The Tea & Trails Podcast

This week, we’re joined by inov‑8 ambassador James Gibson, it’s his very first time on the show. So we take the chance to hear how he found his way into running, and how the high fells became his happy place.
In recent years he’s completed some of the UK’s toughest mountain challenges, including a winter Double Bob Graham Round, if that wasn’t enough, he’s also set a record on the Double Paddy Buckley Round.
We chat through both of these enormous winter efforts, what drew him to them, how he prepared, and what it actually feels like to push through two full rounds back‑to‑back when most people would be calling it a day after one.
Despite these world‑class performances, James remains famously low‑key. He’s a running coach, a Mountain Leader, and someone who has spent years guiding people up Scafell Pike and across the Lakeland fells. That background, long days on the hills, carrying weight, moving steadily through rough ground has shaped him into the resilient, quietly determined athlete he is today.
https://www.jamesgibsoncoaching.co.uk/
Pic Credit - Jamie Rutherford @jmruther4d
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FENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/

PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first order
PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25z
STRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Ad
https://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEA
ASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.
https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwi
Content may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.
Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HERE
Hardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/
Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/
13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/
Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/
Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/
Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/
Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/
Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/
Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/
Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/
XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

Both hosts are feeling a bit bruised this week. Gary’s wrestling with the mental load & that feeling when training somehow leaks into every corner of your life, and Eddie’s running on fumes, her usually eternal mojo having wandered off for a little holiday. Thankfully, you lot are bringing the inspiration with some absolutely mind‑blowing Strava updates.
Fueling for a road marathon has been a hot topic lately, so we’re diving in with some tips and the strategies that have actually worked for us over the years.
And in this week’s Tales from the Trails, things get emotional. Listener Colin Young shares a beautiful, heavy flex tribute to David Parish, who sadly passed away recently. It’s heartfelt, powerful, and a reminder of the incredible community we’re lucky to be part of.
And good news, our friends at Protein Rebel are supplying the prize for April’s competition. Tune in for all the details.
HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMea

XMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeR

FENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/

PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first order
PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25z
STRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Ad
https://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEA
ASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.
https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwi
Content may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.
Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HERE
Hardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/
Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/
13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/
Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/
Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/
Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/
Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/
Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/
Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/
Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/
XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

This week, we’re joined by Kitty‑Leigh Oxley for a deep dive into the 2026 Community Traverse. The Community Traverse is a race with an extraordinary story, born from the ashes of the cancelled Northern Traverse, it became a shining example of what happens when community takes action.
Kitty, David, and a band of loyal and dedicated volunteers pulled together at short notice, some even giving up their own race so others could still experience the magic of the Wainwrights Coast‑to‑Coast National Trail.
We chat about the seed of the idea, how it grew into a fully-fledged event, the joy of making it happen, and what exciting plans are already brewing for 2027.
https://communitytraverse.co.uk/
HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMea

XMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeR

FENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/

PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first order
PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25z
STRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Ad
https://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEA
Content may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.
Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HERE
Hardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/
Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/
13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/
Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/
Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/
Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/
Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/
Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/
Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/
Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/
XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

Another big week on the trails for our not so dynamic duo. Gary treated himself to a jaunt along the Yorkshire coast & Eddie is getting very familiar with her big, heavy Spine Race pack…
The coaches dive into the world of AI training apps, what they’re good for & what they’re not.
Gary and Eddie also tackle the age‑old question, what trail running kit do you actually need? Spoiler, it’s less than you think, unless you’re Eddie, in which case it’s apparently everything that fits in a Ultimate Direction pack
We’ve got another sensational Strava Club, plus a nail‑biting Lakeland 100 Tale from the Trail.
And good news, our friends at Protein Rebel are supplying the prize for April’s competition. Tune in for all the details.
HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMea

XMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeR

FENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/

PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first order
PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25z
STRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Ad
https://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEA
ASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.
https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwi
Content may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.
Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HERE
Hardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/
Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/
13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/
Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/
Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/
Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/
Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/
Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/
Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/
Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/
XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/

Today we’re sharing the mics with the brilliant Sophie Power, British ultrarunner, Guinness World Record holder, and a leading voice for women in sport.
We cover a lot of ground in this one: going viral at UTMB, the origins of She Races, the brand‑new She Races Trail Series, and her inspiring new book The Power Within. And of course, because it’s Tea & Trails, we don’t shy away from the big, important questions… like what’s Sophie’s go‑to trail snack.
It’s an episode packed with laughter, honesty, and a healthy dose of inspiration. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Sophie Power!
https://www.sophiepower.com/
https://www.sheraces.com/
https://www.sheracestrailseries.com/
HARRIER - Use code TATP10 for 10% off - https://harrierrunfree.avln.me/c/qXhnTgIdEMea

XMILES UK - Listeners receive 10% of their order value back as store credit via the link - https://xmiles.avln.me/c/RiwxnARvfHeR

FENIX LIGHT LTD - Use code T&T5 for 5% - https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/

PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION - Use code TEA2026 for 15% off your first order
PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION PLANNER - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25z
STRAVA - Use code TEA for 20% off an annual membership - #StravaPartner #Ad
https://www.strava.com/subscribe/checkout?code=TEA
ASCEND APP - Use code TeaandTrails30 to receive 30% off a monthly subscription.
https://ascendtrailapp.avln.me/c/MOwNWISPDOwi
Content may contain affiliate links which help support and grow this channel at no extra cost to you.
Brew with the Coaches - CLICK HERE
Hardmoors - https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/
Trail Outlaws - https://www.trailoutlaws.com/
13 Valleys Ultra - https://www.13valleysultra.com/
Beyond Trails - https://www.beyondtrails.co.uk/
Hellfire Events - https://www.hellfireevents.com/
Dales Runner - https://dalesrunner.co.uk/
Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/
Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/
Pen Llyn Ultra - https://penllyn.niftyentries.com/
Raw Adventures - https://www.raw-adventures.co.uk/
XNRG - https://www.xnrg.co.uk/