I Can Run A Marathon

What if the hardest part of running a marathon isn’t the running at all?

In this episode of I Can Run A Marathon, Emma B is joined by journalist, author and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon, who tells us why just getting up and starting is the real battle, and how running helped save her life!

Bryony chats about how she went from addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder to running her first marathon, why she always follows the Marathon beginner plan, and how running taught her to fuel her body with kindness rather than punishment. Oh, and don’t miss what she thinks about whilst running!

This episode is sponsored by British Heart Foundation. Learn more at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/events

CHAPTERS:

03:40 – How Running Became An Alternative To Drink and Drugs
08:45 – The First Run That Changed Everything
12:30 – Why the Beginner Plan Works
16:30 – Running Without Punishment
19:30 – Why The Crowd Matters More Than Pace
22:00 – Running vs Addiction
24:00 – Why Eating Properly Matters More Than Discipline
27:45 – What Bryony Thinks About On Long Runs (no, really)
31:30 – Why Starting In Your 40s or 50s Is Not “Too Late”
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Former model and elite marathoner Nell McAndrew joins Emma B to share her running wisdom on what really helps first-time runners, from how to stay consistent when motivation drops, the importance of strength and core work, the run-walk (“Jeffing”) approach, and practical race-day tips on shoes, hydration, fuelling, and managing the final miles. Emma B also shares her latest training win, answers listener questions, and gets a mindset reset you’ll want to replay before your next long run!

This episode is sponsored by British Heart Foundation. Learn more at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/events

Chapters:
00:33 — Welcome Back + This Week’s “Glasses While Running” Problem
03:14 — Emma’s Training Update: First Ever 10K
04:10 — The Big Lesson for Women 40+: Strength Training (But Are You Lifting Heavy Enough?)
05:56 — Introducing Nell McAndrew: 2:54 London Marathon
Quick setup: why Nell’s advice cuts through the noise.
06:09 — Support, Consistency & “Tick It Off” Training
10:00 — How to stay consistent when life or weather messes with training.
11:30 — Nell’s First Marathon Story: Nerves, Advice, Don’t Go Off Too Fast
14:10 — Training as a Mum: How to Fit Runs In (Running Buggy Hacks)
16:40 — The “Two Short Runs” Trick + Visualising the Final 5 Miles
27:37 — Race Week & Race Day: Why taper makes you panic (normal), how to prep without spiralling.
29:00 — Shoes, Breakfast, Hydration & Fueling
33:10 — Why your longest run isn’t about speed — it’s about confidence and durability.
36:20 — Kit, Blisters & Foot Strength: Toes/Ankles Matter
41:20 — Nell's Playlist Pick & The One Piece of Advice
44:23 — Listener Qs: Wins & Wobbles
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What does it REALLY take to go from “I’m not a runner” to finishing the London Marathon?

In our first full episode of I Can Run A Marathon, Emma B is joined by comedian, author, and Scummy Mummies co-host Helen Thorn for a fun and frank conversation about starting from scratch, surviving midlife chaos, and building real confidence one run at a time.

Helen shares how she trained for her first marathon, what helped her through divorce, menopause and overwhelm, and why the running community is far more inclusive than people fear. Plus, the practical stuff nobody tells you from carb loading mistakes, what to pack on race day (definitely tissues), gels, running belts, and the very real pre-race toilet panic!

This video is sponsored by British Heart Foundation. Learn more at
https://www.bhf.org.uk/events

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

In a year of record entries, Virgin Radio UK’s Emma B has gotten a place at London Marathon 2026. This series follows her journey to the start line - not as an elite athlete, but as a woman dealing with everything midlife throws at you! It’s a podcast about running, yes… but more than that, it’s about choosing to say yes to yourself.

Across the series, Emma is joined by inspiring guests from runners and coaches to experts and everyday stars, who share their wisdom about what it really takes to train for a marathon. Whether you’re training for your first one, getting back into running after time off, or you’re looking for an entertaining podcast, we’re here to help! This is not about winning races, it’s about proving something to yourself and saying “I CAN”.

Get in touch with the podcast, WhatsApp us on 0333 003 3300 and tell us your "I CAN" moments.
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