A Runner’s Life

In this short conversation recorded at the new Puma store in Oxford Street, I sit down with Rose Harvey to talk honestly about returning from injury. We cover the mental challenges of being sidelined, rebuilding confidence, trusting the process when fitness feels far away, and how to approach the early stages of getting back into training without rushing or forcing it. A grounded, relatable listen...

Today’s episode is a short, personal debrief on one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever been part of launching a race from scratch in under three months. It’s been over a month since race day, and I needed some time to fully process the experience before sharing it with you. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really took — the energy, the trust, the people to make it ha...

In this episode, I chat with Leon 'Sweets' Lewis about his upcoming challenge: racing the Boston and London Marathons back-to-back. Leon also shares his plans to run across Jamaica and how he stays motivated running 10K a day. He talks about the mental and physical side of distance running training and what keeps him moving forward. Be sure to follow his journey on Instagram @sweetslewis for updat...

With race day just around the corner on March 16, 2025, at Victoria Park, we’re in full prep mode! In this episode, I take a lighthearted look at the Kendrick Lamar Not Like Us train that is is not slowly down at all. And how he flips the script on the whole “don’t be a hater” thing and shows us that sometimes, being a little bit of a hater can actually get you ahead. And let’s be real—some many p...

What does it really take to bring a brand-new race to life? In this episode, race director Marcus Brown takes you behind the scenes of the Hackney Legacy Half Marathon, sharing the highs, the lows, and the countless moving parts of organising a major community-driven race. From securing permits to selling tickets, building hype, and making sure race day is one to remember, we dive into the journey...

Pete Cooper, Co-Founder of Coopah, turned personal tragedy into a mission to transform lives through running. From pioneering marathon challenges in lockdown to founding the Refugee Run Club, Pete’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and community. Hear how Coopah is revolutionising running with accessible coaching, inspiring 3,000+ PBs, and empowering everyone from beginners to elite athlete...

Join us for a conversation with Ted Metellus, the race director of the New York City Marathon. In this episode, Ted shares his personal journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. We explore the unseen roles that contribute to the marathon’s success, the importance of diversity in participation, and his innovative sustainability initiatives. Ted also reflects on how emerging technologi...

In this episode, I give a no-holds-barred account of my fifth Berlin Marathon experience. I came into the race with a specific goal in mind—didn’t hit it—but I managed to hit a B goal instead, my ninth sub 3 marathon.  This is an honest look at this marathon journey, from the pre-race preparation, to the challenges faced on the course, and the tough moments offline in the buildup. You’ll hear abou...

In this episode, Phil recaps his adventure at the Rio De Janeiro Marathon, sharing highlights of the culture, the race, and a mishap even his 'Black Jesus' powers couldn't prevent. We catch up on everyone's training: Marcus and Phil are gearing up for the Berlin Marathon, Rob is preparing for the Chicago Marathon, and CJ is back in the game training for the NYC Marathon. CJ is back...

I've achieved eight sub-three-hour marathons, yet my personal best has stood for years. This series documents my journey to set a new record at the 2024 Berlin Marathon. In this episode, I talk to Sam Sutherland, who's progressed from 3:30 to a sub-2:50 marathon. He shares insights from our previous conversation offline, now recorded for the podcast. Achieving a sub-2:50 time is my next go...

In this episode, I play devil's advocate to the advice I shared previously about setting up a marathon training plan. While there's a lot of well-meaning guidance available, the truth is that what works for someone else might not work for you. Having run eight sub-three-hour marathons with four different training approaches, I'm now trying a fifth method. I understand that advice based...

I've completed eight sub-three-hour marathons, yet my personal record has remained untouched for several years. Join me on my quest to set a new personal record at the 2024 Berlin Marathon. In this episode, I'll share the essential principles for developing an effective training plan and explain the four key phases you need to incorporate. Additionally, I'll discuss factors beyond runn...

At present I’ve run eight sub three hour marathons, and my marathon PR is several years old. In this series join me on my quest for a new personal record at the 2024 Berlin Marathon. In this podcast episode, I introduce myself and explain the show's format. I'll share why I’m not a fan of a one-size-fits-all approach to heart rate training and reveal how Biggie Smalls helps me run faster. ...

Welcome to our latest episode, where things get real, raw, and Rated R. If you're ready to laugh until you cry, buckle up because this is the podcast you've been waiting for. First up, CJ and Marcus give us the London Marathon inside scoop.  Then, we dive headfirst into the ultimate rap battle: Drake vs. Kendrick. We share our thoughts on this rivalry and the heated back-and-forth that&#39...

Listen to this exclusive recording from our live session at the Boston Marathon Main Stage on Saturday, April 13th, at 9:15 a.m. Join Marcus Brown, Philip King, and Robert Jackson as they talk about the impact that the Boston Marathon has had on their lives. They explore the vital topics including diversity and representation in running, and that the opportunity to answer the audiences questions!...

Join us for a candid chat as we gear up for the Boston Marathon. Rob, Phil, and I share our latest training updates, despite the challenges life throws our way, including Rob's recent loss of his mum. We also catch up with CJ as he preps for the London Marathon. Looking for Boston marathon tips? We've got you covered with insider advice on how to run your best Boston Marathon, along with a...

Welcome to the Boston Marathon Mastery mini-series where I'm joined by my coach Matt Fox, a 2:20 marathoner, and Peter Bromka, a 2:19 marathoner and 8-time Boston finisher. We're cutting through the fluff to have an honest conversation about what really counts when tackling one of the world's most prestigious races, as I prepare for my third Boston Marathon. Peter shares his transition...

In this episode of A Runner’s Life podcast, Corey, Phillip, Rob, and yours truly talk about the Tokyo Marathon 2024, where Kipchoge took on the course in style with his Jordans, sparking a debate over who rocked them better between him and CJ, who finally got his hands on AJ 3’s. Speaking of CJ, he takes us through his marathon journey in Tokyo, highlighting the vibrant diversity of runners touchi...

Welcome to the Boston Marathon Mastery mini-series where I'm joined by my coach Matt Fox, a 2:20 marathoner, and Peter Bromka, a 2:19 marathoner and 8-time Boston finisher. We're cutting through the fluff to have an honest conversation about what really counts when tackling one of the world's most prestigious races. This episode holds a spotlight on why hill training is non-negotiable...

In this episode of A Runner’s Life podcast, Corey, Phillip, Rob, and yours truly talk about stress management in our training, and uncover the deeper reasons behind why we run. No fluff, just real talk. We kick off with Rob's beauty updates, a segment that's quickly become a fan favourite. But this time, he's delivering a lesson we never knew we needed. Then, it's all about CJ'...

In this episode, join me as we travel from the UK to the Bermuda Triangle Half Marathon Challenge, featuring an exclusive interview with the respected American marathoner, Deena Kastor. With an illustrious career marked by American marathon records and an Olympic bronze medal, Deena offers her invaluable insights and experiences straight from Bermuda. I share my own journey tackling the mile, 10k,...

Is Phil's Last Dance in the Boston Marathon a swan song or just a funky two-step of sandbagging? Plus, we unravel the mystery behind Wesley Snipes and his surprising role in making marathons faster. Spoiler alert: it involves less blade action and more running self care! This episode is sponsored by PILLAR Performance, brings you straight into the heart of sports micronutrition. I'm curren...

In episode 180 of A Runner's Life Podcast, we share the inspiring story of Eric Van Delden, who discovered strength and solace in unexpected places following the loss of his wife to cancer in 2020. Join us as we delve into Eric's remarkable journey of resilience, highlighted by the simple act of completing a few press-ups which led to his completion of an astonishing 30,000 push-ups in just a year...

Join us for an unfiltered episode as Phil sets the ground rules for CJ and Rob, setting the tone for a candid discussion. In this episode, we explore the behind-the-scenes of Rob's elite entry into the Indy marathon uncovering insights and a surprising playlist of country songs.  Phil and Rob share the profound impact of family challenges, adding depth to their running journeys. Despite race obsta...

This episode with Charlotte was originally recorded for the Relay Platform , for the Chat with a Pro episode. Join our hosts Kara Goucher, Laura Thweatt, Marcus Brown, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka as we sit down professional runner Charlotte Purdue. Fresh from her fantastic top 10 finish at the Berlin Marathon, clocking a PB of 2:22:17. Charlotte now holds the title of the second fastest British...