The Women's Running Podcast

Esther Newman

Running is the one thing that we all like talking about. Every fortnight, we will be having a chat and a cuppa with an incredible woman from the world of running. From superstar pro runners to everyday plodders, each of them has made a big difference to running - and to women. We realised that there was a huge gap in the podcast world: a podcast that was about our favourite subject, that was about women, and was also long enough to keep us entertained on our longer runs. We don’t want to listen to blokes waffling on about quads and cadence (we can do that perfectly well ourselves, thank you very much). We want to listen to women who have made a proper difference in running, who have done some incredible running themselves, and who we can have a giggle with. Some you’ll know, and some you won’t - but they’re all utterly magnificent. We will talk to them about all the things that affect us when we step out the door: sexism, hormones, menopause, food, pelvic floors, relationships, mental health. But. BUT. We will also talk about races, PBs, shoes, training, starting running, enjoying running, finding the fun. And quads and cadence. This is the Women’s Running Podcast, and it’s for women who love to run.

  • 37 minutes 33 seconds
    Ep 10. Half Marathon Bootcamp: Recovery

    Welcome to episode 10 of a new series of podcasts from us at the Women’s Running Podcast, sponsored by Wahoo. I am your host Esther Newman and she is your other host Holly Taylor.


    Check out the brand new Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill - it's the only treadmill we've run on that feels completely natural! Use the code WOMENRUN when you order yours, and you’ll bag yourself a FREE heart rate monitor worth £79.99. offer expires 31st March. Run your run, with Wahoo.


    This is your half marathon bootcamp! And it’s for everyone who’s signed up to their first half marathon, or is attempting to get a better time next time round. In this series of 10 episodes, we will be covering everything from demystifying the types of running that will actually get you the results you want, to preventing niggles from cropping up along the way. We want to get us all to the start line with a smile on our faces!


    Rest and recovery

    In this last episode, we’re talking recovery. The bit that’s often left off your training plan. You’ve done a LOT of hard work, you’ve got through race day, and (hopefully) you’ve found a lovely space to show off your medal. But! The work isn’t quite over. Now it’s time to concentrate on everything you can do to support your body and mind in the hours, days and weeks post-race to make sure you come back even stronger. We’ve got everything you need right here.


    We’ve loved doing this series, and we hope you’ve enjoyed listening to it just as much. Please join us over on our main pod, if this is where you’ve discovered us, for more chat about running (and not actually running). Meanwhile, we’re plotting our next 10-episode series, so let me know your preferred topics for that at [email protected] – nutrition? Strength? Running faster? Running further? Drop us a line and we’ll get on to it. Right now, it’s on with the show!


    Extra bits

    Thank you for listening.

    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine. Hop along to womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad to subscribe to the best running magazine there is and to bag yourself a tasty saving with a third off the cover price. That’s womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad.

    womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad 

     

    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.

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

    18 March 2026, 4:32 pm
  • 1 hour 19 minutes
    Ep 292. Heart rates and menopause

    Welcome to episode 292 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.


    Bath Half

    It’s the week before the Bath Half Marathon, and we are both very excited about this – although by excited, I mean Holly is super nervous and I’ve got super FOMO! But other than that we are definitely excited. In the middle of all of that, we are joined by the wonderful Kate Rowe-Ham, the founder of Owning Your Menopause, to chat about – guess what? – menopause! We chat through exercise in midlife, educating our younger sisters, and how to live longer.


    Heart rates

    We come back afterwards to chat about heart rate – Hol has been looking into hers after getting a sports watch and making herself feel all weird about it. We then talk about our children’s TV heroes, and never has there been a bigger generational divide.


    Get a ticket QUICK!

    It’s also your last chance to get a ticket for our event before the Bath Half this Saturday! It’s going to be a super fun evening, with lots of silliness, as well as a special guest in the shape of Sabrina Pace-Humphreys. And we have managed to blag 10 free places for the 2027 Bath Half, which we’re going to be giving away on the night! Search Women’s Running live event to find it (or just go here)


    Subscribe!

    Also if you’re fond of this pod, you are going to LOVE Women’s Running Magazine. Hop along to womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad to subscribe to the best running magazine there is (even if we don’t have Harry Styles on the cover) and to bag yourself a tasty saving with a third off the cover price. That’s

    womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad 


    Lovely extra bits

    • Get a third off the magazine by going to womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad 

    • Use the code RUNNING20 at Owning Your Menopause for 20% off the first month on a monthly membership, 20% off the first 6-months on a 6-month membership, or 20% off the first year on an annual membership

    • Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE IT

    • Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning

    • Email us at [email protected] with any questions or running stories


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

    13 March 2026, 11:25 am
  • 42 minutes 32 seconds
    Ep 9. Half Marathon Bootcamp: Race Day

    Welcome to episode 9 of a new series of podcasts from us at the Women’s Running Podcast, sponsored by Wahoo. I am your host Esther Newman and she is your other host Holly Taylor.


    Check out the brand new Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill - it's the only treadmill we've run on that feels completely natural! Use the code WOMENRUN when you order yours, and you’ll bag yourself a FREE heart rate monitor worth £79.99. offer expires 31st March. Run your run, with Wahoo.


    This is your half marathon bootcamp! And it’s for everyone who’s signed up to their first half marathon, or is attempting to get a better time next time round. In this series of 10 episodes, we will be covering everything from demystifying the types of running that will actually get you the results you want, to preventing niggles from cropping up along the way. We want to get us all to the start line with a smile on our faces!


    Race Day!

    In this 9th episode, we’re talking about race day! Yes, we’re here at last! You’ve done all your training, you’ve fuelled like a professional, tapered like an athlete, and now you’re minutes away from your victory lap. Here’s what to expect.


    Extra bits

    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.

     

    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.

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

    11 March 2026, 10:45 am
  • 45 minutes 35 seconds
    Ep 10. Start to Run: Races [RERUN]

    Welcome to the final episode of the Start to Run podcast series. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’ve been re-sharing these special episodes every week to help you get yourself moving, and you can find all episodes out now wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, welcome to the gang – let’s get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.


    Do I need to race as a runner?


    This week, we’re talking about races and, first off, it goes without saying that you absolutely don’t need to be a race-day diva if that’s not what floats your boat. We both find them a fantastic motivator and a good opportunity to put our training to the test, but if you don’t like them then definitely don’t force yourself.


    How to find the right race for you


    That being said, there are SO many races out there that you’re bound to find something that you do enjoy. We share our top tips for finding what’s right, along with the key things we’re looking out for before booking.


    How do I prepare for race day?


    Finally, we dig through the kit that we keep in our race day bags. Esther’s got plenty of advice for travel, accommodation and keeping warm on the start line, while my advice mainly revolves around avoiding thrush. 


    Thanks for joining us on the Start to Run journey, and massive luck with your running going forwards. Please share this series with a pal if you know anyone who’s considering lacing up their trainers for the first time, and we would LOVE you to rate and review us if you’ve enjoyed this series. If you haven’t, maybe just bitch about it to your mum or something because we’re sensitive souls.


    If you want more support with your running, join our Patreon where you can chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    And make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.


    We’ve also got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here.


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



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

    9 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    Ep 291. Sports watches, stats, anxiety

    Welcome to episode 291 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.


    Sports watches

    We indulge ourselves by having an episode all to ourselves. Holly has *finally* fallen in love with a sports watch. 10 days and counting, she’s officially obsessed. Meanwhile I’ve been getting back in the saddle, but MY sports watch is telling me off about it. We have a big old chat about watches and anxiety and stats, and how we’re managing all of that stuff. On top of that, Hol has been on her travels and has lots to say about that, and we also have hot chats about linguistics. Because of course we do.


    Our event

    And this is your last call for our event we’re holding the evening before the Bath Half on Saturday 14th March – just a few tickets left now (only a tenner!). It’s going to be a super fun evening, with lots of silliness planned, as well as a special guest in the shape of Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, who will be signing her new book after the talk. Our other big news is that we have managed to blag 10 free places for the 2027 Bath Half, which we’re going to be giving away on the night! Come along to see if you can pick up a free space! Search Women’s Running live event on Eventbrite to find it.


    Get the mag!

    Also if you’re fond of this pod, you are going to LOVE Women’s Running Magazine. Hop along to womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad to subscribe to the best running magazine there is (even if we don’t have Harry Styles on the cover) and to bag yourself a tasty saving with a third off the cover price. That’s womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad. womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad 


    Other lovely bits

    Get a third off the mag womensrunning.co.uk/podsquad 

    If you’re in Bath for the Bath Half in March, come along to our event, we’d love to see you!


    If you could be incredibly kind and fill out this quick survey we will be INDEBTED:

    http://bit.ly/thewomensrunningpodcast-survey

    Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE IT

    Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning

    Email us at [email protected] with any questions or running stories

     

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

    6 March 2026, 1:27 pm
  • 33 minutes 50 seconds
    Ep 8. Half Marathon Bootcamp: The taper

    Welcome to episode 8 of a new series of podcasts from us at the Women’s Running Podcast, sponsored by Wahoo. I am your host Esther Newman and she is your other host Holly Taylor.


    Check out the brand new Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill - it's the only treadmill we've run on that feels completely natural! Use the code WOMENRUN when you order yours, and you’ll bag yourself a FREE heart rate monitor worth £79.99. offer expires 31st March. Run your run, with Wahoo.


    This is your half marathon bootcamp! And it’s for everyone who’s signed up to their first half marathon, or is attempting to get a better time next time round. In this series of 10 episodes, we will be covering everything from demystifying the types of running that will actually get you the results you want, to preventing niggles from cropping up along the way. We want to get us all to the start line with a smile on our faces!


    In this 8th episode, we’re talking about some runners’ favourite bit, and some runners’ least favourite bit of the whole shebang: the taper. Love it or hate it, we’ve discovered it’s an essential part of training, and it’s the one thing that’s going to ensure you take your place on the start line feeling confident. So let’s get into it!


    Extra bits

    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.

     

    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


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

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

    4 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 38 minutes 40 seconds
    Ep 9. Start to Run: Female health and periods [RERUN]

    Welcome back to another Rerun episode of the Start to Run podcast series. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’re re-sharing these special episodes every week to help you get yourself moving, and you can find the first 8 episodes now wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, welcome to the gang – let’s get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.


    How do I manage my running around my period?


    This week, we run through the basics of our cycles. What does the 28-day cycle look like? And how should we be approaching our training in the different phases? Spoiler alert: it’s pretty subjective, as long as we’re arming ourselves with the right info.


    Endometriosis, PCOS and RED-S


    We also cover some of the conditions that might need a bit of extra consideration when it comes to your training. Endo, PCOS and RED-S girlies, we’re looking at you. 


    Lovely extras


    If you want more support with your running, join our Patreon where you can chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    And make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.


    We’ve also got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here.


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



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

    2 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
    Ep 290. Imo Boddy & new goals

    Welcome to episode 290 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.

     

    We’re talking about What’s Next? Hol has her half marathon goal coming up in March, and she’s already looking beyond that to work out what she’s going to do after then. I’m staying tight lipped about my own bumpy journey as I can’t quite look round the next corner yet, let alone the next training block. Mid way through our ramble we are joined by the incredible Imo Boddy.

     

    Imo Boddy

    Imo has taken on some of the biggest challenges in the UK at a ludicrously young age. She chats through her huge running feats, how she’s done them, the support she needs, and why she thinks ultras are the best distance!

     

    Running controversies

    We come back after chatting to Imo to talk about a controversy I read about in the press: in terms of relationship breakdowns, is running an ultra the ultimate red flag? And we also have a listener question on postnatal pelvic health, which I become enraged about. Do send us your thoughts to [email protected]

     

    Come to our event!

    There are a handful of tickets left for the event and race debrief we’re holding the evening before the Bath Half on Saturday 14th March. We’ve got a special guest in the shape of Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, who has run the Bath Half a billion times (give or take) and will be sharing her wisdom. Our other big news is that we have also managed to blag 10 free places for the 2027 Bath Half, which we’re going to be giving away on the night! Come along to see if you can pick up a free space! Search Women’s Running live event on Eventbrite to find it.

     

    Join the pod squad!

    By the way, lovely listeners – brace yourself because this episode is absolutely PACKED with ads. We need the ads to survive – that’s how it works. However, if you leap on to our Patreon, you can listen without these irritating interruptions. £2 a month for ad-free listening and access to our exclusive Pod Squad forum, too. Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning to find out more.

     

    Links

    Great advice on how to strengthen your pelvic floor, and when to start impactful exercise after having a baby.

    A bit more solid advice from Bupa, here.

     

    Follow the incredible Imo Boddy


    Get one of the last tickets to our event the night before the Bath Half

     

    Book your running holiday with Contours Holidays. Visit contours.co.uk or call 01629 821900, and use code 30FOR30 when booking your next adventure to get £30 off per person (offer expires 28th February, terms and conditions apply).

     

    Butcombe Beer are sponsoring the Bath Half, and if you haven’t got a spot in the race yet, they’re giving away two entries to the (now sold out 2026) race. Enter here, and good luck!

     

    If you’re in Bath for the Bath Half in March, come along to our event, we’d love to see you!


    If you could be incredibly kind and fill out this quick survey we will be INDEBTED:

    http://bit.ly/thewomensrunningpodcast-survey

    •  Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you can save 50%
    • Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE IT
    • Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning
    • Email us at [email protected] with any questions or running stories


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

    27 February 2026, 10:57 am
  • 38 minutes 35 seconds
    Ep 7. Half Marathon Bootcamp: Fuel & hydration

    Welcome to episode 7 of a new series of podcasts from us at the Women’s Running Podcast, sponsored by Wahoo. I am your host Esther Newman and she is your other host Holly Taylor.


    Check out the brand new Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill - it's the only treadmill we've run on that feels completely natural! Use the code WOMENRUN when you order yours, and you’ll bag yourself a FREE heart rate monitor worth £79.99. offer expires 31st March. Run your run, with Wahoo.


    This is your half marathon bootcamp! And it’s for everyone who’s signed up to their first half marathon, or is attempting to get a better time next time round. In this series of 10 episodes, we will be covering everything from demystifying the types of running that will actually get you the results you want, to preventing niggles from cropping up along the way. We want to get us all to the start line with a smile on our faces!


    Fuel and hydration

    In this 7th episode, we’re talking fuelling and hydration; in other words, food and drink. We chat through our inexpert fuelling in our first half marathons, and what we do now to keep ourselves well watered and fed, and how we avoid hitting the wall.


    Extra bits

    If you want more support with your running, make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.

     

    We’d also recommend joining our Patreon if you want to chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


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

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

    25 February 2026, 12:11 pm
  • 40 minutes 57 seconds
    Ep 8. Start to Run: Nutrition [RERUN]

    Welcome back to another Rerun episode of the Start to Run podcast series. As part of the Women’s Running podcast, we’re re-sharing these special episodes every week to help you get yourself moving, and you can find the first 7 episodes now wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, welcome to the gang – let’s get back to basics, cut through the crap and make running simple again.


    What do I eat before and after a run?


    This week, we’re talking the basics of nutrition. We share all the things we wish we hadn’t had to work out for ourselves, including the best pre-run breakfasts, how long to wait for everything to digest and how much protein we need to be eating afterwards.


    How much water do I need to drink before a run?


    We also cover some hydration basics. When do we need to be taking water out on the run with us? What on earth are electrolytes and how do we make sure we’re getting enough of them? It’s all going on today.


    Here’s the handy nutrition guide written by an expert that we mention a few times in the episode: https://www.womensrunning.co.uk/health/nutrition/nutrition-for-beginner-runners/


    Lovely extras


    If you want more support with your running, join our Patreon where you can chat to other runners just like you. From total beginners to everyday experts, we’ve got a properly diverse group chat going where you can ask any burning questions, show support and feel the love. Head to patreon.com/womensrunning to subscribe now.


    And make sure you subscribe to Women’s Running magazine using the exclusive code WRTRY6 at the checkout. You’ll get six issues for just £6 – an absolute bargain to get you started on your running journey. Head to our website and use code WRTRY6.


    We’ve also got a little email series to give you extra support too – weekly emails checking in and sharing some top tips. Sign up for these here.


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



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

    23 February 2026, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    Ep 289. Tough training and happy yoga

    Welcome to episode 289 of the Women’s Running podcast. I’m your host Esther Newman and she’s your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.

     

    Tough training

    Holly is getting to the ouchy part of her training, with huge amounts of mileage and a dose of gloom that I try to help with. However I don’t help anywhere near as much as Hannah Barrett does, who joins us halfway through.

     

    Yoga happy

    Hannah is the founder of Yoga Happy. We met Hannah last year and immediately clicked. Her take on life, stress and yoga are hugely relatable. We got her on to talk about how we can use her practice to both help our running and reduce our stress in everyday life. She offered up some simple breathing techniques that we will definitely be taking to our next races…

     

    Bath Half giveaway!

    Don’t go away afterwards, though, as we need to talk to you about the event we’re holding the evening before the Bath Half on Saturday 14th March. It’s all coming together! We’ve got a special guest in the shape of Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, who has run the Bath Half a billion times (give or take) and will be sharing her wisdom. Our other big news is that we have also managed to blag 10 free places for the 2027 Bath Half, which we’re going to be giving away on the night! Come along to see if you can pick up a free space!

     

    Join the pod squad!

    By the way, lovely listeners – brace yourself because this episode is absolutely PACKED with ads. We need the ads to survive – that’s how

    it works. However, if you leap on to our Patreon, you can listen without these irritating interruptions. £2 a month for ad-free listening and access to our

    exclusive Pod Squad forum, too. Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning to find out more.

     

    Links

    • Get one of the last tickets to our event the night before the Bath Half

    • Check out Hannah Barrett’s app, Yoga Happy

    • Details of the Reclaim the Night walk in Brecon are here – do please go along if you’re a local!
    • Get expert coaching with the Coopah app. Use the code WOMENSRUNNING for two weeks free, plus 20% off a year’s coaching. Just head to coopah.com/womensrunning
    • Book your running holiday with Contours Holidays. Visit contours.co.uk or call 01629 821900, and use code 30FOR30 when booking your next adventure to get £30 off per person (offer expires 28th February, terms and conditions apply).

    • Butcombe Beer are sponsoring the Bath Half, and if you haven’t got a spot in the race yet, they’re giving away two entries to the (now sold out) race. Enter here, and good luck!
    •  
    • If you’re in Bath for the Bath Half in March, come along to our event, we’d love to see you!
    • If you could be incredibly kind and fill out this quick survey we will be INDEBTED: http://bit.ly/thewomensrunningpodcast-survey
    • Subscribe to Women’s Running – and you can save 50%
    • Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we’ve been using it for ages and LOVE IT
    • Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunning
    • Email us at [email protected] with any questions or running stories


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

    20 February 2026, 2:30 pm
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