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Can running change your life?

For ultra runner, coach and author Allie Bailey, the answer is yes, but not in the way most people think.

In this episode of the VOOM Performance Podcast, Allie shares the remarkable story of how running became the first step on her journey out of alcoholism, depression and addiction, and how sobriety transformed not only her life but also the way she approaches endurance sport and coaching.

This is an open, honest and deeply moving conversation about resilience, recovery and the connection between mental health and performance. Ali explains why running alone couldn't fix the challenges she faced, how accepting her addiction became the turning point in her recovery, and why true performance begins with understanding yourself—not simply training harder.

Today, Allie is an accomplished ultra runner, respected coach and bestselling author, helping athletes build confidence, resilience and balance both on and off the trails. Her coaching philosophy goes far beyond pace, mileage and finish times, placing equal importance on emotional wellbeing, self-awareness and sustainable performance.

Whether you're training for your first marathon, tackling an ultra, navigating your own mental health journey or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers powerful lessons that extend far beyond running.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How running supported Allie through addiction and depression.
• Why sobriety completely changed her relationship with running.
• The role of acceptance in recovery and personal growth.
• How mental health impacts endurance performance.
• Why resilience is about more than pushing through pain.
• Ali's unique coaching philosophy and why she coaches the whole person, not just the athlete.
• Practical lessons every runner can apply to improve both performance and wellbeing.

Why you should listen

Too often, endurance sport focuses solely on physical performance. This conversation reminds us that the strongest athletes aren't always those who train the hardest, they're often the ones who understand themselves the best.

Allie's story is one of courage, vulnerability and hope. It's a powerful reminder that recovery isn't linear, healing takes time, and running can become an incredible tool for self-discovery when combined with honesty, support and self-compassion.

If you're interested in ultra running, mental health, addiction recovery, resilience, women's endurance sport or performance coaching, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

If you enjoy this episode of the VOOM Performance Podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review and share it with someone who would benefit from hearing Ali's story.

Resources & Links

Learn More About Voom Nutrition

VOOM Nutrition creates science-backed sports nutrition products designed for endurance athletes, helping support energy, hydration, recovery, and performance across training and racing.

Explore the full range of products at:
https://www.voomnutrition.co.uk/

Whether you're training for your next ultra, marathon, sportive or open water swim, Voom Nutrition helps you fuel smarter so you can perform at your best.

About Allie Bailey https://www.alliebailey.co.uk/

Allie Bailey is an award-winning endurance coach, ultra runner, author and speaker. Named Coach of the Year at the 2024 National Running Awards, she is the founder of Ultra Awesome, where she helps runners build confidence, resilience and a healthy relationship with endurance sport.

Drawing on her own journey through addiction, recovery and mental health, Allie's work focuses on coaching the whole person, combining mindset, wellbeing and performance to help athletes achieve sustainable success both on and off the trails.

Order 31 Days https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/31-days-allie-bailey

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