In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle speaks with Endurance Physio Mike James, who brings a wealth of experience from marathons, Ironmans, and ultra events, offering both scientific and lived perspectives on the rise of ultra running.

The conversation explores the surge in popularity of ultra marathons—why so many runners are skipping traditional distance progressions, the physical and psychological demands of ultras, training strategies, injury risk management, and the value of walk-run strategies and time-on-feet over mileage obsession.

Whether you’re considering your first ultra or looking to train smarter, this episode is packed with nuanced, practical advice from someone who’s seen (and run) it all.

Topics Covered:

Why more runners are skipping straight to ultras

The mental vs physical challenge of ultra distances

Why each ultra is different: terrain, elevation, distance, and format

Planning training based on lifestyle, not ideal circumstances

Importance of "time on feet" vs mileage

Walk/run strategies and their value for race day

Customizing training blocks and weekly frequency

Avoiding injury - risk reduction vs prevention

Why recovery is often more important than more training

Why evidence for injury prevention is weaker than most believe

And lots more! 

Follow Mike on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the_endurance_physio/] or on X [https://x.com/theEndurancePT]



Mike James

Simon Blair turned to ultra running as a way to manage his mind, find focus, and push past limits he once thought defined him.  Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Simon shares how endurance sport, including the Marathon des Sables, became more than just a physical test for him.


Listen to Michelle and Simon discuss:


Living with ADHD and receiving a diagnosis as an adult.
Using ultra running to manage focus, emotions & resilience.
Behind the scenes of Beyond Limits, his new documentary.
Why we need more awareness, earlier diagnosis, and real conversation.

Follow Simon on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/simon_blair_shbre/]  

Simon Blair 

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson, the authors of Ultra Women, a powerful book that shines a light on the untold stories of women in endurance sport..

We explore the inspiration behind the book, the process of gathering and curating such raw and personal narratives, and what these stories reveal about identity, resilience, and representation for women.

From elite athletes to everyday heroes, Ultra Women isn’t just about running, it’s about freedom, resilience, and mental strength. Lily and Emma reflect on what they learned through writing these untold stories, how the sport is changing, and what still needs to happen to create truly inclusive spaces in ultrarunning.

Find the Ultra Women book here [https://www.canburypress.com/products/presale-ultra-women-by-lily-canter-and-emma-wilkinson-isbn-9781914487101?srsltid=AfmBOooJPNd6zZ79au_BUlsxciOit1Sjz5-mzGl2r-Qi_owFnWthJhG8]:

Follow Lily [https://www.instagram.com/lilycanter/] on Instagram

Follow Emma [https://www.instagram.com/emmawjourno/] on Instagram





Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson | Ultra Women

This week on the UKRunChat Podcast, we speak with adventurer & mental health advocate Alex Staniforth [https://www.instagram.com/alexstaniforth_/] about his most ambitious challenge yet – climbing all 446 mountains in England & Wales in just 50 days. 🏔️

But this episode is more than a challenge breakdown – it's about why Alex does what he does, how he overcame personal struggles, and how he's turning endurance into impact through his charity, Mind Over Mountains.

Alex is a survivor of two Mount Everest disasters which have given Alex a unique perspective on success and failure, and a new purpose to inspire others and leave something bigger behind.

Website: www.alexstaniforth.com/446challenge [http://www.alexstaniforth.com/446challenge]
Donate: www.justgiving.com/page/446challenge [http://www.justgiving.com/page/446challenge] 

Alex Staniforth

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by trail running photographer David Miller, whose emotive and powerful imagery has captured the hearts of the running community worldwide.

David talks us through his journey from trail runner to award-winning photographer, revealing how lockdown sparked a creative path that led him to shoot some of the world’s most iconic endurance events. We delve into the stories behind his most recognised images—like his award-winning photo of Mathieu Blanchard at UTMB, and the now-legendary shot of Jasmin Paris at the Barkley Marathons.

David shares how he finds meaning in the raw, unfiltered moments of trail running, what it takes to shoot in unpredictable, extreme environments, and how he approaches storytelling through a lens. We also discuss the making of his first photo book, Do Not Block Gate, and what it’s taught him about the emotional power of sport photography.

Whether you’re a runner, a creative, or someone who loves the human stories behind endurance, this conversation offers a unique look at the intersection of art and movement.

You can follow David on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/davidmiller.photography/]

David Miller 

In this episode, we chat with the amazing Jeric Yuan – known to many as @coderunnerguy [https://www.instagram.com/coderunnerguy/] on Instagram!

From his first half marathon on just two weeks' notice, to creating brilliant GPS art across London, Jeric shares: 

His journey into running 

How he plans his jaw-dropping GPS designs 

His mission to complete the World Marathon Majors 

The story behind drawing T-Rexes and chickens at Victoria Park 

Why memories mean more than medals

Plus, we challenge YOU to create your own GPS art! 

Jeric Yuan

Bruce is running a 4 Marathons and an Ultra Challenge this year (with his 4 marathons in the space of 30 days). He's already completed Brighton and Paris Marathons, and next up for him  is Manchester, then Milton Keynes.

Bruce chats openly about starting running during lockdown to help him lose weight, and since then he's devised a number of different challenges, all for charity.

Follow Bruce [https://x.com/bhampton271828] on X



Bruce Hampton

In this episode, we’re joined by British elite distance runner Jacob Allen, who’s lining up in the Elite Field at the 2025 London Marathon. With standout personal bests of 13:47 for 5K, 28:33 for 10K, and 62:43 for the half marathon, Jacob shares what it takes to compete at the highest level—all while balancing a full-time job as a PE teacher.

We dive into his journey into the sport, training philosophies, and the mindset required to perform on the big stage. Jacob also opens up about the challenges of juggling work with elite-level running, his race prep for London, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

A must-listen for anyone chasing a PB, or simply looking for inspiration from someone who truly lives and breathes the sport.

You can follow Jacob on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/jacoballen_pe/]

Photo Credit: Jerry Sun. 

Jacob Allen

In this episode Michelle is joined by Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, Lisa McNally and Steve Cram to talk about the Wythall & Hollywood Fun Run which takes place on Sunday 25th June. 

Michelle, Lisa and Steve chat about:

- The importance of community led events like the Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run for improving public health.

- Who accesses these events.

- The social and mental health benefits of encouraging local running communities.

- Steve Cram's advice for training for your first 10k, improving your time, and injury prevention.

- Don't miss Steve's "best bit of advice" for runners (33 minutes in).

You can find more information about the event on https://wythallhollywoodfunrun.org.uk



Lisa McNally | Steve Cram 

In this episode Michelle and Andy do a deep dive into hydration for endurance running and chatted about:

- common mistakes runners make with their hydration

- hyponatremia (or the dangers of over-hydrating)

- recognising the signs of dehydration

- do you need a race hydration strategy?

- are you a salty sweater?

- electrolytes

- pre- and post-race hydration

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/precisionfandh/

Info on hyponatremia: https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/hydration/what-is-hyponatremia-and-how-can-you-avoid-it/

How to measure your sweat rate: https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/hydration/how-to-measure-your-sweat-rate/

UKRunChat

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