The Running Joke with Esther Manito & Zoe Lyons
Esther Manito 24 episodes Nov 7, 2026
Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons chat about all things running. It's a podcast for runners, joggers, plodders, walkers... basically anyone that has a pair of trainers.
Episodes
S01 E40 - You've got a cat not a dog...
This week we discuss why Zoe's dog might actually be a cat, The NY marathon, The Archers omnibus, and changing the core of who you are...
We also have a Patreon membership where you can listen to a new and EXCLUSIVE members only episode each week. We'll answer your questions and share your running stories. Get involved and help us build a wonderful and inclusive running community!
- https://ww
S01 E39 - Maisie Adam doesn't like running (LIVE)
**ALL PICS ARE ON OUR INSTAGRAM**
This week we are LIVE FROM KOMEDIA in Brighton with the amazing, brilliant, wonderful, hilarious... Maisie Adam! What a treat.
...For someone that hates running she is so damn fast.
Maisie is currently on tour - https://www.maisieadam.com/
- She is AMAZING and you quite frankly be mad not to go and see her.
We also have a Patreon membership where you can
S01 E38 - Esther's big confession... & other cheaters...
Esther and Zoe discuss a number of running stories that made the news for the wrong reasons and Esther reveals a secret she's kept quiet for 25yrs...
We also have a Patreon membership where you can listen to a new and EXCLUSIVE members only episode each week. We'll answer your questions and share your running stories. Get involved and help us build a wonderful and inclusive running community!
-
S01 E37 - Poor poor poor Zoe... Esther how could you...
Zoe and I are gearing up for ROME - and when we say gearing up we mean acknowledging it's happening and still not really training.
...And Esther reveals a shocking admission that absolutely floors Zoe. Poor Zoe. Poor poor Zoe.
We also have a Patreon membership where you can listen to a new and EXCLUSIVE members only episode each week. We'll answer your questions and share your running stories.
S01 E36 - Sympathy is hard to come by...
This week we have no guest - just Zoe and I nattering on about how shit we are at running and how we are incredibly ill-prepared for any of our upcoming events. Well at least Zoe is nearly prepared for her HOLIDAY! Plus Zoe has a new watch.
We also have a Patreon membership where you can listen to a new and EXCLUSIVE members only episode each week. We'll answer your questions and share your runni
S01 E35 - Happy strides with Pete Goldring
This week we have the founder and CEO of the brilliant run/wear company Happystride - Pete Goldring... Or as Esther likes to call him... Paul.
We are also starting a Patreon membership where we'll have a new and exclusive members episode each week. We'll answer your questions and share your running stories. Get involved and help us build a wonderful and inclusive running community!
- https://www
S01 E34 - Things go a little awry...
Esther and Zoe go a little off-piste with their discussions about camels, horses and donkeys but there is at least mention of a few upcoming runs... Including this Sunday in London. Maybe see some of your there?
We are also starting a Patreon membership where we'll have a new and exclusive members episode each week. We'll answer your questions and share your running stories. Get involved and help
S01 E33 - Anyone struggling with running shorts?
Esther and Zoe chat with the wonderful Mary Johnson the founder of KitFox - a running brand built for women, designed directly from feedback from the running community. Can't wait to try some of her brilliant designs.
We are also starting a Patreon membership where we'll have a second exclusive members episode each week where we answer your questions and share your running stories. Get involved
S01 E32 - Running with a Record Breaker
Esther and Zoe run with the brilliant Esme Gummer as part of her world record breaking running extravaganza. Esme is running 5000km and taking in every city in the UK where she'll then run a 5km with her fans. Esther and Zoe joined for the Brighton run and where in absolute awe.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscrib
S01 E31 - Year of the Crazy Running Events
Esther has decided that we are going to do an extraordinary amount of what I would call mad runs next year. I'm not sure I'm happy about it but I guess it's something to look forward to and then regret in equal measure. Plod on.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
And tell a couple of friends while you're at it
S01 E30 - Living With Jeremy
This week we chat about Esme, live pod and bench pressing. And Zoe tells a story aout mummy falling down. Oh no.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
And tell a couple of friends while you're at it.
🎧 New episodes every Thursday
📲 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running_joke_podcast/
Learn
S01 E29 - Who Likes to Sing while they Run?
This week hot on the agenda is the hot hot sun. God it's hot. Esther loves to belt out a tune while on a plod... Zoe not so much.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
And tell a couple of friends while you're at it.
🎧 New episodes every Thursday
📲 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running_jo
S01 E28 - The Joys of Finishing Last
This week we discuss, amongst other things, the joy of finishing last. Yeah the ego takes a bit of a battering but none of us are olympians so lets just get out there and enjoy ourselves!
Esther is doing a warm-up gig in Edinburgh so go see her at The Monkey Barrel
- https://edfringemap.com/shows/esther-manito-ranting-queen-work-in-progress-3f79facf9b1e70295603f6894950893f1ef6076d
Hosted b
S01 E27 - Rob Rouse & Tom Wrigglesworth do some Power-Lifting
We have the brilliant duo Rob Rouse and Tom Wrigglesworth on this week to discuss adding weights into your running. Well, it's more a chat of how to build your own home gym and how to survive falling off stage but we had the best intentions.
Rob is on tour again soon so go see him
- https://robrouse.com/
Esther is doing a warm-up gig in Edinburgh so go see her at The Monkey Barrel
- htt
S01 E26 - Marathon Tips with George Lewis
We have gorgeous George on the podcast this week. What an absolute pleasure. He's a touch faster than us but has promised to pull us round London Marathon so we can all run together. Thanks George.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
And tell a couple of friends while you're at it.
🎧 New episodes every Thurs
S01 E25 - Anyone Else Got Runners Guilt?
Anyone else feel like a failure because they haven't run for a while? Join the club! Esther and Zoe chat about a bunch of emotions from not running. And if that wasn't enough Esther shows us one of her hidden talents. ENJOY!
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
And tell a couple of friends while you're at it.
S01 E24 - How to Run When it's HOT!
Jesus it's hot! So we've done an episode going through some rudimentary ways to either stay cool or adapt to running in this god awful heat. Please note any advice given is just a hunch and shouldn't be followed without careful consideration. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS... No matter how smart we might sound.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
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S01 E23 - Helen Thorn & Her Unfinished Arguments
We have the fantastic Helen Thorn (Scummy Mummies) on the show this week! OMG what a fucking joy. Not only is she a brilliant runner but also an epically wonderful human.
Helen's new book 'How to Face Big Change: and Come Back Stronger' is out now - https://amzn.eu/d/0hdhZG6o
We'd also hugely recommend her other books!
And if you haven't been to see Scummy Mummies on tour or listen to their pod
S01 E22 - You Can't Stop Esme Running! Go Go Go!
We have the unstoppable Esme Gummer on the podcast this week to tell us about her running challenge around the UK. We'll be there to support her in London and Brighton. GET INVOLVED!
Also...
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series.
Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find to find out about their brilliant events you can take part in.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced
S01 E21 - Sorting My Runner's Drawer
This week Esther has been sorting her draws and Zoe's been doing eff all by the sounds of it... Just kidding Zoe. There's also a story about an electricuted nipple if that's your thing?
Also...
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series.
Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find to find out about their brilliant events you can take part in.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produ
S01 E20 - Going 'Full Sables' with Paul Tonkinson
This week we have our wonderful friend and runner PAUL TONKINSON who's fresh (one year removed) from having run the Marathon Des Sables. Tonk's take on his journey through the desert almost makes us want to give it a go. Almost.
Paul's book - RUNNING THROUGH SAND is out now.
- https://amzn.eu/d/04UQEp5R
Paul's running podcast 'RUNNING COMMENTARY' with Rob Deering is also brilliant.
- https://p
S01 E19 - There's a Mooose!
This week we discuss the guilt of not running. How mad it is that we feel bad when we've missed a run or two.
Plus Michael Ulloa busts a big myth about KNEES.
Check out his podcast - How To: Fitness - for more brilliant insight into running nutrition and training - https://open.spotify.com/show/7HyY6ARcNAznutJvqZuLJm?si=56aad5a35aca49b9
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series.
Go to - h
S01 E18 - Shin Splints and Record Breakers
This week we discuss (amongst other things)... New Socks - Running in the dark - An Irish lady - A lie that backfired - and a couple of Esther's theories...
Plus Michael Ulloa gives us the lowdown on using long distance running as a good way to lose weight. SPOILER - IT'S NOT.
Also check out his podcast - How To: Fitness - for more brilliant insight into running nutrition and training.
Big t
S01 E17 - Jen Brister won't run!
This week we have the incredible/awesome/brilliant Jen Brister on the pod to talk to us about her next marathon... Only kidding... Jen doesn't do running, but Esther is running on behalf of her non-profit 'ALL OUR RELATIONS' - a brilliant cause helping a number of families in Gaza survive.
Plus Michael Ulloa gives us the lowdown on protein and why it's an important part of the diet... Just maybe
S01 E16 - Face cheeks not bum cheeks
This week Zoe describes her beautiful run in Angmering (not meringue Esther) amongst the bluebells and crop fields and Esther gets excited for their Rome half marathon. There's also a few more unsolicited beauty tips for Zoe. Enjoy!
Plus Michael Ulloa uncovers the AI fitness instructors selling a lie. We've got it all!
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series.
Go to - https://www.atwev
S01 E15 - Miles in the legs & beauty in motion
This week we take a shallow dive into the London Marathon and discuss the burning issues - praying for bad weather, honey on toast, self inflicted injuries and Esther's beauty tips. We've got it all!
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series.
Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find one of their brilliant events to take part in.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by
S01 E14 - Amelia Hamilton... and her bejazzled inhaler!
This week we have the brilliant and talented comedian and rapper Amelia Hamilton on to explain to us what 'rawdogging' is because it turns out we had it wrong all along. Not really, Amelia talks running, asthma, swimming and a bit of cycling. And we answer her running worries... incredibly badly.
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series.
Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find one
S01 E13 - What they don't tel you about Running NAKED!
This week we have the wonderful Lee Wood aka The Naked Runner in the studio (fully clothed) to talk us through our hundred or so questions about running NAKED.
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series. Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find one of their brilliant events to take part in.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
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S01 E12 - I got chased by a BADGER!
...And what to do if you are confronted by a BEAR.
It's all in this brilliant and informative podcast.
This week we are joined by Sandy Beales who, amongst many other things, has toured the world with 1Direction (as their bassist) .
Big thanks to ATW for sponsoring the series. Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find one of their brilliant events to take part in.
Hosted by Esther M
S01 E11 - Drinking and running don't mix...
Esther and Zoe discuss their terrible preparations for their Lee Valley 10km.
Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find one to take part in. We're going to do the Lee Valley one and can't wait!!!
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
And tell a couple of friends while you're at it.
🎧 New episodes every Thur
S01 E10 - The Truth About Running Events (It’s Chaos)
This week Esther and Zoe have a chat with Mr ATW himself - James Shipley!
James has built ATW from one single race into a powerhouse of the racing calendar with over 50 races a year. Having just done Lee Valley we can attest that they are genuinely great events and welcoming to all. The music played, the sun shone and there were snack galore!
Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ - to find one to
S01 E09 - Tastes like something scraped from a hutch...
This week Esther and Zoe have a chat with the BRILLIANT Michael Ulloa!
Michael is a nutritionist and trainer (and a instagram legend). He helps us debunk a load of the crap that is spewed out by some so called health influencers. Honestly some of the stuff he finds is genuinely unbelievable and often hilarious... The H302 water is a particular favourite.
Do check him out - @michaelulloapt
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S01 E08 - This is not me!!!
This week Esther and Zoe look through their official Brighton Half Marathon photos... with absolute disgust.
We also have the brilliant author and runner Phil Hewitt on the show who has not only run 42 marathons but also documented the healing ability that running can have. His story of his horrific assault in Cape Town and how running saved him is both tragic and awe inspiring. His ability to f
S01 E07 - I still had the Poirot moustache...
Esther and Zoe discuss the pros and cons of trying to run on their hols. Zoe in the alps and Esther in Spain... You can probably guess the results!
BIG thanks to ATW Events for sponsoring the series and who organise amazing (running) events all over the country every weekend, where everyone feels welcome and supported. They really are great events for ALL.
Go to - https://www.atwevents.co.uk/ -
S01 E06 - Prof Greg Whyte OBE and the psychology of running
Esther and Zoe chat to the AMAZING Greg Whyte about the psychology of running and how to overcome the mind. We can really see why he has helped so many people achieve things they never thought they could.
For more info, video, insights and even consultation services go to his website - https://thewhyteanswer.com/
BIG thanks to ATW Events for sponsoring the series and who organise amazing (runn
S01 E05 - What would Esther and Zoe do for £250k...?
Esther and Zoe chat about singing, Zoe's half marathon prep (or lack of), Esther's amazing 10mile dash for the train, Valentine's day, banishing the timing taboo... AND SO MUCH MORE!
Check out Esther and Zoe on The ATW podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HbJuOCkCbLnM4Lxf4SpHg?si=39ceecde7d9c4dab - where they chat about nude runs EVEN MORE...
BIG thanks to ATW Events for sponsoring the
S01 E04 - Ivo Graham and his wonderful orange tracksuit
Esther and Zoe grill Ivo about his running journey - from Sydney beaches to Eton lakes to the wilds of London and Leeds marathons.
Go sponsor Ivo on his next marathon adventure pushing the brilliant Rosie Jones around another 26miler and also go see his latest stand up show touring this year. He's one of the very best!
Also, thanks to our amazing sponsor ATW Events - who organise amazing (runn
S01 E03 - Alice Roberts invents the perfect human
Esther the motivational guru got Prof Alice Roberts running again so she's come on the pod to say thanks.
They talk about what the perfect human would look like, running motivation, large buttocks and so much more.
Alice's best selling book 'Domination' is out in paperback now.You can buy it everywhere but here's an amazon link - https://amzn.eu/d/0fdzWQ77
Alice is also on tour so go see her LI
S01 E02 - Have you ever had your gait measured?
Esther has already forgotten the name of the podcast and Zoe has never had her barn doors measured...
This episode is (extremely loosely) about running footwear.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Produced by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
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S01 E01 - Welcome to The Running Joke!
Welcome to The Running Joke! A podcast for runners, joggers, plodders, walkers... Anyone that has a pair of trainers... Or anyone that likes a laugh.
Hosted by Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons.
Each week They'll take a long hard look at something vaguely related to running - from shoes, to training techniques, to unavoidable pitstops.
Enjoy, like and subscribe!
Ps. Follow us on Insta - @running_jok
The Running Joke - Coming Soon
Join Esther Manito and Zoe Lyons as they they chat about all things running. Each week they'll take on a new subject from... 'struggling to stay motivated' to 'injury nightmares' to 'losing your socks'. And every so often they'll be joined by a special guest (Ivo Graham, Prof Alice Roberts, Prof Greg Whyte... and loads more).
The series is sponsored by ATW Events
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