Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

Author: Steven Watt

The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt (and a range of guests) as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning.
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Language: en

Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness

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Sarah Perry - Season 14 Eps 20
Episode 20
Friday, 6 February, 2026

It’s time for the Season 14 finale episode featuring backyard ultra runner world champion Sarah Perry.What a way to sign off season 14? We welcome back Sarah Perry for her third appearance on the podcast. Following Sarah’s previous milestones discussed on the show, running 41 yards at Rasselbock and then setting a UK women’s record with 59 yards at the Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, the boys dive into Sarah’s latest monumental achievement: completing 95 yards at the iconic Big's Backyard Ultra in Tennessee. Sarah shares an inside look at the magic of running in Lazarus Lake’s backyard, her battle with unexpected back pain, the science of micro-napping, and her subsequent course record performance at The Hill just six weeks later.Key ChaterationsThe Progression to 95 Yards: A look back at Sarah’s journey from 41 to 59, and finally to 95 yards at Big's.Preparing for Big's: Sarah discusses going "all in" for the opportunity to test her limits against the world's best backyard runners.Pushing Through Pain: Dealing with debilitating back pain during the race and the mental struggle of stopping just shy of 100 yards.The Atmosphere at Big's: What it’s like to run in Laz’s backyard and the uniqueness of the event.Course Logistics: The difference between the technical day loop in the woods and the night loop on the road.Backyard Admin & Scran: Sarah’s routine for fluids, nutrition (including American Applewood mash), and managing a shared camp space.The Sleep Strategy: Lessons learned about gear (bringing a bed next time!) and mastering the "micro-nap" to avoid sleep deprivation.Hallucinations and the 4th Night: Sarah describes the mental state of runners as they crack during the final stages of the race.Transition to The Hill: Breaking down the logistics of her 55 and a bit lap performance at The Wrekin in Shropshire.The Winter Spine: In January 2026 Sarah won the Winter Spine Challenger South MRT race. We hear all about what it takes to compete in such an arduous adventure.Sarah on Instagram⁠Megan Boxall Run Britain Tracker