In this final episode of season 4 of the RunAlive podcast, we reflect on the journey of this season and what a season it's been!

We pick our highlights from the season, (although Gill's highlights include pretty much the whole season!) touching on the power of knowing when to quit with Mario Fraioli, the inspiration of hearing how Jacob Fincham-Dukes focuses on the future and not what could have been, and Steph Kessell's advice to find joy in the present.

In this week's interval Gill speaks with Matt Bergin, a physiotherapist and international Irish athlete who specialises in running injuries. They discuss the importance of seeking physiotherapy early, common injuries runners face, the impact of modern running shoes, and how to find a trustworthy physiotherapist.

Steph Kessell (nee Davis) completed her first marathon in 2018 and only a few years later went on to run a 2:27 marathon when she won the UK Olympic marathon trials. Steph was Team GB's fastest marathon runner at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Steph is a one-on-one coach and a coach at Runna and loves helping athletes of all abilities from 5k to ultra marathons. She gave birth to her daughter 4 weeks ago so balances her coaching alongside being a Mum and her own training.

This week, Gill, Ro, and Ed, dive into their running origins, sharing stories about why they started running and how their relationship with the sport has evolved. Each brings a unique background—Gill started to fill time during shifts, Ro began for fitness, and Ed took up running after the death of his Dad.

This week we speak to long jumper Jacob Fincham-Dukes about his journey from being a young athlete with a dream to becoming an Olympian and finishing 5th in the long jump at Paris 2024. Jacob talks about his decision to train in the United States, the challenges he overcame to make it to the Olympics, and the life lessons he's learned from balancing a demanding career with his athletic ambitions. His story is a testament to resilience, goal-setting, and the power of believing in yourself

From GPS watches to heart rate monitors and Strava records, we explore the ways in which gadgets enhance – and sometimes complicate – the simple joy of running. With insights on finding balance, humorous anecdotes, and practical tips for tech-savvy runners, this episode is a lighthearted exploration of how technology shapes modern running.

James Rhodes, photographer, writer and runner, shares his journey of capturing the essence of our sport through photography. He discusses the emotional highs and lows of athletes, the importance of storytelling in photography, and the lessons he has learned from both his own running experiences and those of elite athletes. James reflects on his Olympic dreams, the challenges of balancing a full-time job with his passions, and the significance of seizing opportunities in life.

The clocks have changed, and so it's dark at night and as the running community we need to look after each other. It's an issue that particularly effects women, and so our conversation focuses on the increasing concerns surrounding women's safety while running in the dark. Gill shares her personal experiences, and we discuss societal responsibilities, and practical tips for both men and women to ensure safety during night runs.

Carla Molinaro shares her journey from a casual athlete to a professional ultra runner, discussing the importance of enjoyment in her training, the challenges of transitioning to a structured athlete life, and the mental resilience required in ultra running.

She emphasises the significance of finding personal joy in running and how her past experiences, including her time in the military, have shaped her approach to challenges both in running and life. Carla shares her journey in founding SCY for runners, her future goals, and the life lessons she has learned through her running experiences.

Ed, Gill and Ro discuss the complexities of post-marathon recovery and the decision to rest or run again. Ed can hardly walk after a marathon, Gill has run multiple marathons in fairly quick succession, and Ro has done 10 in 10 days! So we have a chat to explore the physiological impacts of marathon running, the mental resilience required for multiple marathons, and the balance between training and recovery.

James Thie is the head coach at Coopah, as well as a senior lecturer and Performance advisor for Athletics at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

We chat to James about the life-changing impact of running, from competing to coaching athletes at all levels. He reflects on the importance of perseverance, belief, and community, emphasising that the greatest victories often come from personal growth rather than race results. Whether it's pushing limits, overcoming setbacks, or finding joy in running with others, James sees running as a lifelong journey

In this first RunAlive Interval of Season 4, Ro, Gill, and Ed dive into something that's made a few people quite upset: the recent changes to Championship and Good For Age qualifying times for both the London and Boston Marathons.

We’re back for season 4 - there are changes in the hosting team (welcome Gill and Ro) and we have an awesome chat with Mario Fraioli who shares how running serves as a powerful lens through which he views and navigates life.

He opens up about the evolution of his relationship with running, which began in high school as a way to stay fit for basketball but has since grown into a lifelong passion that shapes his approach to coaching, personal growth, and self-discovery.

In this special wrap-up episode of the RunAlive Podcast, Ed, Gary, and Jenny come together to reflect on their highlights of Season 3.

They kick things off with a nostalgic look back at their conversation with ultra-running legend Nicky Spinks, whose inspiring journey as a breast cancer survivor and her "rule of three" left a lasting impact on the team.

This week we're talking to Ben Pochee, the passionate race director behind the Night of the 10,000m PBs. The UK's premier track running event. From his personal journey as a competitive runner to the inception of one of the most unique track events in the UK, Ben shares his deep insights into the world of running, community building, and event innovation. Tune in to discover how a love for Afro-funk and a desire to fill a gap in domestic competitive opportunities led to a revolutionary approach to track meets that focuses on athlete experience and community participation.

On this week's RunAlive Interval Ed is joined by distance runner and finance professional Steph McCall. Steph shares her running journey from sprinting as a kid to just recently tackling 2 Oceans marathon in South Africa (and coming 10th!)

She delves into the communal joy of running, the psychological shifts required for tackling ultra-marathons, and her ongoing passion project, the Five Miles Easy podcast, which she hosts with Rose Harvey.

This week we talk to Gill Bland, a seasoned marathon runner, soon to be mother for the second time, and self confessed running geek!

Join us as Gill shares her transformation from a non-athlete to a marathon winner, and how running is her "me time" in the busyness of life as a mother.

“If you’re ever losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon”

This is a very special episode if the RunAlive Podcast celebrating all that is great about the London Marathon! This week we are plunging into the stories of 4 runners from the London Marathon each of whom have very different experiences of running the race.

We talk to former Marathon Age Group champion and Founder and CEO of Coach Core Gary Laybourne

This week we dive into the life and insights of Brady Threfall, a distance runner, and the vibrant voice behind the Inside Running podcast. Through Inside Running Brady has brought the sotries and personalities of Australian distance running alive to millions around the world.

In this episode we talk about, Brady's most memorable and thrilling race day experiences, highlighting the rush of crossing the finish line and setting personal bests in the 5k and 10k races at iconic venues. He delves into the mental and emotional aspects of racing and gives us a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive under pressure and the exhilaration of achieving what once seemed just out of reach.