Episode 19: How The Chimp Paradox Helped Me Start Running – with Nigel Richards

How do you go from barely being able to run a mile… to training for one of the toughest races in the UK?

In this episode of the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by Nigel Richards, a former driving instructor from Wrexham who turned his life around with the help of running—and a mindset model from the best-selling book The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters.

Nigel shares how a single book changed the way he thought, moved, and made decisions. With Gary’s coaching and support, Nigel went from running in the rain for one minute at a time to signing up for the Lakeland 50. But this conversation isn’t one-sided—Nigel also helped Gary rethink how he approached his own racing mindset using the Chimp Model.

This episode is a powerful blend of coaching insights, personal breakthroughs, and practical tips for anyone starting their running journey—or looking to get their head back in the game.

What is The Chimp Paradox?

Written by psychiatrist Prof. Steve Peters, the book explains how your brain has two main drivers:

• The Chimp (emotional, reactive)
• The Human (logical, rational)

Understanding how these systems work helps you manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve performance. The Chimp Model has been used by elite athletes including:

• Sir Chris Hoy (Olympic cyclist)
• Ronnie O’Sullivan (snooker world champion)
• Victoria Pendleton (Olympic cyclist)
• Steven Gerrard (football legend)

In This Episode:

• Why Nigel started running after 20 years behind the wheel
• How The Chimp Paradox helped him take control of his mindset
• Gary’s experience applying the model to his own racing
• Why emotion, identity, and self-talk matter more than speed
• The role of coaching, community, and setting meaningful goals
• Cadence, balance, breathing, and building beginner-friendly routines
• Nigel’s road to the Lakeland 50—and a Mars bar meltdown for the ages

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & van trouble banter

01:37 – Meet Nigel Richards

02:33 – Discovering The Chimp Paradox

04:46 – Nigel’s first rainy run session

08:00 – Coaching challenges & transformation

11:06 – How The Chimp Paradox changed everything

15:20 – Gary’s race mindset & helicopter thinking

25:00 – Uncovering your “why” with the Stone of Life

31:35 – Nigel signs up for the Lakeland 50

37:15 – Local running groups & coaching moments

44:00 – Cadence, breathing & habit building

54:00 – Mindset, drills & the 3 stages of a marathon

01:03:45 – The Chimp beyond running

01:04:42 – How the Chimp model applies beyond running

01:05:34 – Steve Peters’ background & elite sport connection

01:07:00 – Final thoughts & the power of timing in mentorship

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to rediscover your motivation, this episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Nigel’s journey proves that it’s not just about miles—it’s about mindset.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow, subscribe, and let us know how you manage your inner chimp.

#RunningPodcast #TheChimpParadox #BeginnerRunning #TrailRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #NigelRichards #MentalResilience #Lakeland50

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