Advertise on podcast: Ultrarunning Sam

In this episode we speak to Scott Jenkins. Scott is the first Brit to complete the gruelling Triple Crown of 200’s in the USA. Scott ran the Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200 and finally the Moab 240 to take 5th place overall. This all happened within 10 weeks! We chat about all of the 200’s he’s ran over the last few years. His adventures around the world and his plans for a certain UK race that shall remain nameless. We talk about his preparation, execution and his favourite hallucination featuring his wife! (not a witch) Scott is a great guy and pleasure to interview. URS

In this episode of the podcast I speak to Julian Ayres, Senior Lecturer at Wrexham University. Jules takes his research seriously! In an effort to improve his student’s resilience, he embarked on a mission into ultramarathon to find out how grit and resilience in physical activity can be applied to his students to help them improve outcomes in the workplace. We talk about that race beginning with S, and lots about the Dragons back and other big ultras and how his experiences helped shape his program for his students. Jules is a clever guy and it’s great to hear about his experiences helping others to improve their own resilience. URS

In this episode of the podcast I speak to UK ultra-running legend, and now bestselling author, Allie Bailey. Allie has risen to fame over the years with her no nonsense approach to running and life. She races brutal ultramarathons and has a reputation for her brutal honesty about pretty much everything! Allie is a recovering alcoholic and she has written a book about her life as an addict. In this podcast we talk about her love of running really really long races all over the world. Her former career in music and her battle with depression and alcohol. We talk about all things related and at times the conversation went deep on both sides. One thing we did agree on, is that RUNNING WONT SAVE YOU! Read her new book that’s out in print and on audible. ‘There is no wall’ URS

On the latest episode of the podcast I speak to ultra-running royalty Nicky Spinks. We chat about our shared experiences of this years race and how it went for her. We talk about her sleep strategy, fuelling and kit that she used. We also discuss hallucinations, the epic weather on course and wether or not she will return to Britains most brutal race. I’m really pleased to have had this conversation with Nicky as she’s been on my list of people that I’ve wanted to interview since the podcast launched. URS

I relive the highs and lows of taking on Britain’s most brutal race.  We talk about my path leading me to this years race over many years of prep. We talk about the sleep deprivation, food and the weather that was particularly Spiney! We also talk about that infamous fall that almost ended my race prematurely.  Great to chat to Kate as always.  URS

Welcome to the last episode in the special pre-race Spine 2024 series! We end with last years 2nd place woman, Hannah Rickman. We talk about her year of globe trotting l, splitting her time between Malawi in Africa and good old Blighty. We discuss training, sleep strategy, mental preparation and most importantly FOOD! It was great to catch up with Hannah and I can’t wait to see what she can do at this years race. URS

In this episode of the Special pre-Spine race 2024 series, I speak to reigning Spine champion Damian Hall. We chat about last years race, his training for this year and I probe him on wether he feels any pressure returning to the race that he has invested so many years in. Damo reveals his tradition of watching an inspiring film the night before the race, in an effort to rev himself up for glory! A great chat as always with Spine royalty! URS

In the next instalment of the pre-race interviews I speak to Kim Collison about his prep for this year’s race. We talk about his experience at last years race and his hopes for this year. Notably, Kim has got to the bottom of his muscular issues and with a change of medication, hopes that he can be foreign on all cylinders come January 14th! We talk about his training, mental preparation and his racing strategy. URS

In this next episode of the pre-Spine race 2024 podcast series, I speak to Elaine Bisson.  We talk about the injury that led to her DNF at last years race, how she feels about returning to The Spine and how she felt about having to cut her race short.  We talk about her success at the Cape Wrath Ultra back in May and how it’s helped prepare her for the upcoming race.  We talk about training, nutrition and her race strategy.  We also talk about her love of art as her other passion.  To see her art and read her blog, head over to https://www.elainebisson.co.uk/gallery-shop  URS

In this episode of the special pre-Spine race series I speak to the race media team. Regular listeners will know that I’ve been involved with the race for the last couple of years as a volunteer and last year had the privilege to work on the media team. So in this episode I catch up with the media pals to discuss the upcoming race, their predictions for the runners and how they are going to approach covering Britain’s most brutal race! We also get some insights into Jenny’s recent race success at the Beyond The Ultimate Desert Ultra, where she explained that it is not too dissimilar to racing Citroen 2CV’s! A short but great catch up with the team that constantly bang out the quality content that we all get to enjoy come January. URS

In this next episode of the pre-Spine race 2024 podcast series, I speak to James Nobles. James is a returning guest on the podcast so we dive straight into the good stuff. We talk about his recent 2nd place at the Cheviot Goat and how it has set him up for success at the fast approaching Spine Race in January. We talk about his approach to training, nutrition and racing strategy as he contemplates lining up with some of the best ultra distance athletes assembled on the race. James is a super humble guy and I have a feeling he will do well at Britain’s most brutal race! URS

In this next episode of the pre-Spine race podcast series I speak to Simon Roberts. Fresh from his recent win at the Montane Cheviot Goat, we talk about his journey into ultra, his experience of previous Spine races and of course his win at the Goat. He talks about his love of the Dragons Back race and his passion for the shorter faster fell races local to him in Wales. With the Spine now only weeks away, we talk about his choice of gear, nutrition and his relaxed approach to racing tactics. Simon is a great guy and a pleasure to interview! URS