Running Won't Save You

Here’s a special episode where we chat bit about the good and bad UTMB but also Allie's run across Iceland with the Great Norse Run. This one's more about feelings than anything else but we think it important to talk about the effects these long multi day things can have, so hopefully you enjoy it. Plus there's a super exciting announcement form Kirsty’s next race at the end of this episode! This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

We are thrilled to welcome hormone and menopause expert Dr Nicky Keay for our end of season special where we answer your questions and bust numerous myths about the symptoms and effects of perimenopause and menopause on female runners. There are some really surprising findings in this episode, as well as some great advice that comes from science as opposed to what Tina in instagram says, plus we go through the best ways to support yourself during this super exciting time (and it is exciting!). Huge thanks to Nicky - you can get a copy of her books or book an appointment at her clinic here: https://nickykeayfitness.com/ . This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

Laura is back to tell us all about her amazing win at Race Across Scotland a few weeks back and share all the secrets of how she kept chaffe free and silky footed. We also ask why it is that people feel the need to comment on female runners body shapes, and what we as women can do to help each other to stamp it out - and the answer might surprise you. This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

This week Holly and Allie ask when is a 100km race actually a 80km race and why do Nike think it's a good idea to make camo running kit for mountain races? We also have a bit if a deep dive on coaches and coaching - when is it time to change your coach and what should you be getting from coaching? We also ask what's the high fashion x sports brand collab you want to see? The worst suggestion gets a prize! This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

Its Kirsty's final show of the season and we're talking about feeling, processes and non binary emotions. Thats some heavy shit, BUT it is sprinkled with and exclusive ontrail Q&A with the legendary Sophie Grant plus we go through some of the weird shit you have found on the trail. Severed hand anyone? This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com . Here is the Ellie Greenwood quote we mentioned! "It's easy to remember the Western States and Comrades wins, but I'd take those early years of blind and clueless enthusiasm over anything. So if you're new to the sport, don't get bogged down in the details - train hard, take some rest days, try hit some course specific training, opt for gear that works rather than is 'the best', love the process. Set goals, but don't be wedded to them - its a beginners priviledge to feel like a winner simply for 'just' finishing. Enjoy that moment and don't spoil your 'ignorance is blss'era with too many details, too much uneccessary complication. Run, rest, repeat and live for the trails."

This week Allie and Laura are talking about all the amazing stuff that's been going on in the world of female ultrarunning. From Sophie Grant to Katherina Hartmuth to Sarah Perry, Mel Sykes and Hannah Rickman - they've all been out this week doing epic and inspiring stuff and we couldn't be prouder. Talking of which Laura is preparing for her Race Across Scotland in a few weeks and we ask who is more needy on a race - Laura or her husband Jean. Add to that some of your excellent uses for a buff and talking about Harry Styles a bit too much and you;ve got yourself a decent hour of nonsense. ENJOY! This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

Holly joins us from French France to tell us all about her most recent race and to discuss Kirsty's amazing Hardrock experience (yes we are still talking about that). We ask why more top level runners don't discuss their races when they don't go to plan, what Allie did with the dog she found and answer some of your training questions as well. This seasons podcasts are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

Kirsty is back just two days after finishing the loop at the Hardrock 100. She tells us all about it, from hanging out in the toilet with Courtney to seeing a bear up a tree and sliding on her arse down multiple scree slopes. We find out how she feels about the completion after the cut off, what her highlights were and what Hardrock can do better, plus she answers some of your ace questions! This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

Please join us in welcoming out guest host for the season - the wonderful Laura Swanton Rouvelin! Join us for an in depth game of getting to know you that may go a bit too in depth and threaten to bring up your breakfast - but we are nothing if not honest, lads. Please make sure to send in your questions for Laura on the usual channels - she will back in a couple of weeks unless this episode gets us cancelled. This seasons podcasts are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

Holly's back for this episode taking us through the various changes she's been experiencing in the last few months - warning - they're a bit sad. We talk about her Cocodona DNF and why watching Western States was a joy plus we answer some of your ace questions - keep them coming! This seasons podcasts are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

Allie and Kirsty are back for season six! Allie has been running 200 miles round mid wales on the Wild Horse 200, while Kirsty reports from Colorado ahead of her taking on the Hardrock 100. GOD IT'S SO EXCITING! There's the usual waffle about stuff like what the circle pit was for and why Kirsty is sleeping in a tent, plus we answer some of your questions on change! Keep them coming! This season's podcast is sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com

In our final episode of the season we are joined by Centurion Race Director and highly decorated UK ultrarunner James Elson. James has spent 15 years building Centurion from the ground up and talks to us about the process behind making these races work, the reality of what goes into them, how much they cost and the future of UK ultrarunning. We also answer some of your questions. You can find your first ultra at Centurionrunning.com . This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

Theres more Community Contraversity this week as Allie and Kirsty (but mainly Allie) continue to be baffled by the 'not AI' weirdness that is their instagram feed. We also chat about whether mistakes are part of the process or you can always get it right first time? Plus we celebrate the best race companies we know and there are loads of them. I f you would like to make a donation to Scottish Mountain Rescue in memory of the incredible David Parrish you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/david-parrish-1 and if you would like to donate to the Samaritans and support Megan Boxall's Run Britain adventure you can do so here: https://meganboxall.com This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

This week Allie and Kirsty talk about clubs, cults and other things starting with the letter C. Can you guess what they are? Do all clubs have a duty to support runners of all abilities? Are any of them actually nice? Plus we dive deeper into the Community Traverse debate and end up just as confused as we were before. What are your thoughts about this? Keep your comments and messages coming in! This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

This week Allie and Kirsty talk struggle, Imo Body and the curious case of the Community Traverse. What are your thoughts on the CT starting as a race company? Would you give money to a company who have little to no info about their races on their website? Let us know! This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

TW - this podcast contains talk of suicidal ideation and mental illness. This week Kirsty steps in for Holly as we cover everything from wholesome weekends away to quantification fixation. There's some proper talk around acceptance and grief here, as well as a short discussion around suicidal ideatuon and mental health. If this podcast has effected you and you feel like you need to talk to someone or need some help in this area you can contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 or the Samaritans on 116 123. Please talk to your friends or a healtcare professional if you need to. This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

This week Allie and Kirsty talk about the importance of human interaction within the process with regards to running and book writing; especially when it comes to learning, growing and sharing ideas. We also have some great listener emails and discuss why curiosity is always better than judgement. This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

Holly is back fresh of her win at the Green Man with some brilliant advice about how to process your brain after your event. We talk The Dip - depression, impermanence and post race crashes - as well as covering the awful news about ourea events and Allie plans for 2026 and beyond. We also talk about poo. Again. And there's a Sean Dyer update! This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

This week Allie and Kirsty discuss everything from Kirsty's hotly anticipated return to road running to why being a dick to yourself makes you a member of the partricahy, ladies. We also ask why it is that we as a society value outcomes over process - we don't have an answer for this - if you do please let us know! And we also make known our feelings on the UTS mess. Can you guess what they are? There's a bit of a plug for Damos new book as well - you can get your copy here: https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/run-forever-damian-hall This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.

Holly is back and she has got some epic advice re: Process for those of you with 200 miles plus on your to do lists. Apologies in advance about how juveille and all over the place this episode is - I recorded it, then lost the recording, then made us record it again 12 hours later......but I actually think it's a really good episode! This series is once again sponsored by our friends at XMILES - your one stop nutrition shop, You can get 10% off your orders using the code RWSY10.