We also dig into some genuinely hot UTMB news: Chamonix's new mayor is raising concerns about the race's impact on the town and the Alps, and runner numbers may be heading for a cut.

But the heart of this episode is what we keep coming back to — the community. Dawn tells the story of her “kinder introduction to trail running” (spoiler: it was anything but kind), and Becky shares how a stranger on the Spine Race became one of her closest friends — the kind of trail bond that turns up with water bottles when you've forgotten yours, 40 miles from home.

In This Episode

●      Dawn's comeback from long-term injury and her Racing the Planet Ultralight experience in Mongolia

●      Becky's build-up to the OCC at UTMB week — the course changes, the cutoffs, and the nerves

●      This week's UTMB news: Chamonix's new mayor and the debate over runner numbers

●      Why trail running conversations are never about pace — it's “have you had a poo?” energy

●      Dawn's unforgettable first proper trail outing on Kinder Scout in the Peak District

●      Becky's Spine Race story — meeting Darren, a Mountain Rescue volunteer who became a lifelong trail friend

●      Why there's “no ego” in ultra running, and how shared struggle builds real friendship

Get In Touch

Got a story about a trail friendship, or a question for us? We'd love to hear it — email us at stillrunningstrong@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Still Running Strong is for general interest and entertainment only. We share our own personal experiences, not professional medical, nutritional, or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making changes to your training, diet, or health.

In this taster episode, hosts Becky and Dawn introduce themselves, share the (slightly smelly) story of how they met at an ultra race in Greece, and talk about why midlife might just be the strongest chapter yet — even while their bodies are changing shape around them.

Expect honest conversations about perimenopause and menopause from lived experience (not medical advice — they're very clear on that), the friendships that ultra running builds, and why this podcast is for absolutely anyone who runs, walks, or ultra-walks their way through a race.

In This Episode

●      Who Becky and Dawn are, and what “mid-pack” really means

●      How they met — a running retreat kitchen in the Lakes, and an unforgettable moment in a tent in Greece

●      Why midlife is a new chapter, not a decline

●      What listeners can expect from the show: real stories, practical tips, and guests with their own journeys to tell

●      Why this isn't a professional advice podcast — just two women sharing what's worked for them

Connect With Us

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on new episodes, and get in touch if you've got a story to share — we'd love to have you as a guest.

Still Running Strong is for general interest and entertainment only. We share our own personal experiences, not professional medical, nutritional, or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making changes to your training, diet, or health.