Episode 25: Why Relay Races Are Taking Over Trail Running | RUNcensored Podcast EP25

In this episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey explore one of the fastest-growing trends in trail and fell running: relay races.

From grassroots legends like the Calderdale Way Relay to newcomers like the Spine Challenger North Relay, Gary and Ben look at why runners across the UK are trading solo suffering for team chaos—and loving every minute of it.

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🟢 Why relay races are booming across the UK

🏔️ We explain how the relay formats works for trail events

🏃 Ben’s love for the iconic Calderdale Way Relay and the Hodgson Brother Relay

🥵 Stories of carnage, chaos, and club camaraderie

🏔️ Highlights from British Fell Relays, and the best relays on the European Circuit Trofeo Vanon,i the ASICS Coast to Coast and 9\\]The Rifugi

🧠 Why relays might be the antidote to ultra-running elitism

📣 Listener shoutouts and love for team racing culture

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Weekend catch-up and podcast housekeeping

2:40 – Gary introduces today’s topic: relay races

4:50 – Why relays are more fun than solo ultras

7:20 – Ben’s love for the Calderdale Way Relay

11:05 – How relay formats bring people into the sport

14:45 – The Lap, Green Man Ultra & Highland Ultra Relay

19:30 – Spine Challenger North Relay – new in 2025

23:40 – Chaos and teamwork: the best and worst of relays

28:15 – Old-school club racing culture

32:00 – Team tactics and navigation pressure

36:50 – Are relays the future of UK trail running?

41:10 – Funny stories from Ben’s club relay days

47:25 – The psychology of running as a team

53:05 – Why relay race reports are better

58:30 – Listener shoutouts and community love

1:05:00 – Tips for relay organisers and new runners

1:11:20 – Final thoughts and relay wishlists

1:17:45 – Next week’s episode tease & outro

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered why more and more runners are racing in teams—or if you’ve survived a mud-soaked club relay yourself—this episode is for you. It’s got banter, memories, and a genuine look at how relays are reshaping the UK trail scene.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!

#RUNcensored #RelayRaces #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #CalderdaleWayRelay #SpineRace #RunningPodcast #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #ClubRunning #TeamRunning #MountainRunning #UKTrailRunning

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UTS 2025 Recap – Ice Pops, Elite Performances & Trail Chaos | RUNcensored Podcast EP24

In this episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey dive into everything that went down at the 2025 edition of Ultra-Trail Snowdonia Eryri by UTMB (UTS), the UK’s only UTMB World Series race.

Gary attended the event to support his friend Rich Lazenby in the 100-miler, hand out ice pops to overheating runners, and experience the full scale of UTS madness from the sidelines. Ben stayed home—and by the end of the episode, he's kind of glad he did.

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🏁 UTS Race Structure – 100M, 100K, 50K, 25K and why the 100K was stacked this year

🧊 Ice Pops at Aid Stations – Gary’s grassroots contribution goes viral

📦 Logistics Mayhem – Missed turns, signal issues, soup gate, and more

📊 Elite Performances – Jon Albon, Blanchard, Collison, Roberts, Jones

🧠 The Mental Side – Rich Lazenby’s 100M low patch & Sam Skinner’s top-10 grit

🌍 The Bigger Picture – Is UTMB helping or hurting the grassroots UK trail scene?

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Weekend catch-up & Gary’s visit to UTS

6:23 – UTS race distances and UTMB’s influence on the event

10:13 – Crewing Rich Lazenby and the reality of the 100 miler

15:02 – Safety, terrain, and weather challenges in Eryri

20:26 – Elite performances across the 100M and 100K races

24:18 – Ice pops, checkpoint support & Gary’s viral aid station moment

29:11 – Logistics chaos: traffic, tracking, and signal dropouts

33:34 – Aid station inconsistencies and supply issues

38:00 – Water shortages, heat, and ‘soup gate’ drama

48:10 – Big names in the 100K: Albon, Blanchard, Collison, Jones

51:07 – UK trail running evolution and what’s changing

54:35 – Podium shoutouts: Sam Skinner, Laurie Morgan, Eleanor Davis

57:10 – UTMB’s impact on British trail events

1:00:06 – Community moments and listener interactions

1:08:03 – How RUNcensored is inspiring the next generation

1:14:03 – Race calendar congestion: UTS, The Arc, The Spine

1:23:34 – Final thoughts, reflections & future of UTS

Why You Should Listen:

If you care about ultrarunning, mountain racing, or the direction trail running is heading in the UK, this episode pulls no punches. It’s full of race highlights, honest critiques, personal stories, and shoutouts to some of the most inspiring athletes on the scene—including Stephanie Case, whose win went viral for all the right reasons.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!

#RUNcensored #UTS2025 #UltraTrailSnowdonia #UTMBWorldSeries #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #JonathanAlbon #StephanieCase #KimCollison #MathieuBlanchard #IcePopsAndElevation #RunningPodcast #MountainRunning #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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What happens when you become an internet meme overnight? Danny Andrews knows better than anyone. Back in 2007, he gained viral fame as the "Fish and a Rice Cake Guy" after appearing in the BBC Three documentary Baby Faced Bodybuilders. That clip—where he repeated his bizarre daily diet of fish and rice cakes—exploded on YouTube, turning Danny into an internet sensation. But what happened after the laughs?

In this episode, Gary and Ben sit down with Danny to unpack the reality behind the meme. From dealing with online trolls and unexpected fame to building a career as a barber and launching his own rice cake business, Danny shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🐟 Viral Fame – How 'Fish and a Rice Cake' took over the internet

✂️ Life After the Meme – Building a career as a barber and entrepreneur

🍚 Danny’s Rice Cake Business – Turning a meme into a marketable product

💬 Social Media and Negativity – Handling trolls and public pressure

⛰️ Lakeland Trails 10K – All the Gear, No Idea disaster in the Lake District

🤝 The Kindness of the Running Community – Why runners are different

🔥 Gary's Viral Video Strategy – How stereotypes made his content explode

📹 The "Stereotype Guy" Controversy – When jokes get taken too seriously

✅ Just Say Yes – Danny's new mentality for embracing every opportunity

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 – Intro and Meet Danny Andrews

4:15 – Becoming the “Fish and a Rice Cake Guy”

10:20 – Going Viral: The Highs and the Lows

18:50 – Life After the Meme: Barbershops and New Businesses

27:15 – The Dark Side of Social Media

33:45 – Paul Mort’s Advice on Handling Negativity

40:10 – Launching Danny’s Rice Cakes

48:30 – Gary’s Secrets to Viral Videos

55:50 – Danny’s ‘Just Say Yes’ Attitude

1:02:10 – Social Media’s Role in Running Culture

1:07:00 – Danny's Lakeland Trails 10K Story: All the Gear, No Idea

1:11:00 – The "Stereotype Guy" Video and Online Backlash

1:13:30 – Danny's Surprise at the Running Community

1:15:00 – Outro and What’s Next for Danny

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a viral meme fades away, Danny Andrews has the story. From being laughed at by millions to building his own business, Danny’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and saying yes to wild opportunities. Plus, we dive into all the gear, no idea moments, the kindness of the running community, and why sometimes, you just have to lean into the joke.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!

#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #FishAndRiceCakes #DannyAndrews #ViralFame #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #SocialMedia #PaulMort #EnduranceRunning #InternetMeme #ViralVideos #ContentCreation #JustSayYes #RunningCommunity #SocialMediaAndRunning #TrailRunning #LakelandTrails10K

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EP22 - “My Brain Fell Out”: Mel Sykes on Running 268 Miles After Brain Surgery

How far would you go after brain surgery? For Mel Sykes, the answer was 268 miles. In this episode, Gary and Ben sit down with Mel to hear her incredible journey from brain surgery to completing the Montane Spine Race—one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

Diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition where part of her brain pressed into her spinal canal, Mel faced surgery with the terrifying possibility that she might never run again. But instead of slowing down, she did the opposite. She signed up for the Spine Race—268 miles of relentless mud, snow, and hallucinations across the Pennine Way.

In This Episode:

• The first signs of Chiari Malformation—headaches, blurred vision, and balance issues
• Facing brain surgery and the mental strength it took to endure it
• Learning to walk and run again — one painful step at a time
• Entering the Spine Race post-surgery and battling through brutal conditions
• What it’s like to run 268 miles when your body has been through hell and back
• The state of cheating in ultra running and why race integrity matters

Key Moments:

00:00 – Intro and Meet Mel Sykes

05:00 – Discovering the Symptoms: Headaches, Blurred Vision & Balance Issues

11:30 – The Diagnosis: Chiari Malformation and the Road to Brain Surgery

19:45 – Facing the Surgery: Risks, Reality, and Mental Strength

27:20 – The Long Road to Recovery: Learning to Walk and Run Again

36:00 – Returning to the Trails: First Steps Back into Running

43:50 – Entering the Spine Race: 268 Miles of Brutality

53:15 – Training for Ultras Post-Surgery: Lessons Learned

1:01:40 – Facing Adversity: Running Through Pain and Pushing Limits

1:11:20 – Cheating Scandals in Ultra Running: Integrity and Fair Play

1:20:50 – Mel’s Mindset: How Brain Surgery Changed Her Approach

1:29:10 – Future Races and Plans: What’s Next for Mel?

1:36:30 – Outro and Final Reflections

🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_pklymQxtluqvkNmf41MYI7fOk8Ki_YT

💬 Got a question for Mel, Gary, or Ben? Drop us a message—we might read it out next episode!

#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #BrainSurgery #SpineRace #ChiariMalformation #EnduranceRunning #MentalStrength #AdventureRaces

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Ep21: The Biggest Weekend in Running? London, Manchester, Three Peaks, Fellsman & More

One weekend. Every race. All the drama.

Gary and Ben break down a stacked weekend in UK and international running, covering everything from world records in London to a historic win at the Fellsman — plus spicy takes on DNFs, influencer pressure, gear trends, and even robot marathons.

London Marathon 2025

• 58,000 runners and unseasonably hot conditions
• Peres Jepchirchir sets the women-only world record (2:16:16)
• Mohamed Mohamed finishes as top British man
• Alex Yee runs 2:09 on debut while still training for triathlon
• Eilish McColgan sets a new Scottish record as first British woman
• DNF rants, pacing mistakes, Instagram tears, and the rise of the “oxygen mask selfie”

Manchester Marathon

• Strong runs from Duncan, Mitch, and more
• Thoughts on race execution, disappointment, and recovery when things go wrong

Fellsman Ultra

• Anna Llwellyn becomes the first female overall winner in the race’s 61-year history
• What it means for women’s trail running and why these events need support to survive
• Commentary on the Fellsman’s history and future

Yorkshire Three Peaks Fell Race

• Alistair Brownlee toes the line, but it’s Ben Rothery who takes the win
• Nicola Jackson and Sharon Taylor dominate the women’s race
• Reflections on course changes, tactical racing, and fell legends like Karl Gray, Ricky Lightfoot, and Rob Jebb
• Is the Three Peaks still one of the UK’s great races?

Other UK Races

• Burnsall and Wharfedale trail events
• Dales Trails and grassroots fell support

Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT)

• Katie Schide takes on her partner Germain Grangier and nearly beats the men
• Could she challenge Courtney Dauwalter at UTMB this year?

Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji (UTMF)

• How live coverage and race prestige are shifting global trail running focus
• Wishlist races and dream destinations

Other Talking Points

• Branded campaigns and athlete pressure (including Sportsshoes stories)
• £900 Nike x Hyperice recovery boots
• Robot marathoners in China (yes, really)
• Everyone’s racing in hydration vests now — even at 5Ks
• And of course: Gary and Ben’s usual chaos, coaching insight, and unfiltered takes

Chapters

💬 Enjoying the episode? Leave a comment on YouTube or DM us on Instagram — we’ll read out some of your replies next week. And if you’re loving the pod, don’t forget to follow, rate and review. It helps more than you know!

#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #LondonMarathon #ManchesterMarathon #Fellsman #ThreePeaks #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #AlexYee #EilishMcColgan #KatieSchide #BethanLlewelyn #AlistairBrownlee #CourtneyDauwalter #MIUT #UTMF

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Episode 20: Running Myths, Dirty Kit Confessions & Strength Training Truths | ChatGBT

How many sweaty runs can you get out of your kit before you really need to wash it? 🫣

And is social media changing running culture for better—or worse?

This week on RUNcensored, Gary and Ben are back with another ChatGBT episode, answering your questions with their usual mix of brutal honesty, funny stories, and real-world running advice.

The episode covers a wide range of running-related topics, including:

• The influence of social media on running – and why many influencers might be doing it for the wrong reasons.
• Preparation for ultras – how a lot of first-time ultrarunners are underprepared (and why that’s normal and survivable!).
• How often should you replace your running shoes? – including hilarious commentary on the evolution of race shoes, carbon plates, and shoe durability.
• How many runs you can get out of your running kit before washing it – with a brutally honest (and funny) conversation about smell tests, gooch checks, and sweaty kit habits.
• Essential kit for running ultras – practical tips on gear, lube, nutrition, hygiene, and even toothbrushes for long races.
• The importance of strength training for runners – why most runners know they should strength train, but few actually do, and how to make it realistic and sustainable.
• Gary’s behind-the-scenes insight into working at big trail events – including frustrations with media expectations and why knowing your worth matters.
• Funny stories about embarrassing running habits, stand-up comedy ambitions, and how growing up in the UK shaped their humour.

At its core, the episode blends practical running advice, mindset coaching, and plenty of banter—perfect for trail runners, ultra runners, and anyone who loves the real, messy side of the sport.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: ChatGBT Chaos Begins

04:20 – Social Media and Running: Good or Bad?

09:30 – Undertrained for Your First Ultra?

16:10 – Shoe Life: When to Replace Running Shoes

21:45 – Sweaty Kit Confessions & Gooch Checks

29:20 – Ultra Running Kit Essentials

35:00 – Strength Training for Real Runners

41:00 – Behind the Scenes at Big Trail Events

49:10 – British Humour, Comedy, and Bad Habits

56:00 – Final Thoughts: Keeping Running Honest

Why You Should Listen:

If you love trail running, ultras, and laughing at the ridiculous side of the sport, this one’s for you. It’s real advice, real stories, and a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep moving forward.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday – follow, subscribe, and join the madness!

#TrailRunning #UltraRunning #RunningPodcast #RunningGear #StrengthTraining #RUNcensored #ChatGBT #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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Episode 19: How The Chimp Paradox Helped Me Start Running – with Nigel Richards

How do you go from barely being able to run a mile… to training for one of the toughest races in the UK?

In this episode of the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by Nigel Richards, a former driving instructor from Wrexham who turned his life around with the help of running—and a mindset model from the best-selling book The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters.

Nigel shares how a single book changed the way he thought, moved, and made decisions. With Gary’s coaching and support, Nigel went from running in the rain for one minute at a time to signing up for the Lakeland 50. But this conversation isn’t one-sided—Nigel also helped Gary rethink how he approached his own racing mindset using the Chimp Model.

This episode is a powerful blend of coaching insights, personal breakthroughs, and practical tips for anyone starting their running journey—or looking to get their head back in the game.

What is The Chimp Paradox?

Written by psychiatrist Prof. Steve Peters, the book explains how your brain has two main drivers:

• The Chimp (emotional, reactive)
• The Human (logical, rational)

Understanding how these systems work helps you manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve performance. The Chimp Model has been used by elite athletes including:

• Sir Chris Hoy (Olympic cyclist)
• Ronnie O’Sullivan (snooker world champion)
• Victoria Pendleton (Olympic cyclist)
• Steven Gerrard (football legend)

In This Episode:

• Why Nigel started running after 20 years behind the wheel
• How The Chimp Paradox helped him take control of his mindset
• Gary’s experience applying the model to his own racing
• Why emotion, identity, and self-talk matter more than speed
• The role of coaching, community, and setting meaningful goals
• Cadence, balance, breathing, and building beginner-friendly routines
• Nigel’s road to the Lakeland 50—and a Mars bar meltdown for the ages

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & van trouble banter

01:37 – Meet Nigel Richards

02:33 – Discovering The Chimp Paradox

04:46 – Nigel’s first rainy run session

08:00 – Coaching challenges & transformation

11:06 – How The Chimp Paradox changed everything

15:20 – Gary’s race mindset & helicopter thinking

25:00 – Uncovering your “why” with the Stone of Life

31:35 – Nigel signs up for the Lakeland 50

37:15 – Local running groups & coaching moments

44:00 – Cadence, breathing & habit building

54:00 – Mindset, drills & the 3 stages of a marathon

01:03:45 – The Chimp beyond running

01:04:42 – How the Chimp model applies beyond running

01:05:34 – Steve Peters’ background & elite sport connection

01:07:00 – Final thoughts & the power of timing in mentorship

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to rediscover your motivation, this episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Nigel’s journey proves that it’s not just about miles—it’s about mindset.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow, subscribe, and let us know how you manage your inner chimp.

#RunningPodcast #TheChimpParadox #BeginnerRunning #TrailRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #NigelRichards #MentalResilience #Lakeland50

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Episode 18: Holly Stables on Surviving The Speed Project – 340 Miles to Vegas

How far would you run for a challenge? How about 340 miles across the desert… solo?

This week on the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by ultrarunner, coach, and community builder Holly Stables (@rushbynature), fresh off completing The Speed Project—an unsanctioned, unsupported race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas that’s as wild as it is infamous.

Holly ran solo, with Gary as part of her crew, and went on to finish second overall in the women’s category. In this brutally honest conversation, she breaks down the reality of running through sleep deprivation, blistering heat, nosebleeds, hallucinations, poor nutrition, and the full chaos of managing an RV support vehicle with a team of mates.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run for days across a desert with no rules, no finish line tape, and only your own mindset to get you through—it’s all here.

Who is Holly Stables?

Holly is an ultrarunner, endurance coach, and co-founder of the UK trail running community Rush By Nature. She’s known for her grounded, honest approach to running and life, and has helped countless runners build confidence through coaching, community, and leading by example.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What exactly is The Speed Project, and why is it so difficult?
• How Holly trained (and didn’t train) for a 340-mile solo run
• Crew chaos, sleep deprivation, and managing the mental rollercoaster
• Fueling with burgers, hot sauce, and occasional meltdowns
• Racing side-by-side with the front runner—and what happened next
• Gary’s behind-the-scenes role and the things he definitely didn’t plan for
• Holly’s honest take on whether she’d do it all again

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome Holly!

03:40 – What is The Speed Project?

07:30 – Training and preparation (sort of)

12:00 – Life in the van and crew dynamics

17:20 – Nosebleeds, heat, and hallucinations

23:00 – Burgers, Red Bull & hot sauce: the fueling plan

29:45 – Catching the front-runner

36:10 – Mental fatigue and final miles into Vegas

44:20 – Recovery, reflection, and race blues

50:30 – Would she do it again?

Why You Should Listen:

This episode gives a raw and real insight into one of the most extreme races out there—told with honesty, humour, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether you’re into ultra running, long-distance challenges, or just love a story of human grit, this one delivers.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday – follow and subscribe!

#TheSpeedProject #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #RunningPodcast #HollyStables #RushByNature #DesertRunning #MentalToughness #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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