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.