Jen Benson: Running Coach, Author, and PhD Researcher – The Stories Behind 'The Path We Run' and Her Ultramarathon Adventures

Jen Benson is a runner, writer, running coach and mum of two.  Along with her husband, Sim, she has co-authored 10 books including Smart Running, The Camping Bible, Wild Running and The Adventurer's Guide to Britain.  She has an MSc in sport & exercise medicine and is currently a PhD researcher exploring the phenomenology of running.  Jen has run more than 50 marathons and ultras, including the 100-mile Arc of Attrition in 2024.  Her new book on women in ultrarunning, The Path We Run, is out in September. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.  Thank you for your invaluable support!   Show notes Who is Jen  Intro to her life and work Publishing 3 books in 2024 Book: Smart Running: The ultimate guide to becoming a fitter, stronger, more confident runner  Book: The Camping Bible: The Complete Guide to Life Under Canvas  Book: Great British Walkies: 100 brilliant dog walks through beautiful countryside (National Trust)  First speaking to Jen - 23rd July 2019 - Adventuring with her partner and two young children, living in a tent for 18 months!  What's been going on since 2019  The wild year - spending 18 months in a tent Having freedom from the monthly treadmill of paying rent and bills Writing their first book (Wild Running) and wanting to make writing a full time career Writing their second book - Amazing Family Adventures: Fun days out and action-packed weekends. Being back in a proper house since 2016 Son aged 10, daughter aged 13  Researching an alpine adventure book in the Alps Getting back into running and starting to train for a 100 miler Documenting her training for and attempting to finish her first 100 mile race Always being a runner and doing a MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine specialising in distance running. How pregnancy impacted on her life and withdrawing from her PHD Deciding to go back and do a PHD at Liverpool John Moors University - wanting to look at the meaning of running for couch to 5k runners and ultra distance runners.  The battle with negative troughs and how a lack of confidence impacted on her running. Signing up to do a mindfulness course and how it changed her life for the better Deciding to train as a mindfulness teacher Identifying the triggers for what causes the negative spirals  The impact of tiredness and sleep deprivation  Running through the dark and running through the night  The dream of wanting to run 100 miles Book: The Path We Run: A personal history of women's ultrarunning  Learning about the history of women in ultra running TGP Episode Ann Trason (July 19th 2016) - American ultra runner who has broken 20 world records & won Western States a record breaking 14 times  Barriers for women in ultra running  Why running can be an expensive sport Working with her partner to fit in training  Being anaemic and how 50% of women/runners can have low ferritin levels Book: Smart Running: The ultimate guide to becoming a fitter, stronger, more confident runner  Why it was a dream book to write  Book: The Camping Bible: The Complete Guide to Life Under Canvas Top tips for camping Some of the challenges from the past 5 years Planning for work and family life Getting older How to connect with Jen online Final words of advice  "Just because something feels scary, that's not a reason not to do it."  Taking the plunge and doing the scary thing   Social Media Website: jenandsimbenson.co.uk Instagram: @jenandsim  Facebook: @jenandsimbenson X: @jenandsim