Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you reach a point where enough is enough?

In this episode, I’m joined by Mark Simpson, whose journey from 25 stone (350lbs / 159kg) to completing his first half-marathon is one of the most inspiring stories we've featured on the podcast.

Mark opens up about decades of struggling with his weight, being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the emotional impact of obesity, and the moment he decided to take control of his life.

We discuss:

• How Mark lost over 12 stone (168lbs / 76kg)
• The role weight loss medication played in his transformation
• Why consistency matters more than perfection
• The mental and emotional challenges of long-term weight loss
• Building confidence after years of feeling trapped
• Discovering running and completing his first 10K and half-marathon
• Social media, accountability, and inspiring others
• Men's mental health and the importance of talking openly
• Why is it never too late to change your life

This is an honest conversation about health, self-belief, resilience, and what's possible when you decide to give yourself one more chance.

You can follow Mark's journey on Instagram:

@shrinking_simmo

If you're over 35 and training for a race, or simply looking for support with your running, you can join our free running community via the link in my Instagram bio:

@12monthstomarathon

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review and share it with another runner. It really helps us reach more people.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this special 100th episode of the podcast, I reflect on the biggest lessons I've learned from interviewing runners, marathoners, weight-loss success stories, world record holders, and everyday people who have achieved extraordinary things.

From first-time 5Ks to marathon finish lines, one theme keeps appearing:

You are capable of more than you think.

I also share some personal thoughts on mental health, self-identity, and the stories we attach to our running.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The most important lesson from 100 podcast episodes
• Why curiosity is often more powerful than confidence
• The problem with comparing your journey to other runners
• Why there is no "right" distance to run
• How social media can distort what's possible
• The difference between data and identity
• Why calling yourself a "slow runner" may be holding you back
• Mental health, self-talk, and the stories we tell ourselves
• How to stop attaching your self-worth to your running performances
• Why your next challenge should be defined by you, not by anyone else

Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PB, or simply trying to become a healthier version of yourself, this episode is a reminder to stay open-minded, stay curious, and keep exploring what you're capable of.

Thank you for listening and for helping the podcast reach 100 episodes. Here's to the next 100. 💙

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Should You Get a Gait Analysis Done?

If you've ever bought running shoes, you've probably been told you need a gait analysis.

But how useful are they really?

In this episode, I break down what a gait analysis is, what it can tell you, what it can't tell you, and why so many runners place far too much importance on a 30-second treadmill assessment.

We cover:

• What pronation actually is (and why it's not necessarily a problem)
• The difference between neutral and stability shoes
• What the research says about gait analysis and injury prevention
• Why comfort is often more important than biomechanics
• The biggest mistakes runners make when choosing shoes
• When a gait analysis can be genuinely useful
• The factors that actually cause most running injuries
• Why consistency beats perfection every time

Whether you're a beginner buying your first pair of running shoes or an experienced runner wondering if you've been overthinking your footwear choices, this episode will help you make better decisions and focus on what really matters.

Because becoming a better runner isn't about having the perfect gait—it's about training consistently, staying healthy, and enjoying the process.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate and review it wherever you listen.

And if you'd like support with your running, join our free running community via the link in my Instagram bio.

Instagram: @12monthstomarathon

Support the show