Podcast
The Pace Invader
Hosted by Daniel · EN
The Pace Invader is a podcast about the miles that shape us. In each episode, I chat with everyday runners about why they run, what they’ve learned along the way, and the stories behind their strides.
From first 5Ks to marathon memories, mental health to mid-run music choices, we talk honestly about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re training hard, running slow, or just thinking about lacing up—these are real voices from real runners, usually recorded just after Parkrun while the sweat (and endorphins) are still fresh.
Because everyone’s running story is worth telling.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Sarah’s Story -The 75-Year-Old Parkrunner Still Going Strong
Oct 1800:09:33Tap to summarizeAt 75, Sarah’s still lacing up every Saturday — and she’s been doing it since the very first Weymouth parkrun back in 2013.In this chat, she talks about:How her daughter inspired her to start runningThe community spirit that keeps her coming backWhy she loves the seaside course (except when it’s windy)What’s still on her 2013 iPodAnd why her husband’s is part of parkrun legend at The PineappleThis episode is a reminder that running isn’t about PBs — it’s about people, persistence, and turning up.
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Jillian - Running to heal
Oct 1100:14:41Tap to summarizeIt was one of the windiest interviews I’ve ever recorded — but Jillian wasn’t fazed. She’s the kind of runner who keeps showing up, whatever the weather.In this episode, we talk about running when she was younger, taking a long break and returning in her 50's. We discuss motivation, some tragedy and why not every run needs to be a race.It’s an honest, grounded chat with someone who runs for all the right reasons — no ego, no drama, just love of the sport.
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Running for Life: Les on 70+ Years of Running
Oct 400:14:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pace Invader, Daniel sits down with Les — a 73-year-old runner, swimmer, cyclist, and lifelong advocate for keeping active. From his lightning-fast army days to his current role in Egdon Heath Harriers in Weymouth, Les’s story is a testament to what a lifetime of movement can bring.We talk about the joy of Parkrun (even when you forget to stop the watch), the transition from sea swims to pool training after developing an exercise-induced heart condition, and how cycling and e-bikes now add variety to his routine. Les reflects on the marathons he once ran with ease, the importance of adapting to your body’s changes, and why joining a running club is the single best piece of advice he can give to newcomers.Above all, this is a story about resilience, community, and the lifelong rewards of simply keeping moving.
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Jenny: Running as Therapy
Sep 1300:16:09Tap to summarizeJenny doesn’t run for medals or times — she runs to heal.In this episode of The Pace Invader, I talk with Jenny, a Weymouth-based runner originally from Thailand, whose journey into running began in 2017 as a way to fight depression without medication. What started as a personal therapy has become her way of finding peace, freedom, and strength.Jenny opens up about:How running became her “medicine” after years of domestic abuse and mental health struggles.Why each run feels like meditation and freedom, even on busy roads.Her proudest achievement so far: completing 25K at the Jurassic Outdoor Challenge.Balancing goals like chasing a sub-30 parkrun with simply “just keeping her legs going.”How she now gives back by volunteering to support other Thai women in the UK facing mental health and domestic abuse issues.Jenny’s story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and hope.
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Matt - Running for Connection
Sep 600:09:05Tap to summarizeNot everyone loves running for the running itself — and that’s okay.This week on The Pace Invader, I speak with Matt, a Weymouth runner who describes his parkruns as “40 minutes of pain” that he doesn’t exactly enjoy. But what he does enjoy — and what keeps him coming back — is the community, the friendships, and the boost to his mental health.Matt shares:How signing up for Race for Life in memory of his parents kick-started his running.Why the first parkrun will always mean the most to him.The role running plays in his mental wellbeing.How running with family and seeing his sister-in-law thrive has inspired him.This is a story about connection, resilience, and finding joy beyond the stopwatch.We discuss a few other podcasts such asOff Menu - https://open.spotify.com/show/0azMejb7zrmAqctVsUSAdq?si=eba1e2cdeedf43a2Five Brilliant Things - https://open.spotify.com/show/1iK5KBPvzHA8AjvRfZhrUP?si=75866c6bc7264af6Strangers on a Bench - https://open.spotify.com/show/5stjSreUX9Y9iUYv0KSxBH?si=e98e9a626655490dThe Dollop - https://open.spotify.com/show/3m9c2ibJOYiigvVuswYSgU?si=112e022edffd433e
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126 Marathons, 44 Ironmans: A Lifetime of Running with Mark Kleanthous
Aug 3000:17:58Tap to summarizeRunning since 1980, today’s guest has completed 126 marathons and 44 Ironmans across 22 countries, including two starts at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. He ran the first London Marathon in 1981 and is aiming to return for the 50th anniversary in 2031.We had a chat after Dunstable Downs Parkrun and in this episode, we cover four decades of running: how marathons felt in the days before technology, the pride of competing shoulder to shoulder with athletes like Hugh Jones, the importance of setting new challenges, and what keeps him coming back year after year.We also dive into the mental game of endurance: why resilience often matters more than speed, how to push past the wall, and the lessons he’s learned about motivation, community, and finding balance through sport.This is an inspiring, wide-ranging conversation with someone who has seen running evolve over generations — and who still has unfinished business on the start line.You can find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ironmate_coaching/
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Tom: From Parkrun to Hi-Rox
Aug 2400:19:14Tap to summarizeTom’s only five parkruns in — but he’s already hooked. What started as a way to prepare for Hi-Rox has turned into chasing personal bests, early-morning 5Ks, and testing himself against friends in the gym. In this conversation, we talk about the buzz of parkrun, the role of competition in training, why running is so powerful for mental health, and how nutrition, supplements, and even Netflix documentaries have influenced his approach. Whether you’re brand new to running or chasing your next milestone, Tom’s story shows what happens when you just get out and give it a go.
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Richard - It's all about focus
Aug 1600:15:31Tap to summarizeRichard has been running for over 20 years, ever since training for a Kilimanjaro trek led him to charity 10Ks and then marathons, ultras, and orienteering adventures. In this conversation, we cover his proudest races, the mental tricks he uses to keep going, the balance between running solo and with others, and why focus is his superpower. Whether it’s beating the clock, navigating unknown terrain, or racing a boat along the Thames, Richard proves that endurance is as much a mental game as a physical one.
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Hetan: From Couch to 250, One Parkrun at a Time
Aug 900:11:25Tap to summarizeHetan doesn’t call himself a runner — but with almost 250 parkruns under his belt, I’d disagree.He started before COVID with Couch to 5K, and now rarely misses a Saturday. We talk about his proudest moment (a surprise PB at Bushey Park’s 1000th!), tourism challenges, why he listens to podcasts when he runs, and how parkrun became a weekly ritual for him and his wife.This is a gentle, honest chat with someone who just keeps showing up — and found clarity, consistency, and community along the way.
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Jason, the Parkrun Tourist extreme
Aug 200:12:33Tap to summarizeJason started running at 48, just to keep in touch with some mates — and now he’s done over 110 different parkruns across Australia and the UK. We met at Seaton parkrun (pebbles, pain, and a lovely sea breeze), and caught up after his run.We talk about getting into running later in life, half marathons that “just sort of happened,” the joy of parkrun tourism, and why sometimes your best pace is “just finishing.”Apologies for the slight audio echo in places — but it’s a fun, thoughtful conversation with a runner who’s covered a lot of ground, literally.
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