This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ayesha McGowan - a history-maker, activist, and rider who didn’t even discover racing until her 20s. From learning to ride fixed gear bikes on city streets to signing with Liv Racing and competing in Europe, Ayesha’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and passion.

In this incredible conversation, we cover:

🚴 Starting from scratch: how Ayesha went from music teacher to pro cyclist

🏁 The underground street race that sparked her competitive spirit

💥 Winning her third-ever race and realising she wanted more

🌍 Her breakthrough moment racing the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l'Ardèche

👊 Creating A Quick Brown Fox, The Black Foxes, and The Abundance Project

📣 Why cycling must change and how she’s building new paths for women of colour

🧠 Life after pro racing: identity, advocacy, and redefining her impact on the sport

Whether you're a runner, rider, or just someone chasing big dreams, Ayesha’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible and to create the change you want to see.

🎧 Listen now and do not forget to rate, share and follow The Runna Podcast.

✨ Use code PODCAST25 to try the Runna app free for 2 weeks.

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

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Laura Weightman - two-time Olympian, Commonwealth and European medallist, and one of the UK’s all-time fastest women.

From toeing the line at London 2012 as a 21-year-old with everything to prove, to battling brutal injuries that forced her into early retirement, Laura opens up about the highs, the heartbreak and what comes next when your Olympic dream ends.

In this raw and honest conversation, we unpack:

🏃‍♀️ Making the Olympic final at 21 and learning to race without fear

🥉 The behind-the-scenes pressure of staying at the top - when everyone’s watching

🧠 Why mental health support changed the game after Rio 2016

💔 How career-ending injuries forced her to walk away on her own terms

🔥 What she wishes every young female athlete knew

👟 Finding freedom again through coaching, mentoring, and grassroots running

If you’ve ever had to let go of a dream, question your identity, or rebuild from scratch - this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, review, and follow The Runna Podcast.

🆓 Use code PODCAST25 for 2 weeks free on the Runna app → https://www.runna.com

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

What would you do if you were told, at just 23, that you would almost certainly develop dementia and lose your life within 10 –15 years?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan Adams, co-founder of The FTD Brothers, who opens up about his extraordinary journey from teenage caregiver to record-breaking fundraiser and endurance runner.

After his mum was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at just 47, Jordan became her primary carer through the final years of her life. At 23, he took the genetic test himself and learned he carries the same rare gene mutation. Faced with a terminal diagnosis, Jordan decided not to give up, but to use it as his ‘license to live’.

In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, we unpack:

🏃‍♂️ Running his first marathon at 18, then 7 in 7 days, and 49 total to date

🧬 Receiving a terminal diagnosis at 23 & using it as a license to live

👨‍👩‍👦 Caring for his mum from 15 years old and coping with her loss

🌍 Running the length of the UK (Land’s End to John O’Groats) with his brother Cian

🎗️ Raising over £250,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK

💬 The mental toll of grief, survivor’s guilt & finding purpose

🔥 Future plans: a marathon in every Irish county, coast-to-coast Canada & more

👟 Why running helped save his life - physically, mentally and emotionally

Jordan’s story is one of grief, resilience, family, and relentless purpose. Whether you’re a runner or not, this is an episode that will stay with you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, share and follow The Runna Podcast.

✨ Use code PODCAST25 to try the Runna app free for 2 weeks.

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