RUNcensored

Rugby Legend Eorl Crabtree & Mel Sykes on Lakeland 100, Fuelling for Ultras & THAT Chant.He’s 6’6”, 20 stone, and used to batter people for a living. Now he’s thinking about running 50 miles.This week, Gary and Ben are joined by returning guest Mel Sykes and her lifelong mate, former rugby league star Eorl Crabtree. What starts as friendly banter quickly turns into a raw, funny, and surprisingly emotional deep-dive into life after elite sport, why running messes with your head, and what happens when your body doesn’t match your ambitions.Eorl opens up about leaving rugby behind, getting heckled by French fans, and how being called a “fat Robbie Savage” became part of his legacy. Mel reflects on her latest Lakeland 100 adventure, including why she ran the whole thing without a watch and how she fuels on flapjack instead of gels.They also unpack the weird rituals of gym culture, the pressure to perform after fame, and why data might be ruining the fun in both rugby and running. Expect brutal honesty, big laughs, and a lot of Yorkshire sarcasm.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🏉 Eorl’s rugby career, French crowd abuse & mid-speech chaos🤣 The real story behind “Fat Robbie Savage”💪 Life after pro sport – body image, motivation, and gym insecurities🏃‍♀️ Mel’s return to Lakeland 100 and her “run by feel” strategy🍰 Why she fuels with real food (and hates gels)📉 Is data killing sport?💬 Why runners need to laugh more and stress less🤝 The difference between team sport and solo ultras🥵 Eorl’s first 30K run and why ultras are terrifying👀 Mel’s savage honesty about pain, pacing, and personal growthWhy You Should Listen:If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a professional rugby player tries to understand ultra running — or how an elite runner fuels with flapjack instead of science — this episode delivers. It’s about identity, friendship, brutal races, and finding joy in the mess of it all.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify & Acast!

He’s battling stage 4 cancer. But that hasn’t stopped him building the most inclusive ultra in the world.This week, Gary and Ben sit down with Huw Williams – Welsh event organiser, founder of Beautifully Brutal Events, and the driving force behind the SHE Ultra. Known for his wild storytelling, unapologetic honesty, and community-first ethos, Huw is creating trail races that are about more than just finish times.From living with a terminal diagnosis to punching a seagull in Venice while eating a sandwich with Liz McColgan, this one has it all. But underneath the laughs is a serious mission: to make trail running safer, more inclusive, and a lifeline for women affected by cancer.Huw shares how the SHE Ultra came to life, why men aren’t allowed in certain zones, and how his team is training nurses to care for runners at remote checkpoints. We also get a glimpse into his new Portugal event, his plans for a Race Across Wales, and why you won’t find Beautifully Brutal on Facebook.We talk cancer, community, legacy, logistics, and how a brutally honest approach to life can change everything.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🏃 The ethos behind Beautifully Brutal Events🧠 Living with cancer and using it as fuel🚫 Why no race credits and no Facebook👟 How the SHE Ultra is designed around safety, care, and real inclusion🇵🇹 Launching a Portugal SHE Ultra with on-site childcare💉 Supporting nurses, survivors, and smaller cancer charities🎉 The medal ceremony… before the race starts🏡 Running through his ex-wife’s house (on her birthday)🥪 The Liz McColgan sandwich + seagull attack story🧯 Space suits, fireworks, and Coast Guard callouts🍟 The finish line chip shop and vinegar momentWhy You Should Listen:If you’ve ever thought trail running needed a shake-up, or wondered how to make events truly inclusive, Huw’s vision will stay with you. This episode is raw, funny, emotional, and a reminder that the most powerful races aren’t about splits — they’re about people.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify & Acast!⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Meet Huw Williams05:10 - Building Beautifully Brutal & supporting local12:50 - How the SHE Ultra started20:30 - Living with cancer and giving back29:45 - Running through his ex’s house & making races personal37:30 - The Liz McColgan story and Venice chaos43:55 - SHE Ultra Portugal & protecting community vibes52:40 - Race Across Wales, Classic 75, and new events59:15 - Nurses, crèches and survivor support01:08:00 - Legacy, letting go & no social media🔗 Follow Beautifully Brutal Events:Website: https://www.beautifullybrutal.co.ukInstagram: @beautifully_brutal_events#HuwWilliams #SHEUltra #BeautifullyBrutal #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #RunningPodcast #CancerSupport #WomensRunning #RaceAcrossWales #PortugalUltra #LizMcColgan #RUNcensored #InclusiveRunning #CommunityRunning

He ended up in intensive care after an Ironman. But that didn’t stop him.This week, Gary and Ben sit down with Paul Tierney – former Irish county hurler turned elite ultra-runner, coach, and record-breaker. From the sidelines of team sport to the solitude of the mountains, Paul has carved a life around endurance, coaching, and community – but not without setbacks.Paul shares how a stint in Australia kickstarted his love for endurance sport, how a brush with death changed his perspective forever, and why a documentary about the Lake District made him pack up his life and move. Now a respected running coach with clients around the world, Paul opens up about the myths of perfect form, the dangers of one-size-fits-all coaching, and why failure has been his best teacher.We talk coaching, movement quality, social media misinformation, injury recovery, and how to build a strong mind andbody through running – without obsessing over it.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🏑 From county hurling to Ironman🏥 Surviving hyponatremia and landing in ICU🏔️ Discovering the Lake District and the Lakeland 100🧭 Getting lost with no map skills and a second-hand compass🧠 Why coaching is more about communication than correction📱 The problem with Instagram advice🦵 Strength work, ankle stiffness and plyometrics🩹 Injury, rehab and athlete buy-in😂 Humour, humility and lifelong learningWhy You Should Listen:If you’ve ever questioned your training, felt overwhelmed by online advice, or struggled to come back from injury – Paul’s honest, practical approach will give you a fresh perspective. This episode is about mindset, movement, and the messy reality of progress.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify & Acast!⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 - Intro: From hurling to endurance07:15 - ICU and hyponatremia14:30 - Falling in love with the Lake District21:00 - Lakeland 100 and early mountain race mistakes27:45 - Becoming a coach and finding purpose34:10 - Coaching philosophy and movement over mechanics40:20 - Social media advice and form obsession47:00 - Strength work that actually helps53:25 - The rehab mindset and listening to athletes60:00 - Final thoughts and what keeps him going🔗 Follow Paul:Instagram: @paulmissinglinkWebsite: www.missinglinkcoaching.co.uk#PaulTierney #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #RunningCoach #FellRunning #EnduranceAthlete #Lakeland100 #Wainwrights #MountainRunning #RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #StrengthAndConditioning #InjuryRecovery #Hyponatremia #Inov8

He won the English Fell Running Champs. Then he walked away from the sport completely.This week, Gary and Ben are joined by Tom Addison — a runner many will remember for dominating the UK fell scene, taking the 2014 national title and chasing England vests throughout his teens and twenties. But this episode isn’t about medals. It’s about what comes after them.Tom talks openly about the obsession that fuelled his running career, the burnout that followed, and the panic attacks that forced him to step away from the sport he loved. From racing at Wooden Tops as a kid to rebuilding his life through boxing, therapy, and fine furniture making, this is a story of reinvention with no filter.We talk fell running culture, junior club racing, mental health, identity, and why sometimes walking away is the bravest decision of all.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:👟 Growing up in a fell running family and club culture🇬🇧 Earning his first England vest at 15🏆 Winning the English Champs in 2014 – and what it really cost😰 The mental and emotional crash that followed🥊 Boxing, woodworking, and rebuilding structure🪵 Finding purpose through craft and creativity👨‍👩‍👧 Family, fatherhood, and a new definition of successWhy You Should Listen:If you’ve ever tied your identity to your sport, battled burnout, or wondered what’s next after the peak — Tom’s story will hit home. A champion’s journey, with all the pressure and none of the gloss.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!00:00 - Intro: From fell running to fine furniture02:23 - Childhood in a fell running family06:40 - Early nerves and racing for Helm Hill09:50 - Junior coaching and Billy Proctor’s role13:40 - First England vest at 15 years old17:00 - Watching Rob Jebb and chasing national teams20:30 - 2014: Winning the English Championship26:45 - Balancing training with a manual job30:20 - The obsessive mindset and burnout34:50 - Panic attacks and personal upheaval39:40 - Boxing for structure and recovery43:15 - How woodworking became his new focus48:10 - Craftsmanship and striving for quality52:20 - Instagram, identity and validation56:45 - Fatherhood and redefining ambition01:01:20 - Closing thoughts and what’s next

“He Wore What at Western States?!” – Race Kit Chaos, Mont-Blanc Mayhem & Double Bob DramaThis week’s episode is a no-guest, no-filter deep dive into the latest chaos from the world of trail and mountain running.Gary, Ben and Chris catch up on everything from racing disasters to record controversies — and yes, that Nike crochet top worn by Caleb Olson at Western States.Ben recaps his latest block of orienteering and fell races, including a brutal run at the Mont-Blanc Half Marathon in 30-degree heat. Gary talks about getting back to mountain training in Snowdonia, climbing Tryfan and battling with Strava’s dodgy “moving time” stats.There’s also a full Western States recap, from Kilian Jornet’s performance in the Kjerag 2s to Abby Hall’s dominant win — plus some big chat on New Balance’s rise, the growing African presence in trail running, and what the pro scene looks like in 2025.Also: Faith Kipyegon’s sub-4 mile event, the exoskeleton suit Ben wants to wear on a Bob Graham, and the unfortunate running trend of… penis exposure mid-race. You’ve been warned.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🏔️ Gary’s Snowdonia training & Strava rage🧭 Ben’s orienteering meltdown & Mont-Blanc heat🎽 Western States recap – Caleb Olson, Kilian & kit chat👟 New Balance’s dominance & pro team tactics🌍 The rise of African talent in trail racing🔥 Faith Kipyegon’s sub-4 event & Nike’s marketing machine🫣 Double Bob Graham drama – should it count?🍆 Race-day wardrobe malfunctions & goldfish hydration hacksWhy You Should Listen:Trail running is changing fast — and this episode dives into all the messy, funny, and downright bizarre sides of it. Whether you’re training for UTMB, doing your first fell race, or just here for the penis jokes, Episode 30 delivers full chaos with zero filter.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!Podcast produced by Eastwood Media - www.eastwood-media.co.ukSponsorship enquiries - chris@eastwood-media.co.ukeastwood-media.co.uk⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Why We Hate Cruises04:05 – Gary’s Return to Training in Snowdonia07:47 – Strava Lies & Moving Time Frustrations10:55 – Ben’s Racing Madness & Orienteering Meltdown11:12 – Mont-Blanc Weekend & Ben’s Half Marathon11:20 – Western States Chat Begins17:32 – Kilian Jornet & The UTMB Debate19:20 – Coverage & Spectacle of Western States20:08 – New Balance’s Rise in Trail Running28:52 – Transgrancanaria Finish & Strategy Talk29:55 – Marathon du Mont-Blanc Winners Recap30:07 – Kenyan Talent & Women’s Race at Mont-Blanc52:48 – Double Bob Graham Record & Caspian James56:06 – Should the Record Count? The 24-Hour Debate1:00:30 – Penis Fails & Race Kit Disasters#RUNcensored #TrailRunning #WesternStates100 #MontBlancMarathon #FellRunning #RunningPodcast #KilianJornet #CalebOlson #UTMB #SnowdoniaRunning #StravaFails #CaspianJames #DoubleBobGraham #NewBalanceTrail #FaithKipyegon #RaceKitFails #UltraRunning #PenisIncidents #ExoskeletonRunning #OrienteeringFails #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

“I Just Thought I Was Being Disciplined” – George Foster on Red-S, Recovery & Racing CultureThis week’s guest is George Foster — elite fell runner, fifth-fastest Bob Graham Round finisher in history, and a man with hard-earned wisdom on the dangers of pushing too far.In his first RUNcensored appearance, George joins Gary and Ben to talk about the performance-cost of under-fuelling. What starts as a light-hearted chat quickly digs into how a calorie deficit, mistaken for discipline, led to serious health consequences. It’s an unfiltered conversation about the pressures of the running world, how easily things can tip into disordered habits — and what recovery really looks like.Alongside this, we dive into George’s recent race at Trofeo Nasego in Italy, a brutal European mountain running classic featuring a Vertical Kilometre and a technical up-and-down course. He explains the unique challenge of VKs, and how the European race scene compares to the UK’s.There’s also big opinions on kit, club colours, and whether poles belong on a Bob Graham Round — plus the usual laughter, roastings, and chaos you expect from RUNcensored.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:⚠️ George’s experience with Red-S and why awareness matters⛰️ European mountain races: VKs, altitude, and race culture🥣 Under-fuelling, false discipline, and the path to recovery🏃‍♂️ George’s take on the Bob Graham Round and use of poles🎽 Debates on kit, club rules, and racing etiquette😂 Gear mistakes, roastings, and classic trail running chaosWhy You Should Listen:This episode tackles serious issues in endurance sport with honesty and humour. Whether you’re training for your next big race or figuring out how to fuel properly, George’s story will hit home. Unfiltered, insightful, and essential listening for runners at every level.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!00:00 - Intro & Banter01:32 - Race Stories & Lessons Learned01:54 - Mental Strategies05:37 - George’s Background22:42 - Gear Talk27:27 - Training Philosophy49:56 - Nutrition & Recovery01:15:56 - Rapid-Fire Finale01:22:05 - Wrap-Up & What’s Next#RUNcensored #TrailRunning #FellRunning #UltraRunning #RedS #RunningPodcast #GeorgeFoster #BobGrahamRound #TrofeoNasego #MountainRunning #VKRace #RunCulture #EatToPerform #ClubRunning

Records fell, legends were made, and Gary nearly takes out Mark Darbyshire mid-race.This week, Gary returns from filming the Centurion 2025 South Downs Way 100 — one of the most stacked and exciting UK trail races we’ve seen in years — and sits down with Ben to relive it all. From Darbyshire’s outrageous new course record to the epic showdown between Lucy Gossage and Julia Davis, this was a weekend that raised the bar for UK ultrarunning.We talk tactics, course conditions, the golden hour, team battles, pole debates, and why this race might be a turning point for trail running on home soil. And yes, we still find time to discuss Greggs, dodgy plug sockets and whether Wetherspoons has the best post-race kit aesthetic.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🏁 Behind the scenes at one of the UK’s biggest 100-milers🎥 What it was like filming the front of the race🏆 Mark Darbyshire’s course record – and Mark Perkins handing over the baton🔥 The Gossage vs Davis battle – both under the old women’s record🗣️ Why the field was so deep this year (and what it means for the UK scene)🥵 Tales from the golden hour and near-miss moments⚡ Ben’s take on pacing, poles, and future UK race potentialWhy You Should Listen:If you care about the future of UK trail running, this one’s for you. Whether you ran, watched, or are just curious how close Gary came to being flattened by an elite runner, this is the full breakdown of a race weekend we’ll be talking about for years.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!Chapters:0:00:00 Intro  0:04:30 How Gary Covered the SDW100  0:10:21 Filming with Drones and Lead Bikes  0:13:32 Fastest 100 Mile Trail Race in the UK?  0:19:12 Mark Darbyshire's Record-Breaking Run  0:23:41 Who Is Hugh Tibbs? Back-to-Back Podiums  0:29:30 Morgan Glazier's Incredible Performance  0:34:06 Lucy Gossage vs Julia Davis: Epic Women's Race  0:39:35 Why UK Ultras Are Getting More Competitive  0:45:13 Golden Hour Finishes and Emotional Stories  0:49:37 Age Group Winners and Veteran Legends  0:54:46 Wrap-Up and What’s Coming Next on RUNcensored#RUNcensored #SDW100 #MarkDarbyshire #LucyGossage #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #CenturionRunning #WorldTrailMajors #RunningPodcast #GoldenHour #UKUltras

Fresh off the back of a stunning sub-14-hour Bob Graham Round, inov-8 athlete Andy Berry joins Gary and Ben for one of the most open and inspiring episodes yet.Recorded in the inov-8 office, this episode covers the highs of Andy’s record-breaking year and the lessons learned along the way — from big UK mountain rounds like the Tranter and Bob Graham, to moments of burnout, difficult decisions, and ultimately, rediscovering joy in running.This is a conversation about ego, identity, coaching, and what happens when you step away from chasing results — and return stronger for it. 🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 🏔️ What went right in Andy’s sub-14 Bob Graham Round🥾 Lessons from Dragon’s Back, Tranter’s, and supporting others🍽️ Diet, fuelling and recovery breakthroughs🧠 The mental toll of elite-level expectations🗣️ Coaching other runners while quietly burning out🎯 Why stepping back helped Andy fall back in love with running Why You Should Listen: Whether you’re training for a mountain round, recovering from a rough patch, or figuring out your own balance between performance and passion — Andy’s story will speak to you. ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Intro & catching up with Andy Berry02:30 - How Dragon’s Back started to unravel07:45 - Underfuelled, overcooked: the crash begins13:20 - Ego, identity & what kept him pushing18:50 - Being filmed during the breakdown23:40 - The real reason Andy stopped running28:30 - The aftermath: guilt, pressure & self-worth33:10 - Coaching other runners with a new mindset39:00 - What performance means beyond the podium44:15 - Is Andy stepping away from big rounds?49:50 - Navigating expectations from sponsors & social media55:20 - When not running becomes the right choice01:01:00 - Redefining goals & running for joy again01:06:30 - Could Andy return to Dragon’s Back?01:12:10 - Reflections on past FKTs & future plans01:18:40 - Rethinking training & avoiding burnout01:24:00 - Final thoughts on growth & identity01:30:10 - Wrap up & sign offWhy You Should Listen:This is a rare look behind the curtain of elite trail running. If you’ve ever questioned your goals, pulled out of a race, or felt the weight of expectation — this one will hit home. It’s raw, reflective, and still full of laughs from three mates who’ve all blown up a few times.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe! #RUNcensored #BobGrahamRound #AndyBerry #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #MountainRunning #FellRunning #RunningPodcast #inov8 #RunningMotivation

It’s the return of ChatGBT – and you lot didn’t hold back. In this episode, Gary House, Ben Mounsey, and behind-the-scenes Chris tackle listener-submitted questions about running, gear, van life and (gulp) one of the most controversial debates in sport today.Expect brutally honest answers, thoughtful tangents, and more laughs than any coaching session should legally allow. From shoe drops and descending fears to gender categories and pub-run logistics, nothing is off limits.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Downhill fear and how to overcome itAre barefoot and zero-drop shoes good for trail running?Transitioning to minimalist footwear without injuryTrail shoe trends (La Sportiva Prodigio and more)Campervan weekends, wild running spots, and pub runsWhy women’s and men’s shoes are designed differentlyThe transgender debate in sport: fairness vs inclusivity⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro, fish finger sandwich trauma & Gary’s digestive gamble4:05 – How to build confidence when descending trails9:20 – Are barefoot shoes a good idea or a marketing gimmick?13:40 – Transitioning to minimalist footwear safely17:10 – La Sportiva Prodigio and what’s coming in trail shoes21:45 – Chris asks about Ben’s campervan pub-run in Wanlockhead26:30 – Wild running spots, Dales pubs, and van life chaos31:15 – Gendered shoe design: Men’s vs Women’s lasts35:00 – Should we have an open category in competitive sport?42:40 – Outro and closing thoughtsWhy You Should Listen:If you’re into shoes, trails, banter, van-based adventure or unfiltered honesty, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. It's one part running advice, one part pub chat, and one part full-send honesty about the culture of our sport.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!#RUNcensored #TrailRunning #BarefootRunning #ZeroDropShoes #RunningPodcast #DownhillRunning #OpenCategory #RunningGear #MinimalistRunning #GenderInSport #GaryHouse #BenMounsey