30 Years of Running Marathons

Send a text From the challenges of shin splints and gout to the triumph of crossing the finish line, this episode chronicles my intense journey through half marathons and the art of preparation. Despite setbacks and limited training, the Winter Half Marathon in the Royal Borough of Windsor remains a beloved tradition, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a personal goal to conquer it under two ho...

Send a text What if running a marathon could teach you life's toughest lessons? Join me as I recount my humbling experience at the Burnham Beaches half marathon, a race that held deep personal significance due to my late grandmother. Despite my long history with running, the challenging hilly terrain and my lack of preparation reminded me that no race should ever be underestimated. From juggl...

Send a text Have you ever wondered how something as simple as running could transform your mental and physical health? Join me as I unravel my 30-year journey with running, from the exhilaration of major marathons like London and Dublin to those solitary, introspective runs during harsh winter months. Together, we'll uncover how running nurtures discipline, fosters goal-setting, and builds se...

Send a text Ever wondered what it’s like to race against a boat while nursing a hangover? Join me as I recount my exhilarating experience at the Beat the Boat 10K, where I managed to cross the finish line in 54 minutes and 46 seconds despite a few too many drinks the night before. From the intensity of the race to unwinding in the lap of luxury at a spa hotel in Hayling Island, I share how I balan...

Send a text Ever wondered what it feels like to race against a boat? Join me in this riveting episode of "30 Years of Running Marathons" as I recount my rollercoaster journey through the "Beat the Boat" 10k race. Battling shin splints and unpredictable training, I set a 55-minute target and faced the ultimate pre-race dilemma—whether to indulge in alcohol. Find out how England&...

Send a text What if you had to race against boats on a soggy trail? Join me as I gear up for the adrenaline-pumping "Beat the Boat" 10K race in Eton and Windsor, where the excitement of running alongside boats adds a unique twist. I'll share my previous experiences, the muddy challenges we might face, and how park runs have helped me improve my speed work, despite my preference for...

Send a text Ever felt the unpredictable nature of marathon training? Join me as I share the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that come with smashing personal records and facing unexpected physical challenges. From achieving my fastest 5K of the year in the early morning to feeling utterly drained afterward, we’ll discuss how meticulous planning sometimes falls short and why listening to y...

Send a text What does it take to stay motivated when the grind of marathon training is wearing you down? Join me as I recount my struggle to maintain my running routine amidst work stress and physical setbacks like shin splints and gout. Throughout my journey, I've learned the importance of setting personal goals and steering clear of the pitfalls of comparison. From the exhilarating moments...

Send a text What does it take to conquer a challenging trail race set amidst the stunning backdrop of a historic estate? Join me as I relive the Cliveden 10K Trail Race experience, running through the breathtaking grounds of Cliveden House just outside London. The majestic mansion and picturesque trails filled us with awe even as we faced the arduous terrain. This is not your typical flat road rac...

Send a text Have you ever wondered how a simple activity like running could transform your life? Join me on an emotional journey as I recount how the Reading Green Park 10k rekindled my passion for running after facing a series of personal hardships in 2017, including the heartbreaking loss of my nan. Discover the power of community and support, as a Facebook group of fellow runners gave me the en...

Send a text Have you ever faced the challenge of running with shin splints or a gout flare-up? That’s exactly what I'm dealing with as I prepare for an exhilarating 10K race at Green Park. Join me as I share my personal story of overcoming these hurdles, reflecting on how a 10K back in 2017 rekindled my passion for running. You’ll hear about the scenic, flat route that’s keeping my spirits hi...

Send a text Ever been out on a run, feeling the rhythm of your feet against the pavement, when life throws you an unexpected invitation to the golf course? That's exactly what happened to me this week, and I'm here to take you through the delightful chaos that ensued. My training plan for the marathon was cruising along until a former colleague rang me up for a round of golf - let's...

Send a text Every stride tells a story, and I'm excited to bring you along on a narrative that winds through three decades of running, from the exhilaration of early morning dashes to the companionship of community park runs. Running is more than just a physical act for me—it's a tapestry of experiences, woven with the threads of endurance, community, and personal growth. As I lace up fo...

Send a text Every runner knows the bittersweet symphony of aching muscles and the exhilaration of crushing personal bests—it's a journey of countless steps, both literal and metaphorical. Today, I pull back the curtain on my own path through highs, lows, and the winding roads in between. From a humbling stumble to the glory of setting a new record at a local park run, I lace up and take liste...

Send a text Imagine conquering what you thought was your most demanding race, only to be blindsided by an even more relentless beast. That's exactly what happened to me with Race to the Tower – a 53-mile ultra-marathon through the undulating Cotswold Way. In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on the raw and unvarnished truth of this epic endurance test. I compare it to my previous u...

Send a text Feeling the pulse of the city and the heartbeats of runners, the London Marathon unfolded with stories that moved us beyond the miles. As I recount the event's emotional spectrum, I can't help but feel a part of it, even though my running shoes didn't hit the pavement this time around. We pay homage to the remarkable Kelvin Kipton, whose absence left a profound silence,...

Send a text Every runner has a story of a race that tested their limits, and this is mine from the Reading Half Marathon—a true tale of grit, wit, and a surprising twist. Battling back from injury with only a smattering of training under my belt, I take you through the pre-race jitters, the comedic chaos of coordinating with friends amidst a sea of runners, and the strategic decisions that shaped...

Send a text As I lace up for the Reading Half Marathon, the familiar dance of nerves and excitement takes hold, a feeling I've come to know as 'paranoia.' This episode peels back the curtain on a runner's mind in the throes of pre-race anxiety, balanced with the thrill of an electric finish line ahead. With limited training under my belt due to an untimely injury, I reflect on...

Send a text Sprint through time with me as we lace up for an epic jog down memory lane – three decades of marathon running condensed into a heart-pounding narrative of personal milestones, communal spirit, and the relentless pursuit of that ever-elusive personal best. From the trials of overcoming injuries and the triumph of crossing finish lines, this episode is a testament to the runner's j...

Send a text Every stride tells a story, and mine is woven through the historic trails of the Race to the Stones. Episode after episode, I've chronicled the grit and beauty of marathons, but none quite like this. As I tackled the undulating 100 kilometres of the Ridgeway path, I faced not only the physical demands of the terrain but the solitude of pandemic restrictions. From the strategic app...

Send a text Every stride tells a story, and this week's episode is no exception. I found myself at the starting line of 2020, primed for a personal record at the Wokingham Half Marathon, only to watch as the unfolding pandemic rewrote the race calendar. But when I traded my runner's bib for a grocery delivery badge, I discovered a new rhythm in serving the community, a heartbeat that sus...

Send a text Every runner has that one year that stands out in their memory, a series of moments strung together by the laces of their running shoes. In 2019, my feet pounded the pavement from Wokingham to Dublin, each race carving out its own story. From setting a personal best at the Royal Berks 10k to the spine-tingling finish in a stadium at the Reading Half, join me as I share the contrasting...

Send a text Every stride tells a story, and my 2018 was a novel of persistence, pain, and unexpected joys. From clawing back after a torn meniscus, through the swampy trials of a Beckinsfield trail run, to the Dublin Marathon's grueling 26 miles - I've weathered it all. And it's not just about the miles under my feet; it's about the people alongside me, the supporters, the frie...

Send a text In the fifth episode of "30 Years of Running Marathons," Jason D loses everything and gives up on running, and even life itself. However, Facebook comes to his rescue and gives him a second chance. Jason's only option is to start again in the way he knows best. Fortunately, people come into his life and guide him back onto the running path. The road to recovery is long a...

Send a text In the fourth episode of "30 Years of Running Marathons," Jason D is forced to confront his own mortality as he witnesses the passing of his grandparents. This experience prompts him to question his reasons for running. Is he running for his own personal fulfillment, or has he been running for someone or something else? As he prepares for his last race in honor of his Nan, Ja...