#004 – Donald Wilson interviews John McCruden: A Marathon Every Day Since 2006

In this episode, Donald Wilson sat down with local legend John McCruden, chef, ultra-runner, musician and quite possibly the only man in Nairn attempting to beat Elon Musk to the moon… on foot.John has been running a marathon every single day since 2006. He has currently clocked up around 190,000 miles and he is not slowing down.Donald talks to John about how it all began, from the stress of running a busy restaurant to protecting his mental health through running.They also dive into:How John fits a marathon a day around family life, cheffing and café shiftsHis running philosophy, including why he treats the first 20 miles as “transportation”Mindfulness on the roads of Nairn, from chimney smoke to freezing winter nightsHis experience running the Great Wall of China in a kiltTraining methods, midfoot striking and how he strengthens his body rather than breaking itThe reality of £250 running shoesThe “dark ages” of chasing Michelin-level perfection in the kitchenMusic therapy in care homes, including a story that will stay with you long after the episode endsIt is a conversation about discipline, obsession, creativity, grief, healing and what it means to dedicate yourself fully to something, whether that is running to the moon or making fresh pasta from scratch.Chapters: 00:00 Challenge to the Moon 01:25 Why John started running 02:30 A marathon every day since 2006 03:00 “I’m halfway to the Moon” 05:00 Family running roots 08:30 How 26 miles became “easy” 09:40 Mindfulness on the roads of Nairn 11:00 Injury, cadence & midfoot strike 13:00 Fitting marathons around family life 15:00 Running the Great Wall of China (in a kilt!) 17:30 Winter running & cold weather mindset 19:00 £250 trainers & the superglue hack 21:30 Therapy through music 29:00 The “Dark Ages” of Michelin ambition 32:00 Seabank Hotel & John's love for fresh pasta  34:00 Beating Elon Musk to the Moon