Share
The Runna Podcast
Georgia Bell: From Quitting to Olympic Glory – The Ultimate Comeback Story
Season 1, Ep. 42
•
What does it take to go from thinking you’ve run your last race to standing on the Olympic podium? Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Georgia Hunter Bell, Olympic bronze medalist and National record holder. Georgia’s journey is anything but ordinary and we unpacked it all…
What we spoke about:
🌟 The Lowest Point: How Georgia’s dream seemed over after stress fractures, injuries, and an identity crisis during her U.S. scholarship experience, leading her to leave running behind for the corporate world.
🔥 Her Astonishing Comeback: From quitting the sport entirely to returning as an unranked, unsponsored underdog—and transforming into a Nike-sponsored Olympian with a national record to her name.
🏃♀️ The Thrill of the Final Straight: What went through her mind in the last 100 meters of the 1500m final as she battled with four others to claim her bronze medal.
💡 Belief as a Game-Changer: Why self-confidence was the key to her success and how it can make the difference between winning and falling short.
🚺 Women Leading Women: Georgia shares the importance of female coaches, the strength of role models, and the positive environment women leaders create in sport.
🎯 What’s Next: How she plans to navigate life as a medalist and her relentless drive for what’s still to come.
Georgia’s story isn’t just about medals—it’s about grit, courage, and the power of staying true to yourself.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and your own running journey—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram. 📩📱
Don’t forget to use code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️✨
More episodes
View all episodes
59. "I Thought It Was Never Going to End": Romesh Ranganathan's Unfiltered London Marathon Experience
01:04:55||Season 1, Ep. 59In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Romesh Ranganathan, fresh off the finish line of his second London Marathon.World-renowned comedian Romesh takes us behind the scenes of his marathon journey—from training to race day antics. He shares how his relationship with running has evolved, from hating school cross-country to completing his second marathon. Along the way, he set personal targets—and had some hilariously unhinged conversations you won’t want to miss.We unpack:🏁 “It was better than any other career highlight” – Romesh reflects on the full marathon experience, start to finish🏃♂️ How his training went: from running “comedically slowly” to the strategic disguises he wears while out on a run👟 “I got goosebumps” – a reflection on the power of the running community🤝 A Deal with Coach Ben – An unexpected agreement that could lead to some truly entertaining outcomes😂 Other hilarious highlights that left Ben, Anya and the production crew in stitchesThis episode is full of honest reflection, unfiltered humour, and surprisingly heartfelt insights—a reminder that you don’t need to be “a runner” to run a marathon. You just need to show up.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, follow, and share The Runna Podcast — it helps us rise up the charts and keep bringing you the very best guests in the running world!✨ Use code PODCAST25 to try Runna free for 2 weeks.
58. From 135kg to 2:52 Marathon: How El Burrito Proved Everyone Wrong
36:31||Season 1, Ep. 58What happens when you don’t just challenge expectations—but set out to break the rules entirely?In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Oli Paterson (aka El Burrito) just days after running a 2:52 marathon. Having turned his life around from addiction and weighing 135kg, Oli is now on a mission to defy the limits that coaches, data, and even physics claim a 100kg+ runner can achieve. He proves that not being built like a typical runner doesn’t define your speed, strength, or potential. With an outlandish, daring, and fiercely competitive mindset, he’s rewriting the rules and proving anything is possible if you put your mind to it. We unpack:🧨 Oli’s transformation from alcohol, gambling, and tobacco addiction to chasing personal bests⚡ 135kg to Sub-3 – The story behind his dramatic weight loss and breakthrough marathon time🧠 Oli’s interesting perspective on the power of running🎯 His Next Guinness World Record ⚖️ Finding YOUR Balance – A raw chat with Anya, Ben, and Oli on how to live fully while training hard🍔 How Oli manages to still enjoy the crazy food he makes whilst going after ridiculously quick times Oli’s journey is bold, inspiring, and refreshingly honest—a reminder that progress isn’t linear, and sometimes the best path is the one no one thought was possible.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, follow, and share The Runna Podcast so you never miss an episode. Use code PODCAST25 to give Runna a go for 2 weeks completely free.
57. How It Feels to Make History: Cal Calamia, First Non-Binary Athlete to Podium at All 6 World Majors
43:04||Season 1, Ep. 57This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Cal Calamia—a California-based marathoner, educator, activist, and now the first non-binary athlete in history to podium at all six World Marathon Majors.After stepping away from collegiate running, Cal returned not just to compete, but to transform the sport. With their podium finish in London on April 27th 2025, they’ve now made history —all while advocating for inclusive race categories they helped build.In this episode, we explore Cal’s incredible journey including:🏅 Historic Podiums – Podium finishes at NYC, London, Tokyo, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, LA & more 🏃♂️ Creating Space – Founder of the Non-Binary+ Run Club, building community across the US 📚 Educator & Poet – Professor at University of San Francisco and author of San Franshitshow 🎥 Out of the Dark – The documentary capturing Cal’s story of identity, struggle, and triumph 💬 Changing the Game – How their advocacy is reshaping the future of competitive runningWe dive into Cal’s mindset, motivation, and how it feels to make history.📩 We’d love to hear what drives you. Email us at podcast@runna.com or tag us on Instagram @runna. 📱✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️
56. How Anya Culling Ran Her Best Marathon at London 2025: Live from The Runna Race Hub
50:42||Season 1, Ep. 56Recorded live from the Runna Race Hub, this special episode of The Runna Podcast dives into the LDN Marathon with Anya Culling–elite runner, Runna coach and lululemon ambassador.We unpack every part of race day—from Anya’s championship start to crowd highlights, emotional moments, and how she executed her race plan to perfection on what turned out to be a hot and testing day for all runners. She shares how training went, her favourite on-course moments, top recovery tips, and what might be next on her racing calendar.Whether you ran, spectated, or are dreaming of next year’s start line, this episode celebrates everything that makes the marathon in London so iconic.This episode of The Runna Podcast was empowered by lululemon. Use code ‘PODCAST25’ to give Runna a go with 2 weeks free. Enjoy the episode!
55. Helen Skelton: Why We Should All Do Hard Things
39:56||Season 1, Ep. 55How do you build a mindset so powerful that nothing life throws at you can hold you back?This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by the unstoppable Helen Skelton—broadcaster, adventurer, mum of three, and true superwoman. Known for saying yes to the wildest challenges—from kayaking 2,010 miles solo down the Amazon to cycling to the South Pole—Helen has become an inspiration for what’s possible when you refuse to let fear or difficulty stand in your way.Think of the craziest challenge? Helen’s probably done it. As she gets ready for her fourth London Marathon with Runna, we talk about fitting marathon training around her busy career and three kids—including how a 24-hour rollerblading challenge for Comic Relief became part of her prep.🌟 Superwoman Mentality – Why Helen says yes to the toughest adventures and how each one builds her resilience💪 Doing Hard Things – How she uses her wildest experiences as reference points for life’s toughest moments🏃♀️ London Marathon – What keeps her coming back and how she fits training around family and work👧 Mum of three – How her children inspire her and how her adventures set an example🧠 Mindset – Using adversity and challenge to shape a powerful, positive outlookHelen’s story proves that saying yes to challenge doesn’t just change you—it inspires everyone around you to see what’s possible. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️
54. What Should You Do in the Final 48 Hours Before Your Marathon? 8 Essential Tips From Anya Culling & Coach Ben
24:06||Season 1, Ep. 54The countdown is on! With just 48 hours to go until the London Marathon, what really matters most?In this short episode of The Runna Podcast, pro marathoner Anya Culling and coach Ben Parker cover everything you could want to know in the final two days before race day—delivered in just 8 essential tips. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned marathoner, this is your go-to checklist for feeling prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy every mile.We break down food, kit, mindset, logistics, and give you the final advice you need to enjoy every mile. Tune in for 20 minutes of focused, practical advice you can put into action—so you can make the most of your final 48 hours and line up feeling ready to smash your 26.2 miles 💪
53. Paul Sinton-Hewitt: The parkrun Founder Who Transformed Running Forever
43:18||Season 1, Ep. 53From one event with 13 runners to a global movement that’s transformed lives—this is the story of how parkrun came to be.This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, to hear the inspiring story behind one of the world’s most powerful community movements.What started as a small time trial during a difficult period in Paul’s life became a lifeline—not just for him, but for millions around the world.🏃♂️ The Birth of parkrun – How injury and isolation led to an idea that would redefine community running ❤️ Family & Connection – Why Paul wishes he had parkrun as a child, and the special bond it fosters between generations 🤝 The Volunteer Spirit – How the volunteer-led model makes parkrun one of the most welcoming and supportive environments in sport 📖 Stories That Inspire – The moving, real-life accounts of people whose lives have been changed by showing up on Saturday mornings ⏱️ Why Slower Is Better – The surprising and powerful reason the average parkrun finish time is getting slowerPaul shares the lessons he’s learned, the magic that makes parkrun what it is, and the power of running’s community. 📘 One Small Step by Paul Sinton-Hewitt is published on 10th April 2025. 👉 Get your copy here ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️
52. The Ultimate Pre-Marathon Race Guide With Anya Culling and Coach Ben
57:31||Season 1, Ep. 52Answering every question you could possibly have ahead of your next marathon!This week on The Runna Podcast, we bring you the ultimate pre-marathon race guide, packed with tangible, actionable advice from pro marathon runner Anya Culling and Head Coach Ben Parker.We’re joined by Izzy, who’s gearing up for her upcoming 26.2 miles. She shares how she’s feeling, what she’s nervous about, and asks the exact questions so many runners—whether it’s your first marathon or your 100th—are thinking.We break down:🥞 How to fuel properly – in the days before and during the race🧠 The mindset that will carry you through the toughest moments🎒 What to bring on race day – gear, nutrition, and kit essentials⏰ Night-before and race morning routines – staying calm and race-ready✅ Top tips from a pro and a coach – practical advice from those who’ve been thereThis is the episode to save, revisit, and put into practice on race day—your complete guide to feeling confident and ready to take on 26.2 miles. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️
51. Ben Felton: From Chef to Sub-2:25 Marathoner Filming Every Step of the Way
41:15||Season 1, Ep. 51This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Felton, the chef-turned-runner who’s bridging the gap between elite athlete and content creator. With a 66-minute half marathon PB and a 2:24 marathon, Ben doesn’t just run fast—he captures it all on film, offering rare first-person insights into the world of high-performance racing.🔥 A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to train and race like an elite athlete—while filming every step of the way (running 3:08/km splits)👟 Unfiltered, honest gear reviews from someone who’s tested nearly every carbon-plated shoe out there🎥 A rare first-person view of elite races, showing the mental and physical effort in real time🍳 From Chef to Sub-2:25 – how he traded life in the kitchen for life on the road 🇰🇪 Training in Kenya – what it’s like to run with the world’s best (including someone who ran a 2:18 marathon in flip-flops).🎯 London Marathon Goals – how he’s preparing to break his 2:24 PB and what it takes to keep levelling up.Tune in to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to train as an elite athlete while filming every step. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃♀️