Happy New Year RunPod RunClub! Mr PMA - Faisal Abdalla is in the house, ready to get you motivated and ready for 2024! 2024 is all about setting achievable and realistic goals, celebrating small/big wins, and doing things at your own pace. Having a positive outlook helps with everything in life, and to quote Faisal's favourite phrase: "You don't HAVE to go for a run...you GET to go for a run!" so get out there and show this year who's boss. Looking to buy a RunPod t-shirt? Go here: Linktr.ee/runpod

Faisal Abdalla

Welcome to RunPod, the weekly run club you can join simply by listening. In this series Jenni Falconer welcomes special guests who share that passion for running. Together they’ll discuss the challenge, reward and sometimes obsession of pounding the pavement whilst asking what drives us to run, why some catch the bug more than others, and how it can transform the lives of those who do it. Along the way, you'll hear top training tips, monumental mistakes and some inspirational stories. So, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, treadmill trainer, fitness guru or simply putting off that Sunday jog, RunPod is here for you.

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Jasmin Paris is the first female runner to complete one of the world's toughest annual races - The Barkley Marathon. Taking place at 'Frozen Head State Park' in Tennessee, USA, the incredible 100-mile race involves five loops of 20 miles, with 60,000 ft of ascents and descents - which is double the height of Mount Everest from sea level. Pushing through brambles, and other forest obstacles Jasmin was 1 of only 20 people to complete the race, which started with the blow of a conch shell and the light of a cigarette... With 99 seconds to spare from the 60hr cut-off... she did it. And now she's on RunPod to tell the tale... 


Jasmin Paris

In today's episode, Jenni sits down with the extraordinary Anya Culling, whose journey from novice runner to one of the fastest female marathoners in the UK is nothing short of incredible. Anya is pure sunshine, and her story is living proof of the transformative power of running and shows how “ordinary” people possess extraordinary potential.  What started as a way to improve her mental health during lockdown quickly turned into a passion that would propel her to the elite ranks of marathon racing.  Her secret to success? prioritise the enjoyment of every run. For Anya, running isn't just a sport—it's a lifestyle, a source of fulfillment, and a celebration of our body's incredible capabilities. From completing her first London Marathon in 2019 in 4 hours and 34 minutes to achieving an astonishing time of 2 hours and 34 minutes the next time she ran it, Anya's journey is about the power of persistence, passion, and joyful dedication.  Oh, and did you know she’s a massive RunPod fan!!!!! Get ready to be motivated, uplifted, and inspired by the incredible journey of Anya Culling. Watch this space.

Anya Culling

The London Marathon 2024 is over, and after an immensely successful and joyful day, Jenni is joined in the RunPod Studio for a debrief with the incredible Josh Cuthbert, British Musician and Model, for a 26.2 mile debrief.  Despite the inevitable post-marathon "oww I can't walk down the stairs" soreness that accompanies the event, Jenni and Josh's enthusiasm remains unwavering. From bloody toes to bliss, this episode captures the passion, determination, and the profound impact of supporting a cause greater than oneself.  And if this episode teaches us anything - life is all about the people who cheer us on. CONTENT WARNING: While we believe in the importance of open and honest conversations about mental health, we also prioritize the well-being of our listeners. If you feel that listening to discussions about suicide and mental health may be harmful to you, we encourage you to practice self-care and consider skipping this episode. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, we encourage you to seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. Additionally, if you are in immediate danger or crisis, please contact emergency services or The Samaritans (any time day or night) on: 116 123 Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available. Please take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being. You add so much value to the world.

Josh Cuthbert - London Marathon 2024 Debrief

Join Jenni as she chats with Laura Hamilton, the radiant host of 'A Place in The Sun'!  Laura, known for her sunny demeanour, has the sunniest job going... and balances her busy hosting schedule with a love for running. Recently she's gearing up for her biggest challenge yet: the London Marathon 2024 - happening this weekend on the 21st of April.  Alongside Jenni, who's also taking on the marathon, Laura discusses tips, tricks, and motivation for the big race.  Good Luck to everyone in The RunPod RunClub running The London Marathon! We can't wait to cheer you on!  AD - Jenni has written a book and surprise surprise, it’s all about running! Inspired by the RunPod Run Club and featuring many anecdotes from the podcast and her own experiences. It’s also full of great tips for runners new and old. The book is called ‘Runners High’ and is out now. To order a copy to read – or listen to the audio version whilst you run – tap this link https://geni.us/RunnersHigh

Laura Hamilton

Today's incredible guest Yahya Pandor is running The Manchester Marathon 2024 and is attempting to set a record as The First Blind Runner to run without a Guide Runner. Yahya is amazing, and his story is remarkable. After losing his sight to a variation of macular degeneration, he decided to have more good days than bad days and leant into the positive side of life. On the side of his day job, he started making TikTok videos together with his brother Isa, to show people what having a vision impairment is like, and has since become an inspiration online. The RunPod RunClub wants to wish Yahya the best of luck with the Marathon - he's going to kill it! TikTok: @yahya_pandor + @isapandor AD - Jenni has written a book and surprise surprise, it’s all about running! Inspired by the RunPod Run Club and featuring many anecdotes from the podcast and her own experiences. It’s also full of great tips for runners new and old. The book is called ‘Runners High’ and is out now. To order a copy to read – or listen to the audio version whilst you run – tap this link https://geni.us/RunnersHigh

Faisal Abdalla

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