Well Far: The Running Podcast

To round off the week, we are delighted to bring you a special interview with the UK Director for Refugee Support & Restoring Family Links, Alex Fraser.Last June, Alex took on the impressive feat of running 72 miles for the British Red Cross Miles For Refugee challenge, which is equivalent to the common refugee journey made between Syria and Lebanon.Alex chats to us about how he tracked his progress, how he broke down his 72 miles and why this is such an important cause.You have until June 13th to sign up to Miles For Refugees at miles.redcross.org.uk and if you use the discount code ‘ONAIR’ you get 50% off the registration fee, making it only £5!This episode is brought to you by The British Red Cross Miles For Refugees Challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode Amy interviews Chrissie Wellington OBE, former professional triathlete, four time world IronMan Champion and now Head of Global Wellbeing at the National Lottery-supported parkrun. Whilst Chrissie remains the world record holder for Ironman distance (completing it in an incredible 8 hours 18 minutes!) she now devotes her life to improving individual and population health and wellbeing, specifically by getting people involved in physical activity. Together Chrissie and Amy compare top parkrun stores, discussing the diverse and welcoming nature of these free events and the many benefits it can bring to individuals and the community. We'll also hear how, thanks to The National Lottery Players, parkrun has received £3.6million of funding over the past 8 years, which has been ground breaking in its success. Chrissie believes it's this support of grassroots organisations, the ones that remove the barriers to exercise, that is so key for our emotional and physical health, but it's also key to a healthier future for our children. Together Amy and Chrissie cover Chrissie's remarkable road to sporting prowess and how she's carried these lessons into her family and work life now, and some of her top tips for getting involved... the key is starting somewhere, it doesn't have to be big and bold! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Amy toes the line of Paris marathon, this week's episode covers the what, and more specifically what not, to do in the week running up to the final challenge. This week's episode is full of tips to hold your nerve and not caving into the Maranoia with Emma Kirk Odunubi, with everything from the Marathon Expo to flat lay photos to ensure you are prepared. We then head out on a final run-chat with the amazing Bryony Gordon* whose own running journey got her sober. It is a reminder to enjoy the marathon above all else and to be proud of your achievements and what your body can do. Bring on race-day!How to find out more about today's experts:Emma Kirk-Odunubi, Instagram: @emmakirkyoBryony Gordon, Instagram: @bryonygordon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For far too long women’s needs have been disregarded when it comes to sportswear design. Our track record in sharing the same platform as men in sports, running and beyond, has similarly disappointing figures. Adidas recognises this and that’s why today they’ve given Amy and the Well Far crew the opportunity to invite on two amazing guests to help us talk through some of the social and technical considerations for women in running, and what the future holds. Our guests for this special bonus episode are Adidas athlete Georgina Hayfron and founder women’s run collective ‘Lazy Girl Running’, Laura Fountain. Together Amy, Laura and Georgina discuss the differences in men’s and women’s sport, the new tech and tools that help women train more efficiently, the disparity in races and the hidden knock on effects of this as well as highlighting the races and events that have addressed outdated gender inequality. We also get to hear first hand the latest Adidas design initiatives and how they are addressing women’s needs in running within their kit design.This episode is supported by adidas and their new Solar Glide 5 shoe, which is a stable all-rounder with superb energy return tailored for the female form.To keep up with Amy and the guests today you can follow them on instagram at:Amy - @wellness_edGeorgina - @randomgirlrunningLaura - @lazygirlrunning To find out more about Adidas RunnersLDN: @adidasRunnersLDNTo find out more about Lazy Girl Running Club, check out their website: https://www.lazygirlrunning.com/running-groupsAs always, please keep tagging #WELLFAR in all your running updates, and join the Well Far Strava Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As it hots up to the 26.2, Amy chats all things prehab with Bradley Scanes, who gives us the lowdown on common strains and stresses we experience on our joints and feet and how to avoid these when running. With 80% of running injuries occuring due to running error, Brad explains the strength and conditioning work we can put in leading up to a marathon to save us from injury. In addition to this, Amy runs with Susie Chan, ultramarathon runner and Guinness World Record setter for the longest distance for a woman to run on a treadmill. Susie talks about how she caught the running bug later in life, and how even her setbacks have given her more appreciation for the sport. As someone who has completed the extraordinary Marathon des Sables, Susie talks about how she's developed techniques on how to help keep you focused until the finish line.How to find out more about today's experts:Bradley Scanes, Instagram: @physiobradSusie Chan, Instagram: @susie_chan_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does your period affect your running performance? This week, Amy discusses just that as she sets off of on a run with Georgie Bruinvels, researcher into marathons and menstrual cycles for FitrWoman App. Before this, Amy chats to the wonderful Euan MacLennan, Herbal Director of Well Far sponsor, Pukka Herbs, about the importance of balance throughout your marathon training and how herbs can help finetune your performance and sync with your body to improve your journey towards 26.2.How to find out more about today's experts:Euan MacLennan, Website: www.pukkaherbs.comGeorgie Bruinvels, Instagram: @georgiebruinvels, Website: www.fitrwoman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's feeling good, and then there's knowing when you're feeling good. This week's episode sees Amy chatting to the founder of health tech company Ithlete, Simon Wegerif, who talks us through heart rate variability (HRV) and how it could be the key to optimising your training. We then pound the pavement with Alice Liveing, three time best selling author and all round health extraordinaire to discuss training for positive gains.How to find out more about today's experts:Simon Wegerif, Website: www.myithlete.comAlice Liveing, Instagram: @aliceliveing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Amy chats to LDN Brunch Club's founder Stephen Ajdaidoo and member Francesca Menato about how finding a tribe to run with (and a tasty destination to run to) can help keep you motivated on those all important long runs. We then set off on an inspirational lakeside run with the extraordinary Katie Piper who talks about her running journey, day-to-day life, motivations and a recent stint in uniform.How to find out more about today's experts:Stephen Adjaidoo, Instagram: @stephenadjaidoo, @LDNbrunchclubFrancesca Menato, Instagram: @ces_menatoKatie Piper, Instagram: @katiepiper_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of Well Far, Amy speaks to Omar and Rory from Track Life LDN who are driven by their passion to bring out the full potential in athletes. They chat about their renowned speed training techniques and breaking down intimidating preconceptions about track running. We then join Laura Hoggins aka 'Laura Biceps' on a jog as we learn about her journey and how today's training struggles become tomorrow's running strengths.How to find out more about today's experts:Rory Knight, Instagram: @roryknightfitness, @track_life_ldnOmar Mansour, Instagram: @mromg, @track_life_ldnLaura Hoggins, Instragram: @laurabiceps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From hundredths of a second to hundreds of miles, in this episode Amy speaks to two runners from opposite ends of the track on how to factor in training around a busy life. Covering everything from essential core exercises for runners to breastfeeding mid-ultra marathon; friends, food and fuel we chat to Nike athlete and fastest woman in the world Dina Asher-Smith, and long time ultra-runner Sophie Power who triggered a global debate about motherhood and marathons.How to find out more about today’s experts:Dina Asher-Smith, Instagram: @dinaashersmithSophie Power, Instagram: @ultra_sophieFind other runners like yourself by searching #WELLFar on social media.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A super chatty season finale for you all with one of Instagram's fittest celebs, Millie Mackintosh. Millie talks about how motherhood shifted her workout goals and how, like many other runners in the past year, was forced to embrace running to get a hit of cardio during lockdown. Since then, her uptake of running has become a key part of finding confidence and comfort in her postpartum body, whilst also enjoying the brief moments of headspace and ‘me time’ in busy mum life. In her words, she’s learned not to punish herself or compare her journey to others. Listen in to hear how Millie’s new role as Mum, helped her fall in love with running.  Topics covered:Challenges of settling into the new role of mum Finding ‘me’ time and how running creates this space Unforeseen learnings from life in lockdown Appreciating your body and not comparing yourself to anyone else Finding time to exercise with a little one around Millie’s morning routine Millie's journey to a 10k Safety when out on a run Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks for staying with us while we had a little break last week. Today’s episode is well worth the wait. This week we're taking a deep dive into that topic of how female hormones can affect our running. Because although running is there to be enjoyed at any age and life stage, understanding how to tailor our training to suit our life stage, and current hormone levels will help us women truly enjoy the physical and psychological boons of running. Today we tackle some big questions: Should we be doing the same in our twenties as our seventies? How does menopause and perimenopause affect our training and are women missing a trick by choosing generic training plans also used by men. This is a new field of research and helping to educate and inspire us to keep clocking the miles as we age is Rosie Stockley founder of Mama Well (@mamawelluk) a fitness company that helps women navigate fitness through the biggest of life changes. And also Kelly McNulty, a PhD student at Northumbria university investigating the effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use and performance recovery and adaptation in sports women. And she's also the author of Period of The Period Blog (@periodoftheperiod).Topics covered:Mental and physical benefits of exerciseHow your cycle affects your runWhat we need to do to support our training, and how our hormones come into playHow to track your cycle and plan your runs accordinglyUsing new research as a base and tweaking yourTraining around the menstrual cycle so that it works for youWorking with your body not against itHow your muscle mass changes throughout your lifetime.How to train for body and mind Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharing his running wisdom with the Well Far crew this week is technique analyst coach, author of The Lost Art of Running, and movement guru, Shane Benzie, whose analysed and coached and studied running races five continents to learn from the running styles of some of the most gifted athletes on the planet. Running technique is a much talked about and important part of a runner’s process, but guidance around it can be confusing with mixed messaging and subjectivity getting in the way of information. Shane Benzie is the go-to authority for running technique having analysed and improved the running styles of many competitive athletes.Topics covered: A human history of running The fascial system elastic body and what that means for our running Shane’s learnings from studying movement from around the world How to run wellHow to use video to improve your running Is there a correct running technique?  Plantar fascia and finding spring in your foot.Barefoot running Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.