In this episode, Alex and Darren reflect on a big few weeks. From launching the new studio and upgrading the setup, to celebrating the success of the Couch to 5K group at Holmer Park, this one is packed with progress.

They share the journey from week one nerves to completing a full 5K, including standout moments like Mary completing the programme at 75 and the group continuing to run together even after the programme finished.

There is also a look ahead to the new run club, upcoming Run Hereford involvement, athlete challenges, and a reminder of the realities of training with Rob’s crash and the importance of staying safe.

🎧 Tune in for a quick, honest update on growth, community, and what’s next for SPC.

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Rob opens up about receiving life changing news, navigating personal loss, and continuing to train when quitting would have been the easier option. From rediscovering purpose through endurance sport to completing Ironman races under emotional and physical strain, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what consistency and resilience can build over time.

This episode dives into mindset, structure, and the quiet discipline required to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go to plan. Honest, raw, and deeply motivating.

🎧 Listen now for a story that proves strength is built through adversity.

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Tim shares his journey as a remote area medic providing frontline medical support in high-risk environments, working with the BBC Natural History Unit, oil and gas operations, and even spending time in Patagonia and Kenya alongside Sir David Attenborough. From conflict zones to wildlife documentaries, his career is anything but ordinary.

 Now settled with his wife and two young boys, Tim balances family life with a demanding role in the medical device industry while continuing to compete in endurance events, including Ironman racing.

 This episode explores adaptability, responsibility, and how to build performance around real life. It is a powerful reminder that you do not need perfect conditions to pursue big goals, just structure, perspective, and smart decisions.

 🎧 Tune in for an episode packed with stories from around the world, lessons from high pressure environments, and honest insight into balancing career, family, and endurance sport.

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Addy shares her experience serving in the military, tackling some of the toughest physical and mental challenges along the way, including elite level courses and operational life. Alongside her military career, Addy has developed a deep passion for running, completing multiple marathons and continuing to compete across a range of distances.

More recently, Addy has stepped into the world of Hyrox, applying her military mindset to a new arena with one clear goal in mind, improving performance and pushing towards podium finishes and world championship qualification.

This episode explores how military discipline translates into training, how Addy balances strength, endurance, and recovery, and what it really takes to keep progressingwhile managing high pressure environments. From racing mindset to long term goals, this conversation is packed with lessons for everyday athletes looking to build consistency and resilience.

🎧 Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about pushing limits, embracing challenge, and showing up ready to work.

https://www.smartperformancecoaching.co.uk

 In this episode, Alex talks through the start of his latest challenge and the road ahead. Kicking off the year with his first simulation run, Alex breaks down a 25 mile effort completed as five rounds of five miles. Each loop was run for 50 minutes followed by 22 minutes of rest, replicating the demands of long distance endurance racing.

 This episode gives insight into how Alex is preparing for his biggest challenge yet, Endure24, a 24 hour race taking place in Reading over the weekend of 6 and 7 June 2026. With a goal of running 100 miles, the months ahead will include four key simulation races of 25, 35, 50, and 75 miles, focusing not just on running but also fuelling, recovery, pacing, and mindset.

 If you’re interested in endurance, long term preparation, or how big goals are built one smart step at a time, this episode gives a real and honest look at the process.

 🎧 Tune in and follow the journey as the Road to Endure24 begins.

 https://www.smartperformancecoaching.co.uk

https://www.smartperformancecoaching.co.uk

From his first diagnosis, through multiple surgeries, learning to breathe and speak again, and then going on to complete half marathons, ultras, and triathlons — Richard’s journey shows what the human spirit is truly capable of.

This episode dives into the toughest moments of his battle, the mindset shifts that kept him going, and how endurance sport helped him find purpose again. His honesty, humour, and strength will leave you inspired to push a little harder and appreciate the power of each day.

🎧 Listen now and get ready for one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever shared.

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In this kickoff episode, we’re sharing a little bit about what’s coming up for the Smart Performance Club in 2026. We’re also diving into the nuances of off-season training—how it’s a bit different and how to make the most of it. Plus, it’s our chance to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear from Darren, Alex, and the entire SPC team.

So tune in, enjoy the first of many bite-sized episodes, and get ready for a great year ahead!

https://www.smartperformancecoaching.co.uk

In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Alex and Darren sit down with Rachel Trott — a qualified nutritionist and dedicated triathlete — to cut through the confusion around fuelling, dieting trends, and the myths that keep athletessecond-guessing their nutrition.

Rachel simplifies the science, debunks the misinformation, and shares the smart swaps that actually make a difference in training, racing, and everyday life. From carbs and protein timing to supplements, hydration, and social media truth bombs, this conversation brings clarity to a topic filled with noise.

 Whether you’re training for your first event or working to optimise your performance, Rachel delivers practical, real-world advice you can start using today.

🎧 Tune in to get smarter about fuelling — and learn what really works.

https://www.smartperformancecoaching.co.uk/

From the moment she decided to make a change, Ann transformed her lifestyle through smarter nutrition, structured strength training, and consistency that carried her all the way to chasing the World Marathon Majors — six iconic marathons across the globe.

Ann’s story is packed with practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and lessons on what’s possible when you commit to becoming just a little smarter, stronger, and healthier every day.

🎧 Listen now to get inspired by the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

https://www.smartperformancecoaching.co.uk/

In this first episode, hosts Alex Knowles and Darren Gibbons, founders of Smart Performance Coaching (SPC), introduce themselves and share how SPC began. From endurance sport to everyday health, they break down what it means to train with purpose, build resilience, and create lasting results — not just in sport, but in life.

Expect real talk on coaching, mindset, and the smarter lessons they’ve learned working with athletes of all levels.

🎧 Tune in, get to know your hosts, and start your journey to becoming a little smarter than yesterday.

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