Share

cover art for EP13 - AI vs. Human Coaches, Carbon Shoes & Ultra Running Tips | ChatGBT Q&A | Ep13

RUNcensored

EP13 - AI vs. Human Coaches, Carbon Shoes & Ultra Running Tips | ChatGBT Q&A | Ep13

Season 2025, Ep. 13
•

💬 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 Disaster

Gary and Ben kick off the episode with a ridiculous story about broken windscreen wipers and driving blind.


2:00 - Welcome to ChatGBT: Answering Your Questions

Introducing 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 Them

Tips 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 Race

From 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 & Europe

Exploring the best long-distance trails, ultra routes, and multi-day running adventures.


1:06:30 - The Truth About La Sportiva & Spine Race Shoes

Why certain trail shoes dominate extreme races, and whether waterproof running shoes are actually useful.


1:15:40 - Final Thoughts & Next Month’s Q&A

Wrapping 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

RUNcensored Podcast 🎙

The unfiltered running podcast with Gary House & Ben Mounsey — honest chats with athletes, coaches and characters from the world of running.


👉 Subscribe and leave us a review — it helps more runners find the show.

👉 Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RUNcensored

👉 Listen to all episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZGfMfc5i9Q&list=PL_pklymQxtluqvkNmf41MYI7fOk8Ki_YT

👉 Have your say in our listener survey: http://bit.ly/runcensored-survey


🌍 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runcensoredpod

📩 Get in touch: info@runcensored.com info@eastwood-media.co.uk



Produced by Chris Davies, Eastwood Media

www.eastwood-media.co.uk

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 60. EP60 - "I Woke Up in a Tent Full of Semi-Naked Men"

    01:26:29||Season 2026, Ep. 60
    Running a marathon year and want to earn £100? Below is the link you need to take part in the Givestar campaign from our episode sponsor! https://info.givestar.io/marathon2026?utm_source=Runcensored&utm_medium=mix&utm_campaign=givestar+Marathon+2026Winter trail running is fun… until it isn’t.Gary House and Ben Mounsey share gripping, funny, and sometimes terrifying stories from the UK trails and fells. From hypothermia in races to rescuing lost hikers and strangers in the Lake District, this episode is packed with essential lessons in kit, preparation, and accountability.The lads break down the gear you actually need for winter runs - like waterproofs, hand warmers, bivy bags, and microspikes - while sharing personal tales of dehydration, navigation mishaps, and racing extremes. And one of them (guess who!) also recounts the unforgettable moment of waking up in an emergency tent full of semi-naked men.If you want real-life trail running advice, survival tips, and laughs along the way, this one’s for you.#trailrunning #ultrarunning #mountainrunning #UKrunning #fellrunning #orienteering #RUNcensored #runningtips #winterrunning #mountainrescue #runningcommunity #ultratrail #adventurerunning #Snowdon #LakeDistrict #YorkshireDales

  • 59. EP59 - Banned From Drinking Coffee!

    59:20||Season 2026, Ep. 59
    The lads go feral in a full Chat GBT episode of RUNcensored … in fact, Ben is now banned from drinking coffee after 12pm.From Ben’s mobile Nursing Home to Go Karting chaos, yellow sticker bargains, Vinted confessions and wild storytelling, nothing is off limits. We talk New Year’s resolutions (or not), Spar heroics, and upcoming races like Transgrancanaria, Zwift training, orienteering and more. Key questions are answered too: Does Gary still do hairdressing? Who would we love on the pod in 2026? What is Ben's best ever yellow-stickered bargain? And are there any low-key races worth checking out?All the usual RUNcensored nonsense, banter, and very loosely running-related chat.#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #UKRunning #ChatGBT #RunnersUncut #VintedFinds #YellowSticker #RunningCommunity

  • 58. EP58 - From 300 Hats to UTMB Glory | VÅGA

    01:31:46||Season 2026, Ep. 58
    From making a handful of hats to Tom Evans winning UTMB in a VÅGA cap.In Part 2 with Ellis Bland, we dig into the real story behind VÅGA – how it started, the risks, the mistakes, and the moments that defined the brand. We talk hustling at races, becoming a fabric-first brand, resisting hype culture, and why making bombproof kit for long days out matters.Ellis shares the full UTMB story with Tom Evans, the Red Bull collaboration, and the exclusive news that VAGA is now producing headwear for Red Bull athletes globally. There’s also honest chat about Brexit, international expansion, grassroots athlete support, and staying local while going global.Unfiltered, honest, and very RUNcensored.#RUNcensored #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #VAGA #RunningPodcast #UTMB #UKRunning

  • 57. EP57 - I’d Rather Set Myself on Fire Than DNF

    01:07:30||Season 2026, Ep. 57
    Fell running culture, ultra racing, DNFs, identity loss, and rebuilding from injury.In EP57 of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey are joined by Ellis Bland of VÅGA for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had to date. From racing Borrowdale and Wasdale to beating Rob Hope with a 4:42 final mile, Ellis talks fell running legends, club vests, pub banter, and why fell running is built differently. We get into ultra success, the fear of DNF’ing, spinal injury, body dysmorphia, and the moment Ellis had to accept he might never run again.There’s also some mention of VÅGA, supporting athletes quietly, and why sometimes the best runs never make the headlines.Unfiltered, reflective, and very real.

  • 56. EP56 - Why We’d Never Do The Spine Race

    01:09:14||Season 2026, Ep. 56
    Snow, suffering, sleep deprivation and serious questions about sanity – it’s a full Spine Race deep dive.Gary and Ben unpack this year’s Montane Winter Spine Race, the brutal winter conditions, unforgettable runner stories, and why neither of them would ever sign up. From exposed bones and 100-hour finishes on barely any sleep, to dot watching obsession and media crews living the race alongside the runners.There’s also chat about the National Running Show, ASICS, SportsShoes’ new women’s pro race team, the Elsey Davis Circuit of Cornwall film, UTMB documentary news, and what the future holds for the Spine.Honest opinions, dark humour, and a lot of respect for anyone mad enough to take it on.

  • 55. EP55 - Trail Running Through the Lens – Rich Gill on UTMB, Burnout & Going Pro

    01:18:32||Season 2026, Ep. 55
    In Episode 55 of the RUNcensored Podcast, we’re joined by photographer and friend of the podcast Rich Gill for his third appearance.Rich shares his journey from teaching into photography, how he first picked up a camera, and how running during lockdown helped shape his creative path. We talk openly about burnout, working full time while building a photography career, making himself ill, and the six week break that led to a major life decision.The conversation explores social media pressures, planning content, creative trends, client briefs, and the challenges of working major events like UTMB week. Rich talks about developing a storytelling approach to outdoor and lifestyle photography and reflects on how his work has evolved over time.We also discuss working with elite athletes and brands, including Alex Yee, Leigh Hodgkinson, Elsey Davis, UTMB runners, The Circuit of Cornwall, and Rich’s role on The North Face Explorer Team, plus the importance of community through The Peaky Runners.An honest conversation about creativity, balance, trust, and building a sustainable career in photography and running.#RUNcensored #TrailRunning #RunningPodcast #PhotographyPodcast #OutdoorPhotography#RunningCommunity #CreativeCareers #BurnoutRecovery #UTMB #TheNorthFace#LifestylePhotography #SportsPhotography #RunningLife #SocialMediaForCreatives#RunningMedia #UltraRunning #ContentCreation #PeakyRunners #AlexYee#ElsieDavies #LeighLeighHodgkinson #SportsShoes #RunningEvents #CreativeProcess#PhotographyLife #RunningCulture #UKRunning

  • 54. EP54 - We Handed Out Trail Running’s Biggest Awards of 2025 👀

    01:36:30||Season 2025, Ep. 54
    It’s the final episode of the year and we’re wrapping things up with our completely unofficial RUNcensored Awards, looking back at the biggest moments in trail running and ultra running in 2025.We start with a discussion around trail shoes and trainers, talking through brands regularly seen on UK and European trails including Salomon, HOKA, Nike, adidas, La Sportiva and Altra, before moving on to the events, performances and people that defined the year. The conversation covers major races and formats such as UTMB, Ultra-Trail Snowdonia Eryri, Trans Gran Canaria, the London Marathon, the SHE Ultra, and the ever-growing popularity of the Backyard Ultra.Throughout the episode we hand out the RUNcensored Awards, including trail shoe of the year, best trail event, best running influencer, best performance, and trail runner of the year. Along the way we reference and discuss standout athletes from across the UK and international trail scene, including Sarah Perry, Anna Llewellyn, Jack Scott, Henrietta Alban, Holly Stables, Hugh Chatfield, Abby Hall, and Hannah Cox, as well as broader comparisons to endurance mindsets through figures like Alex Honnold.There’s a deeper discussion around what it really takes to be an ultra endurance athlete, with particular credit given to Sarah Perry following an incredible Backyard Ultra performance and record-setting time. Gary also shares honest advice on social media and content creation, talks about the impact of the Hardest Geezer, and outlines his own plans for 2026, including chasing a sub-2:30 London Marathon.Chris brings ChatGPT into the mix to name the best trail runner, best UK trail runner, and a breakthrough athlete for 2025, before we wrap things up by naming our podcast of the year and reflecting on another big year for the RUNcensored Podcast and the wider trail running community.#trailrunning #ultrarunning #runningpodcast #trailrunners #ultrarunner #trailshoes #utmb #ultratrailsnowdonia #transgrancanaria #sheultra #backyardultra #fkts #londonmarathon #hardestgeezer #uktrailrunning #endurancerunning #runcensored

  • 53. EP53 - The Christmas Episode. Xmas Films, Chocolates and Chris' first Ultra

    01:15:36||Season 2025, Ep. 53
    🎄 We didn’t plan this Christmas Episode… and somehow that made it even better.Episode 53 of the RUNcensored Podcast is our official Christmas Episode and also marks one full year of the podcast. What started as a relaxed festive catch up quickly turned into one of our most honest, funny and reflective conversations so far.We kick things off with festive chaos, chatting about new van wheels, Christmas jumpers, retro football kits, dog clothing, terrible Christmas trees and vegan flapjacks. From there, it’s onto Christmas presents, including Ben’s now traditional jumpers and Rich Gill’s very posh shower gel gifts.At the heart of the episode is a look back on one year of RUNcensored, with Rich Gill returning to help us reflect on how the podcast has grown, the guests that have stood out, and the unexpected impact it’s had within the trail running and ultra running community.There’s a big, open conversation about Chris completing his first ultra, what it took physically and mentally, and how the support of the running community played a huge role. We also talk about what it’s like experiencing the podcast as a listener, why in person recordings feel so different to remote podcasts, and why seeing people share photos of themselves listening on long runs and trail runs genuinely means the world to us.We reflect on some standout moments from the past year, including Ben’s experience creating reels at UTMB in Chamonix, Gary’s evolving relationship with coaching, and why the podcast has become an important outlet for honest conversation beyond training plans and race results.There’s also time for a nod to Jacob Tonkin and the film George, a chat about how we choose guests for the podcast, a chaotic ranking of Celebration chocolates, and a final debate over the best Christmas films.A festive, messy and reflective episode that celebrates trail running, ultra running and the people who make this community what it is. Thank you to everyone who’s supported RUNcensored over the past year.#trailrunning #ultrarunning #runningpodcast #trailrunner #ultrarunner #ultramarathon #firstultra #runningcommunity #uktrailrunning #fellrunning #endurancerunning #longdistancerunning #mountainrunning #outdoorrunning #runnersofuk #runcensored #runcensoredpodcast #christmasepisode #christmaspodcast #festivepodcast #runninglife #podcastanniversary

  • 52. EP52 - Christmas Running, Mince Pies & Staying Fit Over the Holidays

    01:01:23||Season 2025, Ep. 52
    Episode 52 – Christmas-Themed Chat GBTEpisode 52 of the RUNcensored Podcast is a Christmas-themed Chat GBT episode, with no guest this week and no real agenda, just a relaxed chat fuelled by festive questions and running banter. Gary, Ben and Chris sit down for an end of year catch up and work their way through a mix of running, Christmas, and slightly ridiculous listener style questions.The episode starts with the usual waffle and catch up, touching on illness, orienteering, and general December fatigue, before leaning into the festive themes. The lads debate the best Christmas deodorant gift packs, share tips for keeping fit over Christmas without overthinking it, and discuss how runners can balance training with food, family time and switching off.There’s plenty of light hearted running chat throughout, including whether a RUNcensored Christmas run or party for listeners could ever happen, how long you could realistically run fuelled purely on mince pies, and what to buy a runner for Christmas when they already seem to have everything they need.The conversation also covers festive races, Christmas Day runs, winter running traditions, and the strange rituals runners seem to develop at this time of year. As expected, Chris doesn’t escape without taking some stick, with a festive question involving Tottenham Hotspur, Christmas decorations, and recent trophy counts.The episode wraps up with Christmas themed running traditions, festive food ideas using leftovers, and a relaxed outro.A fun, informal episode full of running chat, festive nonsense, and the kind of conversations that usually happen mid run or post run at this time of year.#runningpodcast #trailrunning #ultrarunning #christmasrunning #winterrunning #runningcommunity #orienteering #runnerslife