#176 - Racing Robots are Bullshit

It's time to review the greatest and most important race of the year. No, not the London marathon, the Beijing Robot Half Marathon! Even Amy gets caught up in the excitement of race season and nearly does a 5k race, whilst Stu's got Lidl to thank for another PB. We also decide which injuries are the best to run through, discuss some of the worst chafing we've ever seen, and finish with a story that isn't about running in the slightest but somehow the most relevant subject to us.

Your complete holistic running companion podcast is back with more gear reviews, route recommendations, and mindset shifts that will really boost your running. That's what a normal podcast would say.  We say that we talked about bats, getting into a flow state in a nightmareish tunnel, penis issues, running around Tesco, and what if the next Speed movie was about an elderly lady who couldn't stop at parkrun? That's more fun, right? Hundreds take part in Gawthorpe coal-carrying race - BBC News 'It beggars belief': UK military reveal locations inside sensitive bases through exercise app PHOENIX - Supermarketathon Paris Marathon bans single-use water cups and bottles - BBC Sport  

Stu has finally succumbed to carbon running shoes, although he still does not give a shit about them. Amy has successfully #builtuphermileage but now thinks that may be her downfall. We also talk runfluencers yet again, race companies collapsing again, the worst time to wear a running vest again, and creepy post-parkrun comments (again?). Bondarenko Track session Lidl has dropped a £39.99 carbon plate ‘supershoe’ ahead of marathon season. Here’s what we know so far Dragon’s Back Race 2026 cancelled as Ourea Events collapses | County Times French sailor gave away location of nuclear-powered warship in Middle East by logging run on Strava | The Independent Fact-checked: What actually happened at Mandley Park - Manchester Evening News Run for your bonus: the Chinese paper company rewarding staff to run 100km a month | Men's Fitness The 2027 London Marathon could become a two-day event

We learn about Amy's fear of new technology and Stu wins an entire cross country division all on his own, or at least in his mind. We have some brand new long run nightmare fuel, two toe tales, physio banter, something about the pigeon lady from Home Alone, and why we all need to build up another fuck bucket.

Stu and Amy give their top date advice in this episode, encourage listeners to glory in their mediocrity, and, above all, treat physios as the quacks and charlatans that they are. We also issue a stark warning to volunteer race marshals everywhere. Also features one of the most niche Ramadan conversations you'll ever hear, but one Stu is absolutely obsessed with. Cover photo of very good very brave boy Mitch. Climber survives 1,500ft fall before running four miles for help Trouble in paradise? Seven surprising signs you’re heading for divorce | Relationships | The Guardian

Amy just will not learn, as she embarks on yet another ill-fated route, but this time somehow enters a horse race. Stewart gets filthy and worries about where to put his knob. There is a lot of chat about whether or not you should wear a race t-shirt for a race you did not enter, or maybe finish, or maybe volunteered for. The conclusion will leave you underwhelmed. Why It’s OK to Wear a Finisher’s Shirt for a Race You Didn’t Finish Stop dressing like a 'runner' on your runs. Do this instead Running Mistakes: When Jackets Fail in UK Weather | TikTok

Stu adds to his impressive tally of losing a race and legitimately winning a medal for it. Amy went for a run. We chat shit about Taylor Swift, ponder future plans for immersive running experiences, badly transition between news stories, and ask how far is ok to race with a baby strapped to your chest?

Stories of fire and ice in this episode, but also falling over and running into traffic. Stewart isn't proud of what he did, and Amy isn't proud of her first race result of the year. Want a free ultra place? Listen and find out how!

Another year, another year-end podcast detailing why that year was bullshit. We share our high-, but mainly, low-lights, as well as some top content from our listeners who are generally as miserable as we are. We also reveal alarmingly different race stats for the year, and inevitably not talk about running as much as we can.   Episode dedicated to Rain 🐾

We've got a guest! Local runner to us, different point of view, setting up something for a particular group that we don't know much about? You know we love that kind of thing. Stu loves talking about canicross and Amy loves ignoring signs which may have prevented her having a bad time. We refuse to learn from our mistakes.