In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle speaks to Aaron Sharples about his ambitious project, El Camino Español, a 1,600km run along the entire east coast of Spain.

Starting in Portbou near the French border and finishing in La Línea at the gateway to Gibraltar, Aaron plans to complete the route in just 28 days, averaging around 80km a day. The challenge could set a Fastest Known Time and potentially be a world first.

But this isn’t just about distance or speed. Aaron shares how his running journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, how movement helped him through a difficult period of grief, and how his mindset has evolved from running through trauma to running with purpose.

We explore the logistics of the challenge, the importance of mindset and recovery, and how Aaron plans to connect with communities along the route, using movement as a tool for empowerment and connection.

In this episode, we cover:

 * How Aaron went from non-runner to endurance athlete in 5 years
 * The story behind El Camino Español
 * What running 80km a day will involve
 * Mindset, resilience, and learning from failure
 * The role of journaling, meditation, and recovery
 * Building community through movement
 * Supporting charities including Healthier Heroes

Follow Aaron:

 * Instagram: @MakeBoldChoices [https://www.instagram.com/makeboldchoices_/] & @aaron__sharples__ [https://www.instagram.com/aaron__sharples__/]
 * Website: https://givestar.io/gs/el-camino-espanyol

El Camino Español: Aaron Sharples’ 1,600km Coastline Challenge

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, Michelle speaks with Lia Fyles, the driving force behind the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

What started as a fundraising challenge for Tommy's has grown into a 20,000-runner event that celebrates London’s history, community, and charitable spirit while raising millions for good causes.

Lia shares how the event came to life, the challenges of closing central London, and why the race has become such a sought-after experience for runners.

We chat about:

 * How the idea for the London Landmarks Half Marathon was born
 * Turning a fundraising goal into a major national event
 * The challenges of organising a race through central London
 * What makes the route unique, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems
 * The role of charity in shaping the event’s identity
 * Behind-the-scenes insights from race day
 * Challenges facing race organisers today
 * Why the event resonates so strongly with runners
 * What the future holds for the race
 * Reversing the race route due to a military ceremony

Links & Info

 * Pre-register for next year’s ballot via the official LLHM website: https://llhm.co.uk/



The Story Behind the London Landmarks Half Marathon with Lia

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, we’re joined by returning guest Dr Juliet McGrattan to talk about her new book, The Runner’s Guide to Menopause [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/runners-guide-to-menopause-9781399423854/].

Menopause is something every woman will experience, yet many runners feel unprepared for how it can affect their training, performance, and motivation. Juliet shares expert insight — alongside her own lived experience — to help runners better understand what’s happening in their bodies and how to adapt.

We discuss:

 * What menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause actually mean
 * Common symptoms that affect runners (and why they’re often misunderstood)
 * Why running can suddenly feel harder — and what’s happening physiologically
 * The impact of menopause on sleep, recovery, and energy levels
 * How running can actually help manage symptoms
 * Training adjustments, including the importance of strength work and speed sessions
 * Bone health, injury risk, and long-term wellbeing
 * The role of HRT and when to speak to a GP
 * Why this stage of life might be the most important time to keep running

This episode is for anyone navigating menopause, approaching it, or supporting others, including coaches who want to better understand how to support female runners.

Follow Juliet [https://www.instagram.com/drjulietmcgrattan/]

Juliet McGrattan | Running Through Menopause: What Every Runner Needs to Know

What happens when someone who only started running a year ago decides to run 100 marathons in 100 days?

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle speaks with Hannah Cox, the founder of the Better Business Network and the woman behind Project Salt Run — a world-first endurance challenge running the length of India’s historic Inland Customs Line.

Over 100 days Hannah covered 4,224 kilometres, completing 75 marathons and 23 ultramarathons across 11 Indian states.

But this story isn’t about elite performance.

It’s about perseverance, purpose, and people power.

Running through extreme heat, pollution, illness and injury, Hannah and her small support team followed a forgotten colonial boundary once used to enforce the salt tax — transforming it into a route of connection, community and climate action.

Along the way they were welcomed into homes, fed by strangers, and supported by a growing global community of people who believed in the mission.

Project Salt Run has already raised £90,000 for charities working for people and the planet, with a long-term goal of raising £1 million.

In this episode we talk about:

 * How Hannah went from beginner runner to 100 marathons
 * The story behind the historic Inland Customs Line
 * The toughest physical and mental moments on the road
 * The power of community and kindness
 * Why ordinary people still have the power to create change

Donate to the campaign
https://givestar.io/gs/project-salt-run

Website
www.projectsaltrun.com [http://www.projectsaltrun.com/]

Follow the journey
Instagram / TikTok / Facebook: @projectsaltrun [https://www.instagram.com/projectsaltrun/]

100 Marathons in 100 Days Across India | Hannah Cox and Project Salt Run

Breathing is something every runner does thousands of times on every run — yet it’s something most of us never think about.

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle speaks with breathing coach and former professional rugby player David 'Jacko' Jackson about how improving the way we breathe can impact running efficiency, mobility, and performance.

After a serious brain injury ended his rugby career, Jacko began exploring breathing as a tool for improving brain health and regulating the nervous system. That journey eventually led him to become a Master Oxygen Advantage coach and write his new book, Breathe Smarter Run Stronger.

In this conversation, we explore how breathing mechanics affect everything from running economy and perceived effort to hip mobility and race-day nerves.

What We Cover

 * Why breathing is often overlooked in running training
 * The difference between how elite runners breathe vs amateur runners
 * When nose breathing can improve running efficiency
 * Why mouth breathing isn’t always the enemy
 * The surprising connection between breathing mechanics and hip tightness
 * Why tongue posture affects breathing and airway function
 * How breathing rate affects perceived effort during a run
 * Building carbon dioxide tolerance to improve endurance
 * Using breathing strategies to stay relaxed during races
 * Jacko’s ambitious Mission IN-possible challenge to run 200 marathons in 100 days

Jacko’s book Breathe Smarter Run Stronger [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/breathe-smarter-run-stronger-9781399423113/] is available now.  Published March 12th 2026.

Follow @bloomsburyoutdoors [https://www.instagram.com/bloomsburyoutdoors/]

Follow Jacko on @thebreathrunningcoach [https://www.instagram.com/thebreathrunningcoach/]

How Breathing Can Make You a Better Runner | David “Jacko” Jackson

At 48, Neil Mills is taking on one of the biggest challenges of his life: running and walking 950 miles in just 21 days.

But this isn’t just about covering 45 miles a day.

Neil is visiting every Young Lives vs Cancer Home from Home across the UK, raising funds for families facing childhood cancer. Behind the distance lies a deeply personal story of addiction, late-diagnosed ADHD, rebuilding identity, and discovering that endurance running offers him stability.

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Neil shares how discipline became a lifeline, how long miles quiet a noisy mind, and why giving back is now central to who he is.

This is an honest, powerful conversation about running as structure, recovery and purpose.

Neil is raising money for Young Lives vs Cancer to support families staying close to their children during cancer treatment: https://www.justgiving.com/page/neil-mills-1729538959475

Text NEIL to 70490 to donate £2. Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

Neil's Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575047228543] 

950 Miles to Stability: Neil Mills on Addiction, ADHD & Endurance

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle is joined by Catherine and Pippa, co-founders of Trail & Bloom, a trail running retreat designed to support women navigating midlife.

Both share deeply personal journeys of how their relationships with movement evolved. From early experiences of feeling “not good enough” in sport, to running as punishment for eating, to rediscovering joy and confidence on the trails, this is an honest conversation about identity, body image, performance and self-worth.

Catherine talks about how perimenopause, injury and life pressures left her questioning her place in running, and how trail running helped her reconnect with movement in a way that felt freeing rather than pressured.

Pippa shares her path from disordered eating and overwhelm to becoming a GB age-group triathlete, and explains why midlife women need to understand their physiology — particularly the importance of maintaining muscle mass for long-term health, strength and confidence.

Together, they discuss:

 * Why so many women carry “baggage” into midlife running
 * How trails can remove pressure and reintroduce joy
 * The myths around weight loss, BMI and body composition
 * Why strength training is essential (and how to approach it safely)
 * How to rebuild confidence when performance plateaus
 * What women really need in midlife: community, compassion and evidence-based guidance

This episode is a powerful reminder that midlife can be a breakthrough, not a breaking point, and that running can still be joyful, empowering and deeply restorative at any age.

You can find more about Trail & Bloom and their upcoming retreats at https://trailandbloom.co.uk/



Catherine & Pippa of Trail and Bloom: Reclaiming Running and Strength in Midlife

This week on the podcast, Fiona Horsfield takes us inside the Montane Winter Spine Race, Britain’s Most Brutal endurance event along the Pennine Way.

We talk about:

🥣 Eating when you don’t want to
😴 Sleeping when you can
🎒 Getting kit decisions right
🧠 Staying mentally steady when fatigue hits

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to move for days through winter conditions, this episode is an honest look at the physical and psychological reality of ultra-endurance racing.

“You can’t think about 268 miles. You just focus on the next section.”

Listen now 🎧

Follow Fiona [https://www.instagram.com/fionahorsfield.runs/]

#UKRunChat 

Photo Credit: @clorroe_cam [https://www.instagram.com/clorroe_cam/]

Fiona Horsfield | Montane Winter Spine Race

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by Meryl Cooper, who has represented Britain on the international ultra stage.

Hailing from Aberdeenshire, Meryl shares her journey from a background in football to discovering trail and ultra running in 2017, and how quickly the sport became a defining part of her life. We explore her progression from early races to earning selection for Great Britain & Northern Ireland, and what it’s really like stepping onto the international stage in mountain and trail running.

Meryl reflects on racing at home and abroad, adapting to different terrains and conditions, and the lessons she’s learned through both strong performances and tougher race days. She talks openly about the mental and physical demands of ultra running, how her approach to racing has evolved over time, and what keeps her motivated to take on long, mountainous challenges.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Growing up in Aberdeenshire and early involvement in sport
 * Moving from football into trail and ultra running
 * Discovering ultras in 2017 and progressing through the sport
 * Being selected to represent Great Britain internationally
 * Racing abroad and adapting to different courses and conditions
 * The physical and mental challenges of long-distance trail racing
 * Learning from both successful races and difficult days
 * How her mindset and racing approach have evolved
 * What continues to motivate her in trail and ultra running

About Meryl Cooper

 * British Ultra-Trail Champion (2021)
 * Represented Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the World Trail Running Championships (2019)
 * Represented GB at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships (2022, 2023)
 * Competed at the European Off-Road Running Championships (2024)
 * Winner of the Swiss Alps 100k (2025)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the UKRunChat podcast and share it with a fellow runner.

Follow Meryl [https://www.instagram.com/meryl_runsultras/] 

Website [https://www.merylcoopercoaching.com]

Photo credit: Stuart Ross Media

From First Ultra to Team GB | Meryl Cooper

In this episode of UKRunChat, we’re joined by endurance runner James Lewis, whose challenges sit far outside the usual rulebook of endurance sport. With a willingness to learn the hard way, James has taken on a series of unconventional endurance projects that test resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness more than finish times.

From running 92 miles in his first-ever 24-hour event on a 400m track, to repeatedly attempting a Guinness World Record blindfolded run, James shares what happens when ambition outruns preparation, and why failure has become a defining part of his journey.

We also dive deep into one of his most demanding challenges to date: running from Paris back home to Rugeley over thirteen consecutive days, sleeping rough in France and pushing through injury. We also look ahead to his boldest project yet, dribbling a football from Morocco to Birmingham during the World Cup.

Follow James on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/xjameslewis/]

Please note: This episode includes discussion of extreme endurance challenges, physical suffering, injury, and past training mistakes. These experiences are shared as personal reflections and should not be taken as advice.

James Lewis | Running Challenges Without a Rulebook

Listen for Interviews from all involved in the world of running.

UKRunChat

Shows