RUNcensored

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

Episode 25: Why Relay Races Are Taking Over Trail Running | RUNcensored Podcast EP25In this episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey explore one of the fastest-growing trends in trail and fell running: relay races.From grassroots legends like the Calderdale Way Relay to newcomers like the Spine Challenger North Relay, Gary and Ben look at why runners across the UK are trading solo suffering for team chaos—and loving every minute of it.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🟢 Why relay races are booming across the UK🏔️ We explain how the relay formats works for trail events🏃 Ben’s love for the iconic Calderdale Way Relay and the Hodgson Brother Relay🥵 Stories of carnage, chaos, and club camaraderie🏔️ Highlights from British Fell Relays, and the best relays on the European Circuit Trofeo Vanon,i the ASICS Coast to Coast and 9\\]The Rifugi🧠 Why relays might be the antidote to ultra-running elitism📣 Listener shoutouts and love for team racing culture⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro: Weekend catch-up and podcast housekeeping2:40 – Gary introduces today’s topic: relay races4:50 – Why relays are more fun than solo ultras7:20 – Ben’s love for the Calderdale Way Relay11:05 – How relay formats bring people into the sport14:45 – The Lap, Green Man Ultra & Highland Ultra Relay19:30 – Spine Challenger North Relay – new in 202523:40 – Chaos and teamwork: the best and worst of relays28:15 – Old-school club racing culture32:00 – Team tactics and navigation pressure36:50 – Are relays the future of UK trail running?41:10 – Funny stories from Ben’s club relay days47:25 – The psychology of running as a team53:05 – Why relay race reports are better58:30 – Listener shoutouts and community love1:05:00 – Tips for relay organisers and new runners1:11:20 – Final thoughts and relay wishlists1:17:45 – Next week’s episode tease & outroWhy You Should Listen:If you’ve ever wondered why more and more runners are racing in teams—or if you’ve survived a mud-soaked club relay yourself—this episode is for you. It’s got banter, memories, and a genuine look at how relays are reshaping the UK trail scene.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!#RUNcensored #RelayRaces #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #CalderdaleWayRelay #SpineRace #RunningPodcast #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #ClubRunning #TeamRunning #MountainRunning #UKTrailRunning

UTS 2025 Recap – Ice Pops, Elite Performances & Trail Chaos | RUNcensored Podcast EP24In this episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey dive into everything that went down at the 2025 edition of Ultra-Trail Snowdonia Eryri by UTMB (UTS), the UK’s only UTMB World Series race.Gary attended the event to support his friend Rich Lazenby in the 100-miler, hand out ice pops to overheating runners, and experience the full scale of UTS madness from the sidelines. Ben stayed home—and by the end of the episode, he's kind of glad he did.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🏁 UTS Race Structure – 100M, 100K, 50K, 25K and why the 100K was stacked this year🧊 Ice Pops at Aid Stations – Gary’s grassroots contribution goes viral📦 Logistics Mayhem – Missed turns, signal issues, soup gate, and more📊 Elite Performances – Jon Albon, Blanchard, Collison, Roberts, Jones🧠 The Mental Side – Rich Lazenby’s 100M low patch & Sam Skinner’s top-10 grit🌍 The Bigger Picture – Is UTMB helping or hurting the grassroots UK trail scene?⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro: Weekend catch-up & Gary’s visit to UTS6:23 – UTS race distances and UTMB’s influence on the event10:13 – Crewing Rich Lazenby and the reality of the 100 miler15:02 – Safety, terrain, and weather challenges in Eryri20:26 – Elite performances across the 100M and 100K races24:18 – Ice pops, checkpoint support & Gary’s viral aid station moment29:11 – Logistics chaos: traffic, tracking, and signal dropouts33:34 – Aid station inconsistencies and supply issues38:00 – Water shortages, heat, and ‘soup gate’ drama48:10 – Big names in the 100K: Albon, Blanchard, Collison, Jones51:07 – UK trail running evolution and what’s changing54:35 – Podium shoutouts: Sam Skinner, Laurie Morgan, Eleanor Davis57:10 – UTMB’s impact on British trail events1:00:06 – Community moments and listener interactions1:08:03 – How RUNcensored is inspiring the next generation1:14:03 – Race calendar congestion: UTS, The Arc, The Spine1:23:34 – Final thoughts, reflections & future of UTSWhy You Should Listen:If you care about ultrarunning, mountain racing, or the direction trail running is heading in the UK, this episode pulls no punches. It’s full of race highlights, honest critiques, personal stories, and shoutouts to some of the most inspiring athletes on the scene—including Stephanie Case, whose win went viral for all the right reasons.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!#RUNcensored #UTS2025 #UltraTrailSnowdonia #UTMBWorldSeries #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #JonathanAlbon #StephanieCase #KimCollison #MathieuBlanchard #IcePopsAndElevation #RunningPodcast #MountainRunning #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

What happens when you become an internet meme overnight? Danny Andrews knows better than anyone. Back in 2007, he gained viral fame as the "Fish and a Rice Cake Guy" after appearing in the BBC Three documentary Baby Faced Bodybuilders. That clip—where he repeated his bizarre daily diet of fish and rice cakes—exploded on YouTube, turning Danny into an internet sensation. But what happened after the laughs?In this episode, Gary and Ben sit down with Danny to unpack the reality behind the meme. From dealing with online trolls and unexpected fame to building a career as a barber and launching his own rice cake business, Danny shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🐟 Viral Fame – How 'Fish and a Rice Cake' took over the internet✂️ Life After the Meme – Building a career as a barber and entrepreneur🍚 Danny’s Rice Cake Business – Turning a meme into a marketable product💬 Social Media and Negativity – Handling trolls and public pressure⛰️ Lakeland Trails 10K – All the Gear, No Idea disaster in the Lake District🤝 The Kindness of the Running Community – Why runners are different🔥 Gary's Viral Video Strategy – How stereotypes made his content explode📹 The "Stereotype Guy" Controversy – When jokes get taken too seriously✅ Just Say Yes – Danny's new mentality for embracing every opportunity⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro and Meet Danny Andrews4:15 – Becoming the “Fish and a Rice Cake Guy”10:20 – Going Viral: The Highs and the Lows18:50 – Life After the Meme: Barbershops and New Businesses27:15 – The Dark Side of Social Media33:45 – Paul Mort’s Advice on Handling Negativity40:10 – Launching Danny’s Rice Cakes48:30 – Gary’s Secrets to Viral Videos55:50 – Danny’s ‘Just Say Yes’ Attitude1:02:10 – Social Media’s Role in Running Culture1:07:00 – Danny's Lakeland Trails 10K Story: All the Gear, No Idea1:11:00 – The "Stereotype Guy" Video and Online Backlash1:13:30 – Danny's Surprise at the Running Community1:15:00 – Outro and What’s Next for DannyWhy You Should Listen:If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a viral meme fades away, Danny Andrews has the story. From being laughed at by millions to building his own business, Danny’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and saying yes to wild opportunities. Plus, we dive into all the gear, no idea moments, the kindness of the running community, and why sometimes, you just have to lean into the joke.👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #FishAndRiceCakes #DannyAndrews #ViralFame #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #SocialMedia #PaulMort #EnduranceRunning #InternetMeme #ViralVideos #ContentCreation #JustSayYes #RunningCommunity #SocialMediaAndRunning #TrailRunning #LakelandTrails10K

EP22 - “My Brain Fell Out”: Mel Sykes on Running 268 Miles After Brain SurgeryHow far would you go after brain surgery? For Mel Sykes, the answer was 268 miles. In this episode, Gary and Ben sit down with Mel to hear her incredible journey from brain surgery to completing the Montane Spine Race—one of the toughest endurance races in the world.Diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition where part of her brain pressed into her spinal canal, Mel faced surgery with the terrifying possibility that she might never run again. But instead of slowing down, she did the opposite. She signed up for the Spine Race—268 miles of relentless mud, snow, and hallucinations across the Pennine Way.In This Episode:The first signs of Chiari Malformation—headaches, blurred vision, and balance issuesFacing brain surgery and the mental strength it took to endure itLearning to walk and run again — one painful step at a timeEntering the Spine Race post-surgery and battling through brutal conditionsWhat it’s like to run 268 miles when your body has been through hell and backThe state of cheating in ultra running and why race integrity mattersKey Moments:00:00 – Intro and Meet Mel Sykes05:00 – Discovering the Symptoms: Headaches, Blurred Vision & Balance Issues11:30 – The Diagnosis: Chiari Malformation and the Road to Brain Surgery19:45 – Facing the Surgery: Risks, Reality, and Mental Strength27:20 – The Long Road to Recovery: Learning to Walk and Run Again36:00 – Returning to the Trails: First Steps Back into Running43:50 – Entering the Spine Race: 268 Miles of Brutality53:15 – Training for Ultras Post-Surgery: Lessons Learned1:01:40 – Facing Adversity: Running Through Pain and Pushing Limits1:11:20 – Cheating Scandals in Ultra Running: Integrity and Fair Play1:20:50 – Mel’s Mindset: How Brain Surgery Changed Her Approach1:29:10 – Future Races and Plans: What’s Next for Mel?1:36:30 – Outro and Final Reflections🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_pklymQxtluqvkNmf41MYI7fOk8Ki_YT💬 Got a question for Mel, Gary, or Ben? Drop us a message—we might read it out next episode!#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #BrainSurgery #SpineRace #ChiariMalformation #EnduranceRunning #MentalStrength #AdventureRaces

Ep21: The Biggest Weekend in Running? London, Manchester, Three Peaks, Fellsman & MoreOne weekend. Every race. All the drama.Gary and Ben break down a stacked weekend in UK and international running, covering everything from world records in London to a historic win at the Fellsman — plus spicy takes on DNFs, influencer pressure, gear trends, and even robot marathons.London Marathon 202558,000 runners and unseasonably hot conditionsPeres Jepchirchir sets the women-only world record (2:16:16)Mohamed Mohamed finishes as top British manAlex Yee runs 2:09 on debut while still training for triathlonEilish McColgan sets a new Scottish record as first British womanDNF rants, pacing mistakes, Instagram tears, and the rise of the “oxygen mask selfie”Manchester MarathonStrong runs from Duncan, Mitch, and moreThoughts on race execution, disappointment, and recovery when things go wrongFellsman UltraAnna Llwellyn becomes the first female overall winner in the race’s 61-year historyWhat it means for women’s trail running and why these events need support to surviveCommentary on the Fellsman’s history and futureYorkshire Three Peaks Fell RaceAlistair Brownlee toes the line, but it’s Ben Rothery who takes the winNicola Jackson and Sharon Taylor dominate the women’s raceReflections on course changes, tactical racing, and fell legends like Karl Gray, Ricky Lightfoot, and Rob JebbIs the Three Peaks still one of the UK’s great races?Other UK RacesBurnsall and Wharfedale trail eventsDales Trails and grassroots fell supportMadeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT)Katie Schide takes on her partner Germain Grangier and nearly beats the menCould she challenge Courtney Dauwalter at UTMB this year?Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji (UTMF)How live coverage and race prestige are shifting global trail running focusWishlist races and dream destinationsOther Talking PointsBranded campaigns and athlete pressure (including Sportsshoes stories)£900 Nike x Hyperice recovery bootsRobot marathoners in China (yes, really)Everyone’s racing in hydration vests now — even at 5KsAnd of course: Gary and Ben’s usual chaos, coaching insight, and unfiltered takesChapters💬 Enjoying the episode? Leave a comment on YouTube or DM us on Instagram — we’ll read out some of your replies next week. And if you’re loving the pod, don’t forget to follow, rate and review. It helps more than you know!#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #LondonMarathon #ManchesterMarathon #Fellsman #ThreePeaks #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #AlexYee #EilishMcColgan #KatieSchide #BethanLlewelyn #AlistairBrownlee #CourtneyDauwalter #MIUT #UTMF

Episode 20: Running Myths, Dirty Kit Confessions & Strength Training Truths | ChatGBTHow many sweaty runs can you get out of your kit before you really need to wash it? 🫣And is social media changing running culture for better—or worse?This week on RUNcensored, Gary and Ben are back with another ChatGBT episode, answering your questions with their usual mix of brutal honesty, funny stories, and real-world running advice.The episode covers a wide range of running-related topics, including:The influence of social media on running – and why many influencers might be doing it for the wrong reasons.Preparation for ultras – how a lot of first-time ultrarunners are underprepared (and why that’s normal and survivable!).How often should you replace your running shoes? – including hilarious commentary on the evolution of race shoes, carbon plates, and shoe durability.How many runs you can get out of your running kit before washing it – with a brutally honest (and funny) conversation about smell tests, gooch checks, and sweaty kit habits.Essential kit for running ultras – practical tips on gear, lube, nutrition, hygiene, and even toothbrushes for long races.The importance of strength training for runners – why most runners know they should strength train, but few actually do, and how to make it realistic and sustainable.Gary’s behind-the-scenes insight into working at big trail events – including frustrations with media expectations and why knowing your worth matters.Funny stories about embarrassing running habits, stand-up comedy ambitions, and how growing up in the UK shaped their humour.At its core, the episode blends practical running advice, mindset coaching, and plenty of banter—perfect for trail runners, ultra runners, and anyone who loves the real, messy side of the sport.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: ChatGBT Chaos Begins04:20 – Social Media and Running: Good or Bad?09:30 – Undertrained for Your First Ultra?16:10 – Shoe Life: When to Replace Running Shoes21:45 – Sweaty Kit Confessions & Gooch Checks29:20 – Ultra Running Kit Essentials35:00 – Strength Training for Real Runners41:00 – Behind the Scenes at Big Trail Events49:10 – British Humour, Comedy, and Bad Habits56:00 – Final Thoughts: Keeping Running HonestWhy You Should Listen:If you love trail running, ultras, and laughing at the ridiculous side of the sport, this one’s for you. It’s real advice, real stories, and a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep moving forward.👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday – follow, subscribe, and join the madness!#TrailRunning #UltraRunning #RunningPodcast #RunningGear #StrengthTraining #RUNcensored #ChatGBT #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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