Maximum Mileage Running Podcast

Nick Hancock

"Welcome to the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast – 'Real Chat for Real Runners.' Join your hosts, Nick Hancock, a UESCA and UK Athletics certified running coach, and Faye Johnson, a UK Athletics running coach and Level 4 PT, and Matt Scarsbrook, Soft Tissue expert and one of Nick's own coached clients, on an epic journey into the world of marathon and ultramarathon running! Our mission? To deliver professional insights, training tips, and inspiring stories to everyday runners. Whether you're trying to squeeze in miles around a hectic lifestyle or lacing up your shoes for the first ultra of many, we're here to sort you out. But it's not all sweat and blisters; we bring the humour too. Expect laughs, no-holds-barred discussions, and even the occasional F-bomb. We're real people talking about real running experiences - the triumphs, the challenges, and the unforgettable moments that make every mile worth it. The Maximum Mileage Running Podcast is for those who love to run long, run strong, and have a good laugh along the way. Subscribe now and make every run count."

  1. 2H AGO

    Jason Koop: AI in Running, Ultra Training, and How to Get Faster

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Nick Hancock hosts trail and ultra-running coach Jason Koop to talk about ultra running training, performance, and the role of AI in coaching. Jason shares how he coaches both elite ultra runners and everyday athletes, and what actually drives improvement. They break down key training principles like progressive overload, increasing mileage, periodization, and recovery, along with how elite athletes use highly individualized training, nutrition, and strength work to gain an edge. You’ll also learn:  Why increasing running volume is often the most effective way to improve  How to use DIY training camps to boost performance  The biggest differences between elite and recreational runners How Jason uses AI for coaching, training plans, and athlete feedback analysis What the future of running coaches and AI might look like If you’re training for a marathon, ultramarathon, or trail race, this episode will help you train smarter and understand where endurance coaching is heading. Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    51 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Stop Guessing: How to Actually Manage Running Injuries | Paddy Lally

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast, we’re joined by team physio Paddy Lally to break down what runners actually need to know about injuries, recovery, and long-term performance. Paddy works with everyone from everyday runners to elite athletes, and brings both clinical expertise and personal experience as a former GB age-group triathlete and a 2:57 marathoner.  We dive into how to tell the difference between normal soreness and a real injury, why so many runners get stuck in the cycle of recurring niggles, and the key factors that often get overlooked, like stress, fueling, and lifestyle. This episode is especially useful if you’ve ever felt frustrated by injuries that don’t seem to make sense, or if you want to train in a way that actually supports consistency and progress. In this episode, we cover:  When to push through vs. when to back off  The most common causes of running injuries  How cadence, strength, and load impact pain  The role of stress and recovery in how your body feels  Practical ways to stay healthy and keep training If your goal is to run stronger, stay consistent, and stop second-guessing every ache, this one’s for you. Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    50 min
  3. 6D AGO

    Strength Training for Runners: Improve Performance, Prevent Injury & Train Smarter with Dr. Richard Blagrove

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Richard Blagrove, an applied exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, and author of Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Runners. We break down how runners can use strength training to improve running economy, reduce injury risk, and build long-term durability. Dr. Blagrove shares practical, evidence-based guidance on how to structure strength work alongside running, including when to schedule sessions, how to individualize your approach, and what actually matters for performance. You’ll also hear how strength training differs for middle-distance versus marathon runners, why calf strength is so important for endurance athletes, and how to think about long-term progression in your training. In this episode, I cover:  How strength training improves running performance and efficiency  Best practices for integrating strength into your weekly schedule  Key differences in programming for middle-distance vs. long-distance runners  Building resilience and reducing injury risk  The importance of consistency and individualized training Learn more from Dr. Richard Blagrove: Email: r.c.blagrove@lboro.ac.uk Book: Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Runners Dr. Blagrove continues to contribute to the field through ongoing research, so I encourage you to follow his work and keep an eye out for his latest and upcoming publications. Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    52 min
  4. APR 21

    From Pro Runner to Cancer Survivor: Redefining Performance with Adam Freudenthal

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with my friend Adam Freudenthal, former professional runner, ultrarunner, and cancer survivor, to talk about resilience, identity, and redefining performance after a life-changing diagnosis. Adam competed at an elite level with ASICS Greenville Track Club Elite, running 14:15 for 5K and 1:05 for the half marathon. In 2020, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery and intensive chemotherapy before being declared cancer-free later that year. We dive into his journey through cancer treatment, the mental and physical challenges of returning to running, and how his relationship with training has evolved from high-performance road racing to a more sustainable approach and transition into ultrarunning. We also discuss burnout in competitive running, shifting identity after injury or illness, and how to build a healthier, long-term approach to endurance training. If you’re a runner navigating setbacks, returning from injury or illness, or looking to build a more sustainable training mindset, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and encouragement for your own journey. Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    1h 10m
  5. APR 15

    Chasing a 268-Mile Record: Inside Jon Shield’s Brutal Spine Race Prep

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete Jon Shield, one of the most accomplished extreme racers in the world. From winning across the Beyond the Ultimate Global Race Series to tackling brutal multi-day events like the Spine Race, Jon has built a reputation for performing in the harshest conditions imaginable. Now, he’s just weeks out from the 268-mile Montane Spine Race, often called Britain’s most brutal, chasing redemption and a sub-70-hour record. We dive into:  How Jon is balancing injury, recovery, and peak performance  Why resilience matters more than fitness in ultra-endurance  The reality behind social media, sponsorships, and coaching  Lessons from racing in deserts, jungles, mountains, and the Arctic  What it actually takes to keep going when everything starts to break This is a raw, honest conversation about pressure, setbacks, and pushing beyond perceived limits. Follow Jon Shield:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonshieldrunsultrasJon Shield - YouTube Website: https://www.jon-shield.com Pain Cave Headwear: https://paincaveheadwear.comYou can also view this discussion on my YouTube channel, Coach Hannah Witt, in my series, The Performance Collective. Coach Hannah Witt - YouTube Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    1h 1m
  6. APR 2

    Bob Becker at 80: Badwater 135, Marathon des Sables & the Secrets to Ultra Longevity

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast, I sit down with ultrarunner and race director Bob Becker, who at 80 years old became the oldest finisher in history of Badwater 135, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. Bob shares his journey into ultrarunning, including his early experience at the Marathon des Sables, and what it takes to train, fuel, and stay resilient across decades in the sport. From racing in extreme heat and managing sleep deprivation to building durability and preventing injury, this conversation is packed with insights for runners at every level. I also dive into Bob’s work as a race director through Ultra Sports, LLC, where he created and leads iconic events like the KEYS100 Ultramarathon (https://keys100.com/) and the Daytona 100 Ultra (https://daytona100ultra.com/). His races have introduced thousands of athletes to ultrarunning while supporting charitable causes including cancer research. Whether you’re training for your first ultramarathon or looking to stay consistent long-term, Bob’s story offers a powerful perspective on longevity, mindset, and what’s possible at any age. 🔗 Learn more about Bob Becker: https://bob-becker.com/ I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Follow and DM me on Instagram at coach_hannah_witt. You can also email me at hannah@maximummileagecoaching.com. I want to hear from you!  Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    55 min
  7. MAR 31

    Sam Foster on Sobriety, Structure, and a Sub 3 Marathon

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Sam Foster to explore how running became the catalyst for a complete life shift. Before chasing performance goals, Sam spent years in the hospitality industry navigating long hours, heavy drinking, and feeling stuck in a cycle that was hard to break. What started as a simple decision to go for a run gradually turned into something much bigger. We talk through Sam’s journey into sobriety, the challenges of building consistency, and the lessons learned along the way, including the importance of fueling properly, strength training for durability, and taking a more structured approach to training. This conversation is a reminder that running is not just about performance. With the right structure and support, it can be a tool to rebuild confidence, create direction, and build something sustainable over time. You can follow Sam’s journey on Instagram at @run_weasly_92. Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    49 min
  8. MAR 26

    Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (feat. Hannah Witt)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re flipping the mic and Nick’s interviewing me, Hannah Witt, so you get the full backstory. I grew up in a tiny town in Tennessee, didn’t even start running that early, and somehow ended up running in college and building a life around this sport. Along the way, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, learned a lot, watched way too much YouTube (Old Gregg, “I like turtles” kid…you know the vibe), and played an unreasonable amount of Chip’s Challenge. Now I live in the mountains, coach runners, have four cats (plus a stray I feed), and genuinely just love running. Like…running is great. It really is. We talk about how I found my way into coaching, why I care so much about helping runners actually understand what they’re doing, and how I use science to build training that’s flexible, individualized, and actually makes sense for real life. Also:  Why your training shouldn’t feel like a rigid spreadsheet  How to build consistency without overthinking everything  And how to keep running fun (because it should be) If you like running, learning, or mildly chaotic but thoughtful conversations…this one’s for you. Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;) If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be. See you on the next one. To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835 Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/ Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/ Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/ Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/ Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

    44 min

About

"Welcome to the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast – 'Real Chat for Real Runners.' Join your hosts, Nick Hancock, a UESCA and UK Athletics certified running coach, and Faye Johnson, a UK Athletics running coach and Level 4 PT, and Matt Scarsbrook, Soft Tissue expert and one of Nick's own coached clients, on an epic journey into the world of marathon and ultramarathon running! Our mission? To deliver professional insights, training tips, and inspiring stories to everyday runners. Whether you're trying to squeeze in miles around a hectic lifestyle or lacing up your shoes for the first ultra of many, we're here to sort you out. But it's not all sweat and blisters; we bring the humour too. Expect laughs, no-holds-barred discussions, and even the occasional F-bomb. We're real people talking about real running experiences - the triumphs, the challenges, and the unforgettable moments that make every mile worth it. The Maximum Mileage Running Podcast is for those who love to run long, run strong, and have a good laugh along the way. Subscribe now and make every run count."

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