Season 5, Episode 2 – Track Wins, Triathlon Training & Choosing the Right Coach

This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, it’s just Rob and Ben as they dive into a packed episode full of track racing, triathlon prep, coaching chats, and personal breakthroughs.

Ben reflects on a huge moment in his running journey after winning the 1500 metres, opening up about the transition from road running to track racing — and how focused training, pacing, and lactic acid sessions are helping him chase new personal bests. The lads discuss the differences between track and road racing, the mental side of competition, and why this new challenge has reignited Ben’s passion for running.

There’s also a brilliant conversation around coaching young athletes, with Ben sharing why enjoyment, confidence, and gamification should be at the heart of training kids in athletics.

Meanwhile, Rob continues his own journey towards his upcoming triathlon, balancing swimming, cycling, and running while exploring new coaching options. From structured swim sessions and brick workouts to the realities of riding around on a borrowed bike 👀, Rob shares the highs, nerves, and lessons from stepping outside his comfort zone.

The pair also discuss the importance of accountability, support, and preparation, especially when pushing towards new goals.

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🎧 Highlights include:

• Ben’s 1500m race win and track running progress
• Lactic acid training & pacing strategies explained
• Transitioning from road running to track racing
• Coaching kids through fun, confidence & gamification
• Rob’s triathlon prep: swimming, cycling & brick sessions
• Choosing the right coach and balancing accountability
• Open water swimming nerves & preparation tips
• Why community support matters in fitness and performance

A funny, honest, and motivating episode about growth, challenge, and stepping outside your comfort zone — whether that’s on the track, in the pool, or out on the roads.

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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.

Book onto the Endon Well Dressing 5k here- Endon Well Dressing 5k | njuko.com

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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.

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🎧 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.

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2 Weeks Before a Marathon: Hydration, Nutrition & Race Prep Tips | Couch to Coached Podcast

This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, it’s officially two weeks until marathon day — and the nerves, excitement, and planning are all starting to build.

Rob, Ben, and Emma dive into the realities of this crucial phase of training, where it’s all about fine-tuning, staying healthy, and getting the details right. From recent runs (including Rob’s South Cheshire 10K) to training while on holiday — yes, even alongside a fishing trip in France — this episode blends real life with real training.

The focus shifts to what really matters now: hydration, nutrition, pacing, and race day logistics. What should you be eating? How much should you be drinking? What are you actually wearing on the day? The team break it all down with honest insights and practical tips.

There’s also plenty of chat around mindset, managing nerves, and why trusting the process is key as the hard work is already done.

🎧 Highlights include:

• What to focus on 2 weeks out from a marathon
• Hydration & nutrition strategies in the lead-up
• Race day planning: kit, weather & logistics
• Training updates and recent race reflections
• Balancing life, holidays & running
• Mental prep: staying calm and trusting your training

A relatable and informative episode that captures the calm before the storm — perfect for anyone approaching race day or looking to nail those final weeks of preparation.

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Family Running Journey: Parkrun, YouTube & Kids Fitness with Martin & Isabelle | Couch to Coached Podcast

This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Rob, Ben, and Emma are joined by a truly inspiring duo — Martin and Isabelle, a father-daughter team making waves in the running world and on YouTube.

From building a growing running YouTube channel to smashing parkrun PBs, Isabelle shares her incredible journey as a young runner chasing big dreams — including one day becoming an Olympian. Alongside her, Martin gives an honest insight into balancing family life, training, and content creation, and the effort that goes into building something meaningful together.

The conversation dives into how running has become more than just fitness — it’s about family bonding, confidence, and creating lasting memories. They also explore the power of social media to inspire others, the challenges of growing a channel, and why keeping things fun is the key to long-term success.

🎧 Highlights include:

• The story behind Martin & Isabelle’s YouTube journey
• Isabelle’s running achievements and future goals
• Why parkrun is at the heart of their running experience
• Balancing family, fitness, and content creation
• Inspiring other kids (and adults!) to get active
• The importance of fun, goals, and community in running

A wholesome, motivating episode that shows running isn’t just about times and distances — it’s about connection, confidence, and enjoying the journey together.

Catch Isabelle on Youtube here - Isabelle Sparkle - YouTube

Catch Martin on Youtube here - Martin Boyce - YouTube

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Couch to Coached – AWARD-WINNING Running Podcast

Our 5 With The Listeners series has been refreshed and rebooted — new questions, new logo, new vibes.

Rob, Ben, and Emma sit down with our latest featured listener to explore their running story in a whole new way. We dig into:

• What their running shoes would say about them
• What’s in their desert-island running survival kit
• What running has taught them

And joining us for this exciting episode is Cazzaruns

Rob, Ben and Emma also check in on this week’s Strava leaderboard — who’s on top, who’s rising fast, and of course…

who gets the all-important SHOUTOUT OF THE WEEEEEEEEK!

Don’t forget:

✅ Follow us on Instagram

✅ Subscribe on YouTube

And while you’re at it, join the Couch to Coached Run Club on Strava — just search for “Couch to Coached”.

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This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, it’s just Rob and Ben as they catch up on training, progress, and the realities of preparing for race day.

From long runs and speed sessions to managing those inevitable niggles, the lads share honest updates on where they’re at — physically and mentally — as marathon day approaches. Rob reflects on completing a 21.1 mile run with varied pacing, while also discovering a new love for speed work (who saw that coming?!).

Ben brings the coaching insight, helping navigate a recent illness wobble and reinforcing the importance of balance, recovery, and staying healthy above all else. Because right now, it’s all about one thing — getting to the start line in the best shape possible.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Rob’s long run breakdown & pacing strategies
• Why speed sessions are becoming a game changer
• Managing niggles (hello IT band 👀)
• The importance of recovery: stretching, foam rolling & listening to your body
• Coaching insight on staying race ready
• Balancing training intensity with staying injury-free

A real, honest episode about the fine line between pushing forward and pulling back — and why sometimes the smartest move is protecting the bigger goal.

📺 Watch us live on YouTube every Tuesday at 20:30

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