Runpod

In this week's episode of RunPod Jenni speaks to the lady who coached Jenni to her marathon PB. Yes, if you're in training for one of the many races coming up this year, this is definitely one for you. Karen Weir is a running and triathlon coach and PT, as well as being a parkrun ambassador and pioneer. She chats Jenni through the steps we all should be taking to help us achieve the goals we set, how walking can actually help us get that PB, the importance of weight training as we get older and she walks us through the different types of runs we should be incorporating into our running schedules. Enjoy!

Colin Jackson’s been in the public eye since he was a teenager, he’s had a hugely successful career as a sprinter and hurdler with some incredibly impressive world records. In this episode Colin explains race start-line tactics, the ‘dip’ at the finish line and how it can all go very wrong with a touch of over-confidence. Jenni and Colin take a look at some of the real issues affecting athletes heading out to Tokyo for the Olympic Games and touch on the pressure of being at the top of your game. They also discuss the negative impact of all that training and the upcoming medical treatment Colin now requires. Throughout the episode Colin offers great tips from his years of experience not only as a phenomenal athlete but also as a top trainer and coach. A truly wonderful listen with a lovely man, a brilliant coach and someone who remained unbeaten for almost 3 decades. Enjoy

For all runners, there is a distance that you dream of running. It could be a 5k, a 10k, a half or a full marathon. Or perhaps after hearing people enthuse about even longer runs, you’ve been tempted by an ultra. Well in this episode, mum, lawyer and runner, Anna Rutherford does a brilliant job at describing a race she completed a couple of months ago. Anna ran over 200 miles, smashing the race record in the process. Her story is incredible. She’d just given birth a few months earlier, she napped in 11 minute bursts and her secret weapon is something you may want to try yourself….it’s a food (of sorts) and was a huge help on her journey. After hearing Anna’s account of this epic run, I would be surprised if you don’t ask yourself ‘Could I do an ultra?’ Or perhaps you’ll ask, ‘When can I do an ultra?!’ Enjoy this hugely inspiring episode with a superwoman who said she’s 'nothing special’. I beg to differ. Happy running!

Returning to RunPod this week is Colson Smith, aka Craig from Corrie! He found running during lockdown and ever since it has quite literally changed his life for the better. He has documented his running journey in a new film, which is out now. ‘Bored of being the Fat Kid’ follows Colson as he embarks on a new health and fitness regime which has now become a way of life. Colson’s commitment to running is so inspiring and will absolutely motivate you to get off the sofa and head out for a run. He offers tons of brilliant tips and advice for new runners or anyone keen to improve and discusses at what point you can officially refer to yourself as ‘a runner’. A great episode with someone who has truly been bitten by the run bug. Enjoy.

Do you consider yourself a runner, a jogger or a plodder? In this episode of RunPod, the guest is adamant he’s a plodder! He also fully expected to have exhausted all running chat in approximately 5 minutes, then surprised himself by enthusing about the feelgood of running for a good 40 minutes. Journalist, quiz show host and former presenter of the ‘Today’ show, John Humphrys, is known for asking questions, yet for a change, here you hear him answer them. John’s been running for almost 50 years and started whilst in Washington DC reporting on the Watergate scandal. Despite his reluctance to admit he truly loves running, he gives a passionate account of exactly what he enjoys about it. He represents anyone who believes they’re ‘not really a runner’....but soon realises that actually, perhaps they really are! A great listen with the longtime Mastermind quizmaster. In this episode his specialized subject is running. Enjoy.

Some people like a challenge and they always seem like a good idea, at the time... Suzanne Shaw decided to set herself a running challenge that really wasn’t for the faint hearted. Running for 19 hours straight. Having only started her running journey at the start of lockdown last year, you’d have thought a marathon would be impressive enough but no, she went one further. She took on her challenge this week and so this episode of RunPod is all about it covering the highs, lows and everything in between. Jenni catches up with Suzi directly beforehand to find out how she’s feeling ahead of stepping, or should that be jogging, out her comfort zone. Then they catch up again immediately afterwards to find out if it went to plan, how it went and whether Suzi enjoyed the experience. A hugely inspiring episode which may leave you setting yourself your own epic challenge. Happy running!

It’s mental health awareness week and so this episode is particularly poignant. Jake Tyler has struggled with his mental health for a number of years. From the outside everything looked rosy, but in reality, he was fighting a private internal battle and was truly struggling. Jake’s honesty is humbling as he discusses the challenges he experienced whilst suffering from depression - and what he did to try and take control of it. One thing that helped was exercise. He started with going for a walk and developing a routine, a simple moment in the day that was something to focus on. Over time he walked further and further until the walking turned to running. Whilst not every run is fast and easy, each run does take him to a happier, more positive place, where he feels a little better. This sentiment is certainly something most of us can relate to. This episode is a discussion of how something as simple and pure as a run can help you to turn your life around, and lead you to feel more empowered, more in cont

In this episode of RunPod, Jenni is joined by fellow radio presenter, podcaster and friend, Zoe Hardman. Zoe loves running but her experience of it has been limited in recent years due to injury. However now she’s back, giving it a go once again and absolutely loving being back out pounding the pavements. Jenni and Zoe discuss how being a runner doesn’t mean you have to sign up for long distance races and how making time for a run can make a huge difference to your mental health. It’s a totally relatable listen and will inspire you to grab your trainers and get out there!! Happy running.

There is much excitement about races and running events gradually starting back in the coming months and if you are tempted to sign up to run somewhere exotic, try something challenging or have a go at getting your first medal, well this episode of RunPod is just what you need. Tobias Mews is a journalist and adventure athlete who likes a serious challenge and has experienced most running events out there. In fact if there isn’t one on the cards, he’ll invent one! He’s run so many different races, he’s even written a book about them! He’s got bounds of energy, is ridiculously enthusiastic and a great raconteur making this episode an absolute must-listen. So which race is the most gruelling, which is the most ‘romantic’ and which is for beginners?.... Tobes tells Jenni about so many fascinating events that you’ll certainly fancy signing up for (at least) one. Enjoy. Happy running.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by two comedians who love to run and who are fellow podcasters. Just like all good ideas, their podcast was born whilst out running! Rob Deering and Paul Tonkinson’s friendship developed through their mutual love for pounding the pavements. So this episode is a totally relatable conversation between 3 people who all fully appreciate the joys of going for a simple run. They also all admit they savour the benefits and the feel-good effect of a decent run session and recognise that after time out in your trainers, running is the best therapy that gives an incredible natural boost of positivity. They chat hills, training, talking whilst running, hitting the wall, getting lost, gaining weight, losing weight and taking up running due to a mid-life crisis. A great episode that will be your perfect companion on your next run. Enjoy.

Some people discovered a love for running in lockdown, others found it in recent years but the guest on this week’s RunPod has been loving running as long as he can remember. In fact growing up, his dream was to be a triathlete.... Well, Daniel MacPherson is indeed a pretty nifty triathlete and runner but he’s also very well known as an actor. In the UK, he’s most recently been on our screens in ‘Strike Back’ but first grabbed our attention when he bagged his debut acting role in Neighbours. Ever since, he’s carved a hugely successful, international career alongside maintaining incredible fitness and has also added being a dad to the mix. He’s a busy boy but he made time to talk to Jenni and join the RunPod Run Club....whilst locked in quarantine in a hotel in Sydney!! So in this episode, they chat coping with 2 weeks isolated in a hotel room without getting out for fresh air and exercise. Why running is so much more than smashing PBs and the 3 words you need to repeat over and over on the days you’re str

Whether you’re a new runner or you’ve been lacing up those trainers for years, we all know it can sometimes be difficult to fit in that run with work, life and family getting in the way, especially if you’re a mum. So this week Jenni speaks to the lady who’s responsible for setting up the world’s largest community for Mums, This Mum Runs. Joining the RunPod Run Club is Mel Bound. In this episode Mel discusses how and why she set up This Mum Runs, her mission to get a million mums on board in the next couple of years, the importance of community, her love of trail running and safety whilst running at night. An inspiring listen that'll make you want to get out there!

This long Easter weekend Jenni is joined by two reluctant runners and our first sibling duo on the podcast! Radio X's Toby Tarrant and Heart's Fia Tarrant not only share profession and parents, but both blame Jenni for getting them into trainers and pounding the pavements. They talk Toby's marathon motivation (beating his fiancées time), Fia's marathon to come and her enviable treadmill, how Jenni left Toby panting outside a Pret à Manger on a run, their competitive nature, the incredible pace of improvement that running allows and we find out which celeb loves a chicken nugget from the kids' menu.

Joining the Runpod run club this week is someone who shares more in common with Jenni than just a love of running, he also works in breakfast radio! Vassos Alexander is part of the Virgin Radio breakfast team, and isn’t one to shy away from turning up to work in running shorts. In this uplifting episode hear Vassos and Jenni talk about their shared early mornings, the return of parkrun, how he started just running down his road and ended up breaking 3 hours in the marathon, how he’ll miss when his daughter no longer runs alongside him holding his hand and his new love of fresh water swimming!

As runners we are often obsessed about whether or not we are eating the right food to fuel our runs. Are we eating enough? Are we eating too much? Should we be avoiding certain foods? Well this week joining the RunPod Run Club, we have someone who can guide us along the right path when it comes to all things nutrition... Charlie Watson is an NHS dietician as well as a very keen runner...and she has the answers to many of our food related questions! So what should we eat before a run? How should we refuel afterwards? Should we carb load? When does Charlie recommend we eat roast potatoes?! These questions and more are answered in this episode. Jenni and Charlie also talk about losing your running mojo and more importantly, how to get it back...and if you are training for your first ever marathon, there are tips on how to get started. A great listen, with lots of handy hints and recommendations along the way! Enjoy and happy running.

This week on RunPod, joining the RunPod Run Club is top hairdresser to the stars, and longtime friend, Richard Ward. Richard tells Jenni all about picking up running in his 30s, travelling the world (always with trainers), the freedom that running affords him, his new found addiction to podcasts (including Runpod of course!), getting aches and niggles, how he’ll miss exercising outdoors every day once lockdown is over and we couldn’t let Richard onto the podcast without his haircare tips, especially for runners. A fun listen that will make you smile and want to get out there pounding the pavements!

This week, Jenni is joined by Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete of all time. Yes, it’s Eilidh Doyle. She’s seen the podium at European, World, Commonwealth and Olympic levels, and not only dominates in 400m, but 400m hurdles too. Eilidh is one of the few thanking lockdown for an extra year in preparation for the Olympics after giving birth a year ago. In this episode of RunPod, Eilidh and Jenni chat about how pregnancy and birth affected her running and training afterwards, her hopes to add the the medal collection in Tokyo, the very impressive just 3 second addition to her 400m time that hurdles adds, plus a ton of helpful tips for hill running and new runners alike. A fantastic listen with another incredible athlete who we’ll all be cheering on in 2021.

This week RunPod recruits its first fighter pilot as we welcome Squadron Leader Martin Pert to the RunPod run club. Martin has been in the RAF for over 20 years and has just finished his 3 year tour of duty leading the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, also known as the Red Arrows. In this episide we get an insight into life as a Red Arrow pilot and why fitness is so crucial in this role. Martin is a passionate runner and he shares stories of some of the incredible places he has been able to run and reveals which races he would love to tick off the bucket list. It is a fascinating episode that truly is a must-listen and will absolutely urge you to get your trainers on and get out there.

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by Dr Zoe Williams, NHS GP, regular on ITV’s This Morning and of course, a runner. They talk all things running and at this time of COVID-19, get the lowdown on the impact of Coronavirus on your fitness. They also discuss running whilst pregnant as Zoe has recently revealed that she’s expecting her first baby. She explains what you can and can’t do when preparing for motherhood. What’s more, did you know Zoe was a Gladiator? Yup, she was a regular on the show battling contestants as Amazon. She talks Gladiator fitness and reveals secrets about the show. So, in my best voiceover voice RunPod run club ready? Gladiator ready? 3, 2, 1, listen! Happy running. X

Joining the RunPod run club this week is someone who is having a great year so far. She’s just run her first ever sub 4 minute 1500m indoors and nabbed herself a British Record in the process. She’s one to watch for sure. Not only that, alongside her intense training she also managed to graduate from uni and qualify as a vet. There is no end to her talents! It is 1500m European and World medallist, Dr Laura Muir. Laura talks all things running, training and shares her top tips on how you can run that first 5k, or how you might improve on it. We discuss juggling studies with training, nerves at the start line and how it felt to break Dame Kelly Holmes’ Olympic gold winning record. A truly great listen with a brilliant athlete who we’ll all be cheering on in 2021.