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.

Gary shares his admiration for Marcus Brown, whose advocacy for athletes of colour and personal story of discovering his autism later in life resonated deeply. Jenny recalls the conversation with Innes Fitzgerald highlighting the importance of pursuing one's passion despite challenges. Ed discusses the privilege of running, a lesson he learned from Gary Laybourne, whose work with coachcore emphasises the joy and opportunity that running and sport provides. The team also delves into the community aspect of running, with Jenny highlighting Ben Pochee's dedication to grassroots events like the Night of the 10,000m PBs, and Ed emphasizing the fun and camaraderie he experienced at the Greenbelt Relay. The episode also revisits memorable insights from guests like Steph McCall, who reminded listeners about finding joy in new challenges, and Mike Peace, the ever-present London Marathon runner whose humility and cause-driven motivation were truly inspiring.

As the hosts reminisce, they underscore the importance of perspective, community, and the shared passion that binds runners together. With plans already underway for Season 4, make sure you catch up on any episodes you missed, stay connected on social media, and look forward to more inspiring stories in the upcoming season.

Thank You:

Thank you for being part of the RunAlive podcast this season, please leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by the stories we've told. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

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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.

Three Key Learnings from This Episode:

1. Community and Identity in Running: Ben illustrates the profound impact that running can have on personal identity and community formation. Starting from his own experiences in school and local clubs, he emphasises how running extends beyond physical activity to become a significant social connector and a source of lifelong friendships and memories.
2. Innovation in Athletic Events: We dive into the story behind the creation of the Night of the 10,000m PBs, an event born out of necessity and sheer creative will. Ben discusses how overcoming the logistical challenges of traditional track events with innovative solutions like Facebook-driven athlete recruitment and creating a festival-like atmosphere can dramatically enhance participant engagement and performance.
3. The Power of Inclusive Event Planning: Learn about Ben's approach to making athletic events more inclusive and engaging. By involving athletes in the success of the event and experimenting with new ideas like the WaveLight pacing system, Ben has redefined what it means to participate in and spectate at track events, making them more accessible and enjoyable for the broader community.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports management, community engagement, and how traditional sports can adapt to modern demands while maintaining their core values.

Go along to the Night of the 10k PBs next weekend! All details here: www.nightofthe10kpbs.com/

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by Gill's story. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, who's just been selected for Team GB at the Olympics! (Whoop!) Tune in to discover how Steph balances her love for running with a demanding career and why she believes running is more than just a sport—it's a metaphor for life.

Three Key Learnings:

1. Community and Connection: Steph emphasises the importance of community in running, illustrating how shared experiences, regardless of pace or ability, enhance her joy and engagement in the sport. This sense of community not only enriches her running experience but also extends to her podcast.
2. Adaptability in Goals: Transitioning from marathons to ultra-marathons was a strategic choice for Steph to alleviate pressure and rediscover enjoyment in racing. This shift highlights the importance of adaptability in athletic goals and the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone to maintain motivation and excitement in sports.
3. Running as a Life Metaphor: Steph articulates how running mirrors life's ups and downs, teaching resilience and providing perspective on overcoming challenges. Through running, she has learned valuable life lessons about enduring hardships and maintaining balance between personal passions and professional responsibilities.

Find out more:

Search for Five Miles Easy wherever you get your podcast

Steph is on instagram: @stephmccall

Offers and Discounts:

Race Day Prints:

Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout.

Hardlines Coffee:

Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

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We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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