Couch to Coached Running Podcast

ITS CHRISTMAS!!!!🎄 Christmas Day Special – Couch to Coached Running Podcast 🎄Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎅✨In this festive Christmas Day episode of the Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Rob, Ben, and Emma settle in for a relaxed end-of-year chat and answer three fun (and slightly reflective) questions to wrap up 2025 in style.They look back on their highlights from 2025, sharing the moments, milestones, and memories that made the year special. Then it’s eyes forward as they talk about what they’re most looking forward to in 2026, both on the running front and beyond. Finally, things get a little playful as they reveal what’s on their Christmas lists this year — running-related or otherwise. 🎁🏃‍♂️It’s a light-hearted, feel-good episode full of laughs, gratitude, and festive cheer — the perfect companion for a Christmas Day walk, run, or food-coma recovery jog.🎄🎙️ MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE — and thank you for being part of the Couch to Coached Running community!

Christmas Day special

<h3>Couch to Coached Gold: Mental health Wanderer</h3>Welcome back to Couch to Coached Gold, where we dust off the classics and bring you the very best moments from the early days of the podcast.In this special Gold episode, we revisit one of our most powerful and meaningful conversations during our mental health week — our chat with Gareth Jones, also known as The Mental Health Wanderer.Gareth joined Rob and Ben to talk openly about mental health, vulnerability, and why something as simple as walking can be a lifeline. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, he shares how movement, nature, and connection have shaped his own mental health journey — and why creating safe spaces for conversation matters more than ever. If you’re navigating your own mental health, supporting someone else, or simply looking for a quieter, more thoughtful listen — this Gold episode is one worth revisiting.

Couch to Coached Gold: Mental health Wanderer

Running through the holidays isn’t always easy — especially when you’re feeling under the weather. In this episode, Rob and Emma share honest personal updates as they juggle health, training, and the festive season, while still showing up for their running routines.The conversation covers everything from maintaining consistency ahead of marathon training to parkrun goals, segment success, and the small wins that keep motivation high. Emma reflects on building mileage and recent performance highlights, while Rob shares his thoughts on personal progress and why recognising achievements matters — no matter how big or small.Community remains at the heart of the episode, with a big focus on the Run up 2 Christmas initiative and its role in supporting mental health and combating loneliness during the holiday period. Rob and Emma celebrate their team’s success in the challenge, discuss upcoming Christmas runs and parkruns, and finish by sharing inspiring stories from within the running community.Honest, encouraging, and grounded in real life, this episode is a reminder that consistency, community, and connection matter just as much as the miles. <h3>Highlights</h3><ul><li>Training and running while feeling under the weather</li><li>Staying consistent ahead of marathon preparation</li><li>Parkrun goals, performance, and segment success</li><li>Celebrating personal achievements in running</li><li>The impact of Couch to Coach on mental health</li><li>Community support and shared motivation</li><li>Christmas running plans and festive parkruns</li><li>Team success in the Couch to Coach challenge</li><li>Inspiring stories from the wider running community</li></ul> Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava.

Running Through Christmas: Training Consistency, Parkrun Goals & Community Support

What makes the National Running Show one of the biggest dates in the running calendar? In this episode, Rob and Emma are joined by Lottie Faulkner to go behind the scenes of the National Running Show and explore what makes it such a standout event for runners of all abilities.Lottie shares insight into how the show comes together—from curating a diverse and inspiring lineup of guest speakers to working with exhibitors and brands that shape the running industry. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, networking, and community, and why the show has become far more than just an expo—it’s a true meeting place for the running world.They also discuss what attendees can expect on the day, including family-friendly activities, opportunities to discover new gear, hear from industry voices, and connect with like-minded runners. With ticket information, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of excitement for what’s to come, this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about attending.Whether you’re new to running or deep into the community, this episode captures the energy, opportunity, and sense of belonging that make the National Running Show so special. <h3>Highlights</h3><ul><li>What makes the National Running Show a major event for runners</li><li>The speaker lineup and how guests are selected</li><li>Why exhibitors and brands are key to the show’s success</li><li>Networking and collaboration within the running community</li><li>Behind-the-scenes challenges of organising guest speakers</li><li>Family-friendly elements of the event</li><li>Ticket information and how to get involved</li><li>Why there’s truly something for every runner</li></ul>

National Running Show 2026: What to Expect, Speakers, Exhibitors & Community

Couch to Coached – AWARD-WINNING Running Podcast <h3>5 With The Listeners – </h3> Our 5 With The Listeners series has been refreshed and rebooted — new questions, new logo, new vibes.Rob, Ben, and Emma sit down with our latest featured listener to explore their running story in a whole new way. We dig into:<ul><li>What their running shoes would say about them</li><li>What’s in their desert-island running survival kit</li><li>What running has taught them</li></ul> And joining us for this exciting relaunch as nominated last week by Claire Allman is Jenna Lennox (chairperson from Audley Striders) Rob and Emma also check in on this week’s Strava leaderboard — who’s on top, who’s rising fast, and of course…who gets the all-important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK! Want to support Rob &amp; Ben?They’re fundraising for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust UK — follow the link to donate.Don’t forget:✅ Follow us on Instagram✅ Subscribe on YouTube✅ Watch LIVE every MondayAnd while you’re at it, join the Couch to Coached Run Club on Strava — just search for “Couch to Coached”.

NEW 5 with the listeners- Special guest Jenna Lennox

<h3>Couch to Coached Gold: Mr Motivator – The Original Fitness Icon</h3>Welcome back to Couch to Coached Gold, where we dust off the classics and bring you the very best moments from the early days of the podcast.In this gold episode, Rob and Ben sit down with a true 1990s legend — Mr Motivator. From transforming mornings across the nation in Lycra to spreading a message of movement, positivity, and inclusivity, Mr Motivator shares his journey, his purpose, and why fitness should always be for everyone. It’s uplifting, insightful, and packed with the infectious energy that made him a household name.A timeless conversation with an icon who helped get the UK moving — and still does. Classic. Positive. Pure Gold.

Couch to Coached Gold: Mr Motivator 

In this episode, Rob and Emma catch up on all things Christmas, running, and community as they juggle festive preparations alongside their training goals.From the struggle of buying gifts for teenagers to favourite holiday traditions and the joy of playing Santa, the conversation blends family life with fitness. Rob and Emma also share running updates, including solo park runs, cross country experiences, and how track sessions and local clubs help keep motivation high during the darker months. The episode dives into winter running safety, the importance of reflective gear, and why visibility matters when training at night. They also talk swimming, open water nerves, and learning new skills as part of broader fitness and triathlon goals. Along the way, they highlight community events, festive races, and the Run Up to Christmas initiative—encouraging listeners to stay active, connected, and involved throughout the season.Warm, honest, and full of festive energy, this episode is a reminder that movement, community, and a bit of Christmas spirit go a long way. <h3>Highlights</h3><ul><li>Christmas traditions and festive family chaos</li><li>The challenge of buying gifts for older kids</li><li>Solo park runs and exploring new locations</li><li>Cross country updates and personal progress</li><li>Winter running safety and reflective gear</li><li>Swimming lessons and open water confidence</li><li>Track sessions, clubs, and community motivation</li><li>Festive races and seasonal running events</li><li>Run Up to Christmas and staying active together</li></ul> Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava.

Christmas Running Tips, Fitness Goals & Community Motivation

Couch to Coached – AWARD-WINNING Running Podcast <h3>5 With The Listeners – </h3> Our 5 With The Listeners series has been refreshed and rebooted — new questions, new logo, new vibes.Rob, Ben, and Emma sit down with our latest featured listener to explore their running story in a whole new way. We dig into:<ul><li>What their running shoes would say about them</li><li>What’s in their desert-island running survival kit</li><li>What running has taught them</li></ul> And joining us for this exciting relaunch as nominated last week by Rob and Emma is listener Claire Allman from Audley Striders Rob and Emma also check in on this week’s Strava leaderboard — who’s on top, who’s rising fast, and of course…who gets the all-important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK! Want to support Rob &amp; Ben?They’re fundraising for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust UK — follow the link to donate.Don’t forget:✅ Follow us on Instagram✅ Subscribe on YouTube✅ Watch LIVE every MondayAnd while you’re at it, join the Couch to Coached Run Club on Strava — just search for “Couch to Coached”.

NEW 5 with the listeners- Special guest Claire Allman

Welcome to the next instalment of Couch to Coached Gold — where we dive back into our most memorable moments from the early days of the podcast. This week, we revisit our interview with the legend that is Mathew Pritchard, from stunt performer to triathlon athlete and fitness enthusiast. WHAT A GREAT EPISODE THIS WAS!!!!! A golden throwback with an absolutely amazing guest. Enjoy!

Couch to Coached Gold: Mathew Pritchard 

Coaching Tips and laughs along the way 

🎙 The Couch to Coached Running Podcast Hosted by Rob Sillito, Ben Russell, &amp; Emma BrydgesThree full-time working adults. One shared goal: to make running accessible, honest, and fun.Join Rob (a mental health nurse who's never liked running), Emma (a busy mum and passionate runner), and Ben (a UKA-accredited running coach working full-time coaching kids — and now coaching both Rob and Emma) as they bring you The Couch to Coached Running Podcast. This award-winning show follows Rob’s transformation from couch to coached, Emma’s mission to train smarter, and Ben’s expert guidance every step — or misstep — along the way.Whether you're brand new to running or chasing that next PB, you’ll get: <ul><li>Real-life running advice for all abilities</li><li>Weekly updates from Rob and Emma’s training</li><li>Listener questions and expert coaching insights</li><li>Interviews, cross-training tips, and injury prevention</li><li>Loads of relatable laughs and honest motivation</li></ul> 📬 Got a question or a funny running story? Send it in — it might get featured in a future episode!Follow us on:<ul><li>Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/couchtocoached" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@couchtocoached</a></li><li>Facebook: Couch to coached – A running podcast</li><li>Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/couchtocoached" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@couchtocoached</a></li><li>Email: couchtocoached@outlook.com</li><li>Strava- Couch to coached run club </li></ul>

Couch to Coached- Running podcast

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