Smarter Than Yesterday
Smarter Than Yesterday is a podcast about improving performance in fitness, health, and everyday life. Hosted by Darren and Alex from Smart Performance Coaching, it features conversations with athletes, coaches, and everyday people about training, nutrition, and mindset. Each episode includes 'Performance on a Plate,' a bite-sized nutrition tip listeners can use in their own kitchens. The show offers honest conversations and practical takeaways to help you become a little smarter than yesterday.
Episodes
🎙️ Episode 18 - IM A FU*k*NG IRONMAN! With Alan Adye-Rowe
🎙️ Episode 18 – IM A FU*k*NG IRONMAN! With Alan Adye-RoweFrom a health scare, a 16km comeback run and plantar fasciitis to one of the toughest Ironman courses in the world—Alan Adye-Rowe’s journey is anything but below average.Alan joins us to share how changing a few unhealthy habits quickly escalated into running, cycling, open-water swimming and a calendar packed with endurance events. Just thr
🎙️Equinox 24 Full Review – Bite size episode 6
In this bite-sized episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, we're taking you inside Equinox 24 — the 24-hour endurance race at the stunning Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. From pre-race nerves and van "Chalky" rocking up with fresh SPC decals, to 3am low points, a chafing SOS mission, and a full SPC crew keeping Darren moving lap after lap — this is the full, honest debrief.Twelve month
🎙️ Episode 17 STRONGMAN & PHYSICAL FOUNDATION with Harvey Robinson
This week Darren and Alex sit down with Harvey Robinson, a full-time dairy and sheep farmer, competitive powerlifter since 2012, and the reigning Hereford's Strongest Man.Harvey takes us from milking cows at 6am to squatting 360kg, benching 230kg (a British raw bench press record, won at the Arnold Classic) and deadlifting 385kg, all while running the farm and raising a family. He explains th
🎙️Preparing for Equinox 24– Bite size episode 5
🎙️ Preparing for Equinox 24 – Bite Size Episode 524 hours. 10K laps. One castle. And potentially A LOT of Pot Noodles. 😂In this episode of the SPC Podcast, Alex sits down with Darren as he prepares for Equinox 24 — a 24-hour endurance race around the grounds of Belvoir Castle.But this isn't just a chat about running 24 hours.Darren is heading into Equinox almost exactly 12 months after underg
🎙️THE LONG RUN HOME | 65 Miles From Cardiff to Hereford – Bite size episode 4
Welcome back to our bite sized series on Smarter Than Yesterday, where we share quick updates, real stories, and what’s happening behind the scenes at Smart Performance Coaching.What started as an idea quickly became a very real problem…65 miles. Cardiff to Hereford. On foot.In this Bitesize episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, we break down the entire journey — from the 4am wake-up and train from H
🎙️Episode 16 - Movement with Alex Withey
This week we're joined by Alex Withey, sports massage therapist and former NHS Occupational Therapist, to explore why movement is one of the most powerful forms of therapy.Alex shares her journey from working in the NHS to building her own successful clinic, helping people overcome pain, injuries and everyday stress. We discuss why pain isn't always where the problem starts, how stress c
🎙️Episode 15 - Adam’s Running Journey
Adam’s Running Journey – From Army Fitness Tests to Ultra Endurance.In this episode of the Smarter Than Yesterday Podcast, we sit down with Adam to explore a running journey that’s been anything but straightforward.From leaving school at 16 to join the Army, struggling with fitness, battling injuries, fluctuating weight, major health complications, and completing marathons with very little prepara
🎙️ Episode 14 – Endurance Running With Ryan Knight
What does it take to go from running a few casual miles around Hereford to chasing a sub 2 hour 40 minute marathon?In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Alex sits down with local runner Ryan to dive into his running journey, from his first charity half marathon inspired by his grandfather, to becoming one of the region’s quickest distance runners.Ryan shares the lessons he’s learned through y
🎙️ Episode 13 – Couch to 5K With Chris Lloyd
What happens when someone who never thought they could run decides to take the first step?In this inspiring episode of the Smarter Than Yesterday Podcast, we sit down with Chris to hear how a simple decision to join a Couch to 5K programme completely changed his life.At 55 years old, Chris went from avoiding running altogether to completing his first 10K in just five months. Along the way he disco
🎙️ Episode 12 – 10 Marathons In 10 Days with David Iriwn
From one marathon in London back in 1991… to completing 10 marathons in 10 days around Lake Windermere.In this episode of the SPC Podcast, we sit down with ultra endurance runner David Irwin to unpack the physical, mental, and emotional challenge of completing the legendary “10 in 10” event.David shares what it really takes to run 262 miles across 10 consecutive days, including recovery routines,
🎙️ Episode 11 – RISE TO YOUR EVEREST with Claire Milsom
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Claire to explore her journey through hiking, trail running, endurance challenges, and mental resilience.What started as a love for the hills and the outdoors evolved into ultra distance trail running and eventually taking on the brutal Apex Everest challenge in the Lake District.Claire opens up about how the mountains became
🎙️ Episode 10 - How to Swim Without Struggle with Ed Collins
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Ed Collins — a highly experienced swim coach with over 40 years of coaching behind him, specialising in open water and endurance swimming.Ed shares his journey from outdoor education and sailing to becoming a leading swim coach, helping athletes of all abilities improve their efficiency, confidence, and performance in the wat
🎙️ Episode 9 Leadership & Building Potential with Jack Tillett
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Jack Tillett, a Royal Air Force Officer, coach, and endurance athlete whose journey is built on leadership, discipline, and continuous self development.Jack shares how leaving home at a young age, moving from the south coast to Newcastle for university, and stepping into new environments early helped shape his mindset and app
🎙️Bite Sized Series Ep. 3 Rain, Runs & Rob’s Crash
Welcome back to our bite sized series on Smarter Than Yesterday, where we share quick updates, real stories, and what’s happening behind the scenes at Smart Performance Coaching.In this episode, Alex and Darren reflect on a big few weeks. From launching the new studio and upgrading the setup, to celebrating the success of the Couch to 5K group at Holmer Park, this one is packed with progress.They
🎙️ Episode 8 – Built Through Adversity
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Rob to explore a journey shaped by discipline, grit, and determination.Rob opens up about receiving life changing news, navigating personal loss, and continuing to train when quitting would have been the easier option. From rediscovering purpose through endurance sport to completing Ironman races under emotional and physical
🎙️ Episode 7 Medic, Ironman, Full Time Dad and a Beer with David Attenborough
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Tim Berrow, a healthcare professional whose career has taken him from operating theatres in the NHS to remote deserts, jungles, mountains, and oil rigs across the world.Tim shares his journey as a remote area medic providing frontline medical support in high-risk environments, working with the BBC Natural History Unit, oil an
🎙️ Episode 6 Military Mindset, Hyrox, and Running with Addy Carter
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Addy Carter, an army medic whose journey through military life, endurance sport, and Hyrox competition is built on resilience, discipline, and constant progression.Addy shares her experience serving in the military, tackling some of the toughest physical and mental challenges along the way, including elite level courses and o
🎙️ Bite Sized Series Ep. 2 Alex’s Road to Endure 24
Welcome back to our bite sized series on Smarter Than Yesterday. These shorter 20 to 30 minute episodes sit alongside our guest conversations and give you a behindthe scenes look at training, mindset, and preparation in real time. In this episode, Alex talks through the start of his latest challenge and the road ahead. Kicking off the year with his first simulation run, Alex breaks down a 25 mile
🎙️ Episode 5 – Building Smarter: Strength, Structure, and Self-Discipline
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Louis Walker. A bodybuilder turned coach whose approach to strength, structure, and discipline goes far beyond the gym floor.Louis shares the story of how he first found bodybuilding, the mindset it demanded, and the lessons he learned from the coaches who shaped him. What started as a love for training became a lifestyle bui
🎙️ Episode 4 – MY EPIC STORY: Richard’s Journey of Resilience
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Richard — a man whose story of overcoming cancer, rebuilding his life, and redefining resilience is nothing short of extraordinary.From his first diagnosis, through multiple surgeries, learning to breathe and speak again, and then going on to complete half marathons, ultras, and triathlons — Richard’s journey shows what the h
🎙️ Bite-Sized Series Ep. 1 – Off Season Training
Welcome to the very first episode of our brand-new bite-sized series! In these shorter 20–30-minuteepisodes, we’ll be sliding in between our usual guest chats to bring you updates about Smart Performance Club, what’s new with us, and some quick, practical training tips.In this kickoff episode, we’re sharing a little bit about what’s coming up for the Smart Performance Club in 2026. We’re also divi
🎙️ Episode 3 - Nutrition Myths Busted with Rachel Trott
Welcome to Smarter Than Yesterday — the podcast that helps you perform, fuel, and live smarter.In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Alex and Darren sit down with Rachel Trott — a qualified nutritionist and dedicated triathlete — to cut through the confusion around fuelling, dieting trends, and the myths that keep athletessecond-guessing their nutrition.Rachel simplifies the science, debunks
🎙️ Episode 2 – The Everyday Athlete (with Ann)
In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Alex and Darren sit down with Ann, one of Smart Performance Coaching’s longest-standing athletes — and the perfect example of what it means to be an everyday athlete.From the moment she decided to make a change, Ann transformed her lifestyle through smarter nutrition, structured strength training, and consistency that carried her all the way to chasing th
🎙️ Episode 1 – Introduction to Smarter Than Yesterday
Welcome to Smarter Than Yesterday — the podcast that helps you perform, fuel, and live smarter.In this first episode, hosts Alex Knowles and Darren Gibbons, founders of Smart Performance Coaching (SPC), introduce themselves and share how SPC began. From endurance sport to everyday health, they break down what it means to train with purpose, build resilience, and create lasting results — not just i
Smarter Than Yesterday - Podcast & Book (OUT NOW)
Whether you’re chasing an Ironman dream or just looking to feel fitter, healthier, and sharper in everyday life, Smarter Than Yesterday is here to help you perform, fuel, and live smarter.Hosted by Darren and Alex from Smart Performance Coaching, each fortnight we sit down with athletes, coaches, and everyday people to uncover the smarter lessons that shape their training, nutrition, and mindset.E
