We’re back! Season 5 of the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast kicks off with a bang — and there’s plenty to catch up on.

Rob, Ben, and Emma reflect on the incredible London Marathon, from elite performances to the electric atmosphere on the streets. Whether you ran it, watched it, or followed along online, this is a proper look at the impact one race can have on the running community.

Emma shares her thoughts from the marathon weekend, reflecting on performances, planning, and what it takes to execute a strong race. There’s also honest chat about her own training focus, mindset, and the importance of structure as she continues to build towards her next goals.

The conversation then shifts to what’s next…

Rob is now officially coachless (for now), navigating his own training while preparing for an upcoming triathlon, with swimming sessions, structured workouts, and a few honest thoughts about life in the pool 👀.

Ben shares his experience of stepping onto the track for the first time, diving into the nerves, intensity, and unique feel of track racing compared to the roads.

There’s also chat around the rising cost of performance gear, the importance of coaching and accountability, and how strength & conditioning plays a key role in unlocking performance.

🎧 Highlights include:

• London Marathon reflections and standout moments
• Emma’s training mindset and race execution insights
• Rob’s coachless training journey and triathlon prep
• Swimming struggles, structure & finding enjoyment
• Ben’s first track race experience
• Coaching, accountability & performance improvement
• The cost of speed: are super shoes worth it?
• Strength, conditioning & setting future goals

A brilliant mix of reflection, learning, and excitement for what’s ahead — as the next chapter of Couch to Coached begins.

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Manchester Marathon Recap: PBs, Mental Health & Real Race Reflections | Couch to Coached Podcast

This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, it’s all about the Manchester Marathon — and this one is raw, real, and full of emotion.

Rob, Ben, and Emma sit down to unpack their experiences from race day. From the highs of crossing the finish line to the challenges along the way, this is an honest look at what marathon running really feels like.

Rob reflects on achieving a personal best, despite feeling under the weather and battling through the later miles. Emma shares her incredible run, finishing just over the four-hour mark, with a performance built on smart planning and determination.

Ben opens up about his decision not to run, choosing instead to prioritise his mental health — a powerful reminder that sometimes the strongest decision is knowing when to step back.

The conversation dives into the mental and emotional side of marathon running, from navigating crowded courses to the rollercoaster of feelings at the finish line. There’s also honest chat about how social media can distort expectations, and why completing a marathon — in any time — is a huge achievement.

As always, the focus turns to what’s next — with discussions around future goals, coaching, and the transition into a new season.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Rob’s Manchester Marathon PB and race breakdown
• Emma’s strong performance and near sub-4 finish
• Ben’s honest decision to prioritise mental health
• The emotional reality of marathon running
• Navigating crowds, pacing, and race day challenges
• Why finishing a marathon is always a massive achievement
• What’s next: new goals, new season, and growth

A powerful and relatable episode that reminds you — running isn’t just about times, it’s about experience, resilience, and personal growth.

NEW EPISODE EVERY FRIDAY

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This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, it’s an episode of two halves — packed with community, insight, and race week real talk.

First up, Rob, Ben and Emma are joined by Tim and Liz from Protein Rebel to chat all things running festival, nutrition, and building a community through sport. With their upcoming running festival on June 7th, they share exciting updates including a new format, a 5-mile run, and a powerful speaker lineup featuring inspiring stories from across the running world.

The conversation dives into the importance of community in running, the development of their natural electrolyte products, and why getting your hydration and nutrition right can make all the difference — whether you're an ultra runner or just starting out.

Then it’s back to Rob, Ben, and Emma as the focus shifts to the big one — race week is here.

With the Manchester Marathon just around the corner, the team talk honestly about the realities of tapering, the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, and how life outside of running can still have an impact at the most crucial time.

From hydration, carb loading, and race day planning to the importance of mental preparation, this is a proper insight into what it’s like in the final days before a marathon. The message is clear — trust the process, stay calm, and don’t panic.

SIGN UP FOR THE PROTEIN REBEL RUNNING FESTIVAL 2026 here -running festival 2026 – Protein Rebel UK

🎧 Highlights include:

• Inside the upcoming Protein Rebel Running Festival
• Speaker stories, community vibes & event insights
• The importance of nutrition & electrolytes for runners
• Race week emotions and the realities of tapering
• Mental strategies for marathon day
• Hydration, carb loading & final race prep tips
• Shoutouts to the incredible Couch to Coached community
• 
  

An episode that perfectly captures what running is all about — community, connection, and showing up when it matters most.

📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com

📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached

🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached

📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast

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