What happens when marathon training meets Christmas chaos?

This week, Rob, Ben and Emma dive into all things running, recovery, and festive madness as they reflect on recent races, training wins, and the realities of staying consistent through the busiest time of the year.

From post-race recovery and the impact of new gear (including a head torch that might be better suited to Doctor Who) to pacing duties, track sessions, and triathlon plans that are definitely happening after payday, the trio share honest reflections on the ups and downs of training. They also explore how family life, cross country races, and unpredictable schedules can test even the most motivated runners.

The conversation dives deeper into the importance of structured marathon training, listening to your body, building long-term consistency, and learning to cherish those rare “perfect” runs when everything just clicks. Along the way, there’s plenty of festive fun, personal stories, and community updates—including the latest on the Run Up to Christmas challenge and Couch to Coached initiatives supporting local runners.

Whether you’re deep in a training block, struggling to balance life and running, or just looking for a relatable, festive running chat—this episode has you covered.

• The importance of recovery after big races
• How new gear can affect performance and comfort
• Balancing marathon training with family life
• Track sessions, pacing duties, and triathlon plans
• Cross country chaos and consistency in training
• Finding flow state and learning to cherish good runs
• Community motivation through Parkrun and festive challenges
• Updates on Run Up to Christmas and Couch to Coached initiatives

Remember 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.

Couch to Coached – AWARD-WINNING Running Podcast

Our 5 With The Listeners series has been refreshed and rebooted — new questions, new logo, new vibes, and this week… a very special guest.

Rob, Ben, and Emma sit down with our latest featured listener to explore their running story in a whole new way. We dig into:

• What their running shoes would say about them
• What’s in their desert-island running survival kit
• What running has taught them

And joining us for this exciting relaunch is William Ewens— William is a Scottish runner who runs for Ayr Seaforth and the army. He is a runner who has recently achieved notable success in the track and field events. He earned his first Scotland Vest at the English Masters Inter Area Track and field championships, where he finished first out of 16 in the 1500m race, securing valuable points for his team.

Rob, Ben, and Emma also check in on this week’s Strava leaderboard — who’s on top, who’s rising fast, and of course…

who gets the all-important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK!

Want to support Rob & Ben?

They’re fundraising for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust UK — follow the link to donate.

Don’t forget:

✅ Follow us on Instagram

✅ Subscribe on YouTube

✅ Watch LIVE every Monday

And while you’re at it, join the Couch to Coached Run Club on Strava — just search for “Couch to Coached”.

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

What happens when a simple idea to beat winter loneliness turns into one of the biggest virtual running events of the year?

This week, Rob, Ben and Emma are joined by Kev and Claire—the team behind Run Up to Christmas—to explore how a small community initiative grew into a nationwide movement supporting mental health.

Kev and Claire share the heartfelt origin story of Runthings and how their mission to keep people active and connected during the holidays has raised incredible funds for mental health charities. From the power of community to the accessibility of virtual running, they dive into why this event has resonated with thousands and continues to grow year after year.

The conversation also covers personal stories of resilience, the importance of staying active during the winter months, and how merchandise, branding and team participation help build a sense of belonging for runners of all levels. Whether you’re looking to get involved, stay motivated, or simply hear an uplifting conversation about fitness and well-being, this episode delivers inspiration wrapped in community spirit.

• The origin story of Runthings and the Run Up to Christmas
• How running helps combat loneliness and supports mental health
• Personal stories of struggle, motivation, and connection
• How the event has raised significant funds for mental health charities
• The growth of a small virtual event into a nationwide movement
• Community engagement, teamwork, and accessibility
• Merchandise, branding, and the excitement behind the event
• Future plans and a post-event follow-up

Remember 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.