Episode 20: Running Myths, Dirty Kit Confessions & Strength Training Truths | ChatGBT

How many sweaty runs can you get out of your kit before you really need to wash it? 🫣

And is social media changing running culture for better—or worse?

This week on RUNcensored, Gary and Ben are back with another ChatGBT episode, answering your questions with their usual mix of brutal honesty, funny stories, and real-world running advice.

The episode covers a wide range of running-related topics, including:

• The influence of social media on running – and why many influencers might be doing it for the wrong reasons.
• Preparation for ultras – how a lot of first-time ultrarunners are underprepared (and why that’s normal and survivable!).
• How often should you replace your running shoes? – including hilarious commentary on the evolution of race shoes, carbon plates, and shoe durability.
• How many runs you can get out of your running kit before washing it – with a brutally honest (and funny) conversation about smell tests, gooch checks, and sweaty kit habits.
• Essential kit for running ultras – practical tips on gear, lube, nutrition, hygiene, and even toothbrushes for long races.
• The importance of strength training for runners – why most runners know they should strength train, but few actually do, and how to make it realistic and sustainable.
• Gary’s behind-the-scenes insight into working at big trail events – including frustrations with media expectations and why knowing your worth matters.
• Funny stories about embarrassing running habits, stand-up comedy ambitions, and how growing up in the UK shaped their humour.

At its core, the episode blends practical running advice, mindset coaching, and plenty of banter—perfect for trail runners, ultra runners, and anyone who loves the real, messy side of the sport.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: ChatGBT Chaos Begins

04:20 – Social Media and Running: Good or Bad?

09:30 – Undertrained for Your First Ultra?

16:10 – Shoe Life: When to Replace Running Shoes

21:45 – Sweaty Kit Confessions & Gooch Checks

29:20 – Ultra Running Kit Essentials

35:00 – Strength Training for Real Runners

41:00 – Behind the Scenes at Big Trail Events

49:10 – British Humour, Comedy, and Bad Habits

56:00 – Final Thoughts: Keeping Running Honest

Why You Should Listen:

If you love trail running, ultras, and laughing at the ridiculous side of the sport, this one’s for you. It’s real advice, real stories, and a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep moving forward.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday – follow, subscribe, and join the madness!

#TrailRunning #UltraRunning #RunningPodcast #RunningGear #StrengthTraining #RUNcensored #ChatGBT #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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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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Episode 18: Holly Stables on Surviving The Speed Project – 340 Miles to Vegas

How far would you run for a challenge? How about 340 miles across the desert… solo?

This week on the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by ultrarunner, coach, and community builder Holly Stables (@rushbynature), fresh off completing The Speed Project—an unsanctioned, unsupported race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas that’s as wild as it is infamous.

Holly ran solo, with Gary as part of her crew, and went on to finish second overall in the women’s category. In this brutally honest conversation, she breaks down the reality of running through sleep deprivation, blistering heat, nosebleeds, hallucinations, poor nutrition, and the full chaos of managing an RV support vehicle with a team of mates.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run for days across a desert with no rules, no finish line tape, and only your own mindset to get you through—it’s all here.

Who is Holly Stables?

Holly is an ultrarunner, endurance coach, and co-founder of the UK trail running community Rush By Nature. She’s known for her grounded, honest approach to running and life, and has helped countless runners build confidence through coaching, community, and leading by example.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What exactly is The Speed Project, and why is it so difficult?
• How Holly trained (and didn’t train) for a 340-mile solo run
• Crew chaos, sleep deprivation, and managing the mental rollercoaster
• Fueling with burgers, hot sauce, and occasional meltdowns
• Racing side-by-side with the front runner—and what happened next
• Gary’s behind-the-scenes role and the things he definitely didn’t plan for
• Holly’s honest take on whether she’d do it all again

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome Holly!

03:40 – What is The Speed Project?

07:30 – Training and preparation (sort of)

12:00 – Life in the van and crew dynamics

17:20 – Nosebleeds, heat, and hallucinations

23:00 – Burgers, Red Bull & hot sauce: the fueling plan

29:45 – Catching the front-runner

36:10 – Mental fatigue and final miles into Vegas

44:20 – Recovery, reflection, and race blues

50:30 – Would she do it again?

Why You Should Listen:

This episode gives a raw and real insight into one of the most extreme races out there—told with honesty, humour, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether you’re into ultra running, long-distance challenges, or just love a story of human grit, this one delivers.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday – follow and subscribe!

#TheSpeedProject #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #RunningPodcast #HollyStables #RushByNature #DesertRunning #MentalToughness #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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