Best Alison Scope Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 81 Recovery 46:39

19h ago46:39

46:39

This week is all about recovery. We chat about why it matters to recover after races (especially marathons) the mental and physical benefits and how to return to running after a big race. We cover lots of our experiences and things we have learnt over the years and what has worked and what hasn't! As ever let us know your thoughts and tips. Also wh…

1
Episode 80 Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson 1:04:04

8d ago1:04:04

1:04:04

This week we have a brilliant interview with authors, journalists and runners Lily and Emma about the fantastic book they have written; Ultra Women; The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport . Lily and Emma tell us all about why they wrote the book, the fascinating things they learnt through the process and the impact the book has had on their own v…

1
Episode 79 Marathon Mega Roundup 50:07

15d ago50:07

50:07

Its time for a round up of London and Manchester featuring lots of amazing performances from listeners, Paul's athletes, fundraisers, elites and loads more! We cover some of the results, stories and reflections from a fantastic week of racing. Let us know how your race went and send us a voice note and we can include it in the next episode! As ever…

1
Episode 78 Coach Alex Wilson 1:15:14

22d ago1:15:14

1:15:14

This episode features a brilliant interview with a fantastic athletics coach in Sheffield, Alex WIlson. Alex talks about his love of athletics and coaching, how he got into it, some of the many athletes he has worked with and his philosophy and coaching approach. It is a great interview with a great coach and Alex gives so much insight in how to he…

1
Episode 77 Race week 56:21

29d ago56:21

56:21

This week we chat about the last week of a race and how to prepare. With big marathons coming up at the weekend we talk about the final dos and don'ts in the last 7 days of a race and cover running, nutrition, hydration, kit, strength and more! We hope you enjoy and good luck to those running London and Manchester and let us know your race tips in …

1
Episode 76 Matlida Moffett Interview 1:13:03

1M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

This week is a fascinating interview with Matilda Moffett, regular listener, contributor, runner and clinical psychologist who works to support a people with a range of mental health issues, and also specialises in eating disorders and weight related challenges. Matilda chats to us about her work, the overlaps with mental health, eating, weight and…

1
Episode 75 Taper Time 44:27

1M ago44:27

44:27

Today is all about the taper! As some big marathons approach, lots of you will be in the taper phase, so we discuss what the purpose of tapering is, how to get it right, the benefits and how to manage the taper time challenges! Let us know how your taper is going and any tips for listeners! We have strava group you can join - click here; https://ww…

1
Episode 74 Robyn Wright Interview 1:05:21

2M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

This week features a brilliant interview with an FKT holder in Canada - Robyn Wright. Robyn talks to us about how she got into running, her love of the trails, how she has run every day for over 2 years and her epic FKT adventure! We hope you enjoy and you can find Robyn on instagram here to follow her adventures! https://www.instagram.com/roamwith…

1
Episode 73 Race Round Up 56:42

2M ago56:42

56:42

This week is a race round up. Ali ran Retford half and gives us a race review and the ups and downs, then Paul and Mark have done the Hardmoors 55 and its also been the Sheffield Half Marathon, so there is loads to catch up on. Paul gives his race review of the Hardmoors and we cover the results from all the races and more, as every we hope you enj…

1
Episode 72 The Long Run 47:32

2M ago47:32

47:32

This week is all about the long run! For many people who are training for marathons the long run is key, but we talk about why this is, the different types of long run, how long you should go and the benefits. We also chat about why the long run can be useful all year round and things to watch out for when running long every week. Let us know what …

1
Episode 71 Menstrual Cycle and Menopause 57:39

2M ago57:39

57:39

This week we talk about the menstrual cycle and menopause and the impact this can have on running, training and racing. We look at the evidence and research, what you can do and also have some listener stories. Let us know what you think and any experiences you want to share with listeners. We have strava group you can join - click here; https://ww…

1
Episode 70 Brighton Half Marathon 44:42

3M ago44:42

44:42

This week is a preview and a review of the Brighton Half Marathon. The race is in its 35th year, and we chat a bit about the history, some race strategy for the half and then how it all goes in practice! We also cover the Brighton and Hove Parkrun and a few other fun bits from the weekend! We hope you enjoy and share to your running pals if you enj…

1
Episode 69 Training block check in 46:35

3M ago46:35

46:35

Lots of you will have been training since the start of the year for a marathon, a half or just to build fitness and improve. Today we check in on how things should be progressing, how to manage where you are versus where you want to be pace wise, how to handle niggles, illness and when to practice with kit and fueling. Give us your tips on those mi…

1
Episode 68 Iron deficiency and anaemia 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

This week we talk about iron deficiency and anaemia in runners. We have had lots of listeners get in touch with their own stories, so we share those and talk about the signs and symptoms, when to seek help and how to manage long term. We hope you enjoy this episode and get in touch with any thoughts or reflections. As always also go through our wee…

1
Episode 67 Dot Kesterton Interview 1:16:39

3M ago1:16:39

1:16:39

This week features a fascinating interview with Dot Kesterton, a World and European Masters Champion! Alison chats with Dot about her amazing life, running career and the many many races she has done in UK and around the world and the fun she has had along the way. It is a really brilliant and moving interview that is interesting and inspiring! We …

1
Episode 66 Common coaching questions 46:41

4M ago46:41

46:41

On this episode we delve into some of the common coaching questions that have cropped up with Paul's group of athletes. We explore whether running up or down hill in training matters, should everyone do hill repeats, what about shoes and how to pick them, how close to paces to runs need to be and more...we hope you enjoy and if you have any questio…

1
Episode 65 Winter Woes 47:49

4M ago47:49

47:49

On this weeks episode we chat about the winter woes of running. There are many things that can make running in winter tougher, such as the weather, the dark, motivation and more, so we chat about how you can overcome this and keep running strong through those winter months! As always also go through our week of running and cover some recent race re…

1
Episode 64 Periodised Training 45:49

4M ago45:49

45:49

On this weeks episode we talk about periodised training and how you can take the principles of this and apply it to peak at that right time for races! We chat about how it works, the cycles and how to periodise your training. Let us know what you think! As always also go through our week of running and cover some recent race results, shout outs to …

1
Episode 63 Healthy Eating and running 52:42

4M ago52:42

52:42

This week we talk about the subject of healthy eating alongside running. We talk about our own experiences and challenges of managing weight and how running can help (or not) with that. We are not nutritionists, but we do have some knowledge from our own experiences and bits of research we have done. As ever get in touch with your views and thought…

1
Episode 62 Marathon training time! 59:29

4M ago59:29

59:29

Today we delve into the marathon. For many people who are running a marathon in the Spring today is the start of training plans as people prepare to put the miles in and get get race ready. We chat about the fundamentals of marathon training and our own experiences of how to arrive in the start line in the best shape possible. We also look ahead to…

1
Episode 61 Kevin Firth Backyard Ultra 1:02:57

5M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

This week features a brilliant interview with Kevin Firth who recently completed the Gods Own Backyard Ultra. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1NNLwrtEMN/ Kevin talks all about his race training and preparation, his running background and why he decided to do the BYU and how the event went for him. Kevin also chats about his goals for 2025 and beyo…

1
Episode 60 Highlights of the year! 48:23

5M ago48:23

48:23

Today we go through some of our highlights of the 2024! Its been a busy year for us and for you all, as well as enjoying some amazing moments in elite running, so we round up our favourite and most memorable events of the year, including our own running, listener achievements, Paul's athletes and of course not forgetting some magical Olympic moment…

1
Episode 59 Shaun Johnson and organising the Bolsover 10k 50:57

5M ago50:57

50:57

This week features a fascinating interview with North Derbyshire Running Club athlete Shaun Johnson who is a race organiser for the Bolsover 10k. Shaun discusses the challenges of race organisation, the highs and lows and things that go on behind the scenes that runners dont see! Shaun also chats about his own running achievements this year and goa…

1
Episode 58 Half Marathon time again 51:44

5M ago51:44

51:44

Today we delve back into the half marathon. Its a distance many people run and try to improve at and for some people its either a stepping stone to a marathon or part of a marathon training plan. We chat about how to train for a half, whether or not to take gels in the race and how to pace the race! Let us know your half marathon top tips! As alway…

1
Episode 57 Percy Pud Special 53:34

6M ago53:34

53:34

On todays podcast we delve a bit deeper into the Percy Pud 10k, which is a popular and famous 10k race in Sheffield. We look at the race history, how it has grown, and some famous winners and record breakers! We also bring you a race review and results hot off the press! We also chat about strategy for racing a 10k, which sounds good but isn't easy…

1
Episode 56 Interview with Greg Penn 1:05:30

6M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

On todays podcast we interview Greg Penn who is a GB masters athlete, member of North Shieds Poly running club and reigning European v60 Marathon champion! Greg talks all about his love of running, how he has managed to sustain his running into his 60s and some of his proudest moments and future goals. Greg also talks about how and why he thinks he…

1
Episode 55 10k and 5k 50:34

6M ago50:34

50:34

Today we chat about how to train for shorter distances such as 5k and 10k and how you might be able to get a PB in one of these if you are coming from a recent marathon or half marathon. We chat about our own experiences and those of athletes. Sorry for the fit of giggles near the start! We also talk about our recent physio visits and Pauls trip to…

1
Episode 54 Sheffield Business Runners 56:29

6M ago56:29

56:29

Today features a fantastic interview with Hannah Duraid, Phil Turner and Sam Newton who founded Sheffield Business Runners. The group was set up to encourage people to get out and run and also provide an opportunity for people in the business world in the city to connect, meet and chat! The trio chat all about how they set the group up, how it has …

1
Episode 53 Running Book Review 1:12:00

7M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

This week is all about running books! There are so many books about running of all different types and Ali and I have read our fair share, so we chat through them and give some of our favourites and recommendations. Here is a full list of books we chat through; Running with the Kenyans / Rise of the Ultra Runners / The Way of the Runner - Adharanan…

1
Episode 52 Growth Mindset 50:57

7M ago50:57

50:57

Today we discuss growth mindset. Lots of runners talk about it, but what does it actually mean and how can you apply it to running ? We cover the differences in growth and fixed mindset and how you can learn, apply and adapt your mindset to help you in all aspects of your life! We hope you enjoy it and let us know your approaches to growth! As alwa…

1
Episode 51 Running Inspirations 43:39

7M ago43:39

43:39

On todays episode we talk about our running inspirations, following Lucy getting in touch to propose this as a topic and tell us about what has inspired her! We talk about some well known athletes from the generations, recent athletes who share stories on Instagram and YouTube as well as the ordinary people who have had a big impact on our running …

1
Episode 50 Marathon Recovery 50:25

7M ago50:25

50:25

This week we go into how to recover from a marathon or ultra marathon. With a few big races that have just taken place we delve into how best to recover, the evidence base for the physical and mental recovery period and how you might feel in the days and weeks after a big race. There is often conflicting information about recovery periods so we do …

1
Episode 49 Race Update and Marathon Season 51:32

8M ago51:32

51:32

There have been loads of races going on, and lots more to look forward to, so today we cover a lot of results from the big races and how listeners have been getting on! We then chat about why more and more people seem to be doing marathons, and how anyone can start at any age! Its also our one year anniversary so we take a minute to celebrate and t…

1
Epsiode 48 - Ali's Hardmoors 60 Adventure! 1:06:08

8M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

We hope you enjoy this weeks episode where Ali gives a review of the Hardmoors 60, where she had an amazing race to finish 7th in 14 hours and 48 minutes. She talks through the race, the ups and downs (on the course and mentally!) and we also play a few clips from in the race. We also talk through the race results, including some brilliant performa…

1
Episode 47 Fiona Jeffries Interview 1:02:51

8M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

On this weeks episode Alison interviews Fiona Jeffries, who recently won a silver medal at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothernburg! Fiona talks about the races she did at the Masters, her journey to get there, her running motivation and goals for the future. We hope the interview can inspire all you runners to keep going long into …

1
Episode 46 Hardmoors 60 Prep 54:20

8M ago54:20

54:20

Today is all about preparing for the Hardmoors 60 (well 63 miles as it turns out) that Ali is running next weekend. Ali talks all about her running preparation, the mental side of things and how to be ready for when its tough or when things dont go to plan. We also chat about race goals and the practical preparation for the race which will be a fun…

1
Episode 45 Keri Wallace 1:04:03

8M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

This week features a fascinating chat with Keri Wallace, co-founder of Girls on Hills and author of a brilliant new book; Running Challenges: 100 of the best runs in England, Scotland and Wales. you can buy it here; https://bit.ly/427yTK3 Keri talks about her love of running, some of the races she has done and ones she would like to do. She talks a…

1
Episode 44 Summer Roundup 51:04

9M ago51:04

51:04

After a summer of fun - we are back! Today we round up the summer, including what we have been up to, the Olympics and Paralympics, race reports and reviews and much more. We look ahead to the upcoming racing season and our goals for the next phase of the year. As always also go through our week of running and cover some recent race results, shout …

1
Episode 43 Natasha Harvey 59:57

10M ago59:57

59:57

This week features a fascinating chat with awesome runner and an all round brilliant person and friend of the show Natasha! She chats about what running means to her and how she got into it in the first place, some of her proudest moments and how she stays motivated. She also talks about her key role in the spine race and a few other funny stories …

1
Episode 42 Summer time Running times 41:22

10M ago41:22

41:22

As we finally get a few nice sunny days in the UK, we look ahead to the summer holidays and how to manage running and make sure you have a great time if you go on your hols! We look at the evidence around having time off training and the impact it might have and also chat about some of the impacts holidays can have more generally, such as eating an…

1
Episode 41 Why failure is vital 45:04

10M ago45:04

45:04

Wimbledon, Cricket, Euro 2024, Tour De France, The Olympics and much more to enjoy for a summer of sport! With so much sport happening what can we learn about performance from elite athletes and how they learn from failures. We chat about the importance of this and what we runners can try out. As always also go through our week of running and cover…

1
Episode 40 Backyard Ultra 46:11

11M ago46:11

46:11

Today we dig into the world of the backyard ultra! We talk about what they are, how they can be a great stepping stone into ultra running and hear from listeners who have done them before and have more planned in! We discuss fuelling, mental preparation and how to keep going hour after hour after hour...! Paul also tells us about his lake district …

1
Episode 39 Quick update 21:05

11M ago21:05

21:05

Just a quick episode today as Paul has been away, its been mega busy and time tight! We hope you enjoy our brief chit chat :-)! As always also go through our week of running and cover some recent race results, shout outs to listeners and some future topic suggestions. If you have any results you want us to cover or topics for future episodes, get i…

1
Episode 38 Training for a 60 mile ultra 47:25

11M ago47:25

47:25

Today we talk about how to train for an ultra in the autumn and transition from a marathon in the spring. We cover the basics of the training, the milage volume per week and the terrain to run on. We chat about the race basics for a long ultra and how to arrive in the best shape to have great day out! As always also go through our week of running a…

1
Episode 37 Maverick Race Ultra Review 48:51

11M ago48:51

48:51

This week Alison gives a review of the ultra she did two weeks ago with Rosie. The race was a 32 mile ultra round the peak district, with lots of climbing, a few energy bars and a sprint finish! We also talk about a few other races from the summer season, the European athletics championships and much more! As always also go through our week of runn…

1
Episode 36 Chris Andrade Hardmoors 110 Winner 1:17:07

11M ago1:17:07

1:17:07

This week features a fascinating interview with ultra runner and team Inov8 athlete Chris Andrade, who a few weeks ago won the Hardmoors 110 race! Chris talks about his love of running, some of the many races he has done over the years, what he loves about the trails, the Bob Graham Round, his training and nutrition and much more. You can find Chri…

1
Episode 35 Running Myths 50:42

12M ago50:42

50:42

This week we tackle a few running myths! You know the ones; running is bad for your knees, your back, you need loads of water to run, runners should breath through their nose etc etc! Alison has been doing the research to bust the myths and she shares her findings and we chat about this. Here are some links to the various articles and publications …

1
Episode 34 Hardmoors 110 49:40

12M ago49:40

49:40

On this weeks episode we cover the Hardmoors 110 race which Paul supported Mark with and ran the second half (well 58 miles)! We talk about ultra running, the joy of it and how to get involved as well as some of the race results and winners. We also chat about if you should do two races in three days or not! As always also go through our week of ru…

1
Episode 33 Summer motivation 46:20

1y ago46:20

46:20

For this week we chat about staying motivated for running over the summer months. We chat about some different shorter races to try, how to have some running downtime but keep running and also the benefits of strides in easy runs through the summer (and all year round!). We also cover dogs again and the benefits of warm ups for races and workouts. …

1
Episode 32 John Taff Interview 1:03:13

1y ago1:03:13

1:03:13

This week we have a brilliant and fascinating interview with John Taff, who has created the Run Sheffield magazine. John talks about his passions in life, his running and why he created Run Sheffield. He also talks about some of the amazing people he has met through setting up the magazine including Luke Wilkinson who is soon to embark on the Lands…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Alison Scope Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide