Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

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/