The Runner's World UK Podcast

With marathon season drawing to a close, many runners will be battling with the post-race blues. What to focus on now that your big race has finished? This week, RW staffers look at some of the best ways to pick smart goals that will give you a new sense of purpose. Co-host Ben Hobson mentions a study on detraining, which can be accessed at this link.

We have Dr Martin Turner from Manchester Met University on the podcast this week, explaining all when it comes to visualising success at the marathon and how embracing the hardship is an essential part of the process. We also hear from some bloke called Eliud Kipchoge.

Marathon season is officially upon us. But amid all the fun and excitement, it's easy to become stressed about what lies ahead. So listen to running coach and serial marathoner Laura Fountain talk about the practical steps you can take to make race week – and the race itself – a real success.For more coaching advice from Laura, sign up to her weekly newsletter on substack: lazygirlrunning.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode, we speak with three people who are running the London Marathon for Samaritans.Listen to Tamsin, Andy and Saskia talk about running, recovery and how talking helps to lighten the emotional load we all carry round. All three are raising money for Samaritans and their fundraising links are below:Andy: Samaritans: Carrying my 24.7kg bag of worries for the 2024 TCS London Marathon (enthuse.com)Tamsin: Samaritans: 2024 TCS London Marathon for Samaritans (enthuse.com)Saskia: Samaritans: Sassie’s Marathon Fundraiser for Samaritans (enthuse.com)If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on this week's episode, Samaritans training listening volunteers are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Calls are confidential and free of charge. Just call 116 123.

A regular writer for RW, David Smyth joins Rick and Ben to talk about the rise of the unsanctioned race, the role these events play in attracting runners to racing, how they have risen in prominence in recent years and everything else about this 'underground' world of running. We also talk about joggling. That's very different.

Some injuries that go away quickly; others stick around and have a tendency to return – usually at the most inopportune moment. But what can you do about a persistent running injury? Leading running physio Tom Goom offers his expert advice on this subject in an episode that will be enjoyed be anyone who's battling a stubborn injury.Find Tom Goom online: running-physio.com @running.physio

Running as far as you can on a looped course, you against the clock and your ability to just keep going. The backyard ultra is a growing in popularity, so we spoke to Sarah Perry about what attracts her to this type of racing and how everyone should give it a go.

Rick, Ben and Rachel have a chat about running on the treadmill and why it's the training tool that all runners should be utilising, even the most ardent outdoor enthusiast. We cover off the technological progression over the years, the gamification of running, how community centred platforms have changed the game and how it's just a very easy way to get some precise training done.

Most of us are familiar with traditional endurance running training programmes. But are there different ways to approach long-distance challenges? Men's Health's Andrew Tracey is a veteran of several 24-hour events – and believes there's more ways to prepare than by simply putting in the miles.Follow Andrew's training on Instagram: @theandrew.tracey