"I Can Feel Him Kicking Before the Run" | Podiums & Parenthood with with Calli & Nick Hauger

Keira D’Amato broke the American marathon record at 37.She did it after a decade away from the sport - while raising two kids, building a real estate career, and rediscovering what running meant to her.In this episode, Keira sits down with Anya and Kayla to unpack one of the most remarkable stories in modern running. From the injury that forced her out of the sport, to the identity crisis that followed, to the mindset shift that helped her run faster than ever before.They talk about motherhood, longevity, learning not to fear failure, and why having fun became the key to her success.Now 41 and recovering from hip surgery, Keira is chasing even bigger goals - including the 2028 Olympic Trials - and proving there’s no single path to greatness. In this episode:🏃‍♀️ How she went from walking away from running to breaking a 16-year-old American record🧠 Why the mindset of "I don't care if I fail" makes you dangerous to race against💥 Mile 16 of the Houston Marathon - the deal she made with herself to keep going👶 What motherhood taught her about perspective, identity, and choosing your "hard"🔄 Why she refuses to call this a comeback - and what she calls it instead🎯 Her 2028 Olympic Trials goal and why she's more excited now than ever🎧 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.

From a devastating back injury to a 3:29 marathon at 50 - Ben Shephard just ran his first marathon in 16 years.Whether you're returning from injury, chasing a marathon comeback, or trying to stay fit as you get older - this conversation will make you rethink what's possible.Just days after crossing the finish line in London, the beloved British TV presenter sits down with Ben and Anya to talk honestly about the back injury that stopped him running, the long road back, and why consistency - not perfection - was the thing that got him there.In this episode:🏃 Why Ben's ADHD became his biggest asset in sport, his career, and marathon running💔 The back injury that stopped him running -  and the marathon comeback nobody expected 🎯 How he trained for a 3:29 marathon at 50 around a full-time TV career 🧠 Why consistency beats strictness - and how to apply it to your own training 👨‍👦 What he hopes his sons take from watching him fail, and keep going🎧 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.

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.

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.

"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=PODCAST26And 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.

If you’re underfuelled, you will underperform. Most runners are unintentionally holding back their PBs because of "carb fear"-this week, we’re fixing that.In this episode of The Runna Podcast, sports nutritionist Sian Seccombe explains why underfuelling is one of the most common mistakes runners make. From ‘hitting the wall’ to the serious risks of RED-S, Sian breaks down sports nutrition for runners in a way you can understand and apply.Whether you're training for a marathon or just started your running journey, this is your ultimate guide to how to fuel for a marathon and beyond. In this episode, Sian explains: 🍝 Why carbs aren’t the enemy (and why you need more of them) ⏱️ What to eat before a run, during, and after your sessions⚖️ Why weight loss and marathon training often don’t mix ⚠️ Signs you’re underfuelling (even if you think you’re not) 🧠 What RED-S is-and why it’s frequently missedRemember, the goal isn’t to eat less 👉 it’s to fuel enough to perform at your best.🎧 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=PODCAST26And 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should you actually do before a marathon?And how do you stay calm, confident, and in control on race day?In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Coach Ben and Anya guide you through your entire marathon race day - from the night before to the start line, through the race itself, and into post-race recovery.Whether you're running London, Boston, your first marathon or your fiftieth, this episode is your complete marathon race day guide. We cover how to prepare, what to eat, how to pace, and how to stay in control so you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy the experience.Ben and Anya share practical coaching tips and personal routines, breaking down exactly what to do (and what not to do) so you can arrive at the start line feeling calm - and finish feeling proud.In this episode, we cover:🎒 Pre-Race Prep: What to Do the Day Before a Marathon🍝 Carb Loading: What to Eat Before a Marathon🌅 Race Morning Routine: What to Eat & When to Wake Up⏱️ Marathon Pacing Strategy: Why Starting Slower Leads to a Stronger Finish🏁 Post-Race Recovery: What to Do After a MarathonFrom laying out your kit to pacing and fuelling right, this episode walks you through race day step-by-step - so you can stay calm and run your best race.📥 Download Your Free Marathon Race Day Checklist:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sq8og6BVKLNbNdgSo_6U-nOnfNZ3B_WI/view?usp=drive_link🎧 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=PODCAST26And 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**Please note, this episode contains discussion of drug addiction, substance misuse, and suicide, which some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional support.**"Discipline is the only thing that will set you free"He beat opioid addiction. Then ran a 2:29 marathon at 50.Ken Rideout is the fastest masters marathon runner in the world - and this week, he brings his story of addiction recovery, discipline, and complete reinvention to The Runna Podcast.This isn't just a running tips episode. It's a story about what it takes to rebuild your life from scratch - and how running became the framework that made it possible.Ken didn't just get clean - he replaced chaos with consistency, turned pain into purpose, and became living proof that it's never too late.In this episode: 🧠 The mindset behind taking risks vs playing it safe 🏃‍♂️ What really happened in his NYC Half debut 📊 His pacing strategy - and where it went wrong ⚖️ The biggest mistakes runners make stepping up to the half 🚀 Why just starting is the hardest - and most important - stepWhether you're a runner chasing a big goal, struggling with consistency, or need some proof that reinvention is possible - this one's for you.🎧 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=PODCAST26And if you’re just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcastAnd you can find Ken’s new book here: Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard: Amazon.co.uk: Rideout, Ken: 9781529956030: Books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's a home Olympics. The goal is to WIN."So why did a 2x Olympic medalist choose a race where success wasn't guaranteed?Grant Fisher joins us the day after his half marathon debut at the United Airlines NYC Half - where he ran 1:00:53, one of the fastest American-born debuts ever. But this wasn't a perfect race. He went out hard, took risks, and learned more because of it.This is a real-time look at how an Olympian approaches a new distance - the pacing decisions, the mindset under pressure, and what it all means for his long-term pursuit of Olympic gold.In this episode: 🧠 The mindset behind taking risks vs playing it safe 🏃‍♂️ What really happened in his NYC Half debut 📊 His pacing strategy - and where it went wrong ⚖️ The biggest mistakes runners make stepping up to the half 🚀 Why just starting is the hardest - and most important - stepWhether you’re running your first half marathon or chasing a PB, this is a rare insight into how elites train, race, and avoid the mistakes most runners make.🎧 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=PODCAST26And 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zouhair Talbi just ran 59:41, placing 1st American at the United Airlines NYC Half - and we got the inside scoop. Fresh off a 2nd place finish last weekend, elite runner and Olympian Zouhair Talbi joins us to break down the mindset, decisions, and race instincts behind elite performance - and what it means heading into Boston in five weeks.Zouhair takes us inside the race - sharing how he reads his body within the first mile, how he decides when to surge, and why sometimes the smartest move is not to follow the pack. Highlights include: 🎯 How Zouhair ran a 59:41 PB 🏃‍♀️ Behind his 2:05 marathon breakthrough🏅 His Olympic career and handling setbacks🚀 His Boston strategy and goalsThis episode is for runners who want to understand what elite performance actually looks like - and the mindset required when the margins are small and the stakes are high.🎧 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=PODCAST26And 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.