4 Interviews with World-Class Athletes - The Running Podcast Review: Episode 6

Would you like to save time by getting a summary of some of the best running, health and wellness podcast episodes?

Without having to listen to them all.

Then this article is for you!

In this episode:

  • 100-mile world record-holder Zach Bitter talks about his training and nutrition strategy

  • Colin O’ Brady gives an overview of what it takes to break crazy adventure records

  • Damian Hall and John Kelly are interviewed about their recent epic challenges

  • Plus, there’s a detailed travel checklist for runners

The ‘Podcast Review’ series aims to save you time by providing you with some of the best information on running and endurance sports.

So that you don’t have to waste time on the ones that don’t help.

You can catch up on the other articles in the series, here.

You can see a full list of the podcasts I listen to, and the books that have inspired me, here.


But First, Please Vote for JamesRunsFar as Best Professional Running Blog

I have made the shortlist for the ‘best professional running blog’ by the Running Awards.

If you like what you read on my site, then please vote for me here.

Thank you if you’ve already voted. And the good news is, that you can VOTE AGAIN! So, please do.

The main reason I started this blog was to inform and entertain you.

I hope that I am doing that. And if you agree, then please vote for me.

Thank you!

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1) 100-Mile World-Record Holder Zach Bitter - On The ‘The Extramilest’ Podcast

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What Was it About? - Zach Bitter is the 100-mile (161km) running world-record holder. With a time of 11 hours and 19 minutes.

That means he ran an average of 6:48 min/ mile. Or 4:13 min/ km.

For 100 miles!

That's about four sub-3 hour marathons in a row!!!

This episode takes a deep dive into his specific heart rate training, nutrition, mindset and much more.

Why Did I Enjoy It? - Zach Bitter is pretty much the God of ultra-running at the moment, due to his consistent, astonishing performances.

And this episode got some amazing nuggets of information on his approaches to training, nutrition and other aspects of running.

Plus, this was a new podcast for me, which is always good!

Where Can You Listen to It?


2) Damian Hall and John Kelly - On The ‘Talk Ultra’ Podcast

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What Was it About? - This episode had in-depth interviews with John Kelly, winner of the 2020 Spine Race, and Damian Hall, who set a new winter FKT (Fastest Known Time) in the UK for the Paddy Buckley Round.

These elite runners are two of the best in the world, so it was fascinating to gain an insight into their approaches to these two events.

The Damian Hall interview starts at 49 minutes

And John Kelly is at 1 hour, 56 minutes

Why Did I Enjoy It? - Firstly, it was 3 hours long. So it was good company on some training runs!

But, more importantly, it was a great insight into two amazing UK-based recent running achievements.

The Spine Race is a legendary race in the UK, which is one of the hardest and longest in the world. At 268 miles and in some of the harshest weather conditions.

And Damian Hall’s FKT was special, not only because it was a record, but because he did it whilst trying to minimise his impact on the environment.

For example, he used entirely public transport all the way there. And he didn’t use food or drinks that had single-use plastic.

So this interview covered more than just the running aspect of these challenges.

Where Can You Listen to It?


3) An Ultra-Running Travel Checklist - On The ‘Science of Ultra’ Podcast

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What Was it About? - This episode gave a long, detailed and comprehensive checklist for when you are travelling to a running event.

As well as detailed advice from the host, there were lots of tips from multiple ultra-runners too.

It covered the weeks before travelling, the travelling itself, when you’re in the new location, and even after your event.

And it also came with a comprehensive list of guidelines for when travelling to races.

Why Did I Enjoy It? - The Science of Ultra podcast is one of my favourites.

It’s always very informative and practical with advice that you can actually use. There’s very little fluff.

And this episode was even more useful than usual.

The advice was straight-forward and to-the-point. The checklist was also structured in a really clear way and was very comprehensive.

Where Can You Listen to It?


4) Colin O’ Brady - On The ‘Finding Mastery’ Podcast

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What Was it About? - This interview was with Colin O’Brady, who is an explorer and elite endurance athlete.

He has set multiple records and pushed the boundaries of what we understand to be possible.

This episode focused on his latest feat - the world’s first solo, unsupported and completely human-powered crossing of Antarctica.

Previous to this, he set speed records for the Explorers Grand Slam and the Seven Summits.

The Explorers Grand Slam involves climbing the tallest mountain on each continent and skiing the last degree of latitude to the North and South Poles – and Colin completed it in a mere 139 days.

The episode covered what drives him, his thoughts on human potential, and why he believes many people are settling, when they’re capable of so much more.

Why Did I Enjoy It? - I’d heard of Colin O’ Brady a lot since his Antartic expedition, but never really knew much about him.

So this was a fascinating interview into him as a person, including his motivations for doing some of these crazy adventures.

It made me realise just how much mindset plays a vital role in all of these extreme challenges.

This was also another new podcast for me, which is always good!

Where Can You Listen to It?


5) Andy Puddicombe from Headspace- On The ‘Hurdle’ Podcast

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What Was it About? - Andy Puddicombe is the founder of Headspace, one of the most popular meditation apps in the world. With more than 30 million users.

This episode outlined his story, including how he studied as a Buddhist monk for 10 years in Asia. And then how he wanted to help others understand the benefits of meditation.

The episode covered the benefits of meditation and how to shift our perspective on failure in life.

Plus, it ended with an easy, quick meditation perfect for beginners. 

Why Did I Enjoy It? - Non-running podcasts can be enjoyable too! :-)

But this episode and topic does have a strong link to improving running performance.

I’ve recently started meditating and so it was interesting to hear from one of the most influential meditators on the planet.

As a side note - I actually use the ‘Insight Timer’ app for meditation, as it’s free. Rather than the paid Headspace app. Although I’ve heard very good things about it.

Where Can You Listen to It?


Please Vote for JamesRunsFar as Best Professional Running Blog

I have made the shortlist for the ‘best professional running blog’ by the Running Awards.

If you like what you read on my site, then please vote for me here.

Thank you if you’ve already voted. And the good news is, that you can VOTE AGAIN! So, please do.

The main reason I started this blog was to inform and entertain you.

I hope that I am doing that. And if you agree, then please vote for me.

Thank you!

:-)


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