Couch to Coached- Running podcast

Rob Sillito and Ben Russell

🎙 The Couch to Coached Running Podcast Hosted by Rob Sillito, Ben Russell, & Emma Brydges Three full-time working adults. One shared goal: to make running accessible, honest, and fun. Join Rob (a mental health nurse who's never liked running), Emma (a busy mum and passionate runner), and Ben (a UKA-accredited running coach working full-time coaching kids — and now coaching both Rob and Emma) as they bring you The Couch to Coached Running Podcast. This award-winning show follows Rob’s transformation from couch to coached, Emma’s mission to train smarter, and Ben’s expert guidance every step — or misstep — along the way. Whether you're brand new to running or chasing that next PB, you’ll get: Real-life running advice for all abilitiesWeekly updates from Rob and Emma’s trainingListener questions and expert coaching insightsInterviews, cross-training tips, and injury preventionLoads of relatable laughs and honest motivation 📬 Got a question or a funny running story? Send it in — it might get featured in a future episode! Follow us on: Instagram: @couchtocoachedFacebook: Couch to coached – A running podcastTwitter/X: @couchtocoachedEmail: couchtocoached@outlook.comStrava- Couch to coached run club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

    5D AGO

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

    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 breakdownEmma’s strong performance and near sub-4 finishBen’s honest decision to prioritise mental healthThe emotional reality of marathon runningNavigating crowds, pacing, and race day challengesWhy finishing a marathon is always a massive achievementWhat’s next: new goals, new season, and growthA 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 📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com 📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached 🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached 📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast 🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  2. Race Week Marathon Prep & Running Festival Insights | Tapering, Hydration & Mental Strategy

    APR 17

    Race Week Marathon Prep & Running Festival Insights | Tapering, Hydration & Mental Strategy

    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 FestivalSpeaker stories, community vibes & event insightsThe importance of nutrition & electrolytes for runnersRace week emotions and the realities of taperingMental strategies for marathon dayHydration, carb loading & final race prep tipsShoutouts to the incredible Couch to Coached communityAn 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 🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m
  3. 2 Weeks Before a Marathon: Hydration, Nutrition & Race Prep Tips | Couch to Coached Podcast

    APR 10

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

    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 marathonHydration & nutrition strategies in the lead-upRace day planning: kit, weather & logisticsTraining updates and recent race reflectionsBalancing life, holidays & runningMental 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. 📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com 📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached 🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached 📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast 🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

    APR 9

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

    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 journeyIsabelle’s running achievements and future goalsWhy parkrun is at the heart of their running experienceBalancing family, fitness, and content creationInspiring 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 📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com 📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached 🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached 📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast 🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  5. 5 with the listeners- Special guest Cazzaruns

    APR 8

    5 with the listeners- Special guest Cazzaruns

    Couch to Coached – AWARD-WINNING Running Podcast 5 With The Listeners – 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 themWhat’s in their desert-island running survival kitWhat 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”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  6. Marathon Training Update: Speed Sessions, Injury Management & Race Prep | Couch to Coached Podcast

    APR 3

    Marathon Training Update: Speed Sessions, Injury Management & Race Prep | Couch to Coached Podcast

    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 strategiesWhy speed sessions are becoming a game changerManaging niggles (hello IT band 👀)The importance of recovery: stretching, foam rolling & listening to your bodyCoaching insight on staying race readyBalancing 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 📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com 📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached 🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached 📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast 🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  7. Running for Mental Health: The Sad Miles Club Story & 125 Challenge | Couch to Coached Podcast

    APR 2

    Running for Mental Health: The Sad Miles Club Story & 125 Challenge | Couch to Coached Podcast

    Running for Mental Health: The Sad Miles Club Story & 125 Challenge | Couch to Coached Podcast This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Rob and Ben are joined by Daniel Leggett, founder of the Sad Miles Club — a movement using running to open up honest conversations around mental health. Dan shares his powerful journey, from experiencing bullying and personal struggles to discovering running as a way to cope, grow, and clear his head. What started as a personal outlet has grown into a community-driven brand, raising awareness and funds for mental health charities. The conversation explores how running can be more than just fitness — it can be a lifeline. From building resilience to finding purpose, Dan talks about the importance of starting conversations, supporting others, and creating a space where people feel understood. They also dive into the upcoming 125 Challenge, designed to bring people together, raise awareness, and make a real impact for mental health — one mile at a time. 🎧 Highlights include: The story behind the Sad Miles ClubHow running became a tool for mental healthTurning personal struggles into a positive movementThe importance of community and open conversationsThe 125 Challenge and how to get involvedUsing running for personal growth and resilience A powerful, honest, and inspiring episode that shows running is about more than miles — it’s about mindset, connection, and supporting each other through it all. Sign up for the 125 challenge here- https://www.runthings.co.uk/events/sad-miles-club Go and have a look at Sad miles club clothing here- https://sadmilesclub.com/products/125-challenge-shirt-mens 📺 Watch us live on YouTube every Tuesday at 20:30 📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com 📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached 🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached 📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast 🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  8. Marathon Training Tips: Pacing, Confidence & Long Runs Explained

    MAR 20

    Marathon Training Tips: Pacing, Confidence & Long Runs Explained

    Marathon Training Tips: Pacing, Confidence & Long Runs Explained Setbacks, Comebacks & Community Wins This week on the award-winning Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Rob, Ben, and Emma are back with a real, honest look at the highs and lows of training — from health setbacks to big community milestones. The trio kick things off with personal updates, including a few challenges that have impacted training, before celebrating a brilliant Couch to 5K graduation and the power of seeing new runners cross that finish line. It’s a reminder of why we all started — and how important community is in keeping us going. From there, the conversation dives into marathon training realities — long runs, pacing worries, mental battles, and building confidence for race day. Emma shares her progress (and a few tough moments along the way), while Rob opens up about pacing concerns and learning to trust the process. Ben brings the coaching insight, keeping things grounded with structure, accountability, and a focus on what really matters. There’s also chat around training with others, evolving coaching styles post-COVID, and why accountability and support can make all the difference when motivation dips. 🎧 Highlights include: Honest chat about health, setbacks, and staying on trackCelebrating a Couch to 5K graduation and community winsLong runs, pacing strategies & marathon prepMental challenges in training (and how to push through them)The importance of accountability, coaching, and trustBuilding confidence ahead of race dayWhy community is at the heart of running A relatable, emotional, and motivating episode that shows running isn’t always perfect — but with the right support, you keep moving forward. 📺 Watch us live on YouTube every Monday at 20:30 📩 Email – couchtocoached@outlook.com 📲 Instagram / TikTok – @couchtocoached 🐦 Twitter/X – @couchtocoached 📘 Facebook – Couch to coached – A running podcast 🏃‍♂️ Join our Strava league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 21m
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About

🎙 The Couch to Coached Running Podcast Hosted by Rob Sillito, Ben Russell, & Emma Brydges Three full-time working adults. One shared goal: to make running accessible, honest, and fun. Join Rob (a mental health nurse who's never liked running), Emma (a busy mum and passionate runner), and Ben (a UKA-accredited running coach working full-time coaching kids — and now coaching both Rob and Emma) as they bring you The Couch to Coached Running Podcast. This award-winning show follows Rob’s transformation from couch to coached, Emma’s mission to train smarter, and Ben’s expert guidance every step — or misstep — along the way. Whether you're brand new to running or chasing that next PB, you’ll get: Real-life running advice for all abilitiesWeekly updates from Rob and Emma’s trainingListener questions and expert coaching insightsInterviews, cross-training tips, and injury preventionLoads of relatable laughs and honest motivation 📬 Got a question or a funny running story? Send it in — it might get featured in a future episode! Follow us on: Instagram: @couchtocoachedFacebook: Couch to coached – A running podcastTwitter/X: @couchtocoachedEmail: couchtocoached@outlook.comStrava- Couch to coached run club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Sillito and Ben Russell
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    269
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rob Sillito and Ben Russell
  • Show Website
    Couch to Coached- Running podcast