S5 Eps 4 Young Hearts, Run Free - Running Adventures Scotland with Ross Brannigan - 25 March 2022

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