#156 - How Hattie Pearson Went From Beginner to Ironman Athlete & Why Adventure Is Her Number One Priority!

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Lola Clinton-Hayward joins Ben Sheppard to share how running, wellness and community have completely changed her life.Lola opens up about discovering self development during lockdown, studying psychology, and how one small step into running eventually led to marathons, major races and the creation of Stride and Thrive Club, an all girls running and wellness community in London.She talks honestly about confidence, mental health, building “brain evidence”, the fear of being seen trying, and why starting small can change everything. From nobody turning up to her first run club to building a thriving community, Lola’s story is a brilliant reminder that one run, one decision or one moment of courage can shift your whole direction.Lola Clinton-Hayward - https://www.instagram.com/_lolach/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Damien Hall joins host Ben Sheppard for a brilliant and honest conversation about ultra running, ageing well, adventure and what it really means to keep going.Damien reflects on his ongoing career in the sport, from lining up at his first half marathon to representing GB, finishing fifth at UTMB and taking on some of the toughest races in the world, including the Barkley Marathons. He shares how curiosity around distance turned into a deep passion, and why chasing adventure has always been just as important as chasing results.They dive into the realities of DNFs, the lessons that come from failure and how those moments have shaped him as both an athlete and a coach. Damien also opens up about getting older in the sport, the small changes he has noticed in performance, and why experience, patience and perspective can actually become powerful advantages over time.The conversation also explores his record attempts and FKTs, the mental challenge of racing versus solo adventure, and why breaking things down into smaller moments is key when facing huge distances.They also chat about his new book Run Forever, what the title really means, and how runners can stay consistent, healthy and motivated for years to come.A thoughtful and inspiring episode packed with insight, honesty and a real love for the process of running.Get A Copy of Damien's New Book 'Run Forever' here.Damien Hall - https://www.instagram.com/ultra_damo/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

What happens when life feels too overwhelming to keep up with?Mindset and behavioural change speaker and author Lily Silverton joins Ben Sheppard on the RunThrough Podcast for a powerful conversation about stress, burnout, priorities, movement, and navigating modern life.Lily shares her journey from the fashion and magazine industry into coaching and wellbeing, opening up about mental health, identity shifts, and the experiences that shaped her work. Together, Ben and Lily explore why so many of us feel constantly overwhelmed, how social media and modern working life affect our attention and wellbeing, and why prioritising the things that truly matter has never been more important.They also discuss the connection between movement and mindset, the role running and yoga can play in mental health, and why the habits we often drop first are usually the ones that help keep us grounded.The conversation also dives into Lily’s new book, 'Prioritise This', a practical guide for thriving in a world that won’t slow down.Lily Silverton - https://www.instagram.com/lily_silverton/Website & Link To Purchase 'Prioritise This' - https://www.lilysilverton.com/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

On this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Iain Ward, better known as The King of Chemo, joins host Ben Sheppard for a proper, open conversation that goes way beyond running.At 31, Iain was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, but instead of letting that define him, he flipped it on its head. He is now on a mission to break a charity world record by building a huge social media following and turning that into sponsorship money for good causes, rather than asking the public to donate.Ben and Iain chat through everything from marathons in carrying 20KG of weight in wild costumes, to the reality of hearing that diagnosis and how it changes your outlook. They get into mindset, pressure, relationships, social media, and what it actually takes to keep going when things feel overwhelming.There are serious moments, plenty of honest reflections, and also a lot of humour along the way. Iain’s perspective on life, and the way he approaches it, makes this one really stand out. A genuinely powerful watch, you will be thinking about long after it ends.The King of Chemo - https://www.instagram.com/thekingofchemo/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

Sian Westley is a content creator, social media strategist, and new mum whose journey spans body confidence struggles, IVF, pregnancy, and navigating identity through motherhood, all while building a thriving digital career rooted in authenticity and real life experience.In this heartfelt and honest episode of the RunThrough Podcast, Sian joins host Ben Sheppard for a powerful conversation about the realities behind confidence, change, and resilience. From starting out making early YouTube content and curated outfit folders, to finding her voice in body positivity online, Sian opens up about the evolution of her career and self image.She also shares her deeply personal fertility journey, including IVF, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the life changing moment she became a mother. Together, Sian and Ben explore what it really means to go through “journeys within journeys”, from body image and career pivots to parenthood and rediscovering priorities.This is an uplifting, relatable, and honest conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself, embracing change, and finding purpose in every stage of life.Sian Westley - https://www.instagram.com/imsianwestley/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

On this episode of the RunThrough Podcast, Hattie Pearson shares her inspiring journey from complete beginner to Ironman triathlete, in conversation with host Ben Sheppard. 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️Hattie opens up about how embracing adventure and challenge transformed her approach to fitness and life. From taking on multi-day endurance events to pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, she explains how stepping into the unknown became the key to building confidence, resilience, and long-term motivation.She also discusses the barriers women face in triathlon, and why community, support, and mentorship play such a crucial role in helping more people get involved in endurance sport. Along the way, Hattie shares honest insights from her journey, including lessons learned the hard way, moments of doubt, and the mindset needed to keep going.From swimming in freezing conditions (“Swimming Loch Ness was Baltic” 🥶) to learning to embracing the new, whether you’re training for your first triathlon, chasing an Ironman goal, or simply looking for motivation to start your fitness journey, this episode will leave you inspired to take on your next challenge.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Hattie Pearson - https://www.instagram.com/hattiepearson/

In this episode of the RunThrough Podcast, we’re joined by Tayo Fam, co-founder of Runnpac, one of the most diverse and community-driven run clubs in London. Tayo chats through how Runnpac started and what’s gone into building a community that brings so many different people together through running. Sitting down with host Ben Sheppard, the conversation touches on discipline, staying consistent, and why motivation doesn’t always carry you through. They also get into the importance of diversity in the running space, taking risks, and how being part of a strong community can really shape your mindset and growth. It’s an easy, honest conversation with plenty to take away, whether you’re into running or just looking for a bit of perspective. If you would like to join Tayo and Runnpac, they will be joining RunThrough on 22 April at Battersea Park. For an exclusive discount code, head to their Instagram now. Listen now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of the RunThrough Podcast.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Tayo Fam - https://www.instagram.com/tayofampt/Runnpac - https://www.instagram.com/runnpac/

In this episode of the RunThrough Podcast, we’re joined by ultra runner and adventurer Lydia Oldham, who discovered running during lockdown, going from running 5Ks as hard as she could every time, to marathons and eventually into the world of ultras.She chats about that progression, her experience at the Speed Project, and how travel has shaped her creativity and approach to running. Lydia also highlights the importance of having a solid crew around you and what goes into pulling off ambitious endurance projects.A big part of the conversation focuses on her 650km FKT on the Camino, where she shares the highs, the tough moments, and how breaking it down day by day helped her get through. She also opens up about the emotional comedown after big efforts, the need for proper rest and recovery, and the pressure to always chase the next challenge.Hosted by Ben Sheppard, this is a relaxed and honest chat about resilience, trying new things, and doing it all for the right reasons. Perfect if you're looking for a bit of inspiration to start your own adventure.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Lydia Oldham - https://www.instagram.com/comerunwith.me/

On this episode of the RunThrough Podcast, Kai Fagan joins host Ben Sheppard to share his inspiring journey from rugby player and teacher to Love Island winner.Kai reflects on how his early life in rugby shaped his mindset, taught him resilience, and led him to play Rugby League for English universities. He also talks about his transition from teaching to reality TV, and how embracing opportunities and staying chill along the way has guided his personal growth and future ambitions.During the podcast, Kai receives a very unexpected text, adding a surprise twist to the conversation. He shares key life lessons about handling setbacks, seizing opportunities, and the role rugby played in his mental and emotional development. He also looks forward to the Manchester Marathon and shares his previous racing experiences.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Kai Fagan - https://www.instagram.com/kaifagan_/

Welcome back to The RunThrough Podcast. Today we’re joined by the incredible Chloe McNiven, a former professional dancer turned Guinness World Record holder and ultra marathon runner, as well as a mum of two.Chloe faced huge adversity growing up and was often told her dream of becoming a professional dancer wasn’t realistic. She left school at 15, worked as a cleaner on a building site, saved everything she could, and eventually moved to London where she put herself through dance school while juggling three jobs. That determination paid off and she went on to spend more than a decade performing alongside global stars including Elton John, Little Mix, Liam Payne, Robbie Williams and Zara Larsson.She later discovered running and it changed everything, ultimately leading her to set a Guinness World Record with RunThrough at Goodwood Motor Circuit, where she pushed a pram around 50K. She has since taken on huge endurance challenges, including running 50K in Wales while five months pregnant.In this episode, Ben Sheppard sits down with Chloe to talk about resilience, mental strength, motherhood and pushing far beyond what you think is possible.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Chloe McNiven - https://www.instagram.com/chloejmcniven/