Solemate Runners - The Podcast

Welcome to Episode 4 of Solemate Runners, The Podcast! Join hosts Paul and Aimee as they share their adventures doing Big Bear Events’ Elephant Challenge. They dive deep into their experiences, including Paul's ill-fated attempt with new carbon fibre trainers, Aimee's determination to beat her previous records, and the fun of volunteering at race events. Listen as they recount running through beautiful Salcey Forest, battling inner demons, and facing unexpected challenges. Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner or just love a good tale of endurance, this episode has it all!00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners01:28 Big Bear Events Overview01:58 The Elephant Challenge Explained05:01 Canicross and Other Unique Features06:55 Training and Nutrition Tips11:42 Medals and Rewards15:43 First Big Bear Event Experience20:11 Unexpected Challenges and Lessons30:59 Discussing the Pros and Cons of Altra Trainers31:41 Trying Out Altra Shoes at Events32:24 Petzl Head Torches: A Game Changer?33:38 Marshaling at the Petzl Night Trail34:25 Balancing Training and Events35:39 The Elephant Challenge: Goals and Strategies36:29 Overcoming Mental and Physical Challenges43:54 Aimee's Marathon PB Attempt48:38 Unexpected Obstacles on the Last Lap56:52 Volunteering at Big Bear Events58:45 Final Thoughts and Future PlansThanks for listening!Please give us a follow on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunnersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

In this episode (recorded in April 2025) Paul and Aimee delve into their recent experience running 'Run Walk Crawl''s Vale Coastal Ultra, a challenging 32-mile race. Broadcasting from their quirky railway carriage in Wales, they share highs and lows, recount technical issues, and provide insights on ultra-running. Notably, Aimee celebrates her impressive achievement as the second female finisher while Paul discusses lessons learned, including the importance of problem-solving on the go. This is all to help them prepare for their biggest challenge yet—the Winter Downs 200 in December. Tune in for an hour of engaging stories and key takeaways for any ultra-running enthusiast.00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners00:42 Technical Glitches and Location Setup01:24 Race Introduction: Winter Downs 20001:46 Vale Coastal Ultra: Race Recap02:12 Aimee's Achievement: Second Female02:28 Reflecting on Past Races02:47 Birthday Ultra: The Tradition05:43 Race Day Logistics and Registration13:09 Race Start: Penarth Pier20:09 Navigating the Course and Checkpoints33:21 Challenges and Setbacks38:51 Aimee's Quick Decision39:15 Pain Management and Pep Talk42:21 Navigational Challenges44:20 Concrete Path and Overtaking47:07 Electrolytes and Fueling Strategy48:06 Beach Detour and Recovery49:30 Tackling the Hills54:37 Final Stretch and Finish Line01:07:28 Post-Race Reflections01:17:23 Conclusion and Future PlansThanks for listening!Please give us a follow on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunnersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

In Episode 2 of Solemate Runners The Podcast (recorded in March 2025), Paul and Aimee dive deep into their experience running the Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultramarathon. Tune in as they share the highs and lows of tackling one of the UK’s toughest winter ultras. From harsh weather conditions to the gruelling terrain, they recount every detail of their journey, including struggles with nutrition, unforeseen challenges, and the bittersweet outcome. Whether you're an experienced ultra runner or just curious about the extreme sport, this episode is packed with insightful reflections and valuable lessons that can help anyone preparing for a long-distance race. It is an honest and heartfelt look at what it takes to push one's limits in the world of ultrarunning.00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners00:42 Introducing the Arc of Attrition02:04 The Journey to Ultra Running03:43 Signing Up for the Arc 5005:16 The Arc 50 Experience09:20 Challenges and Triumphs13:05 The Arc of Attrition: A New Challenge20:48 Preparing for the Big Race21:43 Race Day: The Arc 10032:00 Arrival and Pre-Race Observations32:39 Wave Two Start Experience34:31 Navigating the Early Miles36:44 Struggles with Nutrition and Hydration40:16 Battling the Elements42:27 Checkpoint Challenges and Crew Support45:44 Pushing Through the Night52:29 The Brutal Final Stretch55:04 Missing the Cutoff and Emotional Finish57:32 Reflections and Future PlansThanks for listening!Please give us a follow on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunnersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

In this inaugural episode of Solemate Runners The Podcast, meet Paul and Aimee, a middle-aged couple with a passion for running. Join them in their running room filled with all things running as they share their motivation behind starting the podcast and YouTube channel. Learn about their background and how they've evolved from casual runners to tackling ultra-marathons and 100-mile races. They discuss their running experiences, the ups and downs, and their future race plans, including a quest to conquer the Arc of Attrition and other challenging events including the Winter Downs 200 in December 2025. Tune in for an honest, humorous, and inspiring dive into their journey in the world of ultra-running.00:00 Welcome to Our Running Room00:26 Meet the Hosts: Paul and Aimee00:45 The Journey to Podcasting02:03 Aimee's Running Background03:59 Paul's Running and Sobriety Story06:45 Our Running Dynamics as a Couple10:01 From Couch to 100 Miles14:58 Our First Official Races16:45 Annual Running Mileage Progress21:02 The Alcester 10k Races28:29 Discovering Ultra Running30:31 Our First Ultra Marathon Experience37:11 Subsequent Ultra Marathons and Lessons Learned39:07 Confidence and Preparation for Endure 2439:29 Heatwave Challenges and Technical Issues40:08 Aimee's Success and Paul's Struggles42:06 The Joust and Lessons Learned43:57 Run Walk Crawl as Arc 50 Training45:17 The Arc 50: A Proudest Achievement46:21 Big Bear Events Elephant Challenge49:25 The Bridge 100: A Unique Challenge54:51 Endure 24: A Sensible Approach57:31 The Joust: A Successful Race59:38 Escape from Meriden Chained01:05:46 Arc of Attrition 100: A Tough Experience01:09:20 Upcoming Races and Final Thoughts Thanks for listening!Please give us a follow on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunnersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr