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Couch to Coached- Running podcastCoaching Tips and laughs along the way Author: Rob Sillito and Ben Russell
The Couch to Coached Running PodcastHosted by Rob Sillito, Ben Russell, & Emma BrydgesThree full-time working adults. One shared goal: to make running accessible, honest, and fun.Join Rob (a mental health nurse who's never liked running), Emma (a busy mum and passionate runner), and Ben (a UKA-accredited running coach working full-time coaching kids and now coaching both Rob and Emma) as they bring you The Couch to Coached Running Podcast.This award-winning show follows Robs transformation from couch to coached, Emmas mission to train smarter, and Bens expert guidance every step or misstep along the way.Whether you're brand new to running or chasing that next PB, youll get:Real-life running advice for all abilitiesWeekly updates from Rob and Emmas trainingListener questions and expert coaching insightsInterviews, cross-training tips, and injury preventionLoads of relatable laughs and honest motivation Got a question or a funny running story? Send it in it might get featured in a future episode!Follow us on:Instagram: @couchtocoachedFacebook: Couch to coached A running podcastTwitter/X: @couchtocoachedEmail: couchtocoached@outlook.comStrava- Couch to coached run club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Running, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Special Guest Episode- Gareth Jones AKA MentalHealthWanderer- The Spine Race Explained: Ultra Running, Mental Resilience & Survival
Episode 59
Wednesday, 21 January, 2026
The Spine Race Explained: Ultra Running, Mental Resilience & SurvivalWhat does it really take to survive one of the toughest endurance events in the world?In this episode, Rob, Ben and Emma welcome back Gareth Jones to unpack his recent experience at the legendary Spine Race — a brutal 268-mile journey along the Pennine Way that Gareth describes as a survival expedition rather than a race.Gareth shares an honest, unfiltered account of what it’s like to move through extreme weather, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation while navigating one of the most unforgiving routes in ultra running. From hallucinations and physical fatigue to the mental battles that defined the race, he reflects on finishing 22nd out of 87 runners and the lessons learned about pacing, preparation, and resilience.The conversation dives into the realities of self-supported racing — carrying food, managing kit, navigating checkpoints, and making smart decisions when everything hurts. Alongside the hardship, Gareth also highlights moments of camaraderie, humour, and perspective, reminding listeners why mindset and mental health matter just as much as physical fitness in ultra-endurance events.As the episode closes, Gareth looks ahead to future challenges, including races in Marbella and the Arctic, and shares a powerful reminder: ultra running isn’t about obsessing over distance — it’s about respecting the journey from start to finish.This is a compelling listen for anyone interested in ultra running, mental resilience, or what happens when the body is pushed to its absolute limits.HighlightsWhat the Spine Race really involves — and why it’s a survival expeditionBattling unpredictable weather and extreme fatigueMental resilience and decision-making under pressureThe realities of self-supported ultra racingHallucinations, sleep deprivation, and race psychologyFinishing 22nd in one of the world’s toughest endurance eventsLessons on pacing, preparation, and mindsetWhy enjoying the journey matters more than the distanceWhat’s next for Gareth, including upcoming extreme racesRemember to follow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and watch us LIVE every Monday.And don’t forget — join the Couch to Coached Strava run club by searching Couch to Coached on Strava. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
