#302: Race reflections: Arc 100 with Rob Jones

In this episode, Rob Jones reflects on his experience at the ARC 100 — widely regarded as the UK’s toughest winter 100-mile ultra footrace.From last-minute entry confirmation and racing through Storm Irene, to 14 hours of darkness, relentless terrain, and a brutal second half that “takes souls,” Rob breaks down the physical, mental, and emotional realities of the race.

Sara Eydmann joins the InnerFight Endurance Podcast from Scotland—ultra runner, counsellor, and one of the most refreshingly honest voices you’ll hear in endurance sport.In this conversation, Sara shares her unconventional path into running, how a long-term eating disorder shaped (and complicated) that journey, and why she set her sights on one of the boldest challenges out there: the North Coast 500—a 500-mile (830km) loop with 10,000m+ elevation, with the ambition of chasing the fastest known time.We talk about the reality behind big challenges: training vs. fueling, injury risk, the pressure of social media, and why “just a marathon” is anything but. Sara also opens up about being diagnosed with autism (2023) and ADHD (2025), masking, nervous system overload, and how running can be both escape and identity.This episode goes deep on:From marathon start line to ultra obsession—and why freedom mattersThe NC500 attempt: what went right, what went wrong, and why it ended on Day 4Eating disorders, RED-S, and the fine line between “performance” and “harm”Neurodivergence in sport: masking, sensory load, and self-trustThe influencer era vs. the foundations: boring runs, consistency, and honestySelf-empathy, imposter syndrome, and learning to cheer for yourselfSara’s closing message is simple and powerful: secrets lose their grip when you share them.Connect with Sara:Find her on Instagram (and more) via Sara Eydmann, or visit mind-and-miles.com.

January arrives with fresh calendars, new kit and big intentions. But too often, the motivation fades by February.In this episode of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob Jones is joined by goal-setting coach and life strategist Heidi Jones to unpack why resolutions fail – and what actually works instead.This is not about setting bigger goals. It’s about setting truer ones.Together, we explore:Why motivation isn’t the problemThe difference between surface-level goals and values-driven intentionsHow endurance athletes can align training, work, family and lifeWhy reflection is the most underrated performance toolHow to choose goals that fit your real life – not Instagram’sWhether you’re planning races, navigating a demanding career, or simply trying to feel better in your body and mind this year, this conversation will help you set goals that create momentum, not pressure.Because you didn’t wake up as a new person on January 1st – and that’s exactly where the power lies.

In this powerful episode, host Rob Jones sits down with Slayde Baker, whose endurance journey took an unexpected and life-altering turn after a herniated disc led to a serious MRSA infection — leaving her unable to stand, walk, or train.Slayde shares the raw reality of:Having her identity tied to performance — and losing it Relearning how to move, train, and trust her body againRedefining success beyond results and podiumsReturning to racing — and qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World ChampionshipsThis episode is a powerful reminder that endurance is not just about physical strength, but patience, perspective, and community.🎧 Essential listening for any athlete navigating injury, burnout, or self-doubt.

Lottie Lucas-Azevedo owns Fawz Concept along with her husband Filipe Azevedo. They are also both professional triathletes and in 2025 Lottie placed 28th in world at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.In this show, Tom and Lottie sit down to discuss her life as a professional, lessons learnt and what she plans on accomplishing in the future. They also discuss the current state of Triathlon and how IRONMAN and T100 look after their athletes.You can follow Lottie on instagram @Lottieljlucas or head to fawzconcept.com

In this episode, Tom Walker sits down with T100 CEO and former GB triathlete Sam Renouf to explore how the PTO and T100 World Tour are reshaping the sport of triathlon. Sam shares the origin story of T100, why the sport has far more potential than it’s ever realised, and how elevating professional athletes is key to its future.They discuss the challenges of building a world-class global tour, what it takes to compete with major sports like F1 and the NFL, and how Sam’s own athletic background shapes the way T100 designs its events. The conversation also dives into the new race format, athlete participation, and what age-groupers can expect from the growing T100 calendar.A fast, insightful look into what triathlon is today—and what it can become.If you're interested in how to 'disrupt' spaces, listen in to the show!

Maurten is a Swedish sports nutrition brand that uses its patented Hydrogel Technology to deliver high doses of carbohydrates to endurance athletes with minimal gastrointestinal distress. On today's show, head of education at Maurten, Ben Vriends joins Tom to chat about the brand, the science and practical application of using Maurten in the endurance world. You might be surprised with Bens advice, it is not the blanket statement we hear from most nutrition companies in this day and age, it's advice built on wisdom and experience from years of working with the best athletes and most dedicated, ambitious amateurs.If you're in the UAE, head to Maurten.ae to place an order or head to Wolfis world famous bike shop.For anywhere else in the world, head to www.maurten.com

Tom’s back on the InnerFight Endurance Podcast and we’re going all-in on T100 Dubai, triathlon, and racing in the desert heat.In this episode, Tom Walker breaks down what makes the T100 series different from Ironman, how the Dubai course really races, and what that means for everyday athletes in Dubai who lift in the gym and want to smash triathlons or marathons.We get into:How T100 shook up Ironman and the pro triathlon worldWhy the Dubai T100 course is “flat and fast”… but still absolutely brutalHeat, hydration and cooling strategies that actually work in the UAETapering without losing your mind (or your fitness)How to pace that awkward 18K run off an 80K bike“First buoy mentality” and dealing with everything that goes wrong on race dayThe mindset shift that took one InnerFight athlete from meltdown mode to winning her age group by over 60 minutesIf you love lifting in the gym and chasing big endurance goals — whether you’re in Dubai or anywhere in the world — this one will help you race smarter, stay cooler, and actually enjoy the suffering.

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build through motion, repetition, and reflection. 💥In this episode of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob Jones and Dan Bagley unpack the science and practice behind mental toughness and refocusing under pressure. Whether you’re pushing through a long run, preparing for a race, or navigating life’s daily challenges, this conversation offers a clear playbook for staying composed, confident, and in control.They break down the Four Pillars of Mental Toughness — Challenge, Confidence, Commitment, and Control — and explore how each one shapes your ability to handle setbacks, build self-belief, and follow through on your goals.You’ll also learn the R4 Principle — React, Relax, Renew, Refocus — a simple but powerful framework to help you reset when things don’t go as planned. From practical mindset tools to real-life endurance stories, Rob and Dan share strategies to strengthen your mental game both on and off the course.🎙️ Tune in to discover:How to break big goals into smaller, achievable stepsWhy resilience grows through action, not motivationSimple cues to refocus during tough momentsHow reflection builds lasting confidenceBecause endurance isn’t just about your body — it’s about your mind.#IfEndurance #MentalToughness #Resilience #EnduranceMindset #Focus #Motivation

AI training apps aren’t fringe anymore—they’re steering runners into races, shaping programs, and shifting the coach–athlete relationship. In this conversation, Rob, Sharon, and Dan get honest about where AI helps, where it harms, and how real coaching fills the gaps. From Strava’s social pull to training plans that ramp too fast, we unpack who thrives with AI, who gets left behind, and how to blend tech with human nuance without losing the “care” that keeps athletes healthy and progressing.In this episode:The draw of AI tools: convenience, community, and decision-fatigue reliefHidden downsides: comparison traps, overreaching, and context-blind pacesWhy beginners often need humans more than algorithmsRPE vs pace, hills and elevation, HRV/sleep, and the data AI ignoresAccountability: push notifications vs a coach who actually checks inEquity & nuance: female athletes, older runners, youth, neurodiversity, and medical historyA practical middle ground: using AI plans with human touchpoints