Couch to Coached- Running podcast

Countdown to Manchester: Consistency, Confidence & CoachingThis week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Rob and Ben dive into the realities of marathon preparation as the Manchester Marathon edges closer.From track sessions and pacing strategies to cross-training and accountability, the pair reflect on the highs, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the training journey. Ben shares insights from his recent training progress, while Rob opens up about building consistency, improving pacing awareness, and finding confidence again in his running.The conversation explores how mental strength, community support, and coaching guidance all play a crucial role in preparing for a marathon. They also discuss the value of running familiar local routes, the importance of long runs and progression sessions, and why believing in the process can be just as important as the miles themselves.🎧 Highlights include:The countdown to the Manchester MarathonWhy consistency is the foundation of marathon trainingTrack sessions, pacing strategies, and training disciplineThe benefits of cross-training for runnersBuilding confidence through progression runsThe mental side of marathon preparationCommunity support and rediscovering the joy of runningA reflective, motivating episode about progress, patience, and trusting the training process—perfect for anyone preparing for a big race or working toward their next running goal.📺 Watch us live on YouTube every Tuesday at 20:30📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marathon Training & Pacing: Strength Work, Heart Rate Zones and an Accidental PB50,000 downloads, accidental PBs, and marathon miles — there’s a lot to unpack in this episode.Rob, Ben and Emma kick things off celebrating a huge milestone for the podcast before diving into their latest training weeks. From CrossFit sessions and track intervals to long-run strategies and heart rate zones, the trio break down what’s working, what’s hurting, and what’s helping them move closer to their goals.Emma shares how structured workouts, strength training, and pacing discipline are boosting her confidence — including a spontaneous race that turned into an unexpected personal best. The conversation also explores how mindset, recovery, and even the menstrual cycle can influence performance, highlighting why understanding your body is key to training smarter.Along the way there’s plenty of Couch to Coached honesty: the joy of tired legs after a good session, the importance of community support, and why having a coach can make all the difference when preparing for marathon season.A motivating episode about celebrating progress, trusting the process, and building confidence one run at a time.HighlightsCelebrating 50,000 podcast downloadsCrossFit and strength training for runnersHeart rate zones and smarter pacingThe impact of the menstrual cycle on performanceEmma’s accidental race and unexpected PBThe value of structured workouts and coachingCommunity support and training motivationLong runs and marathon preparationFollow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marathon Training Update: Threshold Runs, Pacing & Staying ConsistentThreshold work, cold water plunges, and marathon miles — the training block is well underway.In this episode, Rob, Ben and Emma catch up on their latest running weeks, from Ben battling illness and consistency struggles to Rob’s strong miles and Couch to 5K leadership with Stoke Fit.The trio dive into what really matters right now: threshold sessions, long-run strategy, pacing discipline, and why “time on feet” is king during marathon prep. Emma brings the coaching lens as they discuss heart rate control, strength training, and the importance of adjusting your plan when life inevitably gets in the way.There’s also chat on cold water therapy, parkrun reflections, and the growing role of self-belief as race season approaches — all wrapped up with the usual Couch to Coached banter.A practical, honest episode about stacking good weeks and trusting the process.HighlightsBen’s illness and consistency challengesRob’s Couch to 5K and positive training weekThreshold pace and marathon prep insightsLong-run focus and pacing disciplineStrength training and plan adjustmentsCold water therapy experienceParkrun reflections and race prepTriathlon goals on the horizonFollow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday. And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running at 250%: Injury Comebacks, Marathon Training & Parkrun BanterWeather chaos, injury comebacks, and Rob operating at 250% energy… it can only be Couch to Coached.In this week’s episode, Rob, Ben and Emma catch up on their latest training weeks, sharing the highs, setbacks, and laughs that come with marathon prep, ultra ambitions, and returning from injury.Rob kicks things off in full-force mode, reflecting on how his training is going, the mental boost running continues to give him, and why supporting others through Couch to 5K and local running groups adds so much purpose to the journey. As always, his mix of humour, honesty, and community spirit sets the tone for the episode.Ben opens up about his careful return to running after injury, why “testing the waters” matters, and the importance of pacing and structured progression. Emma shares her own ups and downs, including thriving in cold weather, rolling her ankle mid-run, and approaching her upcoming ultra with the mindset of treating it as a fun day out rather than pure pressure.The trio dive into recovery, pacing strategies, parkrun check-ins, and the competitive spirit runners can’t quite switch off — alongside reflections on triathlon training, upcoming races, and the deeper meaning charity and community bring to running.Packed with humour, realism, and motivation, this episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always linear — but with the right people around you, you’ll keep moving forward.To utilise Robs Brand ambassador discount for Ruun Athletic Apparel- use code RUNNINGROB for 10% discount.sign up for the Protein Rebel Running Festival here- running festival 2026 – Protein Rebel UKHighlightsRob’s “250% energy” and community-driven motivationRunning through cold, heat, and unpredictable weatherBen’s return to training after injuryWhy pacing is everything in marathon prepEmma treating her ultra marathon as a “fun day out”Managing setbacks like ankle rolls and nigglesThe mental side of recovery and resilienceParkrun as a perfect performance gaugeCouch to 5K support and community engagementTriathlon goals, charity events, and what’s next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Protein Rebel Running Festival Interview Series – Episode 1: Helen RyvarBack in June 2025, Rob and Ben had the chance to sit down at the Protein Rebel Running Festival and record a series of special conversations with five truly extraordinary and inspiring people from the running community.For reasons Rob still can’t fully explain… he’s been sitting on these interviews ever since. But the wait is finally over — and we’re excited to start releasing them.First up is Helen Ryvar.Helen’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the kind of mindset that reminds you why running is about so much more than pace or distance. In this conversation, Helen shares her journey, her challenges, and what keeps her showing up — not just as a runner, but as a person who inspires those around her.This is the first episode in our Protein Rebel Festival Interview Series, and it’s the perfect way to kick things off: honest, uplifting, and full of the community spirit that makes events like this so special.Whether you were at the festival or hearing about it for the first time, you won’t want to miss this one.Follow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marathon Training & Injury Prevention: Coaching, Self-Assessment and Smarter RunningTraining isn’t just about ticking off sessions — it’s about honest self-assessment, smart decisions, and staying healthy for the long run.In this episode of the Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Rob and Emma sit down for a candid catch-up on their recent training weeks, balancing marathon prep, injury management, and the realities of life outside running.After navigating a few technical hiccups, the conversation quickly turns to self-assessment — reviewing training honestly, understanding where sessions went well (and where they didn’t), and why following a structured plan matters. Emma reflects on a demanding week of marathon training, performance insights, and recovery, while Rob shares his experiences managing niggles, protecting a running streak, and learning when to ease off.They also dig into coaching dynamics, injury prevention, and how hills, recovery habits, and listening to your body all play a role in long-term performance. Beyond training, the episode touches on community engagement — from local running sessions and Strava frustrations to upcoming races, running shows, and understanding race scoring systems for competitive events.Thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real experience, this episode is a reminder that progress comes from consistency, reflection, and staying connected to the running community — not just chasing miles.HighlightsHonest self-assessment of training plansMarathon prep, performance reflection, and recoveryManaging injuries and protecting long-term progressCoaching structure, accountability, and flexibilityHills, strength, and smarter training choicesBalancing family life, goals, and runningThe role of Strava in tracking progressRace planning, scoring systems, and competitionCommunity support and engagement through running eventsFollow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spine Race Explained: Ultra Running, Mental Resilience & SurvivalWhat does it really take to survive one of the toughest endurance events in the world?In this episode, Rob, Ben and Emma welcome back Gareth Jones to unpack his recent experience at the legendary Spine Race — a brutal 268-mile journey along the Pennine Way that Gareth describes as a survival expedition rather than a race.Gareth shares an honest, unfiltered account of what it’s like to move through extreme weather, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation while navigating one of the most unforgiving routes in ultra running. From hallucinations and physical fatigue to the mental battles that defined the race, he reflects on finishing 22nd out of 87 runners and the lessons learned about pacing, preparation, and resilience.The conversation dives into the realities of self-supported racing — carrying food, managing kit, navigating checkpoints, and making smart decisions when everything hurts. Alongside the hardship, Gareth also highlights moments of camaraderie, humour, and perspective, reminding listeners why mindset and mental health matter just as much as physical fitness in ultra-endurance events.As the episode closes, Gareth looks ahead to future challenges, including races in Marbella and the Arctic, and shares a powerful reminder: ultra running isn’t about obsessing over distance — it’s about respecting the journey from start to finish.This is a compelling listen for anyone interested in ultra running, mental resilience, or what happens when the body is pushed to its absolute limits.HighlightsWhat the Spine Race really involves — and why it’s a survival expeditionBattling unpredictable weather and extreme fatigueMental resilience and decision-making under pressureThe realities of self-supported ultra racingHallucinations, sleep deprivation, and race psychologyFinishing 22nd in one of the world’s toughest endurance eventsLessons on pacing, preparation, and mindsetWhy enjoying the journey matters more than the distanceWhat’s next for Gareth, including upcoming extreme racesRemember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.