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On this week's Running Tales Podcast, we broke down what it takes to run an extreme endurance race - with the help of two ultra runners who know how to do exactly that. At the end of May, Ben Davies and Richard Wilcox completed the 145-mile Grand Union Canal Race. The pair, who finished the event in 42 hours and 22 minutes, are taking part in the three race, 420-mile Canal Slam, which will see them battle against another 145-miler in the Kennet & Avon Canal Race before finishing off with the mere 130 mile Leeds and Liverpool Canal Race. Running Tales spoke to Ben and Richard about what it takes physically and mentally to prepare to tackle such distances, race nutrition, sleep deprivation, overcoming extreme tiredness, aches and pains, and the feeling you get when you cross the line after running for so long. Oh, and the joy of eating apples after 110 miles...   ---------------------------------- You can listen to our stand-alone episode with Ben Davies - the ultra runner who's mantra is 'it's good to talk' - here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/ben-davies-it-s-good-to-talk-ultra-runner/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

David Abbott only started running seven years ago, aged 35, but within a year he had qualified for the Boston Marathon and he's gone on to complete several sub-three hour marathons. The American, who now lives in Japan, has also become a coach - not least through the prism of Twitter where under the moniker Mr Slow Easy Comfortable (search for @runliftrunlift) he offers reams of advice on everything from how running slower makes you faster, the benefits of weight training and what to do if you're a new runner. Running Tales also spoke to David about how he grew his Twitter following and running in Japan...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

We've got something different for you this week on Running Tales. On Saturday, in association with Michelle's Step Forward With Lewis fitness business, we held our inaugural 16:15 Charity Fun Run in aid of Northampton rough sleeper charity, Project 16:15 The event lasted six hours but participants could run for as far or as little as they like, with the only requirement being that they either raised money for the charity or gave a donation. In all, we managed to raise more than £1,100 for Project 16:15. In this episode Michelle speaks to the charity's founder Stan Robertson about why he formed it and about some of the people who have sadly died on Northampton's streets...   ---------------------------------- People can still donate towards the 16:15 Charity Run and Project 16:15 here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/1615CharityFunRun Here are a selection of our Substack articles about the 16:15 Charity Run: Rough sleepers deserve to be given dignity - our 16:15 Charity Run aims to help Why I'm running to raise money for rough sleepers Running to show the humanity behind every blanket - the story behind the 16:15 Charity Run ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com/subscribe If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

In little over a week, Neil Russell is set to start an awe-inspiring 970-mile run from London to Barcelona, aiming to complete his journey in just over five weeks. What makes Neil's challenge even more notable is that the 65-year-old will be doing it despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018. In fact, Neil's final destination is the World Parkinson's Congress, and along the way he is hoping to raise £50,000 for Cure Parkinson's and Parkinson's UK. It's not the first time he has taken on an incredible challenge to raise money for the two charities, having made £11,000 while running from John O'Groats to Land's End last year. Running Tales spoke to Neil about his current, gruelling training regime, how running has helped him to "stick two fingers up" at Parkinson's and how the condition effects him on a daily basis and with his running.   ---------------------------------- To find out more about Neil's London to Barcelone run visit https://www.neilstillcan.run/london-barcelona To sponsor Neil, visit https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/3039152/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

As one half, alongside wife Louise, of Phoenix Running, Rik Vercoe has created a hugely popular and inclusive race organiser. Phoenix offers a wide-range of races and was a pioneer in the creation of lapped events, encouraging runners of all abilities to feel comfortable at organised runs and achieve goals they often never even set out to do. Rik's own running career has certainly seen plenty of incredible goals smashed, from running a then record 152 marathons/ultras in a year to completing some of the toughest events around, including the North Pole Marathon and the Marathon des Sables. Running Tales also spoke to Rik about breaking the record for the fastest aggregate time to complete 10 marathons in 10 days, and discovered he has one last marathon ambition left.   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Damon Fox ran to take part in this week's Running Tales Podcast - after all, he can't afford to miss any runs right now. The business development manager for Northampton Town FC Community Trust is currently in the midst of a challenge that will see him run 750km (466 miles) in 12 weeks. There are 7,500 children in poverty across Northampton (hence the number of kilometres), and Damon is fundraising to support them in their school and home life, and give them opportunities to be involved in activities in the town. Running Tales also spoke to Damon about his love of parkrun and completing the London Marathon in 2017. Be warned, this week's episode also features a screaming cat and an unusual interjection about naked sunbathing. You've been warned...   ---------------------------------- You can sponsor Damon here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/damon-fox-1678696402252/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward   To learn more about the 16:15 Charity Run to raise funds to help Project 16:15 help rough sleepers in Northampton, visit https://runningtales.substack.com/p/running-for-rough-sleepers-fun-runners To sponsor Craig to run for six hours at the event, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-lewis-project-16-15

By the time this episode goes live on Tuesday, April 25, Colin McCord will hopefully have completed the London Marathon on Sunday - what will have been his fourth out of five marathons in as many weeks. With the Great Welsh, Magna Carta and Manchester Marathons also behind him, Colin will complete his challenge next week by taking on the 26.2 mile distance for one final time in April - only his opponent then will be the dreaded treadmill! Colin is taking on this very personal challenge to raise money for Dementia UK. His mum, Susan, was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2018 and Colin is fundraising to help Dementia UK provide information, support and Admiral Nurses to those with dementia and their families. Running Tales also spoke to Colin about how running has helped him cope with PTSD, something he has suffered with as the result of a traumatic robbery. Embracing the sport and the running community - including his friends in the Running Punks - has helped Colin with his mental health, and now given him the strength to run for his mum.     ---------------------------------- You can sponsor Colin to run five marathons in five weeks for Dementia UK here: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/5in5 Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

Pete Moor is a stalwart of the local running scene in Northamptonshire. With approaching 250 parkruns to his name, the Northampton Road Runner is a regular at events up and down the county - as well as in neighbouring Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. Pete is a real all-rounder, taking on races from 5k to ultras with 15 marathons to his name. But it's not just local events that attract Pete, who combines his love of travelling with that of running. He's completed three - Boston, Chicago and London - of the six marathon majors, with Berlin, Tokyo and New York firmly on his wishlist. And despite having the pace to qualify for Boston, he once finished dead last in a gruelling Faroe Islands ultra which took place on landscape, he says, only the resident old ladies could cope with! Running Tales spoke to Pete about not being able to sleep at Endure 24, his love/hate relationship with marathon running and why he loves being a Northampton Road Runner...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Trail runner Kim Levinsky is preparing to take on the biggest challenge of her running career - the 358-mile Long Path. Starting from the 175th Street Subway Station in New York City, crossing George Washington Bridge and running across the Catskills all the way to Albany, the Long Path combines woods, a series of 2,900 foot peaks, and trails that pass lakes and streams - it is a beautiful and challenging route. Kim, an experienced trail and ultra runner who recently completed the Tahoe 200, is hoping to achieve a fastest known time on the route. Running Tales spoke to Kim about everything from nutrition to why she is taking on the challenge, as well as her role as a race director with Sassquad Trail Running...   ---------------------------------- You can find out more about Kim and the challenge on her personal Facebook and Instagram pages, while the Sassquad Trail Running group is on the same platforms - Facebook here and Instagram here. You can find more details about, and donate to, Kim's charities for the Long Path FKT at: Bigger Than The Trail Fundraiser: https://biggerthanthetrail.networkforgood.com/projects/160786-kim-levinsky-s-fundraiser-to-provide-free-counseling   New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Fundraiser: https://www.nynjtc.com/supportkim   Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Ady Pendred was a latecomer to the world of running, but he has gone on to complete several sub-three hour marathons and find a love of trail and ultra marathons. In recent years, he has stopped chasing times and learned to enjoy running for fun - not that it has slowed him down. Running Tales spoke to Ady about how time isn't his be all and end all, his love of Lidl trainers and how his body didn't shut down at 50 as we was being told to expect...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Ali Hall first started running when she was at boarding school, finding a love of the sport while escaping mental health challenges. It's a passion she has never left behind, competing in everything from adventure racing to ultra marathons and moving in to the world of coaching with Pyllon. Along the way, Ali has formed a number of running communities, including setting up a group putting on city running tours and the hugely successful Cani-Sport Edinburgh. This latter endeavour combined her love of dogs with running - and did her 5k time no harm at all either! We spoke about everything from sports psychology and the mental health benefits of running to her dream of finishing a 100-mile race...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Back in 2015, Mike Harley decided he wanted to raise money and awareness for Invest in ME, an independent charity which funds research into what is a severe and debilitating illness. Mike was inspired by one of his oldest friends, Ian, who has been suffering from ME for over 15 years, and instead of simply running a local marathon he decided to combine his love of travelling with a growing desire to run, and complete a marathon in every member country of the European Union. Ultimately - thanks to a Mr B Johnson and a certain referendum - that ended up being one less race than he had intended, but it still meant completing 27 marathons in places as varied as Cyprus, Estonia and France. Running Tales spoke to Mike about why he took on the challenge, the logistics of doing marathons across Europe, his favourite races and how he was inspired by talking to people with ME in the cities he visited...   ---------------------------------- You can learn more about Mike's challenge at his Mike's EU Marathons website, about the Invest in ME Research charity on their website, or sponsor him at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mikeseumarathons Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Every day, in every part of the world, women are being harassed and abused by men while out running.   A recent survey commissioned by Adidas and taking in 9,000 people from the US, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan and South Korea, found nine in 10 women are concerned about their safety while running.   The list of issues women can face ranges from cat calling, body shaming, wolf whistles, verbal abuse and heckling to indecent exposure, sexual attention and physical contact.   Worse, women all to often face the daunting prospect of being approached or followed by potential predators, or of being attacked while out running.   In the very worst cases, women have been raped or killed for committing the 'crime' of exercising near a man.   High profile cases such as those of Ashling Murphy in Ireland and Eliza Fletcher in America, both tragically murdered while out running, have garnered media attention - but is the world any closer to solving the issue, and who's job is that anyway?   This roundtable discussion features three women runners who have all experienced abuse and harassment while out running:   Michele Heller: From Illinois in the US, Michele is a keen runner who has completed marathons included Boston, Chicago, New York and London. As a mother with a young child, Michele often runs very early in the morning, when it is dark, in order to be ready for the day when the rest of her family wake up.   Dr Ashley Morgan: From Cardiff in Wales and AKA The Doc from The Running Punks, Dr Ashley Morgan has been running for 35 years - and has experienced male harassment throughout that time. The Doc is a regular commentator on women's safety and the patriarchy, and one of those behind the Twitter hashtag #changethediscourse, which attempts to get people to think and talk about the issue differently.   Angie Skinner: From Chattanooga in Tennessee, America, Angie started running in 2014 for mental health benefits. She is originally from Memphis, close to where Eliza Fletcher was killed, and regularly receives harassment while out running - to the point where she will arm herself with pepper spray and a go guarded ring (a plastic serrated-edge self-defence weapon) for her own safety.   In this wide-ranging discussion, we spoke about everything from their own experiences of harassment and abuse, victim blaming, the potential for women runners to arm themselves for protection, whether it is safe to run in the dark, how men should behave towards female runners and what men can do to be an ally.   This podcast is aimed at provoking discussion, so we would love to hear your experiences and comments.       ----------------------------------   We'll also be producing a series of articles based on this podcast on our Substack newsletter - for just £5/month you'll be able to get full access to all our articles: https://runningtales.substack.com   Free subscription offers are also available.   Our usual Running Tales podcast episodes, featuring the stories of every day runners who have achieved extraordinary things, come out at 5.30am UK time on Tuesdays.   If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Rachel Heley is a self-proclaimed fun runner. While the sport has been with her for most of her life, she's always fell tantalisingly short of any goals - but loved it nevertheless. However, you are more likely to find Rachel, a born adventurer, in the water. She discovered wild swimming - or as she simply calls it 'swimming' - during the pandemic, but has always been at home in the water, including taking part in swim/run events. Running Tales spoke to Rachel about the benefits of cold water swimming, including mood enhancement and muscle recovery - as well as how to take part in the activity safely. We also spoke about her adventure clothing line, and why she called it Wild Moose...   ---------------------------------- You can visit Wild Moose at this link, or on Instagram search for wildmoose_uk Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Gary Shaughnessy has done a lot in the world of running, from completing 40 marathons to raising thousands of pounds for charity. But perhaps his greatest achievement came in finishing the Arch to Arc Triathlon, dubbed the hardest triathlon in the world. Starting at Marble Arch in London and heading to the heart of Paris and the Arc de Triomphe, the event consists of an 87-mile run, swimming the English Channel (Gary swapped in a gruelling row for the swim) and 181-miles of cycling. What makes Gary's success even more remarkable is that it came after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2015. The triathlon was one of a series of incredible challenges, including several marathons and ultra, that Gary has carried out in aid of Parkinson's UK, a charity of which he is the Chair of the Board of Trustees. In between he even found time to set a new world record for the longest distance ever run three-legged in 24 hours. He's not intending to stop yet though, with a host of events booked for 2023, including marathons in Newport, Paris and Madrid, cycling from Liverpool to Ukraine, swimming from St Kitts to Nevis, and a team cycle ride from Dover to Barcelona to attend the World Parkinson's Congress. In a wide-ranging conversation, Running Tales spoke to Gary about everything from health and wellbeing to his role at England Athletics, where he is the Chair of the Board...   ---------------------------------- You can sponsor Gary Shaughnessy for his 2023 events at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-shaughnessy2 and find more information at https://www.garyschallenges.com/ Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Running Tales first spoke to Steve Edwards back in July 2020, shortly after he had completed an incredible 903rd marathon. You can listen to that episode here: https://runningtales.podbean.com/e/steve-edwards-the-man-inside-the-machine-trying-to-reach-1000-marathons/ Steve only counts official races towards his astonishing total - no virtual runs for him - doesn't count marathons he has to walk in and is aiming to get to his goal with an average time of less than three hours and 30 minutes per marathon. We caught up with Steve - who has now surpassed 950 marathons - to talk about his role as an ambassador at Every Run Counts. The new initiative aims to reward people’s every day activities to make the nation fitter, healthier and improve their mental health. Running Tales also spoke to Steve about marathon training, nutrition and how to avoid the wall, as well as his plans when he finally reached that 1,000 mark...   ---------------------------------- Learn more about Every Run Counts on their website, and in our newsletter article on the scheme. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

After being diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer, Allyson Kent was determined to take the disease on. In 2021, she turned to walking to boost her physical and mental health, eventually completing the marathon distance 52 times in as many weeks. Gripped by the fitness bug, Allyson has now found Beverley Westwood parkrun - and with it a sudden and unexpected love of running. Running Tales spoke to Allyson about completing the 5km distance for the first time, her role as an ambassador at 5k Your Way, and what is coming next on her fledgling running journey...   ---------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward  

Running coach, personal trainer, podcaster and ultra runner - Michael Nielsen wears a few hats when it comes to his running journey. As a coach and through his Runner's Resource podcast, Michael is eager to share his knowledge of a sport which he has enjoyed a life-long relationship with. On his podcast, Michael has not only talked to a succession of runners with fascinating stories, but also shares his own wide-ranging knowledge giving hints and tips on a variety of subjects, from the benefits of pilates to the different energy systems used to fuel your muscles. We also spoke to Michael about his own running, including taking on 50km trail races and conquering the 50 mile distance…   ---------------------------------- You can listen to The Runner’s Resource wherever you get you podcast including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-runners-resource/id1623169728 Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Rachel Ann Cullen has run a host of marathons, including London six times, but can now be most often found trail running across Yorkshire. It's part of her ever evolving running story, which started at 18 when she turned to running to get over a break-up, and later saw the sport transform her life completely. Suffering from bi-polar disorder and struggling to find her place in the world, Rachel found healing when she laced up her trainers - an incredible story that is told in her first book, 'Running for my Life'. Rachel's story didn't end there though. When she picked up an injury and couldn't run, her world started to unravel. Battling body dysmorphia she eventually found solace in cycling, a story told in her second book. Running Tales spoke to Rachel about her incredible journey, and about her most recent book, 'Running for our Lives' which tells the stories of everyday runners overcoming extraordinary adversity...   ---------------------------------- You can buy all three of Rachel Ann Cullen's books - 'Running for my Life,' 'A Midlife Cyclist' and 'Running for our Lives' - on Amazon Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at https://runningtales.substack.com If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward

Ken Posner has run more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons, including the gruelling 295-mile Badwater Double. As if that wasn't enough, he does a lot of his running barefoot. He's a self-proclaimed minimalist who eschews many of the modern comforts of running. Running Tales also spoke to Ken about his role as the race director for Shawangunk Ridge Trail, a 70-mile ultra that takes place just outside New Jersey...   ---------------------------------- You can read more about Ken's story on his website: https://www.barefootken.com/ Learn more about and enter the SRT: https://www.runwildhv.org/srtrun If you like this episode please consider donating to help us keep going: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepforward