Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

Steven Watt
  • 4.8 (79)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt (and a range of guests) as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning.

  1. Beecraigs Backyard Ultra with Kayleigh Webster - Season 15, Eps 10

    2 DAYS AGO

    Beecraigs Backyard Ultra with Kayleigh Webster - Season 15, Eps 10

    From Couch to 5K to Race DirectorKayleigh Webster joins us to share the story behind the inaugural Beecraigs Backyard Ultra — a sell-out event built on community, grit, and pure love of running.🔑 Highlights🏃 What a backyard ultra really is (last one standing!)💡 How Beecraigs BYU came to life🔥 150 places sold out in 22 days💯 19 runners hit 100 miles🥇 Craig McQueen takes the win💛 Why It MattersEveryone starts tied for firstCommunity is greater than competitionOrdinary people doing extraordinary things“You’re only limited by the limits you set yourself.” Kayleigh Webster 2026🔮 What’s next?Beecraigs BYU is likely back for 2027, and demand will be BIG 👀 Connect with Kayleigh Website: runsmileinspire.com Instagram: @run.smile.inspire and @thehappydietMegan Boxall Run Britain Tracker

    1hr 35min
  2. Boston Marathon Truths with Karl Hodgson - Season 15 Eps 9

    1 MAY

    Boston Marathon Truths with Karl Hodgson - Season 15 Eps 9

    From a cancer diagnosis at 17 to the relentless hills of Newton, Karl Hodgson joins us for a deep dive into the grit, the gear, and the no-filter reality of the 2026 Boston Marathon. This isn't just a race recap; it’s a masterclass in perspective. Karl opens up about how running shifted his life path and why, sometimes, a 2:50:37 in Boston is worth more than any flat-course PB. Inside the Episode: The Boston Breakdown: Why the downhill start is a trap and how the Newton Hills actually feel at mile 20. Health & Resilience: Life after Hodgkin’s lymphoma and why running is about more than just medals. The Six Star Accident: How Karl ended up chasing the majors without ever actually planning to. Training vs. Reality: Juggling night shifts, injury scares, and the psychological spiral of race week. Behind the Mic: Podcast rivalries, merch, and why we do this for the love of the running community. "Boston is harder than it looks—by a long way. Structure helps, but context matters." - Karl Hodgson 2026 Megan Boxall Runs Britain Tracker

    1hr 57min
  3. Lewis Bowness - The Only Way Is Up - Season 15 Eps 8

    24 APR

    Lewis Bowness - The Only Way Is Up - Season 15 Eps 8

    In this episode, Steven and John are joined by Lewis Bowness, a Lake District based fell and ultra runner whose journey from village fell races to winning the Lakeland 50 and podium‑finishing at the Arc of Attrition is nothing short of inspiring. Lewis shares how growing up in the Lake District shaped his love for running, the influence of his family, and how fell running became normal from an early age. The conversation explores coaching, mindset, resilience, racing tactics, community rivalries, and what it really takes to step up to the sharp end of ultra running. This is a deep‑dive into progression, patience, humility, and learning to thrive in both the highs and the hard days. That’s when you thank yourself for all those dark January runs - Lewis Bowness

    1hr 51min
  4. Schneider Paris Marathon 2026 (Allez Allez) - Season 15 Eps 7

    17 APR

    Schneider Paris Marathon 2026 (Allez Allez) - Season 15 Eps 7

    In this episode, John and Steven look back on an unforgettable weekend at the Schneider Paris Marathon 2026. From elite-level organisation and iconic Parisian scenery to injury management, mindset battles, charity fundraising, and the magic of marathon community — this is a deep dive into what makes marathon running so special. The episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to a much-loved member of the ultrarunning community before shifting into a full Paris Marathon debrief, race storytelling, and reflections on why we keep coming back to the start line. Remembering David Parrish ⁠⁠David's Just Giving Page⁠🥐 Grab a croissant and a foam roller — we’re heading to Paris (and very sore quads) as we debrief the 2026 Paris Marathon: iconic sights, techno tunnels, and enough maranoia to power the Metro. 🏁 Is Paris the New Major? Move over, Boston. With 60,000 runners, 145 nationalities, and in Steven’s words, “the best toilet provision in marathon history”, Paris is making a serious play for the crown. 🗼 The Route: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Seine. 🎶 The Vibe: Mile‑17 tunnel rave. Berlin club energy, Paris style. 🚿 The Water: No cups. Just high‑pressure hoses. Nothing humbles you like being power‑washed while chasing 8 minute miles. 🚑 The Hamstring from Hell Four weeks out, Steven’s hamstring clocked off. Three weeks of stationary biking, physio prayers, and zero expectations later, he rolled to the start line to take on the 26.2 miles. ⏱️ Marathon Maths Is Real Despite everything… 3:29:29 How? Peak Marathon Maths, spending the final 6 miles dividing 0.1 into your remaining will to live. Verdict: A solid 20 mile run followed by a horrible 10K from the depths of despair. 💙 The Real Winners 🎗️ The Cause: £23k+ raised for Rooprai Spinal Trust. Huge shift, lads. Donation page still open

    1hr 33min
  5. Rasselbock BYU with Frank McGaffney - Season 15 Eps 6

    3 APR

    Rasselbock BYU with Frank McGaffney - Season 15 Eps 6

    Frank McGaffney is back for his hat-trick appearance on the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast—and this time, he’s a 100-mile Backyard Ultra finisher! 🏆 In this weeks episode we sit down with Frank for a grippy, deeply honest and of course amusing 90-minute breakdown of his 24-hour / 100-mile journey at the Rasselbock Backyard Ultra. From the "accommodation from hell" to vomiting in the corral, this episode covers the beautiful chaos of ultra running: 🤢 The Chaos: Abandoning a damp Mansfield rental for a Premier Inn, surviving a face-plant on Yard 10, and a salt-tablet-induced projectile vomit just seconds before the starting whistle. 🧠 The Strategy: How meticulous planning with Coach Fiona Watt turned previous "nutrition issues" into a masterclass of Pot Noodles, custard pouches, and perfectly timed gels. 🩹 The Grit: Dealing with "blisters from the underworld" and finding the mental strength to push through the night laps. 🌪️ The Finish: Hitting the magical 24-yard mark and what it means. This isn't just a race report; it’s a story of resilience, achievement, and what Frank is already eyeing up 2027. 🏃‍♂️💨 Megan Boxall Tracker

    1hr 35min
  6. Anna Troup – Spine Race Champion & Endurance Icon - Season 15 Eps 5

    27 MAR

    Anna Troup – Spine Race Champion & Endurance Icon - Season 15 Eps 5

    In this episode we sit down with ultra-running powerhouse Anna Troup, winner of both Summer and Winter Spine Races including the 2025 Summer Spine outright. Anna opens up about training in the Lake District, navigating injuries, managing menopause, building resilience, and rediscovering her running identity. Episode Highlights Anna’s journey from Oxford rowing → triathlon → ultrasLiving and training in GrasmereWhy she prefers early morning sessionsHow cross-training keeps her running as she gets olderFirst ultra: Hardmoors 60, “baptism of fire”Learning navigation the hard way on her first SpineWinning the 2021, 2022 & 2025 Summer Spine, plus 2026 Winter Spine (1st female)Handling recurring stress fractures & lessons from menopauseWhy women thrive in long ultrasCows, storms, lost moments, and the art of problem‑solving in big racesFuelling: “Rice, cheese and butter — that’s my magic bowl”Her go‑to kit: DexShell socks & ASICS Trabuco Megan Boxall Tracker

    1hr 39min
  7. Martin Heggie goes Into the Tunnel (and back again!) - Season 15 Eps 4

    20 MAR

    Martin Heggie goes Into the Tunnel (and back again!) - Season 15 Eps 4

    After a four year wait, the legend himself finally returns. This week John and Steven welcome back ultra‑runner, adventurer, and all round good guy Martin Heggie for his hat‑trick appearance on the podcast and he brings with him one of the wildest race stories you’ll hear all year. Martin has just completed The Tunnel, Mark Cockbain’s infamous 200 mile, 100 lap underground sufferfest in the darkness of the Combe Down Tunnel near Bath. With 212 miles, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, chafing disasters, blisters, pot noodles, Irn Bru, and every emotion imaginable , this one has it all. Allie Bailey Edinburgh Workshop Megan Boxall Tracker

    1hr 45min
  8. Lee Campbell A.K.A. Mr Pentlands - Season 15 Eps 3

    13 MAR

    Lee Campbell A.K.A. Mr Pentlands - Season 15 Eps 3

    This week, Steven and John take the podcast on the road for a very special first: recording live from a professional podcast studio at Stravaig Sessions near Aberuthven. Joining them for this landmark episode is Lee Campbell. Lee is widely recognised across the Scottish running community for his infectious passion for trail running, his generous ‘Pentlands Socials’, and his adventures both at home and abroad. This episode dives deep into Lee’s story, humour, and heart - from learning to run after leaving football behind, taking part in the infamous Bed Run, and then taking to the trails and scaling alpine passes on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Did someone say ‘fucking nature!’ Lee shares his incredible journey from five a side footballer to adventure driven trail runner, opening up about everything from his first virtual marathon on his birthday to the life changing joy of adventuring on the trails. We explore how the Pentlands became his playground, how his inclusive social runs have opened the hills to hundreds, and why he believes adventures beat races every time. We hear the story behind the Dinosaur route, tips for newcomers to the Pentlands, and is it Kips…or Chickens? Expect stories of friendship, altitude, salted tatties, iconic Scottish hills, creative tattoos, community spirit, and a whole lot of laughter. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or someone dreaming of your first trail pootle, this episode is full of inspiration, honesty, humour, and heart. Lee on Instagram Lee on Strava Recorded at Stravaig Sessions

    1hr 25min
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4.8
out of 5
79 Ratings

About

The thoughts and chat of John Cassidy and Steven Watt (and a range of guests) as they give their take on the world of running, marathoning and ultra marathoning.

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