• Ep 5. Start to Run: Training plans [RERUN]
    Feb 2 2026

    Welcome back to another Rerun episode of the series that we’re calling Start to Run. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ll be re-sharing these special episodes every week to help you get yourself moving. Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, welcome to the gang – let’s get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.


    What kind of training plan should I use?


    Esther and I are talking training plans this week – what are they, what do they look like and how do you know which one to choose? Never fear, we’ve got a few answers for you – from intricate personalised plans designed by a coach to your classic Couch to 5K numbers, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just stick with it and make sure you’ve got a reasonable goal.


    Tempo runs, threshold, steady runs and more explained


    Even a relatively simple walk/run plan involves some interval running – well done, you’re already getting those technical runs in! But sometimes we’re guilty of using a bunch of jargon to describe what really are pretty standard sessions, so we break down a few key terms for you.


    Lovely extras


    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.


    Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here.


    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    37 mins
  • Ep 286. More Eilish, injury updates
    Jan 30 2026
    Welcome to episode 286 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.Injury updateIn this episode, we have even more of an injury update, which I hope will be useful for anyone out there who’s picked up something nasty in the middle of training.We have our last special chat with Eilish in the middle of everything, and we come back afterwards to chat traitors.Female health and runningWith the lovely Eilish, we’re talking about training around our cycles, but also about women-specific nutrition and hydration. We love the fact that fuelling *during* a run is new for her – as it will be for many of us. In many ways, we’re all like Eilish. Apologies in advance for some slightly dodgy Zoom quality in this section – Eilish was calling in from Dubai where she was acclimatising ahead of her race in Japan. let me make it up to you by revealing that the brilliant Eilish is not only doing sterling work with Coopah, she’s also gearing up for the London Marathon this year. We cannot wait.Get rid of the ads!By the way, lovely listeners – brace yourself because this episode is absolutely PACKED with ads. We need the ads to survive – that’s how it works. However, if you leap on to our Patreon, you can listen without these irritating interruptions. £2 a month for ad-free listening and access to our exclusive Pod Squad forum, too. Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning to find out more. LinksGet expert coaching with the Coopah app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING for two weeks free, plus 20% off a year’s coaching. Just head to coopah.com/womensrunningBook your running holiday with Contours Holidays. Visit contours.co.uk or call 01629 821900, and use code 30FOR30 when booking your next adventure to get £30 off per person (offer expires 28th February, terms and conditions apply). This is that Save Our Soles Atacama shoe dryer we were banging on aboutButcombe Beer are sponsoring the Bath Half, and if you haven’t got a spot in the race yet, they’re giving away two entries to the (now sold out) race. Enter here, and good luck!If you’re in Bath for the Bath Half in March, come along to our event, we’d love to see you!If you could be incredibly kind and fill out this quick survey we will be INDEBTED:http://bit.ly/thewomensrunningpodcast-surveySubscribe to Women’s Running – and you can save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE ITDo join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Ep 3. Half Marathon Bootcamp: strength
    Jan 28 2026

    Welcome to episode 3 of a brand new series of podcasts from us at the Women’s Running Podcast, sponsored by the Wahoo. I am your host Esther Newman and she is your other host Holly Taylor.


    Check out the brand new Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill - it's the only treadmill we've run on that feels completely natural!


    This is your half marathon bootcamp! And it’s for everyone who’s signed up to their first half marathon, or is attempting to get a better time next time round. In this series of 10 episodes, we will be covering everything from demystifying the types of running that will actually get you the results you want, to preventing niggles from cropping up along the way. We want to get us all the start line with a smile on our faces – that’s the plan!


    Strength training

    In this third episode we’re talking strength! Not just popping biceps, but functional strength that keeps us upright, and enables us to get to the finish line of our chosen race feeling fit and happy. We talk through the muscle groups to concentrate on, and the moves that we’ve started doing down the gym, and at home.


    Extra bits

    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.

    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    34 mins
  • Ep 4. Start to Run: Kit [RERUN]
    Jan 26 2026

    Welcome back to our another Rerun episode of the series that we’re calling Start to Run. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’re re-sharing these special episodes every week to help you get yourself moving. If you’ve missed the first couple of episodes then don’t stress – you can find the first three episodes out now wherever you get your pods. We’re not following a specific plan together, so set yourself whatever goal you want to achieve – we’ll be checking in and catching up each week to support you as we get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.


    What shoes should I wear for running?


    This week, we’re talking kit! You really don’t have to spend a bomb on your running, but the one thing you should invest in a little bit is a good pair of running shoes that work for you. We share a few tips to help you get this right, from gait analysis to where to find the best deals. And I mention a cheap running shoe list online – it’s here!


    What sports bra should I wear for running?


    The other thing we have to prioritise as women who run is a decent sports bra – you don’t want to give yourself two black eyes. We talk cheap ones, extra supportive ones, ones for big boobs – take your pick.


    Lovely extras


    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.


    Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here.


    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    38 mins
  • Ep 285. Injuries, Eilish McColgan
    Jan 23 2026

    Welcome to episode 285 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.

    Injury update

    We have some updates on our various niggles and training disappointments. The good news is that we’ve both sought medical advice, rather than relying on Dr Google. So we’re being good girls, and doing what the doctors have ordered. But is it paying off?

    Special guest Eilish for Coopah

    We interrupt our usual gasbagging to bring you a celebrity guest in the form of the actual Eilish McColgan. Yes! Eilish McColgan! Eilish has recently joined Coopah’s roster of talented coaches, helping to devise training plans to turn us all into our own version of Olympians. We wanted to get her on to quiz her on – what else? – injuries. She talks to us about how to manage injury, as well as how she’s coped with her own injury time over the years.

    We come back after the break for more waffly bits, so don’t switch off after Eilish has!

    By the way, lovely listeners – brace yourself because this episode is absolutely PACKED with ads. We need the ads to survive – that’s how it works. However, if you leap on to our Patreon, you can listen without interruptions. £2 a month for ad-free listening and access to our exclusive Pod Squad forum, too. Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning to find out more.

    Links
    • Get expert coaching with the Coopah app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING for two weeks free, plus 20% off a year’s coaching. Just head to coopah.com/womensrunning
    • Book your running holiday with Contours Holidays. Visit contours.co.uk or call 01629 821900, and use code 30FOR30 when booking your next adventure to get £30 off per person (offer expires 28th February, terms and conditions apply).
    • If you’re in Bath for the Bath Half in March, come along to our event, we’d love to see you!
    • If you could be incredibly kind and fill out this quick survey we will be INDEBTED:
    • http://bit.ly/thewomensrunningpodcast-survey
    • Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you can save 50%
    • Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE IT
    • Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning
    • Email us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Ep 2. Half Marathon Bootcamp: sessions
    Jan 21 2026

    Welcome to episode 2 of a brand new series of podcasts from us at the Women’s Running Podcast, sponsored by the Wahoo. I am your host Esther Newman and she is your other host Holly Taylor.


    Check out the brand new Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill - it's the only treadmill we've run on that feels completely natural!


    This is your half marathon bootcamp! And it’s for everyone who’s signed up to their first half marathon, or is attempting to get a better time next time round. In this series of 10 episodes, we will be covering everything from demystifying the types of running that will actually get you the results you want, to preventing niggles from cropping up along the way. We want to get us all the start line with a smile on our faces – that’s the plan!


    Running sessions

    In this second episode, we are talking about the different kind of running sessions you might find on a half marathon training plan. We chat about the different kinds, what we think of them, and why they’re hard but good! These are the ones that’ll get you the results you want, so worth paying attention to.


    Extra bits

    Thank you for listening.

    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.

    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Ep 3. Start to Run: Motivation [RERUN]
    Jan 19 2026

    Welcome back to another Rerun episode of our Start to Run series. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ll be re-sharing these special episodes every week to help you get yourself moving. If you’ve missed the first couple of episodes then don’t stress – you can find episodes one and two out now wherever you get your pods. We’re not following a specific plan together, so set yourself whatever goal you want to achieve – we’ll be checking in and catching up each week to support you as we get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.


    How do I motivate myself to run?


    This week, we’re talking motivation. If your willpower to get out there and pound the pavements has taken a dip, you’re not alone – but we’ve got plenty of tips to keep you going. From what we really should officially call ’The Cream Egg method’, to where to find support, to how to jazz up your sessions – we’re discussing it all today.


    What happens if I’m struggling to reach my goals?


    A valid question! We’ve got some tried and tested advice here that involves creating some ‘mini goals’ – a bit like mini eggs, but not quite as moreish. Listen in for more on that…


    Lovely extras


    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.


    Plus, we’ve got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here.


    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Ep 284. January blues
    Jan 16 2026
    Welcome to episode 284 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.This episode is sponsored by Coopah. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING for two weeks free, plus 20% off a whole year’s expert coaching. Just head to coopah.com/womensrunningAnd if you’re in Bath for the Bath Half in March, come along to our event, we’d love to see you!January pahWe’ve got a bit of January blues here, I’m afraid. Both of us have had some niggles, which have erupted into fullscale hurty bits. Don’t worry, we’re both getting some help, but we’ve got very gloomy – what does this mean for our training? What should we do about our A goals? And how do we go about preparing for a Plan B that’s just as exciting as our original Plan A.New podcastsAnother big fanfare for our two new podcasts this year – Start To Run is a repeat of last year’s 10-episode series, which will be coming out on Mondays. On Wednesdays, we’re launching a new 10-part series, which is going to be exclusively about running and training for a half marathon. And on Fridays, we’re going to be releasing this baggy old podcast, that you know and love. Lots to listen to for the next couple of months!Lastly, I have a quick ask of you all, please! If you’ve got a spare minute, could you fill out a super quick survey for us – link in the shownotes – it’ll help us get better, less annoying, and give you all the stuff you like the best! Thank you so much!LinksGet expert coaching with the Coopah app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING for two weeks free, plus 20% off a year’s coaching. Just head to coopah.com/womensrunningIf you’re in Bath for the Bath Half in March, come along to our event, we’d love to see you!If you could be incredibly kind and fill out this quick survey we will be INDEBTED:http://bit.ly/thewomensrunningpodcast-surveyThese are the mittens from Compressport that have helped with my cold handsOther recommendations included:Ronhill Winter MittINOV8 Thermal MittAnd this is the episode of Desert Island Discs I listened toSubscribe to Women’s Running – and you can save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE ITDo join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 16 mins