Well Far: The Running Podcast

To round off the week, we are delighted to bring you a special interview with the UK Director for Refugee Support & Restoring Family Links, Alex Fraser.Last June, Alex took on the impressive feat of running 72 miles for the British Red Cross Miles For Refugee challenge, which is equivalent to the common refugee journey made between Syria and Lebanon.Alex chats to us about how he tracked his progress, how he broke down his 72 miles and why this is such an important cause.You have until June 13th to sign up to Miles For Refugees at miles.redcross.org.uk and if you use the discount code ‘ONAIR’ you get 50% off the registration fee, making it only £5!This episode is brought to you by The British Red Cross Miles For Refugees Challenge.

Hey guys! If you miss the longer Well Far shows, we have a great podcast to recommend for you today!The Why I Run podcast from Red Bull celebrates the extraordinary and the everyday stories of running, to inspire you to pick up those running shoes and just get going! Runners of every skill level are welcome, from passionate regulars, to runners who struggle themselves to get out the door, and everyone in between. The hosts are the brilliant Erin Azar who became a TikTok sensation when she documented her running journey and Ayo Akinwolere, a broadcaster and world record-breaking swimmer, who at one stage could do a half-marathon, but has since relaxed into a casual runner. Together, they meet a whole world of different runners to find out why they run. Click here to listen to Why I RunClick here to sign up for The Wings for Life World RunClick here to listen to my daily running podcast Well Far Daily (Shameless plug!)

In today's episode Amy interviews Chrissie Wellington OBE, former professional triathlete, four time world IronMan Champion and now Head of Global Wellbeing at the National Lottery-supported parkrun. Whilst Chrissie remains the world record holder for Ironman distance (completing it in an incredible 8 hours 18 minutes!) she now devotes her life to improving individual and population health and wellbeing, specifically by getting people involved in physical activity. Together Chrissie and Amy compare top parkrun stores, discussing the diverse and welcoming nature of these free events and the many benefits it can bring to individuals and the community. We'll also hear how, thanks to The National Lottery Players, parkrun has received £3.6million of funding over the past 8 years, which has been ground breaking in its success. Chrissie believes it's this support of grassroots organisations, the ones that remove the barriers to exercise, that is so key for our emotional and physical health, but it's also key to a healthier future for our children. Together Amy and Chrissie cover Chrissie's remarkable road to sporting prowess and how she's carried these lessons into her family and work life now, and some of her top tips for getting involved... the key is starting somewhere, it doesn't have to be big and bold!

In our special extended marathon day episode, Amy runs with double Olympic gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes who chats everything from childhood aspirations, race day mantras and mental health. Following this, we hear from half of Instagram running duo Twice The Health, Emily Keir, about her running journey and how she plans to tackle 'Run to the Stones', a 100k ultramarathon. So kick back and enjoy this double-length episode to see you through the big race day.How to find out more about today's experts:Emily Keir, Instagram: @twicethehealth, FacebookDame Kelly Holmes, Website: www.kellyholmes.co.ukThis bonus episode is supported by Motion Nutrition. Head to www.motionnutrition.com/amy to receive 10% off, just for Well Far listeners.

As Amy toes the line of Paris marathon, this week's episode covers the what, and more specifically what not, to do in the week running up to the final challenge. This week's episode is full of tips to hold your nerve and not caving into the Maranoia with Emma Kirk Odunubi, with everything from the Marathon Expo to flat lay photos to ensure you are prepared. We then head out on a final run-chat with the amazing Bryony Gordon* whose own running journey got her sober. It is a reminder to enjoy the marathon above all else and to be proud of your achievements and what your body can do. Bring on race-day!How to find out more about today's experts:Emma Kirk-Odunubi, Instagram: @emmakirkyoBryony Gordon, Instagram: @bryonygordon

With two weeks to go and mileage under the belt, it’s time to start getting your mind race ready. Starting with the practicalities, Amy shares some preparation techniques from lessons learnt last year. We then head into the studio for some anxiety easing tips from Dr Sarah Vohra aka the mind medic who gives easy and actionable advice to help alleviate fears and doubts before and during your race. We then hit the road with Kate Carter who is running London, her 14th marathon, in a full panda suit; reminding us that it’s not all times and mileage!How to find out more about today's experts:Sarah Vohra, Instagram: @themindmedicKate Carter, Instagram: @katehelencarter

For far too long women’s needs have been disregarded when it comes to sportswear design. Our track record in sharing the same platform as men in sports, running and beyond, has similarly disappointing figures. Adidas recognises this and that’s why today they’ve given Amy and the Well Far crew the opportunity to invite on two amazing guests to help us talk through some of the social and technical considerations for women in running, and what the future holds. Our guests for this special bonus episode are Adidas athlete Georgina Hayfron and founder women’s run collective ‘Lazy Girl Running’, Laura Fountain. Together Amy, Laura and Georgina discuss the differences in men’s and women’s sport, the new tech and tools that help women train more efficiently, the disparity in races and the hidden knock on effects of this as well as highlighting the races and events that have addressed outdated gender inequality. We also get to hear first hand the latest Adidas design initiatives and how they are addressing women’s needs in running within their kit design.This episode is supported by adidas and their new Solar Glide 5 shoe, which is a stable all-rounder with superb energy return tailored for the female form.To keep up with Amy and the guests today you can follow them on instagram at:Amy - @wellness_edGeorgina - @randomgirlrunningLaura - @lazygirlrunning To find out more about Adidas RunnersLDN: @adidasRunnersLDNTo find out more about Lazy Girl Running Club, check out their website: https://www.lazygirlrunning.com/running-groupsAs always, please keep tagging #WELLFAR in all your running updates, and join the Well Far Strava

Anticipating pre-race nerves Amy kicks off this week's episode with marathon pacer Camilla Langlands who, along with her mother, has completed nearly 150 marathons. Together they share inside know-how on exactly what to expect on the day - from what to pack in your clear bag, the best time and place to warm up and exactly how cosy you should get with your pacer. We then step out on a run with Adrienne Herbert and learn about her running journey through success and injury and how to hustle hard when life throws you curve balls.How to find out more about today's experts:Camilla Langlands, Website: www.thisishowwerun.comAdrienne Herbert, Instagram: @adrienne_ldn

As it hots up to the 26.2, Amy chats all things prehab with Bradley Scanes, who gives us the lowdown on common strains and stresses we experience on our joints and feet and how to avoid these when running. With 80% of running injuries occuring due to running error, Brad explains the strength and conditioning work we can put in leading up to a marathon to save us from injury. In addition to this, Amy runs with Susie Chan, ultramarathon runner and Guinness World Record setter for the longest distance for a woman to run on a treadmill. Susie talks about how she caught the running bug later in life, and how even her setbacks have given her more appreciation for the sport. As someone who has completed the extraordinary Marathon des Sables, Susie talks about how she's developed techniques on how to help keep you focused until the finish line.How to find out more about today's experts:Bradley Scanes, Instagram: @physiobradSusie Chan, Instagram: @susie_chan_