Episode 62 - Sam West

On this episode of RunThrough presents ‘Gone Running’, Ben Sheppard is joined by Dr Amos Ogunkoya.Dr Amos shares his journey from a young student unsure of his career path to becoming a GP and a specialist in sports medicine. He discusses the importance of having a mission statement in his work, focusing on health inequalities and advocating for grassroots sports. Ben and Amos also explore his role as a club doctor at a professional football club, the benefits of exercise on mental health, and the life lessons learned from running marathons. He emphasises the significance of self-motivation and finding personal reasons to engage in physical activity and encourages everyone to embrace movement - in whatever form.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

In this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard sits down with a living legend, Sean Conway!Hear how ultra-endurance athlete Sean endured his way through the Iron 105 challenge—which, for those who don’t know, involves a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon of 26.2 miles for 105 days consecutively!They also discuss his mental and physical challenges, the importance of community and family support, and the impact of criticism on his journey. He reflects on his transition from photography to endurance sports and shares insights into his future challenges and initiatives aimed at promoting youth sports.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard sits down with Canadian athlete Jean-Marc Doiron.In this conversation, Jean-Marc shares his unique journey as a lifelong runner who has taken on the challenge of breaking world records in joggling—running while juggling. He discusses the motivations behind his pursuits, the importance of personal bests, and how he balances various aspects of life while preparing for significant races. Jean-Marc reflects on the emotional highs and lows of racing, the lessons learned from past attempts, as he sets his sights on his next attempt at the marathon world record in joggling of 2 hours 50 minutes and 12 seconds, which he narrowly missed at his last effort in May. Ben and Jean-Marc also cover his strategies to stay motivated and focused on his goals, his insights into the process of improvement, the significance of habits, and the emotional journey of racing, which provides a compelling narrative for anyone interested in running, juggling, or personal development.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this week’s episode of RunThrough presents ‘Gone Running’, Ben Sheppard talks to runner & triathlete Katie Halligan.Katie, who began running as part of a fat loss journey, has now become the holder of an impressive set of PBs and recently qualified to represent GB in her age group after a huge performance at the Llandudno standard.In this conversation, Katie shares her inspiring journey from being a novice runner to becoming a competitive triathlete. She discusses her initial motivations for starting her fitness journey, the importance of support systems, and the challenges of imposter syndrome. Katie offers valuable advice for beginners in sports, emphasising the significance of consistency and self-compassion.  Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this week’s episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard sits down with Hercules Nicolaou for a very insightful conversation.Recorded days after Hercules completed the Sydney Marathon, hear how a 360KM run across his homeland of Cyprus has turned into a 400KM journey, why he now looks at his 20s as ‘the rehearsal to the main act’, having turned 30 in 2024 & how running ultimately helped him get through an incredibly challenging point in his life.Ben and Hercules also touch on his experience at the European version of the speed project, why it’s all about the hear and now that really matters & why it’s consistency over everything that has got him to where he is in both running and on Social Media.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this episode of RunThrough presents ‘Gone Running’ Ben Sheppard speaks with Alex Hermanson AKA ‘@herm.runs’.Alex, who describes himself as a ‘big dude, who runs’, has exploded in popularity with his content that oozes positivity and humour.Having been a college athlete in America Alex never considered himself a runner and failed his running fitness test for his baseball team 8 times one year. However, that has now changed, and he has fallen in love with the running process the places it has taken him and the people he has and will continue to meet along the way.In this conversation, Ben and Herm talk about his next two marathons that have very different goals, why if you run, you are a runner no matter what the distance, time or how you perceive your body, and how he still thinks it’s hilarious that he has somehow become a ‘running influencer’.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this week’s episode of Gone Running, Ben Sheppard speaks to Emily Ford.Emily is an Olympic medalist and has just returned home from Paris having won Bronze as part of the Women’s Eight.However, the journey to an Olympic medal hasn’t been simple, from years of training and travelling to sacrifice and heartbreak at her first games in Tokyo. Emily has now set her sights on inspiring the next generation to get more children and young people into sport, to learn the lessons it teaches you and to have a family outside of the home. In this conversation, hear about the moment she fulfilled her Olympic dream and the moments after witnessing her brother win Gold and seeing her parents, why she joined us at Tatton Park as soon as she got back from Paris and how to move forward after a disappointing result!Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this episode of RunThrough presents 'Gone Running' Ben Sheppard speaks to Kieran Smith.Kieran is the founder of ‘The Kilometre Club’ & the record appearance holder for Bala Town in the Welsh Premier League having represented the club over 11 years winning multiple cups and European appearances.However, at the end of last season, Kieran decided to retire from football to pursue his other passion, running. Already a 3 x sub-three runner over the marathon, he now wants to travel the world and fulfil his potential in a new sport that has already given him so much.In this episode Ben & Kieran talk about the explosion of running clubs & why if you’ve thought about trying one you should, if he will miss football having now retired and what his goals are for his next marathon.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this week’s episode of Gone Running, Ben Sheppard speaks to Marcus Brown, co-founder of the 1% running club.Marcus, who ran his first marathon in 4.55, has become an 8 x sub-three runner over 26.2 and has earned himself the mythical six-star medal.Having for many years been on good for age start lines feeling as though there aren’t many people from similar backgrounds doing the same thing, he co-founded the 1% running club as a way to promote diversity and not only get people into the sport but competing at a performance level for their ability.In this conversation Ben and Marcus delve into those lessons running teaches you, not only on the road but in life, how running a 100-mile week lead to a 5K PB and also touch on some of the stats for the inclusion rates at the London marathon, something which he hopes to be a leading force in changing in the future.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.

On this week’s episode of RunThrough presents ‘Gone Running’ we have European silver medalist Holly Archer.Holly, who picked up that medal in the 1500m’s indoors in 2021 has been running since her formative years when a race in school led to her joining a club (it’s an amazing story) and ultimately to America where she was part of the NCAA system.Following college and yet to be approached for a pro contract Holly who was competing still on an elite level approached her employer who supported her to go on a training camp in Flagstaff while continuing in full-time work.In this conversation Ben & Holly talk about that time, why when she finally did get offered a pro deal it didn’t work out & what her sights are set on next, you’re going to have to get to the end for that, but here's a clue in three words, WORLD, RECORD, HYROX.Audio-only podcasts are also available on all audio platforms (search Gone Running Podcast) and explore all the previous video interviews HERE.