The Runna Podcast

From 250 lbs in rehab to 11 consecutive Marathons in NYC: Zac Clark's addiction recovery story that raised $750,000 for mental health treatment.At 27, Zac entered addiction recovery weighing 250 lbs, broken and searching for purpose. One morning, he walked up a small hill outside the treatment centre. Two weeks later, he ran it. That single hill became the catalyst for 14 years of sobriety and a marathon training journey that changed everything. In this episode, Zac - founder of the Release Recovery Foundation, ultramarathoner, and former The Bachelorette finalist - sits down with marathon coach Ben Parker to share how running became his medicine for mental health recovery. Today, Zac has completed 11 New York City Marathons in a row and leads a nationwide running community that raised over $750,000 this year through 122 marathon runners helping people access addiction and mental health treatment. We discuss: His addiction recovery journey - rebuilding life from rock bottom Why movement became daily therapyHis self improvement mindset - accountability and starting smallRunning tips - from 250 lbs to sub-3:30 marathon finish & 11 NYC Marathons🎙️ Quick note:The audio in this episode isn’t quite up to our usual standard due to a problem our studio had with the mics. Thanks for bearing with us!🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and running inspirations. 🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST25: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST25📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

Shin splints, runner's knee, and IT band syndrome explained by expert running physio Adrian D'Costa - discover how to prevent and fix the most common running injuries with proven strength training and recovery strategies.In this episode of The Runna Podcast, hosts Anya Culling and Ben Parker sit down with Adrian D'Costa, Head Physio at Runna and one of London's leading running injury specialists. Learn the science behind patellofemoral pain syndrome, medial tibial stress syndrome, and IT band pain and the prevention and load management techniques to keep you injury-free.What you’ll learn: ✅ Why runner's knee affects 25% of runners (and how to prevent it)✅ The truth about shin splints as a bone stress injury✅ Best strength exercises for runners: the "rainbow quadricep method"✅ Why hip stability beats stretching for IT band syndrome✅ Recovery secrets: cross-training, sleep, and smart training cycles✅ Load management strategies for marathon trainingThis episode targets the 3 most common running injuries, what they are and how to prevent & recover from them. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Friday, featuring Olympians, physios, and everyday runners chasing extraordinary goals.🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST25: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST25📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

When Uly Morazan signed up for his first half marathon, he didn’t even own running shoes. Four months later, he crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon, joining the 1% of people who can call themselves marathon runners.In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Coach Ben Parker sits down with Uly - actor, comedian, and LGBTQ+ creator - to unpack his chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt journey from “I hate running” to marathon finisher.Uly brings the raw, relatable reality of training for your first marathon - from his first-ever gel (“disgusting”), to discovering salt tabs, to learning that sometimes walking is part of running. His story is messy, honest, and proof that your attitude and sense of humour can carry you through the toughest miles.What You'll Learn: ​​✅ Uly’s firsts: gels, salt tabs, carb loading & all the rookie mistakes💪 Running for beginners: how to build mileage safely through setbacks🥤 Fueling tips: lessons learned the hard way about gels, hydration & recovery❤️ Staying motivated: how community, confidence & small wins keep you going🧠 Marathon mindset: how humour and attitude get you through the chaosWhether you’re just starting your first 5K or dreaming of your own marathon, Uly’s story will make you realise you’re not alone in figuring it all out.Because the truth is - you don’t have to think of yourself as a ‘runner’ to start. 🎧 New episodes every Friday featuring Olympians, world-record holders, and everyday runners chasing extraordinary goals.🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST25: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST25📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel sits down with Coach Ben to share her journey from high-school prodigy to making marathon history in Tokyo.Molly opens up about her courageous decision to withdraw from the NYC Marathon, what it truly takes to compete at the highest level, and the lessons that have shaped her career - including the hardest one: knowing when to stop.In this raw and honest conversation, she reflects on rebuilding after setbacks, balancing passion with pressure, and why she keeps coming back to running - despite injuries, self-doubt, and constant challenges.When Molly became the first American woman in 17 years to medal in the Olympic marathon, it was the culmination of years battling adversity and rediscovering joy on her own terms.What You'll Learn: 🧠 How a growth mindset transformed her career 💪 Good pain vs bad pain - how do you know which is which? 🥇 Inside her Tokyo Olympic bronze medal race 🌄 Why she's shifting to trail ultras ❤️ Balancing ambition with self-care 😴 The recovery secret every runner forgetsWhether you’re chasing a new personal best or rekindling your love for running, Molly’s insights from her time as an elite athlete offer a refreshing perspective you won’t want to miss.🎧 New episodes every Friday with Olympic legends, elite runners, and expert coaching advice.🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST25: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST25📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

Winter running doesn't have to be a struggle. Ben and Anya share 6 essential coaching tips for running through winter - helping you stay motivated, healthy, and consistent when it’s dark, cold, and easy to skip your runs.Whether you’re training for a spring marathon or just keeping your running routine on track, this episode covers everything from cold-weather gear and nutrition to goal-setting, recovery, and mindset.What You'll Learn: ❄️ How to stay motivated when mornings are dark and cold🏃‍♂️ Goal-setting strategies to keep your training on track🧠 The 10-minute rule to actually get out the door👟 What to wear for safe, visible running in the dark💪 Strength and recovery hacks to avoid injury🌧️ How to train smart and build consistency for springPerfect for winter runners, marathon prep, and anyone trying to stay fit and focused through the colder months.🎧 New episodes every Friday with Olympic legends, elite runners, and expert coaching advice.🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST25: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST25📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Schooner Scorer, the sub-3 marathoner with 500K+ followers who turned a pub joke into an internet sensation. From rating beers to running a 2:51 in Chicago, Alex proves you can chase PBs and pints without losing your love for the sport. Fresh off his marathon PB, he shares how Schooner Scorer went from a uni in-joke to a 500K+ community. We discuss: 🔥 Running a 1:20 half marathon in Copenhagen on 4 hours’ sleep🎥 Fresh off the finish line: his sub-3 Chicago Marathon debrief 💭 “Paying the deposits” - his approach to earning balance through running🧠 Why mental health and physical health are directly connected🤝 His running roots & how Schooner Scorer really came about 💡 The truth about being a creator in the running worldWhether you’re chasing a marathon PB, trying to find balance, or just love beer and running equally - this episode discusses the art of doing both. 🎧 New episodes every Friday with Olympic legends, elite runners, and expert coaching advice.🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST25: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST25📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast⚠️ Disclaimer:The views and experiences shared in this episode reflect Schooner Scorer’s personal opinions and lifestyle choices. The Runna Podcast and Runna do not promote or encourage excessive drinking or unsafe behaviour. We believe in balance, wellbeing, and making informed choices that support a healthy lifestyle. Please always drink responsibly and prioritise your health.