Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

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.

In this episode we sit down with Roberta Fletcher, the 2026 West Highland Way Race women's winner. From running 10Ks with a buggy after having children to standing atop the podium at one of the world's most iconic ultra races, Roberta's story is one of patience, persistence, smart training, and believing in what is possible. Roberta shares her remarkable journey from a performing arts background and life at sea on cruise ships to becoming one of Scotland's most exciting ultra runners. Along the way, she discusses the people who inspired her, the lessons learned from previous races, and how a carefully executed race plan helped her achieve a dream performance on the West Highland Way. In This Episode📈 The West Highland Way Progression🎯 Chasing a Scary Goal🧠 Race Craft and Mental Strength❤️ The Power of a Great Crew🌄 Favourite Sections of the West Highland Way🏆 Crossing the Line as ChampionCongratulations to Roberta Fletcher, the 2026 West Highland Way Race Women's Champion. A remarkable athlete, a brilliant ambassador for the sport, and proof that sometimes a chance meeting at a local 10K can completely change your life.Memorable Quote"Don't limit yourself. Go for it. Life's too short." Roberta Fletcher, 2026

Stevie McKenna joins us to share the story behind his incredible five-hour improvement at the West Highland Way Race, reducing his time from 28:18 to 23:23 and achieving a coveted sub-24-hour finish.From recovering from an ACL injury that first introduced him to running, to becoming a dedicated ultra-runner, Stevie reflects on the lessons, sacrifices and mindset shifts that fueled his breakthrough performance.Highlights
How an ACL reconstruction led to a lifelong running journey.
Building up to 100+ mile training weeks through a self-coached approach.
Why returning to the West Highland Way after completing the Triple Crown wasn't part of the original plan.
The race-day changes that helped slash almost five hours from his finish time.
Nutrition, foot care and checkpoint strategies that kept him moving.
The crucial support of crew, family and the Scottish running community.
Key Takeaway“Go and do the thing that scares you. Put the work in, trust the process, and earn your place on the start line.” - Stevie McKenna 2026

In this powerful and emotional episode, we welcome Melissa McLarnon to the podcast.
After being timed out at Beinglas in the 2025 West HighlandWay Race and a subsequent battle with anxiety and mental health challenges, Melissa returned this year with a completely different mindset. What follows is a story of resilience, recovery, friendship, and ultimately crossing the finish line of Scotland's iconic 95-mile ultra.
Key Moments
From DNF to Finisher
Melissa shares the disappointment of missing the Beinglas cutoff by just 10 minutes in 2025 and the emotional toll it took in the months that followed.
Mental Health and Recovery
An open and honest discussion about anxiety, therapy, seeking support, and rebuilding confidence one small step at a time.
The Power of Community
From her husband Gordon, coach Karen, Wildheart Runners,Garscube Harriers and countless friends, Melissa reflects on the people who helped her get back to the start line.
A Different Approach in 2026
Armed with stronger mindset tools, visualisation practicesand more confidence, Melissa describes a race that felt entirely different from the year before.
Devil's Staircase Karaoke
One of the episode's funniest stories sees Melissa and friends tackling the Devil's Staircase while belting out Kylie Minogue classics in the middle of the night.
The Finish
The emotion of reaching Fort William, becoming the final official finisher, and receiving her goblet in one of the most cherished traditions in Scottish ultrarunning.
 Enjoy the episode, and if you've ever faced a setback in running or life, this one's for you.
"This year wasn't about proving anything. It was a celebration of getting myself back to the start line." Melissa McLarnon, 2026