In this episode, Abi shares her honest reflections on running the virtual TCS London Marathon, from a smooth first 19km to the challenges that unfolded on route, fuelling issues, heavy legs, a fall at 30km, and the mental effort required to keep moving when the day shifted away from the plan.We talk fuelling, pacing, route choice, solo marathon running, and the mindset needed to finish 42.2km when everything feels harder than expected.A grounded, real conversation for any runner who’s ever had a tough race day.

In endurance sport, there are days that define us, not because everything goes right, but because everything falls apart. This is the story of Juliet, the NDW50 that ended in a DNF, and the unexpected way that moment became the catalyst for a comeback at the NDR50km.

Today, we’re stepping into the space between those two races: the disappointment, the rebuilding, the mindset shift, and the finish line that meant more than any before it.

Welcome to the very first episode of the NLRC Podcast, a space for real stories, honest conversations, and the kind of resilience that shapes runners far beyond finish lines.

To open the series, I’m joined by Owen Kimber, who completed the NDR50 just ten months after undergoing a knee replacement. His journey is a powerful reminder that progress isn’t linear, setbacks don’t define us, and the human body, supported by patience, consistency, and belief, is capable of extraordinary things.

Together, we explore the central tension many endurance athletes face:How do you push yourself enough to grow, without pushing so hard that you can’t train for weeks afterwards?

We talk through:

• Owen’s journey from surgery to the start line

• Why finishing, not chasing a time was the right goal

• How he structured his pacing and decision‑making on the day

• The importance of time on feet, terrain familiarity, and practising discomfort

• Kit, nutrition, and the small details that matter in ultras

• The coach’s perspective on building resilience without burning out

• What he learned, and how he’s already preparing for his next 50‑mile event in six weeks

This conversation sets the tone for the NLRC Podcast: real athletes, real experiences, and practical insights you can take into your own training.

Thank you for joining me at the start of this new chapter. More NLRC conversations are on the way.