Thanks for listening, episode 10 already. I wanted to touch on the running shoe. As a beginner when I started running I just picked a shoe and went. I have evolved and now have a better understand what is needed for the job. Hopefully this can help you from the start. We are getting there!

Episode 9 - Spread the word, we can run! After the couch to 5k in the last episode I thought I’d carry on so we don’t do the 5k to couch. You now have a good running base fitness. It’s easier to maintain then to start. I talk about a few different ways of keeping going after the challenge has been completed. What can we achieve from here!

Episode 8 - Why not start with a focus, couch to 5k. I give a guide line or 10 week plan for a beginner looking to start running. Once achieved we can work on continuing and not letting the 5k to couch happen. A great way to start and get moving. Hopefully this with lead to a snowball effort.

Episode 7 - I talked before about the psychical technique to start running. It is also very important to train your mind. It all begins in the mind, from that initial spark to believing you can do it. Again, these are my own findings to past on. If I can help in any way please feel free to message. After all we are all here to help each other, whether starting out of building up to a 100 mile ultra running event.

Episode 6 - The Why. Normally we talk about the why to keep you going while out running. There is also a why to get you started or even out of bed early to make time for your run. Find your why’s and lock them in. You can then pull on them when doubt creeps in. They will help get you out on the run and also keep you going while running.

Episode 5

Run for yourself.

When we see people running in the headlines we are seeing people at the very top of their game. As much as this is inspiring, it can also be an excuse not to start. It can cause doubt, thinking you can never be as good as them. Well you don’t need to be. The elite are good to learn from as a beginner but not a goal of where you are aiming for. Your aim might be to be able to run your local Park-run each week, a charity 10k or cross country events. Train or start running for you, build endurance and strength. Prepare yourself so you are ready.

I finally talk about my Centurion South Downs Way 100 mile attempt. As I was talking I realised this was for me more than anything but I hope it can help to. I am a relative novice or beginner in the ultra running world. I may not have completed the event but the lessons and experience gained are incredible. It has inspired me in my day to day training. Ready to go for it again next June.

Part 2 of episode 3. Apologies for cutting off part 1. Here I go into how I have been repairing my on going achilles injury. Injury or pain from running is your body telling you something. It might be telling you to stop but not always. It can also be telling you where you need to tweak and improve things. We can use these things to focus our training. Ultra running certainly brings out the weak areas! We then know where the work is needed.

Episode 3 Part 1 - Injury. When starting out or beginning running there will be muscles, tendons and ligaments being put under more stress. It is very important to build slowly with the correct running form from the start. I will finish in part 2 about my Achilles tendon injury and how I finally overcome it after a year and a half. Thanks for listening.

Episode 2 - Following your passion. Everyone has a passion, the hardest part is trying to find it. Most times it can only be found by trial and error. Try something, if it’s not for you at least you’ve moved from point A. Looking back, running has been a passion for me. I used to enjoy it at school but it took me to 43 years old to focus on it. It led me to find ultra trail running. I knew from my first go it was for me.

Episode 1 - The Beginning. If you’re thinking of starting running or have just started I give a few pointers on form or gait. If you can build using the correct gait from the start it will speed up progress and reduce injury further down the line. Hope you enjoy and find this running for beginners start sheet helpful. We will all be ultra running before we know it. We are getting there.

Here’s my burnt pancake. Just jump in and start. Recording my findings on the road to 100. We are better together.

An introduction of my path to completing the 100 mile ultra marathon running distance and all the obstacles along the way. A daily growth mindset of discipline and consistency over comfort.