Couch to Coached – AWARD-WINNING Running Podcast

Our 5 With The Listeners series has been refreshed and rebooted — new questions, new logo, new vibes, and this week… a very special guest.

Rob, Ben, and Emma sit down with our latest featured listener to explore their running story in a whole new way. We dig into:

• What their running shoes would say about them
• What’s in their desert-island running survival kit
• what Running has taught him?

And to celebrate this momentous relaunch, we’re joined by a returning favourite: Chris “Thommo” Thompson.

A former British international who won the silver medal in the 10,000 m at the 2010 European Championships and competed at the 2012 London Olympics, Thommo brings elite-level insight into training, mindset, and the everyday runner’s journey.

Rob Ben and Emma also check in on this week’s Strava leaderboard — who’s on top, who’s rising fast, and of course…

who gets the all-important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK!

Want to support Rob & Ben?

They’re fundraising for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust UK — follow the link to donate.

Don’t forget:

✅ Follow us on Instagram

✅ Subscribe on YouTube

✅ Watch LIVE every Monday

And while you’re at it, join the Couch to Coached Run Club on Strava — just search for “Couch to Coached”.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to go from hating running to tackling some of the most challenging ultra events out there? This week, we sit down with Andrew Farrall—ultra runner, Instagram creator, and the energy behind the viral “Crackhead Energy” videos—to explore his unexpected rise in the running world.

Andrew opens up about how a simple challenge pulled him into the world of ultra running, what makes the ultra community so unique, and how humour, honesty, and chaos have shaped his growing online presence. From giveaways to merch with purpose, his journey blends passion with purpose as he raises awareness for mental health through his platform.

He also shares his biggest goals on the horizon—including the intimidating Lakeland 100—and how community support and coaching are playing a key role in his evolution as a runner and creator.

Whether you’re here for inspiration, a laugh, or to learn more about the ultra world, this episode has a bit of everything.

• How a challenge led Andrew from 5K to ultra running
• The camaraderie and chaos of the ultra running community
• Going viral on Instagram and creating content inspired by followers
• The story behind the viral “Crackhead Energy” video
• Mental health awareness as a core message
• Giveaways, merchandise, and community engagement
• Coaching ambitions and future running challenges
• Tackling the fear of the Lakeland 100

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to Youtube and watch us LIVE every Monday.

Couch to Coached also has a Strava run club - just search for Couch to Coached in Strava.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Couch to coached - AWARD WINNING running podcast.

5 with the Listener - Hilary Hallen

Last week Maureen from Alsager runners nominated her running friend and this week we’re joined by the Amazing Hilary Hallen

Rob ,Ben and Emma chat with Hilary about all things running – what inspired her to start running. what's her goals for 2025,what is the best piece of advice she has been given.

Rob and Emma also look at the st'ryvar' leaderboard. who is top and who gets the all important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK.

Want to sponsor Rob and Ben - do it here- Couch To Coached is fundraising for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust UK

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to Youtube and watch us LIVE every Monday.

Couch to Coached also has a Strava run club - just search for Couch to Coached in Strava.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a milestone moment! In this special anniversary episode of Couch to Coached, the hosts look back on three incredible years behind the mic. From humble beginnings and nervous first recordings to building a thriving community and welcoming a brand-new co-host, this episode celebrates how far the show has come — and where it’s headed next.

Join the team as they open up about the evolution of the podcast, the lessons learned along the way, and their personal experiences with anxiety, growth, and connection. They share standout memories, major milestones (including awards!), and the tremendous impact their listeners have had on their journey.

Whether you’ve been here since day one or just discovered the show, this heartfelt episode is a reminder that every step counts — on the run and in life.

🎙️ Highlights

• The evolution from small beginnings to 220+ episodes
• Welcoming a new co-host and fresh perspectives
• Navigating nerves, anxiety, and personal growth
• Celebrating wins, milestones, and recognitions
• The power of community in fueling their journey
• Gratitude for every listener who’s supported the show

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.

Couch to Coached also has a Strava run club — just search for Couch to Coached on Strava.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for another community-fuelled episode as the Couch to Coached LIVE crew celebrates all things North Staffordshire Road Runners Association (NSRRA)!

This Week Rob and Emma (no Ben unfortunately) are joined by Mr NSRRA himself, Ken Rushton.

The team dive into an incredible season packed with standout race performances, growing participation, and the tight-knit camaraderie that makes NSRRA so special. From upcoming fixtures to the excitement building around the end-of-season awards night, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about local running culture.

They also explore the importance of injury management, how ambassadors shape the NSRRA experience, and why so many runners are now setting their sights on triathlon challenges. With great stories, friendly banter, and an inside look at what’s coming next, this conversation shines a light on a club where everyone is welcome — and the support is unmatched.

Whether you’re a seasoned racer chasing rankings or curious about joining your first running club (for just a tenner!), this episode will leave you inspired to lace up and get involved.

🏆 A brilliant NSRRA season — with two races still to go

🤕 Injury management tips for staying strong all year

🎉 End-of-season awards + records to celebrate

👟 Friendly races + thriving community support

🎽 How ambassadors uplift the NSRRA experience

🚴 Growing triathlon ambitions among members

💷 Joining NSRRA is only £10!

For more details and to join NSRRA - click -North Staffordshire Road Runners Association

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.

Couch to Coached also has a Strava run club — just search for Couch to Coached on Strava.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Couch to coached - AWARD WINNING running podcast.

5 with the Listener - Maureen Guest

Its a first for the 5 with the listeners, its a runner from Alsager Runners and this week we’re joined by the Amazing Maureen Guest

Rob and Emma (No Ben this week) chat with Maureen about all things running – what inspired her to start running. what's her goals for 2025,what is the best piece of advice she has been given.

Rob and Emma also look at the st'ryvar' leaderboard. who is top and who gets the all important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK.

Want to sponsor Rob and Ben - do it here- Couch To Coached is fundraising for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust UK

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to Youtube and watch us LIVE every Monday.

Couch to Coached also has a Strava run club - just search for Couch to Coached in Strava.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for an energy-packed episode as the Couch to Coached LIVE crew dives headfirst into marathon madness! 🏃‍♀️💨

Emma takes center stage, sharing her incredible story of completing two marathons in just two weeks — smashing personal bests and uncovering valuable lessons about training, recovery, and mindset. The team also breaks down the essential role of strength training in preventing injuries, the science (and art) of hydration strategies, and the often-overlooked mental side of long-distance running.

With plenty of laughs, motivation, and real talk, they explore upcoming races, training tips, and the thrill of running after dark with the inspiring “Lift the Curfew” initiative for safer night running.

Whether you’re chasing your next PR or lacing up for your first 5K, this episode will leave you motivated, informed, and ready to hit the road.

Episode Highlights:

• 🏅 Emma’s double-marathon success story
• 💪 How strength training keeps runners injury-free
• 💧 Hydration and recovery strategies that work
• 🌙 “Lift the Curfew” – running safely after dark
• 🗓️ What’s next on the race calendar

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to Youtube and watch us LIVE every Monday.

Couch to Coached also has a Strava run club - just search for Couch to Coached in Strava.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Rob, Ben, and Emma are joined by Owen, the founder of HLTHY, a homegrown running brand redefining what a hydration vest can be. Owen shares his journey from casual runner to entrepreneur, driven by a desire to create high-quality, versatile gear designed by runners, for runners.

The team dive into the story behind HLTHY — from early design sketches to product testing on the trails — uncovering the challenges of launching a running brand and the innovation that sets HLTHY apart. Owen talks openly about the realities of product development, the importance of versatility and comfort in running vests, and how feedback from real runners helped shape the final design.

And for listeners keen to test the gear themselves, there’s a special discount code waiting in this episode!

🎧 Highlights include:

• Owen’s personal running story and motivation to start HLTHY
• The journey from idea to fully fledged running brand
• Challenges and lessons in product design and testing
• The importance of versatility in hydration vests
• Innovation and functionality in modern running gear
• How community feedback shaped HLTHY’s design process
• Exclusive discount code for Couch to Coached listeners
• What’s next for HLTHY and Owen’s running journey

An inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how passion, problem-solving, and perseverance can turn a runner’s idea into a reality — perfect for anyone who loves gear talk, running innovation, and entrepreneurial grit.

Remember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to Youtube and watch us LIVE every Monday.

Couch to Coached also has a Strava run club - just search for Couch to Coached in Strava.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.