Show Notes
Our season finale features the incredible Siân Longthorpe. Running has been an integral part of Siân’s life for the past 35 years. For many years, as a decent club runner, the focus was on training hard to race everything from 5Ks through to ultra marathons – both on the road and the trails – with a marathon PB of 2:35. However, since 2016, racing has largely taken a back seat, with running instead helping to navigate the particularly challenging process of transitioning from male to female. For the past four years, Siân has been a proud member of the ASICS FrontRunner team and primarily runs nowadays to stay fit and healthy – both physically and mentally – keeping her competitive spirit alive by pace-making at local running events, with the occasional race thrown-in for good measure. Here we talk about how hormone treatment affected her running physically and mentally, how she sees her PB's now and how we can do more to help represent and support our transgender brothers and sisters within the sport. We also talk about barriers to participation and dispel some of the myths around safeguarding and what it actually takes to be a trans athlete. This is a brilliant episode, and I hope people will find it helpful - I would like to thank Sian for her braveness and honesty throughout - I'm sure it will really help a lot of people. Helpful resources can be found at Transactual (https://transactual.org.uk/) and Trans Unite (https://www.trans.ac.uk/ResourcesInformation/OrganisationsCommunity/tabid/7258/Default.aspx) The Running Won't Save You podcast is proudly sponsored by XMiles - get 10% off all web orders using the code RWSY10. www.xmiles.co.uk. We are also proud to support The Green Runners, Pre-Loved Sport and the Re-Action Collective. Give them a google to see how you can get involved. And finally, if you have time, give us a like, follow or review wherever you get your pods.
More from Running Won't Save You
Here’s a special episode where we chat bit about the good and bad UTMB but also Allie's run across Iceland with the Great Norse Run. This one's more about feelings than anything else but we think it important to talk about the effects these long multi day things can have, so hopefully you enjoy it. Plus there's a super exciting announcement form Kirsty’s next race at the end of this episode! This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com
We are thrilled to welcome hormone and menopause expert Dr Nicky Keay for our end of season special where we answer your questions and bust numerous myths about the symptoms and effects of perimenopause and menopause on female runners. There are some really surprising findings in this episode, as well as some great advice that comes from science as opposed to what Tina in instagram says, plus we go through the best ways to support yourself during this super exciting time (and it is exciting!). Huge thanks to Nicky - you can get a copy of her books or book an appointment at her clinic here: https://nickykeayfitness.com/. This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com
Laura is back to tell us all about her amazing win at Race Across Scotland a few weeks back and share all the secrets of how she kept chaffe free and silky footed. We also ask why it is that people feel the need to comment on female runners body shapes, and what we as women can do to help each other to stamp it out - and the answer might surprise you. This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com
This week Holly and Allie ask when is a 100km race actually a 80km race and why do Nike think it's a good idea to make camo running kit for mountain races? We also have a bit if a deep dive on coaches and coaching - when is it time to change your coach and what should you be getting from coaching? We also ask what's the high fashion x sports brand collab you want to see? The worst suggestion gets a prize! This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com
Its Kirsty's final show of the season and we're talking about feeling, processes and non binary emotions. Thats some heavy shit, BUT it is sprinkled with and exclusive ontrail Q&A with the legendary Sophie Grant plus we go through some of the weird shit you have found on the trail. Severed hand anyone? This seasons podcast are sponsored by Vertebrate Publishing - you can get 10% off all books using the code RUN10 at www.adventurebooks.com. Here is the Ellie Greenwood quote we mentioned! "It's easy to remember the Western States and Comrades wins, but I'd take those early years of blind and clueless enthusiasm over anything. So if you're new to the sport, don't get bogged down in the details - train hard, take some rest days, try hit some course specific training, opt for gear that works rather than is 'the best', love the process. Set goals, but don't be wedded to them - its a beginners priviledge to feel like a winner simply for 'just' finishing. Enjoy that moment and don't spoil your 'ignorance is blss'era with too many details, too much uneccessary complication. Run, rest, repeat and live for the trails."