

The Runna Podcast
Runna
Join Coach Ben Parker and Anya Culling every Friday as they deep-dive into running with Olympians, world-class coaches, and inspiring runners - from Romesh Ranganathan to Alex Yee and Lucy Charles-Barclay. Expect captivating stories, hilarious mishaps, and actionable coaching tips (incl. weekly tips from Olympian Steph Davis) on training, injury prevention, mindset, recovery, and performance. Whether it’s your first 5K or a marathon PB, we’ll fuel your next run. New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2024 • 38min
Dr. Becca Salmon: From the Covid Frontlines to Ultra Marathon Wins – How Running Fuelled Her Resilience
Dr. Becca Salmon, a former doctor turned ultra marathoner, shares her inspiring journey from pandemic burnout to winning 100km races. She discusses how running became her lifeline during the stress of COVID wards, transforming her outlook on life. Becca dreams of tackling the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, fueled by newfound mental strength. The conversation also features hilarious anecdotes about extreme running and sports mishaps, offering relatable moments and valuable advice for those pushing their limits.

Oct 11, 2024 • 54min
Lucy Georgia: Unlocking Your Full Potential Through The Power of Running
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya sit down with the incredible Lucy Georgia, who is using her platform to create a safe space that inspires and empowers women to give it a go, no matter their starting point. Lucy's journey began during lockdown as a way to support her mental health, and what started as a simple run to get a sandwich turned into a way to prove to herself that she is capable of more than she ever thought. Her contagious outlook on life makes this episode a must-listen for anyone needing that push to get started on their next goal or just looking for a bit of inspiration.Highlights include:Mental Health & Running: How a small run for her well-being opened the door to newfound freedom and self-belief.Taking on the 70.3 Ironman: Discover how Lucy dove headfirst into her first Ironman 70.3, despite never having cycled or swum before.Building Confidence Through Running: Learn how running helped Lucy prove to herself that she was capable of tackling hard challenges in life, unlocking a new level of confidence.Marathon Milestones: Hear about Lucy’s latest challenge—running the New York Marathon alongside Ben and Anya.Inspiring Others: With nearly 200k followers on Instagram and TikTok, Lucy documents her marathon and triathlon journey with raw authenticity and passion, inspiring countless others.This episode is filled with inspiration, motivation, and personal growth as Lucy opens up about her journey and the surprising impact running has had on her life. Tune in for a deep dive into her challenges, triumphs, and the powerful lessons she's learned along the way.Make sure to hit like and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes. Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for two weeks free and as always, send in your questions and stories to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or reach out to us on Instagram!See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 4, 2024 • 48min
Oenone Forbat: From Revenge Bod to Falling in Love with Fitness
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya are joined by the multi-talented Oenone Forbat—founder of the popular Everything is Content and Adulting podcasts. Oenone’s journey from influencer to fledgling comedian and budding author has captivated her audience of 20-somethings, as she shares her insights on everything from books and sustainable fashion to the modern-day dilemmas we all face.Highlights include:Fitness Beginnings: Oenone opens up about how she started her fitness journey for all the wrong reasons—trying to get a revenge body after a breakup. But what began as a way to make her ex jealous turned into a deep love for exercise, helping her reshape her life and mindsetRunning Milestone: Hear about her recent achievement of running the Hackney Half Marathon, a feat that didn’t come easy. She talks through her disbelief at completing the half marathon and offers raw, relatable reflections on being a beginner runner.Podcasting Powerhouse: From her fitness-focused Instagram to creating Adulting, which has over 4 million downloads, Oenone has become a voice for those navigating their 20s.Aspiring Author: Oenone reveals her lifelong goal of becoming a writer and how her journey as a budding author is unfolding.Top tips and embarrassing stories: She shares some of the most embarrassing sports stories from her journey, plus her favourite running tips for beginners.Join us for a candid, hilarious, and inspiring conversation with Oenone Forbat as we explore fitness, podcasting, and everything in between.Don’t forget to subscribe to be notified of future episodes and send in your own running stories to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM. Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 27, 2024 • 54min
Hannah Frankson: From Track Star to Peloton Instructor
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Hannah Frankson, an absolute legend in the world of fitness. From her early days as a sprinter to becoming a record-breaking long jump and triple jumper, Hannah’s athletic career saw her training alongside Olympic athletes and holding British records at a young age. After parting ways with elite sport, she was recruited as a Peloton instructor, where she now infuses every session with energy and fun, making fitness an enjoyable experience for all.Highlights include:From Track to Peloton: Hannah shares her journey from being a world-class triple jumper, where she endured the physical toll of the sport—feeling like she’d been "hit by a bus" after triple jumps sessions—to becoming a leading Peloton Treadmill and Cycling instructor.Recruitment Story: Hear the amazing story of how Hannah was recruited by Peloton, when her future boss went undercover at one of her rides...London Marathon 2024: Hannah recently conquered the 2024 London Marathon, and she reflects on the special experience and what it meant to herFitness for Everyone: As a Lululemon ambassador and Peloton instructor, Hannah is passionate about making exercise accessible and fun for everyone, and she talks about her mission to bring joy into movement.Life as an Athlete: We dive deep into her experiences in competitive athletics, the highs of breaking records, and the lows of pushing her body to its limits.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Frankson, as she reflects on her evolution from elite athlete to peloton instructor, all while making fitness fun and inclusive for all.Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes!As always, send in your running stories to "PODCAST@RUNNA.COM" or share them with us on Instagram.Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 20, 2024 • 47min
Jenny Mannion: Building an Inclusive Running Revolution
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya are joined by Jenny Mannion, founder of Runners & Stunners, one of the most inclusive and fast-growing running communities in the UK. Jenny’s personal fitness journey, which began as a way to escape unhealthy habits while travelling, has blossomed into a story of strength, resilience, and community-building.Highlights include:- Fitness Beginnings: How Jenny went from struggling to run 5km to becoming a passionate ultra-marathon runner, fueled by her commitment to strength and wellness.- Building a Community: The creation of *Runners & Stunners*, an inclusive and supportive running group that has transformed the way women and slower runners experience the sport.- Hyrox to Running: Her transition from focusing on strength training to discovering her love for running through Hyrox, which was the catalyst for her long-distance running achievements.- The Road to NYC Marathon: Jenny’s upcoming challenge as she prepares to take on the New York Marathon with *Runna*, marking a significant milestone in her running journey.- Changing the Game: How Jenny has redefined what it means to be a runner, encouraging others to embrace fitness as a fun, empowering experience, regardless of their speed or experience.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jenny Mannion as we explore her transformation from a fitness novice to a running community leader, and how she’s empowering others to find joy in running.Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!As always, share your running stories or questions with us at PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or tag us on Instagram.Use the code 'RUNNAPODCAST' for 2 weeks free!See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 13, 2024 • 45min
Beth Potter: The Ups and Downs of What it Takes to Become a Triathlon Olympic Medalist
In this exciting episode of The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sit down with Beth Potter, the incredible 2023 Triathlon World Champion, Runna coach, and double Olympian. Beth’s journey from competing in the 10,000m at the Rio Olympics to becoming a world-class triathlete is truly inspiring.Highlights include:From Track to Triathlon: Beth shares her journey from competitive swimmer and Olympic runner to focusing on triathlon, winning Gold at the European Championships and Bronze at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.World Record Pace: How she set an unofficial world record for the 5km road raceBehind the Race: Beth dives into the tactical side of cycling and the critical importance of bike skills in triathlon.Paris 2024 & Post-Olympic Blues: Beth reflects on her experience at the Paris Olympics, the intense photo finish in the mixed triathlon, and the thrill of winning two bronze medals, along with her post-race celebrations at a Taylor Swift concert!Life Beyond Sport: As a former physics teacher, Beth opens up about the uncertainty of elite sport, dealing with injuries, and the challenges that come with balancing a competitive career.Join us for a deep dive into the world of elite sport, filled with personal insights, triumphs, and the reality of navigating the pressure that comes with being one of the world’s top athletes.Don't forget to subscribe to catch all future episodes, and use the code 'RUNNAPODCAST' for 2 weeks free on the Runna app!See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 6, 2024 • 54min
Steph Joshi: From Least Sporty Child in her Class to Ironman World Champ Qualifier
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya are joined by Steph Joshi, known as @nuttyfoodiefitness on Instagram and YouTube. Steph’s journey from being the least sporty child in class to qualifying for the Ironman World Championships is nothing short of extraordinary.Highlights include:Marathon Milestone: Her experience running the London Marathon in 2023 as her first official marathon with very little training Ironman Triumph: Insights into her recent Ironman Barcelona completion, where she not only conquered the challenge but also qualified for the Ironman World Championships.L’Étape du Tour: How Steph took on the prestigious cycling race, pushing her limits as one of the hardest things she has doneFrom Zero to Hero: Her remarkable transition from a non-athletic background, to creating inspiring content around fitness, food, and mindset, to an Ironman World Championship qualifier, showcasing the power of dedication, passion and talent Join us for an energetic and motivational conversation with Stephannie Joshi, diving into stories bound to inspire you. Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.As always, send in your embarrassing running stories to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or share them with us on Instagram.Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 30, 2024 • 55min
Jake Williamson: Footballer Turned Hyrox Champion, 100k Ultra Runner and LGBTQ+ Advocate
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Ben and Anya sit down with Jake Williamson, a trailblazing advocate for LGBT+ inclusion in sports and a powerhouse in the Hyrox arena. From a promising football career to becoming an elite Hyrox athlete and founder of BTND (Better The Next Day), Jake's journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport and a positive mindset.Highlights include:Advocacy for LGBT+ Inclusion: Jake discusses his passion for promoting LGBT+ acceptance in sports and his efforts to create a supportive community for everyone, especially within the football culture where coming out can be particularly challenging.BTND: Insights into his initiative, BTND, which focuses on daily mindset improvement and fostering a community of encouragement and growth.Hyrox Achievements: How Jake transitioned from football to Hyrox, winning his first-ever Hyrox competition and leading the relay team to victory for England in NiceEndurance challenges: Amazing stories including how Jake ridiculously recently ran a 100k race with just a water bottle and his trainers Mental Health Advocacy: The importance of mental health in sports and how Jake uses his platform and community to provide a safe space for discussing sexuality and mental well-being.Jake has brought so much to the fitness world through ensuring so many people feel comfortable being exclusively themselves in spaces where this can sometimes feel difficult. Join us as we have important conversations and learn more about the amazing things Jake has achieved. Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to be notified of all future episodes.As always, send in your embarrassing running stories to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or share them with us on Instagram.Use the code ‘RUNNAPODCAST’ for 2 weeks free!See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 23, 2024 • 49min
Susie Chan: From Never Running to Completing The World's Toughest Footrace Weeks After Beating Cancer
Susie Chan, an endurance athlete and cancer survivor, shares her remarkable journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to breaking world records. She discusses her transition to running, igniting a passion that transformed her life. Susie dives into her experiences at the grueling Marathon des Sables and details the challenges of her cancer diagnosis post-marathon. Her insights offer motivation for beginners, emphasizing that anyone can start running, regardless of their circumstances. It's a tale of resilience, empowerment, and the determination to achieve greatness.

Aug 16, 2024 • 48min
Holly Archer: From Childhood Champion to European Silver Medalist - The Reality of Going Pro
Holly Archer, a 1500m European silver medalist and full-time pharmaceutical professional, shares her incredible journey in athletics. She discusses the challenges of balancing sports and work, revealing the realities of aspiring to go pro. Holly recounts her childhood struggles, including accusations of cheating, and emphasizes the persistence required to succeed in a competitive field. Together with the hosts, she explores common myths in running and offers valuable tips for aspiring athletes. Her story is both inspiring and relatable!


