The Inspirational Runner Podcast
by The Inspirational Runner
I’ve have met so many inspirational people since joining the sport of running, I thought it would a good idea to capture their stories to help inspire those who are battling with their own adversities, struggling to see past their limits or just simply wanting to improve their running performance.These people aren’t super olympians, they are the people who line up along side you at the start of a race, they are your neighbours and your friends, they are Inspirational Runners.
Episodes
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Episode #159 Dave Proctor & The 7,159km Trans Canadian Land Speed Record 67days 10hrs
We have Dave Proctor with us this week, if you don’t already know Dave why not check out episode #98 where we dive into the backyard ultra. Almost three years later we are touching base again, this time to discuss the trials and tribulations of breaking the land speed record of running the…
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Episode #158 Harvey Lewis the Runner who keeps on Running ’The Lost Episode’.
After a computer crash I thought I had lost this episode which was recorded in Feb of this year, so much has changed in the ultra running world since then with Backyard records being crushed, another fun year at the Barkley and numerous 100m, 100k & 50k records being broken. That means we are…
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Episode#157 The Barkley Fall Classic a Fine Line Between Success & Failure
A month has passed since we set foot in frozen head, and I can’t believe that I’m only getting this episode released that aside I’m super excited to introduce you to Kristi Pashia who was the first person in the Barkley Fall Classic to cross the finish line in the 50k and still manage to DNF. The...
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Episode#156 Andrea Larson and The Barkley Fall Classic
I can’t believe we have been off air for over six months, super excited to have the show back and we have some amazing guests lined up to keep you motivated. None more amazing than this week's guest Andrea Larson who became the first female to podium in the Barkley Fall Classic this year…
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Episode #155 James Gibson The First Winter Wainwrights Round 325 miles 36,000mtrs Vert
I recorded this episode with James two days after he completed the very first Winter Wainwrights Round which entails 325 miles across the 214 Wainwright Peaks which has a mind blowing 36,000 metres of ascent. He was met with snow swept hills and strong winds, the severe winter conditions made…
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Episode #154 Graeme Black The Barkley Marathon 2022
We have a great episode for you this week with local lad 'Ireland' Graeme Black who finally gets to realise a dream as he takes part in the 2022 Barkley Marathon. Graeme is no stranger to the Frozen Head Park in Tennessee as he’d raced there in the Barkley Fall Classic however this time he…
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Episode #153 Keith Russell Nobody Escapes the Suffering in a Backyard Winner 2022 Castleward
Yesterday I had the pleasure of breaking down the latest Backyard event with the winner of the 2022 Castle Ward back yard Keith Russel who was taken to 37 loops by up and coming ultra runner Cathal McParland. Some you might be aware that we have had Keith on the podcast previously firstly for his...
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Episode #152 The Art O’Neill Challenge 2022 Ellen Vitting & Alastair Higgins
A super Art O’Neill special this week featuring Ellen Vitting who was first lady home in the Art O'Neill Challenge in a great time of 7:05:18 just a couple of minutes ahead of second place, and Alastair Higgins who won the overal race in a pretty incredible time of 5:53:33. For those who haven’t...
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Episode #151 Ross Jenkin 4@40 UK Mountain Round Challenge 387km 31,800m
It’s been a couple of weeks since the last episode was released but the wait was worth it as we have a 2hr feature with the round machine himself Ross Jenkin, who earlier this year completed all four of the UKs infamous Mountain Rounds within the same week. The well known English Bob Graham, The...
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Episode #150 Gareth King Club Runner to 100km Record Holder
This week we have a local club runner who I have been watching with almost misbelief over the last couple of years as he has gone from strength to strength. Gareth King from Tandragee County Armagh who back in Aug this year not only become the National 100km champion, but he smashed the Northern...
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Episode #149 Noel Hanna The Savage Mountain (K2)
Once again we have the pleasure of Noel Hanna on the podcast, some of you will remember Noel from episode #51 where we unpack his adventure on the 135 mile Bad Water race across death valley, and his succesful summit of K2 the Savage Mountain amongst other crazy endurance accompishments. In this...
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Episode #148 Liz Canty from the 15 Metre Line to 100 Mile Endurance Races
It's hard to know where to begin with Liz Canty, an immense rugby player who changed direction and ended up on rat jaw, what more can be said.... Liz really hasn't held back in any way or form, starting on the road and moving to the trails she has gone from strength to strength racing numerous…
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Episode #147 Keith Russell 63 Loops of Backyard Chaos
Epic episode with Irish Backyard record holder Keith Russell who ran an amazing 63 loops back in May during the Atlas Running event in N.Ireland. Last week he competed in the 100k Anglo Celtic Plate gracing his first Irish International vest which was a very proud moment for the relatively new...
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Episode #146 Vajin Armstrong Flow Running Behind the Spiritual Curtain
What a treat we have for you this week with one of Ultra Runnings most interesting runners Vajin Armstrong, not only has he podiumed some of the worlds toughest races but he brings with him a different dimension into the sport. A follower of the Indian Spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy creator of the...
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Episode #145 GB Runner Rebecca Robinson Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
We have a very interesting guest this week, Dr. Rebecca Robinson. Sports and Exercise Medical Consultant who has represented GB in the marathon distance gracing a 2hr 36min pb, along with a 33min 09sec 10k, she is also an absolutely awesome mountain runner winning team gold with GB in 2015. In…
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Episode #144 Paddy Hamilton First Place Introduction into the World of Ultra Running
I can’t believe we have been absent for almost four months I'd just like to thank everyone for their continued support, and who better to start off with than fellow club mate Slieve Gullion Runners Paddy Hamilton who at his first attempt in the world of ultra smashed the field to take first place...
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Episode #143 Karen McNeany & Chris Hanlon The Barkley Marathon
It's been a while since I've released an episode, the joys of setting up a new business however no better place to start of again than the Barkley Marathon. Karen McNeany gained her entry into the Barkley by being the first lady across the line in the Barkley Classic however that didn't stop Laz...
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Episode #142 Gary House Run Strong Coaching Insta Ultra Lad
Short intro to this weeks guest Gary House from the run strong club, an ultra runner himself signing up for races such as UTMBS TDS and The Dragon's Back he has earned himslef an indepth knowledge on coaching techniques which he shares through the club. Check him out on Instagram if you want to…
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Episode #141 George Foster Mountain Running and a Sublime Bob Graham Round
George is very talented Mountain Runner who focuses on shorter sharper mountain races, however last October during the nations lock down he took on the Bob Graham round and beat Billy Bland's time which had previously stood for 36 years prior to Killian Jornet breaking it. At 13hrs 44min it hit…
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Episode #140 Martin Cox The Fine Art of Performance Coaching
We have one of if not the best coach that I have had the pleasure of talking to Martin Cox from Vo2 Max Coaching, he is a world class athlete who has been on the top flight in mountain running for numerous years. He has rubbed shoulders with some of the best coaches the world has ever seen which...
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Episode #139 Inov-8 The Award Winning Terraultra G270 Trail Shoe
I've been back in the hills with a new set of tyres, the Inov-8 Terraultra G270s. I was so blown away by them that I had to invite the Inov-8 team on to the podcast to find out more about the product and the people behind this increasingly competitive brand. Not only is Bodil Oushoorn the Design...
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Episode #138 Steve Birkinshaw There Is No Map in Hell
A 17hr Bob Graham, seven times winner of the OMM, winner of the infamous 2012 Dragons Back race, and former record hold of the wainrights, not to mention author of one of the best Mountain books out there There is no Map in Hell. If only I had half the knowledge that Steve Birkinshaw carries, it...
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Episode #137 Paul Tierney The Wainwrights FKT
In this episode we talk to Paul Tierney Irish international ultra runner and current FKT holder of the 214 fells of the Wainwrights which he completed in a little over 6 days and 6hrs, which normally taken people months if not years to complete. He has a list of accomplishments and a great depth…
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Episode #136 Robbie Britton The Key to Ultra Running Success
Robbie Britton is an athlete that isn’t afraid of a challenge, be it on the road or the trail, Robbie has performed from 5k to 24hr, with highlights such as a 2:29 marathon and a 261km 24hr best, which earned him a World & European bronze medal. Robbie loves a challenge whether it is crossing...
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Episode #135 Ben Blowes 31 Marathons in 31 Days for Tom's Trust 31 Stars Av Sub 4hrs
During the week I got wind of Ben’s attempt of running 31 marathons in 31 days with the ambitious target of running a sub four hour average, today Ben completed his 27th marathon in 27 days so I thought I grab him for a quick chat to unpack what its all about. I’ve just taken a look at Ben’s just...
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Episode #134 Kevin Webber The Power of a Positive Mindset MDS Prostate Cancer Awareness
We have Kevin Webber on the show this week, one of the most inspirational runners that I have had the pleasure of meeting, diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and was told that he only had two years left to live. During his chemotherapy to the shock of his doctor Kevin started to train for a...
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Episode #133 Pam Reed A Pioneer in the World of Ultra Running Badwater Badass
What a guest we have with us this week, a pioneer in the world of ultra running and author of one of the most inspiring books out there The Extra Mile. Pam Reed the first female to be the overall winner of Badwater in 2002 and again in 2003 pushing Dean Karnazes into second place. First person to...
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Episode #132 Hillary Allen Against All Odds (Out & Back Book Release 04/21)
I find it absolutely mind blowing what Hillary Allen has achieved over the last couple of years, falling 150ft off a ridge during a skyrun in Norweigh, miraculously escaping what was almost certain death, being told your never going to compete again, I can only image the emotions that must have...
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Episode#131 Nick Lister Turning a Corner and Failing Your Way to Backyard Success
We have a special episode for you this week with one of the members from the UK Backyard Team that took part in the Big Dog's Backyard Ultra - World Championship on the 17th Oct 2020. It was an epic event to be part of the UK came team home finished in 13th place out of 21 when Richie Hinson...
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Episode #130 The Denis Rankin Round Winter Special
With so many races cancelled people are starting to look at the Winter Rounds to cash in on their summer training, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to release an episode with the DRR winter record holders for anyone who may be interested in having successful but more importantly safe round....
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Episode #129 Gavin Byrne Kerryway Ultra 2020 Winner TDS 31st Place
Quite a few things happening since we last talked, Karel Sabbe knocked out 75 loops at Big Dogs Backyard Ultra smashing Johan Steene’s record, the Garmin Skyline was cancelled on the weekend and we edge closer and closer towards another total lock down. Luckily the Kerryway Ultra went ahead and…
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Episode #128 Galen Reynolds The Dragon Slayer Winner of the 2019 Dragons Back
What an exceptional fast tracked journey Galen has been on taking 2nd place on the podium in Tour de Geants on two different occasions and winner of the 2019 Dragons back. It was marked as the worlds toughest mountain race with 315km and 15,500m vert but cruely they have added an additional day…
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Episode #127 Olivier Leblond USA 48hr Record Holder 100 Mile Podiums and Backyard Ultras
Great to back into the flow after a few weeks off, really enjoyed this off the cuff interview with 100 mile expert and USA 48hr record holder Olivier Leblond. Age really is just a number when it comes to long distance ultra running, Olivier is highly competitive at the age of 48 although he...
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Episode #126 Karl 'SpeedGoat' Meltzer The Most Successful 100 Mile Ultra Marathoner on the Planet
We have an exceptional runner on the show this week, so exceptional in fact that he has won more 100 mile races than anyone else on the planet, he has so many accolades I really wouldn’t know where to start so check out the show notes below where I’ve listed a few so you can gain an idea of how...
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Episode #125 Bruce Fordyce The Comrades King 9 Times Winner
Another treat for you this week especially for those who feel connected to The Comrades Marathon 9 times winner 8 of which were consecutive the man they call The Comrades King Mr Bruce Fordyce himself quite arguably one of the best runners in the history of the sport. He ran the 89km down course…
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Episode #124 Barefoot Ted Born to Run Find Your Flow
I really don’t know how to introduce my next guest he first featured in arguably the best selling and most inspiring running book of all time Born to Run, I remember how reading about how the Tarahumara totally opened up my mind to what was humanly possible. Ted McDonald aka Barefoot Ted inspired…
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Episode #123 Anne Audain the First Professional Female Runner and Former 5000m World Record Holder
Adopted as a child born in Auckland, and had her feet reconstructed at the age of 13 Audain finished ninth aged 17 in the 1973 World Cross Country Championships. She ran in the 1500 m at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, finishing sixth, and top New Zealander, in…
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Episode #122 Adam Tango Holland 10 Marathons in 10 Days Guinness World Record Holder
This is a no thrills no spills episode where I try and unlock the secret to breaking the Guinness World Record for 10 marathons in 10 days with an average time of 2:45:42 which is absolutley mind blowing. Adam is currently challenging for the world Strava lead place this month in July, a superb...
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Episode #121 Kerry O’Flaherty Irish Olympian ‘Injury Mindset’ another Hurdle to Leap Over
This week we revisit Irish Olympian Kerry O’Flaherty who featured on an earlier episode #34 if you want to check it out, this is an amazing podcast especially for those who are managing an injury at the minute. Last September Kerry broke her 5th metatarsal during a key race in Spain, she was in…
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Episode #120 Rik Vercoe The Relentless Marathon Runner "If I Can do it so Can you" 10 in 10 Sub 30hrs
Most people will know Rik as being the Race Director from Phoenix Running but there is a lot more to this cowboy than people will realise. He held the world record for 10 marathons in 10 days running 7 of those under sub 3 leaving with a sub 30hr accumulative time, he held the British Record for...
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Episode #119 Johnny Breen GVRAT 10 in 10 Progress in the Sport of Ultrarunning
This week we revisit Johnny Breen from episode number 26, back then he had a 3:50 marathon pb, he DNF’d the 107 miles Belfast to Dublin Ultra, it’s been quite inspiring to watch Johnny's progress over the last 18 months. He ran a sub 3hr during lock down and he went on to run 10 sub 4 hour...
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Episode #118 Mike Wardian World Majors and World Marathon Challenge Record Holder & Quaratine Backyard Winner
Its difficult to know where to start with Mike Wardian he has such a long list of achievements, some we touched on in the podcast he ran all world majors in 2016 with a world record breaking average of 2:31, he ran the 7 marathons in 7 continents in 7 days in 2017 with a world record average time...
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Episode #117 Johan Steene an Ultra Mindset 68 Loops Backyard Record Holder
Johan is a Swedish ultrarunner, most notable for winning the 2018 Big Dog's Backyard Ultra, at which he completed 68 laps or 283.335 miles of the coursein 67 hours 48 minutes and 36 seconds, thus setting a new record on the course and beating the incredible Courtney if that wasn’t awe inspiring...
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Episode #116 John T Sharp 2000km GVRAT 27 Days Backyard Ultra & Long Distance Running
Most people would have heard about the GVRAT Lazarus Lake's 1000km virtual race across Tennessee by now, you had four months to complete the challenge which started on the 1st May and if you had time you could make it back home to complete the 2000km. Well our next guest decided that's exactly…
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Episode #115 Keith Russell and Team Alanna 'The Gift of Ultra Running'
Staying on home soil this week with the inspiring story of Keith and Alanna Russell, Alanna was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, with no speech or use of her arms or legs she became the youngest person to complete the Dublin Marathon with proud father Keith. Shortly after the race…
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Episode #114 Sarah McCormack Irish International and Mountain Running World Cup Race Series Winner 2019
In this episode we unpack the 2019 world championship race series where Sarah McCormack was crowned world champion whilst representing Ireland, we relive the Snowdon race which was arguably the most exciting race of the season where Sarah narrowly beat Elisa Sortini with a time of 1:14:49 for the...
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Episode #113 Terri Biloski The Great Virtual Run Across Tennesse 1000km in 11 days 20hrs and The Backyard Ultra
I think everyone has heard of the Great Virtual Run Across Tennesse by now, our next guest amazingly was the first person to finish the event out of 18,999 (not 19,000 typical Lazarus Lake Style🤪) 1000km and it only took her 11 days 20 hrs which is roughly 85km a day or 2 marathons in runners...
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Episode #112 Sharon Gayter Jogle Record Holder National Champion Himalyan La Ultra The High Extreme Endurance
I really don’t know where to start with Sharon Record holder of both the Jogle and the Mizen Head to Malin Head, winner of races such as the Hardmoors 110 miler, the Fire and Ice 250km race, The Himalayan LA Ultra The High Ultra, Commonwealth 24hr champion, Silver in the European 100k & 24hr with…
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Episode #111 Richard Nunan Unpacking PTL UTMB TDS CCC & TDG
With UTMB race announcement planned for the 20th May I thought it would be a great idea to unpack each of the top four races that are currently scheduled for the last week of Aug, PTL, UTMB, TDS & CCC There was no one more suited to this job than Ireland's very own Richard Nunan, who has crossed...
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Podcast #110 Beth Pascall UK UTMB & Great Western State 4th Place Finisher
We have a superb bonus episode for you this week with one of the most accomplished UK ultra runners Beth Pascall, she really hit the running scene with a bang in 2015 by winning The Spine, the Brecon Beacons Ultra, she came 2nd in the infamous Dragons Back stage race, and came first in a chanced...
About this show
I’ve have met so many inspirational people since joining the sport of running, I thought it would a good idea to capture their stories to help inspire those who are battling with their own adversities, struggling to see past their limits or just simply wanting to improve their running performance.These people aren’t super olympians, they are the people who line up along side you at the start of a race, they are your neighbours and your friends, they are Inspirational Runners.
Hosted by
The Inspirational Runner