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66. Tom Blakey First In Events
33:45||Ep. 66🎙️ AllyCast – Tom Blakey | Building Events, Pressure, and PerformanceIn this episode of AllyCast, I sit down with Tom Blakey, founder and owner of First In Events.Tom is the man behind some of the UK’s most challenging and well-run endurance events. From ultras and trail races to multi-day challenges, First In Events has built a reputation for events that test people properly — physically, mentally, and emotionally.We talk honestly about:What it really takes to build an events business from the ground upLeadership under pressure and decision-making when things go wrongResponsibility for athlete safety, logistics, and experienceThe mindset required to keep showing up when the work is hard and the margins are tightWhy endurance events attract people who want more than comfortThis conversation isn’t just about running races — it’s about ownership, accountability, resilience, and doing things properly, whether that’s in business, leadership, or life.If you’re interested in endurance sport, event management, or what it takes to build something meaningful without cutting corners, this episode will resonate.About Tom BlakeyTom Blakey is a former Para, OPTom BlakeyIs a Former Para, Pathfinder, Display team Member ,and now race director, and entrepreneur. As the owner of First In Events, he oversees the design, delivery, and safety of demanding endurance events across the UK. His approach blends professionalism, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the athletes who put themselves on the line.About First In EventsFirst In Events specialises in high-quality endurance and ultra-distance events. Known for excellent organisation, strong safety standards, and challenging but fair courses, they deliver events that push participants while putting athlete welfare first.🔗 Website: https://www.firstinevents.com🔗 Event listings & entry info: https://www.firstinevents.com/eventsListen & Subscribe🎧 Listen to this episode on your favourite podcast platform📩 Subscribe to AllyCast for conversations on endurance, leadership, resilience, and mid-life performanceIf this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s building something hard — or training for something that matters
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65. Ultra X Nevada: Alone in the Desert, Rebuilding at 50
01:26:51||Ep. 65This episode isn’t just about a race.It’s about what happens when the structure disappears.Ultra X Nevada was five days, 220km, brutal heat, isolation, sand, and self-doubt. But the real test didn’t start in the desert — it started long before, navigating unemployment, identity loss, and that uncomfortable question many men face in their 50s:“Who am I now?”In this episode, I talk honestly about:What Ultra X Nevada was really like — physically and mentallyBeing alone in the desert with nowhere to hideLosing work, routine, and professional identityThe mental drift that comes when you no longer know where you fitWhy endurance events become anchors during periods of changeWhat rebuilding looks like when you strip life back to basicsWhy comfort is often the enemy of growthThis isn’t a highlight reel.It’s a debrief — on endurance, transition, and learning how to go again when life doesn’t look like the plan.If you’re navigating change, burnout, unemployment, or that mid-life “what now?” moment — this one’s for you.🔗 The Comeback AppIf this episode resonates and you want structure, discipline, and momentum again, check out The Comeback App — built for men rebuilding physical and mental resilience during periods of change.👉 https://the-comeback-app.lovable.app🎧 Subscribe, share, and send this to someone who needs to hear it.Sometimes knowing you’re not alone is the first step back.
#bitesized You're not broken
01:00|Your problem isn’t discipline.It’s stress.Long hours.Poor sleep.Constant pressure.Your body isn’t failing — it’s protecting you.Fix the stress first.Then discipline sticks.DM RESET if you’re done going in circles.#BodyAndBehaviour#WorkingMen#MidlifeComeback#BehaviourChange#NoMoreExcuses#JustGoAgain
64. Louise Goddard
55:09||Ep. 64🎙️ The Long Haul Podcast – Episode with Louise GoddardIn this episode, I sit down with Louise Goddard, one of the UK’s most determined ultra runners — someone who perfectly embodies the spirit of The Long Haul.Louise’s story is one of pure grit, growth, and perseverance. From her first steps into endurance running to tackling some of the toughest races on the calendar, she shares the mindset, motivation, and lessons that have carried her through the miles.We talk about: 🏃♀️ What drives her to take on extreme challenges 🧠 How she builds mental resilience when the going gets tough 💬 The reality of training, recovery, and life balance as an ultra athlete 🔥 Her advice for anyone thinking of stepping beyond the marathonIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep moving forward when every part of you wants to stop — this conversation will light a fire under you.🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and remember: it’s not about how fast you go — it’s about how far you’re willing to go.👉 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Follow @thelonghaulpodcast and @steveoconnorcoaching for more stories from the endurance world.
63. #63 Bitesize episode
03:36||Ep. 63In this short, honest episode, Steve O’Connor opens up about losing his identity and letting his standards slip — and what it takes to fight back. It’s a raw, real reflection on midlife, motivation, and the quiet decision to raise the bar again, this bite-sized talk is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’ve drifted too far from who they used to be — and wants to find their edge again.
62. Menopause, and the Power of Outdoor Community with Jenn Phillips
50:24||Ep. 62In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Steve and Claire sit down with Jenn Phillips — outdoor leader, community builder, and founder of MJ Outdoor Adventures — for a powerful and honest conversation about menopause, movement, and making space for women to thrive in the wild.Jenn opens up about her own journey through perimenopause, the physical and emotional toll it can take, and how time in nature became a vital part of her healing. We explore how walking, wild spaces, and shared experiences with others can help women reclaim strength, identity, and connection during midlife.In This Episode:Jenn’s personal journey through perimenopauseThe origin and mission behind MJ Outdoor AdventuresWhy menopause is still taboo — and how that’s changingHow outdoor communities support mental and emotional healthThe link between movement, mindset, and managing symptomsCreating safe spaces for women to be seen, heard, and supportedAdvice for women navigating menopause aloneWhy the outdoors can be the ultimate reset buttonAbout Jenn Phillips: Jenn is the founder of MJ Outdoor Adventures,
61. Finding Career Clarity in the Outdoors with Sarah Lister
01:01:54||Ep. 61Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, Claire and Steve sit down with Sarah Lister — a career coach who helps people reconnect with purpose and possibility through coaching and time in nature. As a qualified Hill and Moorland Leader (HML) and host of the Wild About Kinder podcast, Sarah brings a unique blend of coaching wisdom, grounded outdoor experience, and deep reflection on the paths we choose in life.We talk career changes, finding stillness in nature, the power of slow progress, and how the hills can mirror our personal growth. Whether you're stuck at a career crossroads or simply craving deeper connection with your own direction, this one’s for you.In This Episode:Sarah’s journey from office life to outdoor leadershipWhat she’s learned from guiding in the hillsThe origins and vision behind Wild About KinderUsing nature as a mirror for personal developmentHow coaching clients find clarity through slowness and spaceLessons from her own career transitionsThe value of not always having the answersWhy more people should trust their gut — and go for a walkAbout Sarah Lister:Sarah is a qualified career coach, certified Hill and Moorland Leader, and the voice behind Wild About Kinder — a podcast exploring the magic of walking, wildness, and wonder. Her coaching practice blends the structure of personal development with the freedom and challenge of the outdoors.Connect with Sarah:Website:https://www.abouttheadventure.com/Instagram: about.the.adventurePodcast: Wild About Kinder (available on Spotify/Apple)Follow The Long Haul Podcast:Instagram:'@thelonghaulpdcstYouTube: [@tlhpdcstSubscribe and review on Spotify & Apple Podcasts👣 Get outside. Get clear. And keep going — even when the climb gets steep.