Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

Things are heating up on the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast as we look ahead to the Chilli Trail Race, a Halloween running fiesta packed with mud, stream crossings, costumes and plenty of good craic. Before getting into the race preview, Steven shares tales from running aboard a cruise ship, complete with moving Strava maps, relentless laps and some serious headwinds. We also celebrate ten years of the Activ8 Thursday night running group and reflect on the friendships, conversations and sense of community created by running together. John then recaps a memorable day at the Newton Road Runners 10K. Despite torrential rain, he smashed his sub 60 target with a finishing time of 52:48 More importantly, the club’s annual 3k, 10k and race raffle in memory of Cat Gaskell raised an incredible £1,205 for John’s Campaign Against Living Miserably fundraiser. The main course is a detailed preview of the Chilli Trail Race. John and Steven cover: Registration, parking, photo ID and bag-drop arrangements What to expect from the mixed-terrain 10K route Mud, hills, stream crossings and potentially slippery conditions The race’s Day of the Dead theme and Halloween costume prizes Coffee, cakes and chilli products at the start and finish The community atmosphere that keeps runners returning each year The course records set by James Waldie, 37:53, and Elizabeth Beattie, 45:17, in 2021 Why this sold-out event feels more like a running party than a conventional race Whether you’re chasing a fast time, planning an elaborate costume or simply looking forward to getting gloriously muddy, this episode has everything you need before taking on the Chilli. Bring on Halloween. Bring on the Day of the Dead. Bring on the Chilli!

What happens when a former swimmer who hated running decides to take on all 282 Munros in Scotland? In this episode, Jamie Aarons shares the story behind her record-breaking self-propelled Munro Round, completing every Munro in just 31 days, 10 hours and 27 minutes by running, walking, cycling and kayaking between them. From discovering trail running through the West Highland Way community to breaking one of Scotland’s toughest endurance records, Jamie reflects on the planning, setbacks, support crew, fundraising, sleep deprivation and resilience required to make it happen. We also discuss her frightening experience with rhabdomyolysis during the Tor des Géants, the lessons it taught her about listening to her body, and the importance of knowing when to stop. This is a conversation about adventure, community, perspective and finding the courage to follow what Jamie calls "the glimmer of maybe". In this episode: Breaking the self-propelled Munro Round record The inspiration of John Kynaston and Donnie Campbell Building a community of over 100 supporters Fundraising for World Bicycle Relief Recovery, resilience and the realities of endurance sport Rhabdomyolysis: the warning signs every endurance athlete should know Jamie's Fundraiser for World Bicycle Relief

In this episode we welcome Alice Baird, fresh from an extraordinary performance at the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra, where she stormed to victory and set a new female course record in 7:36:15. But as you'll hear, the story behind the result reveals what went into achieving that finish time.Alice shares her journey from reluctantly running cross-country at school to representing Scotland at the Anglo Celtic Plate, finding her place in the ultrarunning community, and discovering a competitive edge she never knew she had.Along the way, Alice delivers plenty of wisdom for runners of every level, from balancing training with a demanding career to learning not to sweat the small stuff when life inevitably gets in the way.Humble, thoughtful and quietly brilliant, Alice's story is a reminder that success rarely follows a straight line. Sometimes the setbacks teach us more than the victories.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Miles What can happen in six years? For Susan Naysmith, it meant going from a lockdown beginner to standing on ultra podiums, conquering the West Highland Way and running one of the fastest marathon times in Scotland this year. In this episode, Susan shares the highs, the setbacks, the lessons learned through injury, and the mindset that has helped her thrive across distances ranging from 5K to 96 miles. We also explore the power of community, the realities of training around family and work, and why some of the greatest running role models are the people quietly getting it done in everyday life. A brilliant conversation filled with wisdom, humility and plenty of laughs. Talking Points: Finding confidence and community through a running club Progressing from 5K to the West Highland Way Learning from injury and difficult races Strength, mobility and sustainable training The mental challenge of racing hard Balancing running with work and family Women’s visibility in endurance sport Shoes, heart-rate monitors and sacred Monday rest days It’s not going to get easier. You’re just going to get better at coping with how hard it is - Susan Naysmith, 2026

What happens when a fiercely competitive schoolgirl from Arran grows up to become one of Scotland’s most respected endurance runners? In this episode Jennifer Wetton joins us to share her remarkable journey from winning school sports day races to earning Scotland vests, running a 2:46 marathon, conquering the Anglo Celtic Plate 50K, and becoming a familiar face across the Scottish parkrun scene. Jennifer talks about the coaches, clubs and family who helped shape her running career, the challenge of balancing competitive racing with work and motherhood, her love of community events like the Auchterarder Running Festival, and why, after nearly 30 years in the sport, she's still getting up before dawn to chase ambitious goals. Packed with inspiration, humour, parkrun adventures, ultra-running stories and a healthy dose of Scottish running culture, this is a brilliant conversation about dedication, resilience and the lifelong joy of putting one foot in front of the other. Scottish Parkruns on YouTube

In this episode we sit down with ultra runners Nicola Duncan and Catherine Cowie to relive their remarkable journey across Scotland in the 2026 GB Ultras Race Across Scotland. Covering 225 miles from coast to coast, the pair not only finished the race together, but discovered the power of friendship, perseverance and shared adventure along the way. For Nicola, the race marked an emotional return to ultrarunning after more than three years away from competition following a serious foot injury and a long battle to rebuild confidence. Catherine, fresh from a busy year balancing podiatry studies with racing, approached the event as an adventure, and what happened for both soon became a true partnership, with the pair deciding to tackle the entire race side by side. The conversation explores the practical realities of multi-day racing: recce runs, training around busy lives, managing sleep deprivation, checkpoint strategy, foot care and the challenge of staying fuelled over four days on the Southern Upland Way. The duo share candid stories of boggy nights, emotional low points, surprise acts of kindness from volunteers and locals, and the comfort of tea, chip butties and good company when things became difficult. One of the most powerful moments described is where exhaustion, lack of sleep and some self-doubt almost brought Nicola's race to an end. Through patience, encouragement and a sunrise that lifted both spirits, the pair emerged stronger and went on to enjoy what they describe as one of the greatest days of trail running they have ever experienced. They also discuss the unique experience of racing as a team in an individual event. Far from hindering performance, running together proved transformative. By balancing each other's highs and lows, sharing laughs, hugs and countless conversations, they crossed the country as friends and crossed the finish line as even stronger ones.The episode finishes with reflections on recovery, gratitude, confidence and what the race taught them. Nicola speaks openly about rediscovering her love of running after injury, while Catherine shares how the experience reminded her that enjoyment can coexist with performance. Along the way there's plenty of dog chat too, featuring Turbo, Senna and newcomer Ted, the puppy already stealing hearts and sleep. Key Takeaways✅ Hard moments are temporary, even when they feel overwhelming.✅ Sharing the journey can make an impossible challenge achievable.✅ Recovery, food and foot care matter as much as fitness.✅ Gratitude can be a powerful performance tool.✅ Adventure is often richer when experienced with others.

This week we are joined by Alan O’Rourke of Greenock GlenPark Harriers for a conversation packed with running stories, club culture, northern soul, ultras and plenty of laughs. Alan takes us back to the 1980s, playing "Olympics" in the street as a youngster, before discovering running properly in his late 20s and finding a home at Greenock Glenpark Harriers. What began as a way to get fit became a life-changing passion that has delivered friendships, adventures and memories spanning nearly three decades. The conversation explores the evolution of Scottish running, the growth of club culture, and why Alan believes joining a running club is one of the best decisions anyone can make. From championship cross-country races to community spirit and lifelong friendships, he shares what makes the Scottishrunning scene so special. We also dive into Alan’s own racing career, including chasing a sub-three hour marathon, battling heat exhaustion in Berlin, learning lessons the hard way, and finally taking on the legendary West Highland Way Race. Alan reflects on the highs, lows and magical moments of one of the toughest challenges he has ever completed. Along the way there are stories of marauding GlenPark teammates, pie-related nicknames, celebrity encounters, and enough running folklore to keep you entertained from start to finish. Key Takeaway Running is never just about running. It's about community, friendship, shared experiences and the people who help carry you through the hard miles. Whether you're chasing PBs, tackling ultras or simply thinking about joining your local club, this is a conversation that celebrates everything great about the Scottish running community.

From Utah’s mountains to Scotland’s bogs, this one gets wild... This week we're joined by ultrarunning powerhouse Jessi Morton-Langehaug, who travelled from the USA to tackle the 215-mile Race Across Scotland and came away with a second-place finish, countless stories, and a whole new respect for Scottish terrain. We chat about overcoming Lyme disease, racing through bogs, fog and torrential rain, surviving on minimal sleep, falling into peat bogs, seeing imaginary dragons in the darkness, and the unexpected friendship that developed with fellow runner George Jones over three days on the Southern Upland Way. Along the way, Jessi shares her no-nonsense approach to foot care, fuelling, mental resilience, and why Scottish race organisers and volunteers are among the best in the world. In this episode: Lyme disease and running against the odds Race Across Scotland from an American perspective Bogs, blisters (or lack of them) and foot care hacks Sleep deprivation and trail hallucinations Real food fuelling for 200+ mile races Scottish hospitality, yum yums and baked potatoes The power of kindness in ultrarunning "Positivity and kindness is just a full circle." - Jessi Morton-Langehaug, 2026 Runners Are Smilers Megan Eckert Blog

When Jasmin Paris sprinted toward the yellow gate at Frozen Head in March 2024 with barely 99 seconds to spare, documentary photographer David Miller was there to capture what instantly became one of the most iconic images in endurance sport history. But behind that single frame lies a much bigger story about storytelling, creative grit, and the raw underbelly of ultra running. This week, returning guest David joins John and Steven for a deep dive into the craft of seeing what everyone else walks past. From living out of his car for seven days in brutal winter conditions to document the Montane Winter Spine Race for his upcoming photo book, to taking water pistols and dry ice into the 55°C furnace of Death Valley crewing and pacing Sophie Power at Badwater 135. We talk about: The reality behind that historic Barkley Marathons finish line moment and resisting the trap of being defined by a single shot. Why documentary photography isn't about shiny finish lines, but rather aid stations, toilet blocks, exhaustion, and the messy "in-between" moments. The painstaking anatomy of creating SPINE: scouting 100 course locations, sleeping trailside, and assembling a visual jigsaw of winter suffering. Pacing through Death Valley at Badwater: cooling strategies, dry ice logistics, and the pure team dynamic of crossing the line together. Cutting through the social media noise and visual saturation at mega-events like UTMB and Lakeland. Balancing life as a working gas engineer while maintaining the freedom to shoot running purely on your own terms. Plus, we talk personal running journeys, navigating creative slumps, and stick around for David’s track pick to close out the show. We've also some major news on the podcasts Autumnal March Drop!! Get in quick on that one! Hit play, lace your sneaks or grab a brew, and enjoy our blether.

Welcome back to Season 16, Episode 5 of the Young Hearts Run Free podcast! ​Just the two of us behind the mics this week as we sit down for a full debrief of our latest racing exploits at the 10th Anniversary of the Dunoon Ultra Marathon. A return to the ultra scene for Steven and John conjuring up another race in a magnificent 2026 for himself! With the battle lines temporarily cleared, we dig into the highs, the lows, the recovery process, and go through a who's who of friends of the show we bumped into over an epic weekend. We also take a look ahead at what’s filling up the calendar. ​We chat through race directing duties for the upcoming Auchterarder Running Festival (ARF), balancing peak training with the return of football season(!), and race plans on the horizon—including the Newton Road Runners 10K. ​Grab a brew, kick your feet up, and join us for an hour and a bit of proper running chat. If you fancy taking on the Dunoon Ultra Marathon next time keep an eye on entries opening here https://www.entrycentral.com/dunoonultra You can still join John and other on the start line of the Newton Road Races on Sat 24 Oct using this link https://www.entrycentral.com/NewtonRoadRaces

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.

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

Trail runner and endurance athlete Serena Broadway joins the podcast to share her journey into ultra running and her experience taking on the Summer Spine Challenger North, a brutal 160 mile race along the Pennine Way.From Couch to 5K beginnings to navigating bogs, sleep deprivation, and blisters, Serena reflects on resilience, community, and what it really takes to keep moving when everything says stop. ⛰️ In This Episode• How Serena went from beginner runner to ultra athlete• Discovering trail running in the Pentlands• First ultra: Ultra X Scotland 50K• What the Spine Race series is all about• Inside the Challenger North (160 miles, Hardraw → Kirk Yetholm)• Real race conditions: bogs, weather, night running• Managing feet, nutrition, and fatigue• Mental strategies for staying in the game• The role of community and camaraderie in ultras• Representation and belonging in trail running 🔥 Race Highlights• Sunset run toward Tan Hill• Nighttime bogs and soaked feet• Cross Fell and exposed terrain• The legendary Alston checkpoint lasagne• Emotional high point in the Cheviot Hills• Final push to the wall at Kirk Yetholm 🤝 Community SpotlightSerena shares the impact of Black Trail Runners, highlighting:• Feeling seen and supported• The importance of representation in trail running• Creating space for more inclusive participation• The role of allies in growing the sport🏁 Memorable Moment I didn’t know if I could do it… but that’s kind of the point - Serena Broadway, 2026 Find out more about the Black Trail Runners Photo: Instagram: @ultra.im.possible

Something a little different this week as John Cassidy and Rachel Macpherson sit down for a raw and honest debrief just hours after completing the Montane Summer Spine Challenger South. From months of preparation and recce weekends, to bogs, blisters, hallucinations, cow encounters and unforgettable sunrises, they relive every high and low of their 108-mile journey along the Pennine Way. Rachel reflects on an incredible race that saw her finish 3rd female, while John shares the emotional rollercoaster of reaching Hardraw after nearly 51 hours on the move. Expect stories of: 🏔️ The beauty and brutality of the Pennine Way 🥾 Checkpoint life and race strategy 🌅 Sunrise moments and dark-night struggles 🐄 Cow confidence (or lack of it!) 😵 Sleep deprivation and surreal hallucinations ❤️ The support, friendships and unique spirit of the Spine community A conversation recorded while the memories were still fresh, the legs still sore, and the emotions still very real. Two runners. One extraordinary adventure.