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The Runna Podcast

The Runna Podcast

By: Runna
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Summary

Join Coach Ben Parker and Anya Culling every Friday as they deep-dive into running with Olympians, world-class coaches, and inspiring runners - from Romesh Ranganathan to Alex Yee and Lucy Charles-Barclay. Expect captivating stories, hilarious mishaps, and actionable coaching tips (incl. weekly tips from Olympian Steph Davis) on training, injury prevention, mindset, recovery, and performance. Whether it’s your first 5K or a marathon PB, we’ll fuel your next run. New episodes every Friday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes
  • "I Can Feel Him Kicking Before the Run" | Podiums & Parenthood with with Calli & Nick Hauger
    May 8 2026

    Calli Hauger-Thackery won a marathon at 8 weeks pregnant. The world had no idea.


    She joined us before lining up in Boston at 22 weeks - with her husband, coach, and training partner Nick Hauger racing alongside her.


    This episode goes behind the scenes of one of the most unusual high-performance partnerships in elite running: how they train together, compete individually, and what it really means to chase world-class performances while stepping into parenthood.


    In this episode, you'll hear:

    🤫 The Houston secret - winning a marathon 8 weeks pregnant, and what Nick said at the finish line

    🏃‍♀️From unsponsored and working every job going, to 2nd fastest British marathoner ever

    🧠 How Calli's mindset broke the ceiling other coaches had put on Nick

    👶 What training through pregnancy actually looks like week by week

    🤝 How being each other's coach, competitor, and life partner works in practice

    🎯 What elite athletes get right about balancing training with real life, and what most runners get wrong


    🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.


    🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26


    📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    53 mins
  • "The Award Is You Didn't Die" | Russ Cook ‘Hardest Geezer’ on Running Africa and Marathon Training
    May 1 2026

    Russ Cook, ‘Hardest Geezer’, joins Coach Ben and Anya Culling for a special live recording in London, chasing a blistering 2:35 marathon goal. Despite running across a continent, he shares how marathon training is pushing him in new ways.


    From raw, often hilarious stories from Africa to his broader journey from rock bottom, Russ reflects on completing one of the toughest endurance feats in history - admitting he could never do it again.


    From raw, hilarious stories of life on the road in Africa to his broader journey from rock bottom, Russ reflects on the grit required to keep going when things get tough. This episode explores why the real value of doing hard things isn’t the finish line, but the self-belief you build along the way.

    If you're training for a marathon, chasing a PB, or need a shot of running motivation, you'll love this one.


    Listen for more on:

    🏃‍♂️ Why marathon training feels harder than ultra-endurance challenges

    🧠 The marathon training mindset that got Russ through Africa

    💪 How a “nothing to lose” mindset changes your running performance

    🎯 What actually matters most on race day (pacing, fitness, and mindset)


    🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.


    🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26


    📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    37 mins
  • “The Most Painful Race of My Life” | Boston Finish Line EXCLUSIVE with Sara Hall
    Apr 24 2026

    "Everyone told me I'd peaked. Then I ran my fastest marathon at 40."


    Whether you're questioning your running longevity, chasing a marathon PB after a setback, or wondering if the best is really behind you - this conversation with Sara Hall will make you think differently about what's possible.


    Sara raced in Boston this week and called it the most painful race of her life. Hours later, she sat down with Anya - honestly, openly, and with the kind of perspective that only comes from two decades competing at the elite level. At 43, she's one of the fastest American marathon runners in history. And she's still not done.


    In this episode, Sara opens up about winning the Masters field in Boston, her Olympic Trials DNF, and the mindset it takes to keep going when everyone assumes you've peaked.


    Listen for more on:

    🏃‍♀️The exact details of Sara’s 2:20 marathon training and recovery

    🗓️ How she maximises longevity and prevents injury

    🧠 The race-day mindset secrets for pushing through the "pain cave"

    🚀 How to rebuild self-confidence after a major athletic setback


    🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.


    🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26

    And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛


    📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast


    📖 Check out Sara’s new book, ‘For The Love of The Grind’ here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Grind-Memoir-Sara-Hall/dp/1250404282


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    47 mins
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I've really enjoyed listening to everyones running journey's and what makes them fall (and sometimes fall back) in love with running. There's been a great mix of people, a really diverse group.

Great listen

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