Home Podcasts The Running Channel Podcast
The Running Channel Podcast

The Running Channel Podcast

The Running Channel 211 episodes Nov 11, 2026

The Running Channel Podcast covers one major topic per episode, along with running tips, light-hearted chat, and answers to listener questions. Hosted by Sarah Hartley, Andy Baddeley, and Rick Kelsey, it offers a friendly, jargon-free companion for runners of all levels.

Episodes

(FREE) Doping: How and Why Do Athletes Dope? (Ep1)
(FREE) Doping: How and Why Do Athletes Dope? (Ep1) Nov 11, 2026 34:15 In the first episode of The Running Channel Club Podcast mini-series, Andy and Sarah are joined by journalist and author James Witts, who has spent years researching doping in sport.Having competed at two Olympic Games, Andy brings first-hand insight into the world of professional sport, exploring what drives athletes to take banned substances and how organisations like the World Anti-Doping Agenc
195: Running 5000km in 99 Days & Why Comparison Is The Thief of Joy
195: Running 5000km in 99 Days & Why Comparison Is The Thief of Joy Nov 7, 2026 49:36 This week, Andy and Sarah welcome Esmee Gummer to the podcast to talk all about The Nation’s 5K - an incredible challenge that saw her run 5,000km across the UK and host a 5K run club in 77 different cities.In a world dominated by social media, where extraordinary goals and endurance challenges can sometimes feel like the norm, Esmee opens up about the deeper purpose behind her journey. After fear
Remembering Ciara Mageean (1992-2026)
Remembering Ciara Mageean (1992-2026) Nov 2, 2026 15:37 Andy, Rick and Sarah pay tribute to Irish middle-distance runner Ciara Mageean, who sadly passed away on Sunday morning, aged 34, following a battle with bowel cancer.In this episode, we revisit an incredibly fun and heartwarming conversation with Ciara at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, following her fourth-place finish in the women’s 1500m final. A chance to remember Ciara’s
194: Why Are Running Events So Expensive?
194: Why Are Running Events So Expensive? Oct 31, 2026 40:32 This week, we discuss whether the race experience is worth the price tag, and what rising costs mean for runners who want to take part in races. Is running becoming more of a luxury, or are the costs justified? How much would you be willing to pay to enter a race? Let us know in the comments 👇The Running Channel Podcast tackles one big topic each episode, amongst helpful tips and light-hearted cha
193: Is Running a Marathon Actually an Achievement Anymore?
193: Is Running a Marathon Actually an Achievement Anymore? Oct 24, 2026 39:27 With marathon participation on the rise and more runners taking on ultra-marathon distances, backyard ultras and multi-day events, we ask the question - has the marathon distance become normalised? Andy, Rick and Sarah dive into a hot topic currently sparking debate in the running world and share their thoughts.The team also discuss Producer Owen’s challenge to run from North to South Wales in mem
192: Strides: The Key to Speed and Running Economy
192: Strides: The Key to Speed and Running Economy Oct 17, 2026 48:06 In this week's episode Andy, Sarah and Rick dive into how to improve your speed and running economy with strides. They talk all about how to add them into your training, why they're important and who should be doing them.They also catch up on their training weeks, where Andy debriefs on his longest run as part of his sub-75-minute half marathon training. Sarah gives us an update on how she's using
191: Why Are People Cheating In Marathons?
191: Why Are People Cheating In Marathons? Oct 10, 2026 41:02 In this week’s episode, Andy, Rick and Sarah dive into the seemingly growing problem of cheating in marathons. Is it becoming more common, or has it always been going on and social media is simply making it harder for cheats to get away with it?Bib swapping, cutting corners, even hopping on a bike for part of the course… it’s all happening right under our noses. But how much does it really matter,
190: What is Running Culture Really Like Across The World?
190: What is Running Culture Really Like Across The World? Oct 3, 2026 39:09 In this week's episode, Rick recaps his trip to Los Angeles for the On Squad Race; we hear all about Sarah's hen do antics and Andy's expedition on the trails.And we dive into Tigst Assefa's performance at the Berlin Marathon, how running culture is different around the world and uncover what is really slowing marathon runners down.The Running Channel Podcast tackles one big topic each episode, am
“I was truly humbled..." Andy’s First Trail Race Debrief (BONUS FREE EPISODE)
“I was truly humbled..." Andy’s First Trail Race Debrief (BONUS FREE EPISODE) Oct 2, 2026 28:25 Andy shares a full debrief after his first-ever trail race, the 2 Valleys Trail Race, over the weekend.22km with over 400m of elevation meant Andy stepped completely out of his comfort zone, aiming to finish on the podium. Completely humbled, Andy battled through the rain and mud alongside professional trail runners. He learnt a lot along the way, which he tells Rick and Sarah all about in his ful
189: How to Run Faster With Less Effort
189: How to Run Faster With Less Effort Sep 26, 2026 44:19 Both Sarah and Rick ran their respective half marathon and one-mile races in Copenhagen, spending most of their races in Zone 4. They take a look at what they could work on to improve their running economy, with the goal of running faster, using less effort, and becoming more efficient in their next training block and race.Andy feels a little left out with Sarah and Rick introducing new features o
188/3: Sarah Runs 1:41:53 at the Copenhagen Half Marathon... Full Debrief!
188/3: Sarah Runs 1:41:53 at the Copenhagen Half Marathon... Full Debrief! Sep 21, 2026 34:01 Sarah wraps up this three-part mini-series with a deep dive into her experience of running the Copenhagen Half Marathon, as part of the World Athletics Road Running Championships.After a challenging training block, Sarah wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Her goal was simply to get out there, see what she could do, and enjoy the experience of racing through such an amazing city. But would all of th
188/2: How to Plan and Execute the Ultimate Race Strategy
188/2: How to Plan and Execute the Ultimate Race Strategy Sep 20, 2026 43:33 It’s Day 1 in Copenhagen, and Rick has a newfound respect for a very different type of race, as he recaps his experience of taking on the Mile - where he had one goal in mind: to beat Sarah’s best effort of 6 minutes and 10 seconds…Sarah, Andy and Rick build the perfect race strategy, designed to help Sarah clock a new half marathon personal best, with Andy pacing her. Check out tomorrow's episode

Recommended