co-host Steven
Find out what brought John into running (clue......it's food related and some), his running inspirations, his progression through the distances from 5k right up to the West Highland Way Race Ultra Marathon and what he's got in store next! With plenty laughs as usual along the way mixed with some more serious than normal chatter (blame John, he starts getting all spiritual and emotional).
It'll inspire you, it'll make you believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
And just what has John got planned next, listen to find out, it's worth it!!!
Now go and enjoy John's Why?
Make sure you catch up with John and Steven on our Young Hearts, Run Free Instagram www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast
Podcast episode pic: John smashing the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon, Apr 2016
Questions, comments and any feedback at all is always welcome!
STOP PRESS!!! A return to actual real life in person racing!!! FINALLY!!!
In this episode we were lucky to be joined by 'ultra runner' John Robb. John took part in the first Ultra Marathon to be run in Scotland since March 2020 as he raced in the Glenlyon 50k Ultra on Saturday 1 August.
Not only was it a welcome return to actual physical racing it was also John's first ever foray into the distance of Utra Marathoning.
Join us for this corker of an episode as we find out how John's race went whilst having an insight into the unique experience of participating in the first post COVID-19 ultra in Scotland. Historic stuff!
Hang on til the end as John is posed this weeks 'Race or Not' chellange!! Good times and plenty laughs.
Steven brings us an update from his Virtual Lakeland 50 Ultra attempt including running in the Lake District and the conundrum of letting folk in trails know your 'coming through'. We talk a little about the current Garmin connect issues, lots of succesful FKT attempts and just more general pish chat from the very alternative view on the world of running and ultra marathoning!!
Race or Not is back!! Steven poses John this weeks races......
Episode 8 already, and we're just getting started! In this episode we catch up with John's second half of the Great Glen Ultra, talk about Steven's forthcoming Virtual Lakeland 50 and talk food (as always), music (a first). Oh and it's Steven's turn to take on Race or Not? We also chat about the Virtual Auchterarder Running Festival, you can find out more about that here https://www.facebook.com/Auchterarderrunningfestival
In this episode John talks about the virtual event he is currently taking part in, the Virtual Great Glen Ultra. Steven introduces a couple of new regular slots.......Drop Bag Dreams & Race or Not? John also poses some questions to Steven about his next virtual event, the Lakeland 50.
We've created an Instagram account please give us a follow and say hello https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast/ or @youngheartsrunfreepodcast
Some links we promised on the podcast....
Virtual Great Glen Way https://www.runyarocket.net/#/
West Highland Way Race https://westhighlandwayrace.org/
Lakeland 50 / 100 https://lakeland100.com/
John and Steven catch up with hill and ultra runner David Wallace on his recent Epic Everesting attempt on his local hill, Kinpauch in the Ochil Hills, Perthshire.
A great insight into what was a superlative effort amidst the unusual COVID-19 circumstances. Find out what made Davie take on this challenge, how he prepared and how his attempt went!
In earlier episodes John and Steven mentioned some other local runners taking part in the Virtual West Highland Way Race.
In this episode they catch up with Sandra, Angela, Jamie and Frank to get the lowdown on how they got through the 95 virtual miles from Milngavie to Fort William.
Catch up with the craic in this the final pod chartering John and Steven's Virtual West Highland Way Race Adventure.
95 Miles to run in 9.5 days.
With the final stage of 32 miles to go and the finish line in sight did they make it to Virtual Fort William before Sundaythe race cut off on Sunday at noon!?
With a few laughs along the way and even some emotional moments this bumper episode brings the Virtual WHW Race to a close.
With checkpoint 2 at 63 miles in to be completed by Thurs 18 at midnight catch up with John and Steven to see if they are on track and ready fpr the final push to the finish line!
How's John handling the massive increase in mileage? Has Steven recovered from his daft fall on the trail last Sunday? Listen now and find out!!
Catch up with John and Steven's progress as they look to complete the Virtual West Highland Way Race 2020.
Did they manage to complete the 36 miles of Leg 1 by Monday's cut off or have they been timed out at Inversnaid!?
Accompanied by some chat and views from the first 4 days of the Virtual Race.
An introduction to the Virtual West Highland Way Race from John Cassidy and Steven Watt. What it is, why are they doing it and some insight into how they intend to complete 95 miles in 9.5 days.
Enjoy. Run Free.