Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

What does it take to run the length of an entire archipelago, facing down the wild Atlantic winds with every step? Wildheart and endurance athlete Muriel Dempsie joins us to recount her monumental run along the Hebridean Way in June 2025.While many choose to cycle this iconic route, Muriel took onthe ultimate challenge: traversing all 185 miles (297 km) across 10 islands on foot. This is a story of pure grit, meticulous planning, and the kind of profound connection to the landscape that only comes from experiencing it at arunner's pace.In this gripping episode, listen as Muriel shares: The Motivation: What drove her to attempt such a physically and mentally demanding feat.The Grind: The realities of a multi-day ultramarathon—managing nutrition, navigating challenging terrain, and finding the mental fortitude to push through the toughest miles.The Magic: Unforgettable moments of raw beauty, from running alongside deserted white-sand beaches at dawn to the unparalleled warmth and kindness of the Hebridean communities.Lessons from the Edge: Her key takeaways on gear, resilience, and what she learned about herself out on the wild edge of Scotland.This is a must-listen for any runner, adventurer, or anyonewho has ever felt the call of Scotland's wild isles. Muriel's incredible story will inspire you to find your own limits and push right past them.Breast Foot Forward Fundraiser

What does a Sunday morning long run have in common with a church service? Where would you hear Jasmin Paris and the Barkley marathons mentioned in an inspirational sermon?In this unique and inspiring episode, we sit down with The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, to explore the profound and often surprising links between the physical discipline of running and the spiritual practice of faith.Bishop Helen-Ann shares how lacing up her trainers is not just for physical fitness, but for her mental and spiritual well-being as she leads the diocese. We discuss how the grit and endurance required for a marathon mirrors the perseverance needed in a life of faith and how the simple act of moving through the stunning landscapes of the North East can be a powerful encounter with the divine.Whether you're a person of faith, a dedicated runner, or simply curious about how our physical and spiritual lives intersect, this conversation offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective on finding meaning in motion.The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley is a passionate runner, frequently participating in events like the Great North Run and using her running as a time for reflection and prayer.We talk about a love for running, football, the outdoors and life in general. Be prepared to be moved in many ways, and you may find yourself lacing up your running shoes and getting out for a run with the Bishop of Newcastle in your ears, and that’s a very good thing. Enjoy.Diocese of Newcastle: https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/The Great North Run: https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/Follow Bishop Helen-Ann on:Instagram: @bishopofnewcastle X (formerly Twitter): @BishopNewcastle

Join us for an inspiring conversation with ultra-runninglegend Marco Consani as he revisits his monumental 2014 victory at the Lakeland 100. Marco delves into the meticulous preparation, the mental battles, and the unforgettable moments that led him to conquer one of the UK's toughestultra-marathons. From tactical insights to personal reflections, this episode offers a unique look into what it takes to not just take part in, but to win the Lakeland 100.It's full of tips, strategies and golden nuggets for anyone lining up on the start line at Coniston or Dalemain.Enjoy...Marco Consani Blog

In this episode we welcome back Debbie Martin Consani, a living legend of ultra-running and multi-time GB/Scotland international.Debbie’s impressive career, includes wins at races like the Montane Winter Spine Race, Lakeland 100, and Thames Path 100.Debbie’s most recent race finish was at at the 2025 Western States 100 – a legendary 100-mile endurance run, finishing in 27:16:48, 155th overall and 27th female, and 2nd in her age category. We speak about Debbie’s motivation for Western States and how her training differed to other ultras. We hear about specific training for heat acclimation and quad-bashing descents, balancing training with her full-time job and coaching and about the key workouts or long runs that gave her confidence. Did Debbie go in with a specific time goal or a more process-oriented approach? What were her plans for pacing, nutrition, and hydration? How did those plans work out…or not?How did she prepare for the inevitable highs and lows of a 100-mile race, particularly one as demanding as Western States? How did she cope with the extreme temperatures? We discuss the challenging sections like the canyons and some of the biggest difficulties to overcome. How important were the aid stations to her race? What did Debbie focus on consuming?The Final Miles: We hear all about what was going through Debbie’s mind as she approached Auburn and the track.Crossing that Finish Line…Debbie describes the feeling of earning that buckle, and what was the immediate aftermath like?Who inspires Debbie Martin Consani…listen in to find out!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Iain Dick, whorecently completed the formidable 2025 Cape Wrath Ultra! Iain will take us on an incredible journey through 400km of the Scottish Highlands, sharing the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of this epic 8-day expedition race. We'll delve into the physical and mental challenges of one of the UK's toughest ultras, discover what it takes to navigate such remote terrain, and hear firsthand about the camaraderie and unique experience of the Cape Wrath Ultra.What drew Iain to this particular race? Was it a long-helddream or a more recent challenge he set for himself? How did Iain prepare for an 8-day, 400km multi-stage race with significant elevation gain (12,852m or 42,165 ft)!A glimpse into each stage – from the start in Fort Williamto the dramatic finish at Cape Wrath Lighthouse. What were the most memorable days, and which proved the toughest, navigating diverse landscapes – bogs, mountains, lochs, and river crossings. How did Iain cope with the varied and often technical underfoot conditions?The infamous Scottish weather – did it live up to itsreputation? How did temperature, rain, and wind impact the race? How did Iain deal with the cumulative fatigue, aches and pains over eight consecutive days of running.We hear about the unique experience of the overnight camps – copious amounts of food, recovery, tent life, and the shared experience with fellow participants.What did Iain discover about himself during the Cape WrathUltra? Any unexpected takeaways? Also included are tips for anyone considering taking on this epic challenge in the future. Don't miss this incredible story of endurance, determination, and the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands!Iain's 2025 Cape Wrath Ultra Result, 18th place in 58:27:07Full ResultsCape Wrath Ultra Official Website

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journeys of Gillian McGale and Catherine Cowie as they recount their experiences in the gruelling Montane Summer Spine Race 2025. From personal milestones to overcoming physical and mental challenges, their stories are a testament to resilience and determination.The Montane Summer Spine Race is a grueling, non-stop ultra-marathon covering the entire 268-mile (431 km) length of the Pennine Way, widely dubbed "Britain's Most Brutal" endurance race. It starts in Edale, Derbyshire, and finishes in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.Participants have a time limit of 156 hours (6.5 days) to complete the course, which involves approximately 10,732 meters (35,210 feet) of ascent. Unlike staged races, the Spine is continuous, meaning runners race through day and night, managing their own sleep, nutrition, and safety. Participants are allowed to utilise public amenities like cafes and pubs along the route, but no individual support crews are permitted.Gillian had decided it would be a great way to celbrate her 50th birthday, which coincided with the race start date of Sunday 15 June. For Catherine it was a return to face again the foe of the Pennine Way. We discuss the detailed preparation from both, the kit, the recces, the socks, the shoes, the ...everything!It's an invigorating, inspirational but also a 'what the hell' listen of determination, heroics and sleep deprived journey from Edale to Kirk Yetholm.Did we mention lasagne?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with the incredible Ben Harrison, who recently dominated the gruelling Beyond the Ultimate Highland Ultra in Knoydart, Scotland! Ben, a seasoned ultra-runner, shares his insights and experiences from tackling one of the UK's most remote and challenging multi-day races. From battling the elements in the rugged Scottish Highlands to the mental fortitude required for a three-day, self-supported ultramarathon, Ben gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to not just compete, but to win.Ben describes the incredible, yet brutal, landscape and the logistical challenges of a race accessible only by boat or foot. We delve into his training, nutrition, and mental strategies for a multi-day event. Ben recounts the highs and lows of each of the three stages, including any unexpected challenges or particularly memorable moments that defined his victory. He finished with a combined overall time of 16 hours and 47 minutes, demonstrating remarkable consistency across all stages.This isn't Ben's first win with Beyond the Ultimate, having also clinched the Jungle Ultra in Peru! Ultra-running is as much a mental game as a physical one. Ben shares his tips and techniques for staying resilient when facing extreme fatigue and challenging conditions.Ben offers valuable advice for listeners considering their first ultra or looking to tackle a multi-day event.Ben Harrison is an accomplished ultra-runner known for his impressive performances in some of the world's toughest races. His recent victory at the Beyond the Ultimate Highland Ultra in Knoydart in 2025 adds to a remarkable list of achievements, including winning the Jungle Ultra and completing the challenging Beyond the Ultimate Global Race Series. He is an inspiring figure in the ultra-running community, demonstrating incredible endurance, strategic racecraft, and a deep love for pushing human limits in wild environments.

This week, join your hosts JC and Stevie Boy as they kick things off with some usual banter, catching you up on all the latest happenings before welcoming a well known face of the Scottish running scene: Billy Gibson!Hailing from Dundee, proud Hawkhill Harrier Billy is renowned for his feats in ultra-marathons and longer distances. But for Billy, running isn't just about personal bests, racing and the thrill of the finish line; it's about the vibrant community it's brought into his life and the lifelong friendships he's forged along the way.With this year's West Highland Way Race just around the corner, Billy shares his fascinating recollections and insights from his own epic experiences tackling this iconic ultra. Get ready for some serious inspiration and a few laughs as this incredibly likeable guy – serious about his running but even more serious about its positive impact on his life and well-being – takes us on his journey along the road and into the trails. With shwanks talk, kit check and nutritional hacks galore you won't want to miss it!Aaron's Blue Brazil fundraising link

And we're back! Time to join your favourite running podcast hosts, Stevie Boy and John, as they kick off another episode of Young Hearts Run Free with their bants and a take a dive into the latest happenings across the running world! They've got all the chat you didn't know you needed. They even cram in a wee listeners running rant!Then, lace up your metaphorical shoes as we welcome our very special guest, Bobby Madden! You might know him from the football pitch, but get ready to hear about his incredible journey from professional referee to dedicated runner.Recently retired from 20 plus years in top flight refereeing we get to find out a bit about some of his career highs on the pitch. Things do get a little Messi before we get on with the running chat!After sharing his own running story Bobby then lets us hear all about his recent experience taking on the Edinburgh Marathon. A first bash at 26.2 miles and one that won't be forgotten in a hurry.Running for the much loved charity Beatson Cancer we get to find out how he transitioned his fitness from referee to marathon finisher. With a running pedigree going back to his school days we are intrigued to find out how he managed to pull out his tremendous finish time in Edinburgh.Full of beans about his recent experience we discover that Bobby took advice from some well kent faces during his first foray into marathon training and kept an eye on his improving fitness levels with some watchful oversight into his data and metrics.We've known Bobby for a while, some of you football fans will too, but to get to chat to him and find common ground on his running journey was a right breath of fresh air. Open, honest and keen to learn more we reckon this is just the start for the amiable East Kilbride lad.Lace up, tune in and enjoy!!

This week on Young Hearts Run Free, your dynamic duo, JC and Stevie Boy, are holding down the fort with no guest – meaning more unfiltered running chat just for you!We're diving headfirst into the world of recent races and achievements from across the globe, dissecting the latest happenings.Get ready for some top YHRF bants as we preview the upcoming Edinburgh Marathon Festival, offering our unique take on what promises to be a fantastic event?! Plus, you know we couldn't skip out on your favourite segments, including a mind-blowing 'Race or Not?'.Then, get ready for a candid and compelling debrief as John C bravely opens up about his recent experience at the Cateran Trail Ultra. It didn't go to plan – cut-offs were missed, and the finish line remained elusive. John shares what he learned from the DNF, the emotions of the experience, and the (un)expected camaraderie found on the trails. What do you do when a race doesn't go your way? Tune in to find out!And that's not all! We're excited to announce a brand new competition where you could win a coveted spot in the Kirkcaldy Parks Running Festival 2025! Head over to our social channels to enter and grab your chance to be on the start line.So lace up, tune in, and join John and Stevie Boy for another action-packed episode of Young Hearts Run Free!