The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt (and a range of guests) as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning...
Your Running Rants - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 12 Eps 14
Our much-anticipated Running Rants episode has landed.Join hosts John and Steven for a golden 90 minutes of lively discussion in this episode of the Young Hearts Run Free podcast.This episode dives deep into the world of running annoyances and frustrations.John and Steven wade through a plethora of listener contributions, sharing and dissecting the most common (and some not-so-common) gripes that runners face. What gets on your tits, pisses ye off or grinds your gears?In the episode, they particularly focus on the frustrations of dealing with dog leads that seem to stretch across the entire path, fellow runners and pedestrians who ignore friendly greetings, and the ever-present challenge of cars parked on pavements. They also discuss the lack of consideration from some car drivers, making the roads a dangerous place for runners!Tune in for a mix of humour, empathy, and practical advice as our hosts navigate the ups and downs of the running world. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, you'll find something to relate to and laugh about in this entertaining and cathartic episode.
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1:38:57
Fiona Outdoors with Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 12 Eps 13
This week we welcome Fiona Russell to the podcast; you may know her better as Fiona Outdoors!Fiona helped us open many doors when we both started out ultra-marathoning. Her always entertaining takes on events and routes on her website doing more than enough to inspire us in to action!She’s become a constant voice of support and positivity for not only running but outdoor activities in general, especially across Scotland.We’re delighted to hear about Fiona’s own running journey, her passion and desire to motivate others evident throughout. Fiona let’s us know about her next running adventure too, an exciting trip to Italy later in the year beckons for that one!This episode is much more about just running though, Fiona’s repertoire in the outdoorsy world is huge after all, so from learning navigation, to bagging Munros, skiing and canoeing are all covered.We hear about how Fiona has changed her own running to adapt to advancing years and how age is no barrier to exploring and adventuring.Oh, and we’ve a couple of dialect dictionary words that require parental advisory warning!!Enjoy our chat with the legendary Fiona Outdoors cos we certainly did.Check out more (much much more) from Fiona on her website here FIONA OUTDOORS
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1:20:04
Tea Addiction with Damian Hall with Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 12 Eps 12
Not all is black n white when you're in conversation with Damian Hall. Want to find out more? Listen in.
Damo makes a overdue and welcome return to the podcast this week as we catch up on what he's been up to and what lies ahead around the corner.
Fresh off supporting many pals on the Winter Spine races and indeed test running a brand-new race to be introduced on the Spine he's s in usual cavalier mood.
First, we find out a switch up in his sponsorship as he moves away from his historical association with Inov8 and over to something less normal.
Then it's a crusade through a whole heap of stuff he's been up to and involved in. As you can imagine nothing sits still for this fella so we've much to discuss and muse upon.
National Running Show appearances, training updates, upcoming races and plans. The big news, for us anyway, the revelation that we'll get an oppo to meet the man himself in Conniston come the end of July!
We cover 'controlling the fade', the fade of what though? Intriguing enough to tune in to find out just what we are whittling on about on that one!
We spend time discussing Into Ultra (see link below) an initiative Damo is a founding member of to give people access to participate in Ultra Marathon who may otherwise not be able to!
And lastly, Damo is allowed not 1 but 2 songs into the famed YHRF Playlist, and both them are absolute belters!
We could talk to this man all day long, but we manage to limit it to a solid hour or so, now quick, go a get yir lugs wrapped right roond it!
Learn more about Into Ultra on their website https://intoultra.org.uk/homehttps://intoultra.org.uk/home
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1:31:19
Lucy Gossage Winter Spine Race 2025 Winner - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 12 Eps 11
It would be amiss of us as part of our Winter Spine mop up not have a debrief with one of the winners, right?
Step forward Lucy Gossage to fulfil that role. The ex pro triathlete and now (accidental) runner took the win after the toughing it out on the famed 268 mile race up the Pennine Way.
We're mighty chuffed to hear her tell her tale of triumph through adversity as she nailed the race of her life at her 2nd attempt at the Spine, after all 2024 is so last year.
Lucy picks up her tale of finding running during the covid pandemic, at a time when the world was a strange place and, for her personally, the end of a magnificent career in triathlon was drawing to a close.
We're astounded to hear how much she's managed to raise for her charity Move Against Cancer and find out more about some of the magnificent work being undertaken to promote physical activity.
Of course the 2025 Spine Race is the headline act and Lucy regales her journey through training, to the start line in Edale and on to a victorious conclusion in Kirk Yetholm.
She's candid and open of the role personal heartache and betrayal played, on closing that chapter she's already started an exciting new one that she is evidently buzzing about.
It's a terrific insight into the mind and motivation of an elite athlete who is so in touch with her own mindset. A story of transferring strength and resilience built through years of triathlon racing and applying it to a new discipline, just so happens that discipline is ultra marathoning.
And aren't we the lucky benefactors of welcoming such prowess to the wonderful running community.
Now, go get your lugs around this cracker, it does not disappoint.
Find out more and make a donation to Lucy's charity MOVE AGAINST CANCER here
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1:25:40
Mel Sykes Winter Spine Race 2025 - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 12 Eps 10
We catch up with our Yorkshire Correspondent Mel Sykes to talk all about her 268 mile traverse along the Pennine Way during the Montane Winter Spine Race 2025
Think 'challenging' weather, think sleep deprivation, think sleeping in public toilets and churches.
Think Alston Lasagne!
Mel replays her pre race thoughts and preparations, takes us on a detailed journey from Edale to Kirk Yetholm and reflects on the challenge and adventure of such an undertaking.
This is an absolute belter of an episode, Mel done it for Yorkshire, Mel done it to inspire, Mel done it because..she is Mel Sykes, our Yorkshire Correspondent.
Winter Spine Race...completed it mate.
The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt (and a range of guests) as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning.