Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

In this episode, Steven and John are joined by Lewis Bowness, a Lake District based fell and ultra runner whose journey from village fell races to winning the Lakeland 50 and podium‑finishing at the Arc of Attrition is nothing short of inspiring.
Lewis shares how growing up in the Lake District shaped his love for running, the influence of his family, and how fell running became normal from an early age. The conversation explores coaching, mindset, resilience, racing tactics, community rivalries, and what it really takes to step up to the sharp end of ultra running.
This is a deep‑dive into progression, patience, humility, and learning to thrive in both the highs and the hard days.
That’s when you thank yourself for all those dark January runs - Lewis Bowness

In this episode, John and Steven look back on an unforgettable weekend at the Schneider Paris Marathon 2026. From elite-level organisation and iconic Parisian scenery to injury management, mindset battles, charity fundraising, and the magic of marathon community — this is a deep dive into what makes marathon running so special.
The episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to a much-loved member of the ultrarunning community before shifting into a full Paris Marathon debrief, race storytelling, and reflections on why we keep coming back to the start line.
Remembering David Parrish ⁠⁠David's Just Giving Page⁠🥐 Grab a croissant and a foam roller — we’re heading to Paris (and very sore quads) as we debrief the 2026 Paris Marathon: iconic sights, techno tunnels, and enough maranoia to power the Metro.
🏁 Is Paris the New Major?
Move over, Boston. With 60,000 runners, 145 nationalities, and in Steven’s words, “the best toilet provision in marathon history”, Paris is making a serious play for the crown.
🗼 The Route: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Seine.
🎶 The Vibe: Mile‑17 tunnel rave. Berlin club energy, Paris style.
🚿 The Water: No cups. Just high‑pressure hoses. Nothing humbles you like being power‑washed while chasing 8 minute miles.
🚑 The Hamstring from Hell
Four weeks out, Steven’s hamstring clocked off. Three weeks of stationary biking, physio prayers, and zero expectations later, he rolled to the start line to take on the 26.2 miles.
⏱️ Marathon Maths Is Real
Despite everything… 3:29:29
How? Peak Marathon Maths, spending the final 6 miles dividing 0.1 into your remaining will to live.
Verdict: A solid 20 mile run followed by a horrible 10K from the depths of despair.
💙 The Real Winners
🎗️ The Cause: £23k+ raised for Rooprai Spinal Trust. Huge shift, lads. Donation page still open

Frank McGaffney is back for his hat-trick appearance on the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast—and this time, he’s a 100-mile Backyard Ultra finisher! 🏆
In this weeks episode we sit down with Frank for a grippy, deeply honest and of course amusing 90-minute breakdown of his 24-hour / 100-mile journey at the Rasselbock Backyard Ultra.
From the "accommodation from hell" to vomiting in the corral, this episode covers the beautiful chaos of ultra running:

🤢 The Chaos: Abandoning a damp Mansfield rental for a Premier Inn, surviving a face-plant on Yard 10, and a salt-tablet-induced projectile vomit just seconds before the starting whistle.
🧠 The Strategy: How meticulous planning with Coach Fiona Watt turned previous "nutrition issues" into a masterclass of Pot Noodles, custard pouches, and perfectly timed gels.
🩹 The Grit: Dealing with "blisters from the underworld" and finding the mental strength to push through the night laps.
🌪️ The Finish: Hitting the magical 24-yard mark and what it means.

This isn't just a race report; it’s a story of resilience, achievement, and what Frank is already eyeing up 2027. 🏃‍♂️💨

Megan Boxall Tracker

In this episode we sit down with ultra-running powerhouse Anna Troup, winner of both Summer and Winter Spine Races including the 2025 Summer Spine outright. Anna opens up about training in the Lake District, navigating injuries, managing menopause, building resilience, and rediscovering her running identity.
Episode Highlights
Anna’s journey from Oxford rowing → triathlon → ultras
Living and training in Grasmere
Why she prefers early morning sessions
How cross-training keeps her running as she gets older
First ultra: Hardmoors 60, “baptism of fire”
Learning navigation the hard way on her first Spine
Winning the 2021, 2022 & 2025 Summer Spine, plus 2026 Winter Spine (1st female)
Handling recurring stress fractures & lessons from menopause
Why women thrive in long ultras
Cows, storms, lost moments, and the art of problem‑solving in big races
Fuelling: “Rice, cheese and butter — that’s my magic bowl”
Her go‑to kit: DexShell socks & ASICS Trabuco

Megan Boxall Tracker

After a four year wait, the legend himself finally returns. This week John and Steven welcome back ultra‑runner, adventurer, and all round good guy Martin Heggie for his hat‑trick appearance on the podcast and he brings with him one of the wildest race stories you’ll hear all year.
Martin has just completed The Tunnel, Mark Cockbain’s infamous 200 mile, 100 lap underground sufferfest in the darkness of the Combe Down Tunnel near Bath.
With 212 miles, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, chafing disasters, blisters, pot noodles, Irn Bru, and every emotion imaginable , this one has it all.

Allie Bailey Edinburgh Workshop
Megan Boxall Tracker