Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

Will Howard joins us to share the remarkable story behind his debut at the Lakeland 100, where he stunned the field by finishing 3rd place in a phenomenal 20:44. From a childhood spent trying every sport imaginable, through modern pentathlon, marathon running, and a breakthrough ultra victory in Minnesota, Will's running journey has taken him to the sharp end of one of the UK's toughest ultra races.

In this episode, Will talks about:
Growing up around sport and how running always seemed to be the constant thread.
Competing internationally in modern pentathlon and representing Great Britain at junior level.
Falling out of love with running during Covid and rediscovering it through marathon racing.
Chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time and running 2:40 at Boston.
Winning the Minnesota Voyager 50 Mile in extreme heat while working in the United States.
Volunteering at Lakeland 100 before racing it himself.
The surreal experience of unknowingly leading the race overnight.
Fuel strategy and taking in more than 100g of carbohydrates per hour.

A particular highlight is Will's answer to this season's theme, Everest, where he reflects on the idea that the real reward is not the summit but the journey itself.

For a runner who only recently stepped up to the 100-mile distance, Will's combination of talent, humility, perspective and sheer enthusiasm shines throughout this conversation. This is an uplifting chat packed with practical ultra-running insights, Lakeland 100 stories, and a reminder to enjoy every step of the climb.
Will Howard Instagram: @wilzo

What happens when your greatest strength becomes your biggest vulnerability?In this episode we sit down with ultra runner, journalist and first-time author Chris Marritt to discuss his forthcoming book Did Not Fail, a deeply personal exploration of what happens when a runner encounters their first ever DNF after 24 years of always finding a way to the finish line.Chris takes us through the highs and lows of the legendary Ring of Fire around Anglesey, a race that broke him emotionally, challenged his identity as a runner, and ultimately taught him more than any finish line ever could. From sleepless nights in tents and self-doubt on the coastal path, to returning a year later for redemption, this is a conversation about failure, resilience, self-awareness and discovering your true "why". Whether you've DNF'd, missed a target, struggled through a race, or wrestled with disappointment in any area of life, this episode will resonate."I now think of that first DNF as the best race of my life. It wasn't the most enjoyable, far from it, but the impact it had on my running and beyond running was enormous." Chris Marritt, 2026Look out for Did Not Fail, available from 19 August, where Chris shares the full story of failure, growth, resilience and eventual redemption. If you've ever experienced a DNF, a setback, or a race that taught you more than success ever could, we'd love to hear your story. Because sometimes the most important finish line isn't the one you cross... it's the one that changes you.

What do you get when you combine the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, 170 miles of relentless Scottish trail, a coach with a winning pedigree, a couple of loyal crew members, and a runner who refuses to quit?
You get Brian Robertson, better known on Instagram as @brido_runs_daft_ultras
In this episode, we sit down with Brian fresh from an incredible performance at the By Way of the Glen, a brutal 170-mile journey linking Milngavie to Inverness via the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way. Brian not only completed the event, he became the sole finisher and set a new course record of 47:40:45
But this conversation goes far beyond race results.
Brian shares how a casual chat during marathon training introduced him to ultrarunning, his battles with shin splints, how a serious chest infection ultimately saved his running career, and the transformative impact of working with coach Iain Bethune.
We also dive into:
How the D33 convinced him ultras were for him
Lessons learned from the West Highland Way Race
Why elevation became the secret weapon in his training
The importance of crew support and race strategy
Breathwork techniques that helped him stay calm during 170 miles of suffering
The ultra community and the people who inspire him
A moving discussion about overcoming addiction and how adversity helped forge his mental resilience
The famous Great Glen Way "Princess Chair"

Along the way there are shoe reviews, nutrition mishaps, stories from Glen Ogle, Falkirk and the Ochils, and perhaps the most budget-friendly sock strategy ever featured on the podcast.
Most of all, this is a story about endurance, humility, friendship and discovering what you're capable of when you commit fully to a goal.
"Take it one mile at a time. Get to the next checkpoint. That's all I thought about." Brian Robertson 2026

Season 16 is LIVE! 🎙️🏃‍♂️
​Everyone has an Everest, what's yours? For some, it’s a high-altitude ultra. For others, it’s a first parkrun, a Couch-to-5K, or just getting out the front door.
​Whatever your Everest is this year—we want to hear about it. Drop us a comment and join the chat for another season of epic stories, big adventures, and classic questionable life choices!
​In Episode 1:
The boys are back! Just John and Steven behind the mics, which means world-class tangents, steak pie reviews, and a deep dive into an unforgettable weekend at the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100.
​🏔️ Inflation claims at North Lakes Basecamp breakfast
⚡ The absolute 120-second chaos of the Lakeland 50 finish line as we delve into the Lakeland race reviews
🎤 Inspiring chats with IntoUltra, The Running Charity, and Atebion
❤️ The unsung hero volunteers who make Coniston magic
🏃 Shoutout to Daryn Phillips wrapping up his 496km July challenge for Gambling With Lives (link in below to donate!)
🗻 More info on our Season 16 theme - Everest
🏃 Daryn Phillips is running 496km in July for Gambling With Lives. Help him out and donate if you can

The Season 15 curtain comes down with special guest Steven Willetts, better known as one half of the Brig Boys Podcast. A three-time Lakeland 50 finisher, Steven joins us to talk training, mindset, race strategy, nutrition, coaching, and what keeps drawing him back to one of the UK's most iconic ultra marathons.
With Lakeland weekend just around the corner, it's the perfect conversation to send us into the season break.
🔥 In This Episode
Steven's journey from parkrun and hangover runs to ultra marathons
How a 3:07 marathon PB led to bigger trail ambitions
Why the trails now beat the roads for enjoyment
The story behind the Brig Boys Podcast
Working with coach Dan Connolly and the impact of structured training
Lakeland 50 race tactics, checkpoints and favourite sections of the course
Blisters, feet care, socks, shoes and gear choices
The goal for this year's race
Why Lakeland is "Glastonbury for runners"

🎯 Lakeland 50: The Mission
Having completed Lakeland 50 in:
2023: 14:40
2024: 11:50
2025: 11:42
Steven returns this year chasing another PB.
Lakeland Trackers
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/26lakeland100/
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/26lakeland50/

Our discussion dives deep into pacing, checkpoint strategy, pole usage, fuelling plans and the mental game required to keep moving when the Lake District starts asking difficult questions.
🎧 Brig Boys Podcast
If you've not checked out the Brig Boys Podcast yet, this episode is a great introduction to the team behind it.
Steven shares how a friendship spanning more than 25 years evolved into a running podcast.
We're big fans and highly recommend giving them a listen.
💡 Quote of the Episode
"Nobody's asking what your time was in a 50-mile race. You can just enjoy the experience." Steven Willetts - 2026
🙌 Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who has listened, supported, shared, bought merch, worn buffs, stuck stickers around the world and joined us for another incredible season.
We'll be back soon for Season 16.
Until then, keep running, keep smiling and we'll see you in the Lakes.