This week we talk to Gill Bland, a seasoned marathon runner, soon to be mother for the second time, and self confessed running geek! Join us as Gill shares her transformation from a non-athlete to a marathon winner, and how running is her "me time" in the busyness of life as a mother.

We talk about:

• How Gill's attempt to catch a train sparked her passion for running and led her to complete over 30 marathons around the world.
• Balance: Gain insight into how Gill balances her roles as a mother, wife, and runner, and how these aspects of her life interconnect and influence each other.
• The Role of Community: Hear about the importance of community in Gill's running career, including how moving to a new village and connecting with a local running group profoundly impacted her life and running practice.
• Overcoming Challenges: Learn about the challenges Gill faced, from injuries to balancing training with family life, and how she navigated setbacks with resilience and a positive mindset.
• Running Through Pregnancy: Gill offers advice and shares her personal experiences with running during pregnancy, emphasising the importance of listening to your body and adjusting expectations.
• Future Footprints: Looking ahead, Gill discusses her aspirations to expand her coaching career, her involvement in the running community, and how she plans to continue influencing and participating in the sport she loves.

Gill's story is not just about running; it's about finding what makes you come alive, pushing your limits, and the unexpected paths life can take you on. Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone just thinking about starting, there's inspiration and wisdom to be found in Gill's journey.

Connect with Gill:

Follow Gill on Instagram at @BlandOnTheRun and check out her contributions on the Run Testers YouTube channel for more running insights and gear reviews.

Thank You:

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might be inspired by Gill's story. Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

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“If you’re ever losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon”

This is a very special episode of the RunAlive Podcast celebrating all that is great about the London Marathon! This week we are plunging into the stories of 4 runners from the London Marathon each of whom have very different experiences of running the race.

We'll hear from 2:25 Welsh marathoner Clara Evans, who's starting on the elite start and pacing the British women. We talk to her about the practicalities of pacing, how to decide what pace to run, and what it's like running the London Marathon as an elite runner.

We speak to one of 6 remaining London Marathon Ever Presents, one of the people who have run all 44 London Marathons, Mike Peace, on how he got in to it, and what it's meant to him to be part of the "club you can never join".

It wouldn't be the London Marathon without a Guinness World Record Attempt, and we speak to James Whistler who is going for the world record as fastest Harlequin to run a marathon to raise money for 3 awesome charities that are close to his heart. His outfit is quite something - complete with dress shoes! (ouch!) Spoiler: He did it!

And of course, we check in with Ed at the start and the finish to hear how he gets on! This episode is a feast and celebration of everything that is great about the London Marathon!

Clara is on instagram: @claraa_louise

Mike's Fundraising Page

James is on Instagram: @jimmywhizz

James' GiveStar page

Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Race Day Prints: It's marathon season! Commemorate your big day in style with a Race Day Print. Get 15% off a poster of your big race with the code runalive15 or by following this link.

Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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We talk to former Marathon Age Group champion and Founder and CEO of Coach Core Gary Laybourne

In today's RunAlive Interval we welcome Gary Laybourne, co-founder and CEO of CoachCore. Gary shares his fascinating journey from a promising young athlete to a champion for change through sport. We talk about the London Marathon (of course) where in 2022 Gary unexpectedly became age group world champion, and we talk about the power of sport for change.

Coach Core has a mission to empower young people through sport, and has made a significant impact since its inception in 2012. Gary's dedication to fostering opportunities for young athletes and his insights into the broader benefits of sports are both inspiring and enlightening.

This episode not only explores Gary's accomplishments and the highs of his sporting career but also delves into the profound lessons running has taught him about life. His belief in running as a privilege—a tool for personal and community transformation—is a compelling message for all of us.

Find out more about Coach core: www.coachcore.org.uk

Offers and Discounts:

Race Day Prints:

Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout.

Hardline Coffee:

Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk

Follow us on Social Media:

We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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