In It For The Long Run is ultrarunner Damian Hall’s story of running a first marathon aged thirty-six, dressed as a toilet, and representing Great Britain four years later on the world stage. 

His incredible midlife running renaissance  escalated to 100-mile ultramarathons and record-breaking hauls, culminating in his 261-mile Pennine Way run in July 2020.

We chat to Damian about his later-than-most development as a professional sportsperson and coach, what it takes to be a successful long-distance runner, and why ultramarathons are mostly Type-2 fun affairs.  

Also in this episode your hosts discuss Katharine's (latest!) running accessory purchase, hear how too much football is knocking Niall's running off course, and reveal this month's running challenge...

Thanks for listening and don't forget to share, rate and subscribe. You can also follow us on Twitter @commongroundrbc or send us a line at commongroundrunbookclub@gmail.com

Markus Torgeby was just 20 years old when he headed off into the remote Swedish forest to live as a recluse and dedicate himself to his one true passion: running.

In his international bestseller - and our book of the month -  The Runner, Markus shares what four years living in a forest taught him about running and about life.

We asked Markus about his decision to live a solitary lifestyle, how he survived extreme cold in nature, and what we can all do to find more focus and mindfulness in our day.

Also in this episode, hosts Niall and Katharine update on their "naked" no-tech run challenge, and discuss the merits of Strava tracking versus off-the-grid runs.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to share, rate and subscribe. You can also follow us on Twitter @commongroundrbc or send us a line at commongroundrunbookclub@gmail.com

We explore the spirit of fell running with Geoff Cox and Heather Dawe, creators of our book of the month, Traceless. 

Traceless is a montage of prose, poetry and illustrations. Geoff and Heather tell us about their process for creating the book during lockdown, the magic of running the Gerry Charnley Round in the Lake District, and why using map and compass rather than GPS captures the real spirit of fell running.

Also in this episode, Katharine and Niall discuss kit, inspiring running podcasts, and reveal the first Common Ground running book club monthly challenge...

Don't forget to share, rate and subscribe. You can also follow us on Twitter @commongroundrbc or send us a line at commongroundrunbookclub@gmail.com

We're on an epic journey this episode following the life and career of Lizzy Hawker, one of the UK's greatest endurance athletes.

Lizzy joins us from Kathmandu to chat about her book Runner: A Short Story About a Long Run.

She tells us how a childhood trip to Switzerland instilled a love of the mountains,  eventually leading her to the start line of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc - and the beginning of a stellar career in long distance running.

Lizzy went on to become the 100km Women’s World Champion, win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc an unprecedented five times, hold the world record for 24 hours road running and become the first woman to stand on the overall winners’ podium at Spartathlon. 

We discuss Lizzy's inspiring journey and tackle some of life's big topics too - such as choice, listening to your heart, and finding meaning in what you do.

Hosts Niall and Katharine also catch up on their latest running endeavours, including meeting for a run for the first time since the pod began...

All this and more in the latest edition of The Common Ground Running Book Club podcast!

Don't forget to rate, share and subscribe. You can also follow us on Twitter @commongroundrbc or drop us a line at commongroundrunbookclub@gmail.com

This month we've taken to the trails - with Claire Maxted's The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook by our sides!

Claire is THE expert on trail running - she co-founded and edited Trail Running Magazine and now espouses all things trail running over at www.wildgingerrunning.co.uk  

In our interview Claire tells us why trail running is more accessible than you might think; shares top tips to get started; and gives us the know how to buy new trail running shoes with confidence. 

Claire also coaches Katharine through her current hill running obsession, and sells the post-lockdown dream of Sweden's Iceberg run to Niall...

All this and  more in your latest edition of the Common Ground Running Book Club podcast!

Don't forget to rate, share and subscribe. You can also follow us on Twitter @commongroundrbc or drop us a line at commongroundrunbookclub@gmail.com

We've greatly enjoyed reading our Book of the Month for February, Out of Thin Air by Dr Michael Crawley.

Out of Thin Air is Michael's account of living for 15 months in Addis Ababa with a group of runners, whom he also joined on training runs through the streets, forests and hills of Ethiopia. 

In our interview with Michael we discuss perceptions of Ethiopian running,  the importance of running with others, and how Michael (a Newcastle fan) got caught in the cross fire between warring Ethiopian Man Utd and Man City fans...

Your hosts Niall and Katharine also discuss their winter running, Niall's lockdown funk slump, and why Katharine's new trail shoes are proving a winner for her icy runs.

We also pose the essential question - if a run isn't on Strava, has it really happened?

(Obviously, that's a silly question. Of course it hasn't!)

All this, and many more hodgepodge things, on your latest edition of the Common Ground Running Book Club podcast!

Don't forget to listen, rate and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @commongroundrbc

Episode One features an interview with John Connell, author of The Running Book - our book of the month for January 2021.

The Running Book comprises 42,000 words across 42 chapters as John runs 42.2km around his native County Longford, in Ireland. 

We discuss how the form of the book took shape, literary running inspirations, why movement is important for wellbeing, and the history of the highways and byways of John's home-place.

Hosts Katharine and Niall also chat over their runs in 2021 so far, why Katharine is always on the lookout for a wildlife treat (don't worry, she doesn't mean roadkill), and Niall bores - sorry - regals in recollection of an epic sunny run where he fought the urge to beg for a drink...

If you like the show, follow our book club on Twitter @commongroundrbc!

The Common Ground Running Book Club - pilot edition!

A lot of people think about getting into running at this time of year but might be wondering what gear do they really need - especially if they're working to a budget.

In this pilot episode, hosts Katharine and Niall give their thoughts on the basics that beginners need to think about. They also look back on their favourite runs of 2020, and look ahead to running aspirations in 2021.

And they'll be back in January 2021 with their first edition of the Running Book Club Podcast!

Join the conversation on Twitter @commongroundrbc