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Beyond the Track - Episode 32 is your ultimate preview of the upcoming Welsh Senior, U17 & Para Indoor Championships. Host James Thie breaks down everything you need to know ahead of a huge weekend of indoor athletics, from the standout events to keep an eye on to the athletes expected to be right in the mix for gold. With championship titles on the line, James also looks at who’s battling for a chance to stake their claim for Commonwealth Games selection, and where the pressure is on to deliver big performances. Plus, could this weekend be the moment a new Welsh record is written? James highlights the events and athletes most likely to make history. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of Welsh athletics, this episode sets the scene for a thrilling weekend on the track.

Today’s episode of the Beyond the Track Podcast takes us inside the mind of the coach behind one of the greatest indoor seasons ever produced by a Welsh athlete - Helen James, the coach who guided Jeremiah Azu to remarkable success. We explore where her journey in Athletics began, what earned her the title of Performance Coach of the Year, and the coaching philosophy that has driven consistent results. Helen shares how she first discovered the talent of Jeremiah Azu, alongside the highs and lows that come with building such a successful coach–athlete relationship. The episode also offers a rare insight into the life of a performance coach, Helen’s thoughts on how coaching in Wales can continue to improve, and the best advice she’s received throughout her career.

In this episode of Beyond the Track, we sit down with Eden Robinson to explore the journey that shaped her into the athlete she is today. Eden takes us back to where it all began - growing up in a sport-loving family, drawing inspiration from those closest to her, and discovering athletics through her first club. Now a multi-event athlete, Eden talks through her life as a heptathlete, sharing her favourite events and what draws her to the challenge of mastering so many disciplines. Known within her family for treating every session like a Rocky montage, Eden explains how mindset, consistency and support have played a huge role in her development. The conversation also touches on adversity, as Eden opens up about picking up a knee injury in November 2024, how it tested her mentally, and the lessons she’s taken from the recovery process. Looking ahead, she shares her belief that she’s ready to shock a lot of people this year, alongside valuable mental tips and advice for athletes navigating setbacks. We also discuss Eden’s choice to take her athletics journey to the next level by heading to university in the United States, and what excites her most about the road ahead. An honest, motivating and insightful conversation - and that’s just scratching the surface.

In this episode of Beyond the Track Podcast, we sit down with Funmi Oduwayie to hear one of the most powerful stories of resilience and transformation in sport. Funmi reflects on her early success in basketball and the trajectory of a promising career - before a devastating knee injury suddenly brought everything to a halt. She opens up about the traumatic moments in hospital, the intense pain she experienced, and the uncertainty that followed, sharing honestly how her faith in God became a source of strength during the darkest period of her life. That faith, resilience, and determination ultimately led Funmi to discover a new path in para athletics. She speaks about her journey into the sport, her rapid rise as a para athlete, and the performances that have defined her career so far. This episode is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define us - and that sometimes the toughest moments can lead to an even greater purpose beyond the track.

This episode we speak to Welsh 800m runner Issy Boffey. We get the thought process behind transitioning to Welsh Athletics and hear all about the early career of a talented young athlete that led her to where she is now. Issy takes us beyond the results and race days, opening up about her journey through the sport, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and the challenges that come with chasing big goals. We talk about resilience, confidence, handling pressure, and what keeps her motivated when things don’t go to plan. This episode offers a genuine insight into the realities of elite athletics and the person behind the performances - perfect for athletes, coaches, and fans looking to understand what it really takes to succeed beyond the track. Stay tuned for a episode full of deep insight behind the mind of Issy Boffey!

It’s the Beyond the Track Christmas Special and the season finale, and what starts as a festive chat quickly turns into an investigation… because it turns out Jenny hates Christmas. After a brief catch-up on Jenny’s recent Valencia Marathon 10K experience, the episode becomes a deep dive into classic Christmas traditions - only for each one to be ruthlessly questioned, rejected, or outright dismissed by Jenny, much to the horror (and amusement) of Harrison and James. From Christmas dinners and festive films to traditions we all pretend to enjoy, the hosts go back and forth debating what makes Christmas great… and what absolutely doesn’t. Along the way, they also discuss how athletes train over Christmas, how they usually spend the festive period, and whether it’s possible to balance celebrations with staying on track. Packed with festive banter, playful arguments, and plenty of laughs, this Christmas Special is the perfect way to wrap up the season - even if not everyone’s feeling festive.

In Episode 25 of Beyond the Track, we’re joined by Chris Type, Head of Performance at Welsh Athletics, for an in-depth look behind the curtain of elite sport in Wales. Chris opens the conversation by sharing his journey into sport - from his early influences and career beginnings to how he progressed into his pivotal role overseeing performance in Welsh Athletics. We then dive into the big topic everyone’s talking about: the Commonwealth Games. Chris breaks down how the selection process works, what Welsh Athletics’ involvement looks like, and how athletes are identified, assessed, and ultimately nominated to represent Team Wales. He discusses the nomination standards, highlights standout athletes who have impressed this cycle, and offers insight into Wales’ medal hopes heading towards the Games. The conversation also touches on the realities of high-performance sport, including the disappointment surrounding certain disciplines not being included in Glasgow 2026, and what that means for athletes and the wider athletics community. Packed with transparency, expert insight, and honest reflections, this episode gives listeners a rare inside look at how Wales builds a Commonwealth Games team - and what it takes to compete at the highest level.

In this episode we sit down with Welsh international pole vaulter - Mark Mellor. Mark gives an insight into the life a pole vaulter, the nightmares faced whilst traveling to competitions, the state of pole vault in Wales, settings PB's and competition success. We also discuss the "showman" himself Mondo Duplantis and the shockwaves he sending across the world, competing in his own world, breaking world records. Tune in to catch everything pole vault and discover insights you would never expect.

In this episode, we sit down with performance expert Dr. Dan Nash to break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about super shoes. From the science behind their design to the tech hidden inside them, we dig into how they work, why they’re so powerful, and whether they actually make a real difference on race day. Dr. Nash walks us through the carbon plates, the foams, the biomechanics, and the myths - giving a clear, no-nonsense explanation of what makes these shoes so “super.” Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a casual runner, or just curious about the hype, this episode pulls back the curtain on the tech that’s reshaping the running world. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on under your feet, this deep dive has your answers.

In this episode of Beyond the Track Podcast, we dive into the Cardiff Cross Challenge - one of the standout fixtures of the British cross-country season. Host's James Thie & Jenny Long break down the weekend’s biggest performances, key moments, and standout races, whilst accompanied by U23 British international Dafydd Jones to get his take from inside the action. Dafydd shares insights on his own race experience, reflects on the atmosphere and course conditions, and gives his perspective on how each race unfolded from an athlete’s point of view.

Beyond the Track Podcast - Episode 21 Cardiff Cross Challenge is back! An event that never disappoints, one of the best Cross Country fixtures in the UK, involving top athletes from all across the world. In this episode our two brilliant hosts break down the competition they know all too well, James having attended the very first Cardiff Cross Challenge in 1997 and Jenny who is very familiar with the podium at the end of the course. Discover the history behind the event, tips and tricks for navigating the course and which athletes to keep an eye on Saturday, 8 November. This is Beyond the Track, Cardiff Cross Challenge - bring it on!

Featuring: Kris Jones - Welsh International Orienteer & Distance Runner In this episode, we sit down with Welsh international athlete Kris Jones, whose journey from the forests of orienteering to the fast-paced world of long distance running has been nothing short of inspiring. Kris shares where it all began - from his early days with Swansea Harriers and competing in junior races, to proudly pulling on a Great Britain vest. He opens up about the challenges of balancing two demanding disciplines, the role models who paved the way for his transition from orienteering to running, and the lessons learned from moments of both success and disappointment - including the experience of not being selected for the Commonwealth Games. It’s an honest, insightful conversation about resilience, progression, and finding passion beyond the track. 🎧 Tune in now for a deep dive into Kris’s story and the mindset behind elite endurance performance.

In this episode, we sit down with middle-distance runner Justin Davies to reflect on an incredible season - including his standout performance at the U23 European Championships. Justin opens up about the highs and lows of the year, from the thrill of international competition to the disappointment of missing out on Worlds selection. He also gives us a glimpseinto his early career, how he unwinds away from the track, and the mental strategies that keep him focused and grounded. Plus, he shares what a typical training week looks like and offers insight into the mindset it takes to perform at the highest level.

We have a very special episode this week! Beyond the Track Podcast hosts catch up with Hannah Baulch - Head of Participation at Welsh Athletics, Lizzie Dimond (runnerof4) - mother of four who loves to run and Faye Osgood - founder of Her Own Pace Run Club. Our hosts discuss the brand new Welsh Athletics campaign - Own The Night with these three brilliant guests, hear all about the inspiration behind Own The Night, What it's all about and how you can get involved. With Own The Night championing women's safety whilst running, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

🎙️ Beyond the Track Podcast - Season 2, Episode 2 Featuring Welsh Marathon Runner Natasha Wilson In this episode, we’re joined by one of Wales’ most inspiring long-distance athletes - Natasha Wilson, Welsh marathon record holder and Commonwealth Games athlete. From growing up in Cwmbran and training around her family’s farm to studying on a sports scholarship at the University of Tulsa in the U.S., Natasha’s journey is one of resilience, consistency, and passion for the sport. She shares how her early love for running evolved into a career that’s seen her set records, overcome injuries, and proudly represent Wales and Great Britain on the world stage. We dive into her incredible 2:26:14 PB at the Valencia Marathon, her experiences at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 World Championships, and her recent return to form at the Hamburg Marathon and Cardiff Half. Natasha also opens up about the mental side of elite sport, what keeps her motivated through setbacks, and how she balances life as a full-time athlete with her interests outside of running - including nutrition, sustainability, and growing her own food. If you’re a fan of distance running, athletics stories, or personal journeys of perseverance, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now to hear Natasha’s story - from Cwmbran to Commonwealths - and her insights on the future of Welsh athletics.