RUNcensored

Episode 19: How The Chimp Paradox Helped Me Start Running – with Nigel RichardsHow 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 wheelHow The Chimp Paradox helped him take control of his mindsetGary’s experience applying the model to his own racingWhy emotion, identity, and self-talk matter more than speedThe role of coaching, community, and setting meaningful goalsCadence, balance, breathing, and building beginner-friendly routinesNigel’s road to the Lakeland 50—and a Mars bar meltdown for the agesChapters:00:00 – Intro & van trouble banter01:37 – Meet Nigel Richards02:33 – Discovering The Chimp Paradox04:46 – Nigel’s first rainy run session08:00 – Coaching challenges & transformation11:06 – How The Chimp Paradox changed everything15:20 – Gary’s race mindset & helicopter thinking25:00 – Uncovering your “why” with the Stone of Life31:35 – Nigel signs up for the Lakeland 5037:15 – Local running groups & coaching moments44:00 – Cadence, breathing & habit building54:00 – Mindset, drills & the 3 stages of a marathon01:03:45 – The Chimp beyond running01:04:42 – How the Chimp model applies beyond running01:05:34 – Steve Peters’ background & elite sport connection01:07:00 – Final thoughts & the power of timing in mentorshipWhy 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

Episode 18: Holly Stables on Surviving The Speed Project – 340 Miles to VegasHow 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 runCrew chaos, sleep deprivation, and managing the mental rollercoasterFueling with burgers, hot sauce, and occasional meltdownsRacing side-by-side with the front runner—and what happened nextGary’s behind-the-scenes role and the things he definitely didn’t plan forHolly’s honest take on whether she’d do it all againChapters: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 dynamics17:20 – Nosebleeds, heat, and hallucinations23:00 – Burgers, Red Bull & hot sauce: the fueling plan29:45 – Catching the front-runner36:10 – Mental fatigue and final miles into Vegas44:20 – Recovery, reflection, and race blues50:30 – 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

Episode 17: Running Heroes, Pizza Fuel & The Great Tights Debate (ChatGBT Q&A)In this latest ChatGBT episode of the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary House and Ben Mounsey take on another round of listener-submitted questions—and no topic is off-limits.From debating whether real runners should wear tights, to revealing their most ridiculous fuelling choices (yes, McDonald’s and pizza), this one is packed with honesty, laughs, and surprisingly useful advice.The pair also chat about:• Their ultimate running heroes• Race day mistakes (including a legendary Three Peaks error)• Urban orienteering• Pre-race prep and early start times• Night running and when to fit training in• Whether you really need to be specific with your sessions• Gary’s unexpected background as a hairdresserWhether you’re a seasoned ultra runner or just here for the banter, this episode is classic RUNcensored—unfiltered, unpredictable, and way too honest.What You’ll Hear:• Who we’d love to run with (dead or alive)• Gary’s past life as a hairdresser• The truth about tights: yay or nay?• Fuel fails and the weird stuff we eat pre-race• Night running and training logistics• Coaching tips and race-day specifics• Big love to trail heroes like Killian, Jim, and FrancoisChapters:00:00 – Intro Chaos & Claudia Winkleman?08:00 – Who Would You Run With (Dead or Alive)?13:00 – Gary’s Hairdressing Past17:00 – The Running Tights Debate21:00 – When Gary Actually Wears Tights26:00 – Pizza, McDonald’s & Race Fuel31:00 – Upcoming Races & Training Goals36:00 – Urban Orienteering & Epic Promo Video40:00 – Heroes in the Sport45:00 – Night Running & Training Timing49:00 – Best Time of Day to Train53:00 – Specific Coaching Advice & Race ReadinessFollow, subscribe, and send us your questions for the next ChatGBT episode. New episodes drop every Tuesday.#RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #RunningTips #ChatGBT #UltraRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

In this no-nonsense episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey take on some of the biggest debates in ultra running, trail racing, and the future of the sport.From the mystique of the Barkley Marathons to the rise of carbon super shoes, the guys dig into whether the sport is evolving in the right direction—or if it’s losing its roots.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🏃 Barkley Marathons – Has this legendary race lost its magic?🧩 The secretive world of Laz Lake’s brutal ultra marathon👟 Super Shoes Debate – Do carbon plate shoes ruin the purity of racing?🎭 Trail Racing Boom – Is the market getting oversaturated?🔥 Influencers vs. Elite Athletes – Why do brands pay influencers more than professional runners?💰 The Money Problem – Should top trail and fell runners be earning more?⚡ Doping in Running – Is it being overlooked in endurance sports?🏔️ The Fell Running Purity Test – Should poles be banned in fell races?The world of running is changing fast, and this episode takes a brutally honest look at whether those changes are helping or harming the sport.⏱️ Chapters:0:00 - Intro & Why We Don’t Live Together (Yet)3:00 - Barclay Marathons: Why Some Fans Are Losing Interest8:45 - How Lazarus Lake Designs the Hardest Ultra Ever14:20 - Trail Racing Boom – Are There Too Many Events?22:30 - Super Shoes Debate – Do They Give An Unfair Advantage?28:15 - Influencers vs. Elite Runners – Who Deserves More Sponsorship?34:40 - Doping in Running: Is It Worse Than We Think?42:55 - Should Poles Be Banned in Fell Running?50:30 - Future of Trail Running: What Needs to Change?55:00 - Final Thoughts & Next Episode PreviewWhy You Should Listen:If you love ultra running, fell racing, and unfiltered discussions about where the sport is headed, this episode is for you.The RUNcensored Podcast is all about real conversations, zero fluff, and telling it how it is. Whether you’re a trail runner, mountain racer, or just love running talk, you’ll find something in this episode to agree—or argue—about.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!#TrailRunning #UltraMarathon #BarkleyMarathons #SuperShoes #RunningPodcast #CarbonShoes #DopingInRunning #FellRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

Paul Mort on Mental Resilience, Parenting & Progress (Part 2)🎙️ In Part 2 of our explosive chat with Paul Mort, we go even deeper into the mindset of taking control, staying grounded, and owning your journey.Paul is a life coach, speaker, author, and two-time UK Mastercoach of the Year, known for his brutally honest, no-excuses approach to personal development. In this episode, he opens up about the lessons he’s learned through parenting, pressure, cold water therapy, and how to reframe failure so it fuels your growth instead of crushing your confidence.💭 Whether you’re a runner, a business owner, a parent, or just trying to level up your mindset, this conversation will challenge how you think, act, and respond when things get tough.🔥 What We Talk About in This Episode:✅ Why belief without evidence is just wishful thinking✅ The reality of trekking to Everest Base Camp (spoiler: it wasn’t what he expected!)✅ How coaching his son through his first boxing match taught him about fear, nerves, and trust✅ How screen addiction affects us and how to take control of your digital habits✅ The meaning of “Unfuckwithable” – and why nothing external should shake your inner calm✅ Cold water therapy, morning routines, and doing what works for YOU – not Instagram✅ Why we argue online and what passion vs. insecurity really looks like✅ Reframing failure, embracing boredom, and staying consistent in business and life⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Everest Base Camp Experience6:15 – Belief vs. Evidence8:00 – Performing Under Pressure14:00 – Coaching Paul’s Son18:15 – Parenting Lessons24:00 – Screen Time & Habits28:45 – Book Deal & ‘Unfuckwithable’34:30 – Cold Water & Routines42:30 – Passion, Debates & Online Opinions48:00 – Reframing Failure51:30 – Boredom & Business Motivation55:00 – Final Thoughts💬 Why You Should Listen:If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or weighed down by comparison culture and perfectionism, this episode is your permission to drop the excuses and focus on progress over perfection.Paul Mort brings real-world insights and fire to every minute of this episode – you’ll walk away with tools, perspective, and a good kick up the arse.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – follow & subscribe now!#PaulMort #Mindset #Motivation #Parenting #MentalResilience #MorningRoutine #ColdWaterTherapy #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

No motivation? No problem. It’s time to stop overthinking and start taking action.In this high-energy, no-BS episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey sit down with Paul Mort, a two-time UK Mastercoach of the Year, life coach, speaker, and best-selling author. Paul is known for his direct, no-excuses approach to personal development, helping thousands of people break free from negative thinking and self-doubt to take full control of their lives.But his journey wasn’t easy. Paul opens up about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, sharing how he turned his life around and built a system for consistency, discipline, and success. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or caught in the cycle of waiting for the perfect moment, this episode will give you the wake-up call you need.🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why motivation is overrated and success comes from discipline✅ How to stop overthinking and take control of your life✅ The brutal truth about excuses and why they hold you back✅ How Paul battled mental health struggles and built resilience✅ The role of fitness, training, and Jiu-Jitsu in developing mental toughness✅ Why social media is killing your confidence and how to escape comparison culture✅ How to create consistency through morning routines and habit-building✅ The secret to long-term success and getting results in all areas of lifeThis episode is a no-nonsense guide to taking action, breaking bad habits, and becoming unstoppable. Whether you’re a runner, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for real-world strategies to level up, Paul Mort delivers pure, unfiltered truth.📚 Chapters:0:00 - Introduction: Paul Mort Joins RUNcensored1:05 - Who is Paul Mort? His Journey & No-BS Coaching Style7:48 - The Problem with Motivation: Why You Need Discipline13:19 - Do Runners Need Motivation? The Truth About Habits18:10 - The Power of Taking Action & Why Overthinking Kills Progress26:30 - The Social Media Trap: Why We’re Obsessed with Validation34:00 - How Fitness & Jiu-Jitsu Built Mental Resilience42:50 - Morning Routines & The Key to Productivity50:25 - The Secret to Long-Term Success & Final ThoughtsWhy You Should Listen to This Episode:If you’re tired of waiting for motivation to strike, if you feel stuck in your comfort zone, or if you want to push past self-doubt and take action, this episode is for you. Paul Mort doesn’t sugarcoat anything—he calls out the excuses and lays out exactly what it takes to succeed.👉 Follow & Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!#Motivation #Mindset #PaulMort #SelfDiscipline #MentalStrength #PersonalDevelopment #RunningPodcast #NoExcuses #TakeAction #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

💬 Your Running Questions Answered! This ChatGBT Q&A Special is packed with trail running insights, gear talk, and hilarious race stories, as Gary House and Ben Mounsey answer your biggest running-related questions!From the AI coaching debate to whether carbon-plated trail shoes are actually worth it, this episode covers everything you need to know about ultra running, marathon training, and trail gear. Plus, some of the funniest race moments we’ve ever had!🎧 What’s Inside This Episode:✅ Will AI replace running coaches? 🤖✅ Are carbon-plated trail shoes actually worth it? 🚀✅ How & when to use running poles for ultras✅ What’s the weirdest thing someone’s said during a race? 😂✅ Best long-distance running routes in the UK & Europe✅ What’s been our toughest running challenge ever?And much more—including hilarious race stories, coaching insights, and plenty of trail running banter!📚 Chapters:0:00 - Introduction & Windshield DisasterGary and Ben kick off the episode with a ridiculous story about broken windscreen wipers and driving blind.2:00 - Welcome to ChatGBT: Answering Your QuestionsIntroducing this month’s listener Q&A, covering everything from coaching and training tips to the weirdest race stories.6:15 - What’s Been the Best Part of Starting a Podcast?Gary and Ben reflect on the highs, challenges, and surprises of launching RUNcensored.12:40 - What’s the Craziest Running Challenge You’ve Taken On?From team relays to solo ultra challenges, Ben and Gary share their toughest races and biggest regrets.19:30 - Could AI Replace Running Coaches?An in-depth discussion on how AI is being used in training plans—and whether it can truly replace human coaching.28:50 - Carbon-Plated Trail Shoes: Are They Worth It?The guys debate whether carbon shoes make a difference on the trails and who really benefits from them.39:15 - Running Poles: How & When to Use ThemTips on choosing the right poles, carrying them efficiently, and mastering technique for ultra races.47:40 - The Weirdest Things People Have Ever Said During a RaceFrom bizarre mid-race conversations to unexpected crowd interactions, Gary and Ben share their funniest encounters.55:20 - Best Long-Distance Running Routes in the UK & EuropeExploring the best long-distance trails, ultra routes, and multi-day running adventures.1:06:30 - The Truth About La Sportiva & Spine Race ShoesWhy certain trail shoes dominate extreme races, and whether waterproof running shoes are actually useful.1:15:40 - Final Thoughts & Next Month’s Q&AWrapping up the episode and how listeners can submit their own questions for the next ChatGBT session.Why You Should Listen to This Episode:Whether you’re looking for trail running tips, gear recommendations, or just a good laugh, this episode has something for every runner. Join the conversation and submit your questions for the next Q&A!👉 Follow & Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!#RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #AITraining #CarbonShoes #EnduranceRunning #MarathonTraining #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

🏔️ Trans Gran Canaria: One of the toughest and most breathtaking trail races in the world! - With updates from Andy Fior Berry, Mark Derbyshire and Gavin DaleIn this episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey take you inside their brutal yet unforgettable experience at Trans Gran Canaria—where they faced steep climbs, volcanic terrain, extreme heat, and sheer exhaustion.🔥 Gary ran the Classic, covering 128km across the entire island in a test of endurance, strategy, and mental toughness.🔥 Ben took on the Half, pushing through technical trails, relentless ascents, and scorching temperatures.To top it all off, we’ve got voice notes from some of the biggest names in trail running, including:🎤 Andy Fior Berry, Mark Derbyshire, Gavin Dale, sharing their insights and reflections on the race.🎧 What’s Inside This Episode:✅ The brutal reality of running Trans Gran Canaria 🌞🏔️✅ How to survive an ultra with extreme elevation and heat✅ Pacing, fueling, and race-day strategies that worked (and what didn’t!)✅ The mental battle of long-distance trail running 🧠✅ The best and worst moments from the race weekend✅ Post-race madness: beer, casinos, and celebrations gone wrong! 🍻🎰📚 Chapters:0:00 - Introduction & Pre-Race Build-UpGary and Ben discuss their excitement, travel to Gran Canaria, and pre-race nerves before the Trans Gran Canaria event.10:05 - The Brutality of Trans Gran Canaria UltraGary details his 128km race across the entire island, tackling extreme climbs, heat, and sleep deprivation.18:30 - Ben’s Marathon Experience: The Volcanic ChallengeBen shares his 45km race experience, navigating technical trails, steep ascents, and relentless heat.27:10 - Travel Mishaps, Strange Food & Last-Minute PanicA chaotic arrival in Gran Canaria—from car hire disasters to questionable airport pastries.36:45 - The Best & Worst Moments of the RaceGary and Ben reflect on their highest highs and lowest lows, including moments when they almost quit.47:20 - The Mental & Physical Battle of Ultra RunningGary discusses sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and pushing through exhaustion during his 28-hour race.56:30 - Nutrition, Pacing & Fueling StrategiesWhat worked, what didn’t, and how they adjusted fueling strategies mid-race to avoid a complete blow-up.1:05:15 - Special Guests: Elite Trail Runners Share Their ThoughtsVoice notes from Andy Fior Berry, Mark Derbyshire, Gavin Dale, Rich Gill, and Tom, sharing their race experiences.1:16:45 - Post-Race Madness: Beers, Casinos & RecoveryHow Gary and Ben celebrated (or barely survived) after the race, including a casino trip at 2:00 AM.1:27:30 - Would We Do It Again? Final Thoughts on Trans Gran CanariaGary and Ben reflect on the race, lessons learned, and whether they’d return for another shot.Why You Should Listen:If you love trail running, ultra marathons, or just hearing about the mental and physical battle of endurance racing, this episode has insights, entertainment, and raw honesty.👉 Follow & Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!#TrailRunning #UltraRunning #TransGranCanaria #MarathonTraining #EnduranceRacing #TrailMarathon #TrailUltra #RunningPodcast #MountainRunning #UltraMarathon #TrailRace #RUNcensored

🏔️ What does it take to be the KING of Yorkshire Fell Running? This week on RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounseyare joined by Ted Mason, a fell running legend, elite descender, farmer, cyclist, and race organiser.Ted shares his unfiltered insights into the world of fell running, from technical descents and crazy race-day moments to recovering from a broken neck and organising one of the biggest races in the fell running calendar. If you love fast descents, mountain racing, and untamed competition, this episode is packed with stories, training insights, and plenty of laughs!🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to master downhill running – Ted’s expert advice for fearless descending✅ Farming & Fell Running – How rural life shapes the sport✅ Cycling to running – Ted’s transition from two wheels to two feet✅ Surviving & recovering from a broken neck – The mental and physical comeback✅ Race organising at the highest level – Behind-the-scenes of fell running’s biggest event✅ Funny race stories & legendary rivalries📚 Chapters:0:00 - Introduction & Meet Ted MasonTed shares his background in fell running, cycling, and farming.3:30 - The Art of Downhill RunningHow to master technical descents and build confidence at high speed.9:45 - Life as a Farmer & Fell RunnerTed discusses the balance between farm work and elite running.14:20 - From Cycling to Fell RunningHow cycling shaped his endurance and racing strategy.18:50 - “I Broke My Neck!” – Ted’s Injury StoryA shocking injury, recovery, and return to the top of fell running.26:10 - Organising the Biggest Fell Race in the CalendarThe challenges of planning and executing a major race.35:30 - Wildest Fell Running MomentsTed’s most memorable races, unexpected turns, and funny stories.42:00 - Final Thoughts & Advice for RunnersTed’s top tips for fell running, training, and racing.Why You Should Listen:If you love technical descents, endurance racing, or a good laugh about the realities of mountain running, this episode is a must-listen. Ted’s knowledge, experience, and storytelling make for an episode packed with insights and entertainment.👉 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!#FellRunning #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #DownhillRunning #YorkshireRunning #CyclingToRunning #FarmLife #MarathonTraining #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #TedMason