Anyone working towards a big race knows that the hours of training runs can become a bit boring. Although music is a good distraction when ticking off the miles, podcasts and audiobooks have become an increasingly popular thing to listen to.
Not only do they help to keep your mind off your run and make it go a bit quicker, but you’re also using the time to learn about something or dive into a book you’re struggling to find time to read otherwise.
Here we pick our favourite podcasts to stick on when you’re out on the run, from comedy series and running advice, to insightful options covering history and life strategies.
The Rest is History
If you’re looking to improve your knowledge while you’re out running, this podcast from Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook is a must. With over 450 episodes to date, the series of insightful and well-researched discussions covers some of history’s most important events and a few lesser-known ones.
The podcast does an impressive job at distilling complex topics into 50-ish minute episodes and even sees guests coming on to join the chat, including an excellent episode with Tom Hanks talking about the moon landing.
Alan Partridge – From the Oasthouse
It was only a matter of time before Alan Partridge decided to try his hand at podcasting – a medium he explains doesn’t limit him to the rules of local radio or national television. The premise is simple, Alan talks about the things going on in his life, from the challenges of dating and his career to big issues like internet trolls and being trapped in his attic.
Now in its third season, the podcast is more of an audiobook comedy story than a standard podcast format. The writing is smart and funny and features some of the most loved characters from the Alan Partridge TV series.
Farewell – The Growth Equation
There’s a lot more to improving your running than increasing the mileage. This podcast delves into evidence-based habits and strategies that aid performance, health and wellness.
There are two episodes a week; a long interview featuring athletes, coaches, psychologists and authors, and one short 10-minute one designed to give short, clear actionable advice.
The Running Channel Podcast
There are lots of running podcasts out there these days but many of them tend to focus on a specific aspect of the sport – like detailed coaching advice or inspirational stories. The Running Channel podcast is all about balance, combining fun chat, running tips and insightful interviews, making it one of the most accessible and well-rounded running pods to listen to.
Each week the team covers a different talking point, from how to improve your marathon time to debates on the best race distance. Expect loads of useful advice, lots of random chat and plenty of interesting guests.
Chatabix
Comedians Joe Wilkinson and David Earl are the first to accept that Chatabix is a difficult podcast to explain. One day they can be talking to an A-list celebrity about their life and career, the next they’ll be recording an episode at a haunted house in the middle of nowhere.
But the brilliance of Chatabix is not down to the ideas for each episode, it’s the relationship between Joe and David as they chat about anything from metal detecting to bidding on Deal Or No Deal set pieces at an auction.
Joe’s also big into his running, so you can expect lots of talk about parkruns and marathons.
Not Another D&D Podcast
One of Nick’s favourite listens is this comedy Dungeons & Dragons podcast. Each episode sees a cast of comedians play through a D&D campaign using improv to hilarious effect as the story develops.
For seasoned players, the podcast is a funny and smart concept that’s well worth a listen. If you’re new to D&D or have absolutely no interest in it at all, that’s fine, the quick comedy and impressive cast are enough to draw you in and get hooked.
Wolf and Owl
Having something to laugh along to during a long run can make things feel considerably less painful – and there are few better than the Wolf and Owl pod. Each week comedians Tom Davis and Romesh Ranganathan chat about anything from the latest movies they’re starring in to a recent trip to Greggs.
Funny, clever and often surprisingly heartwarming, it’s the sort of podcast that you get hooked on very quickly. As well as general chat, they also answer questions from listeners and have a nice little section where Tom creates his own parable at the end of each episode.
The Running Tap
Tom’s other little project is this running, beer and nonsense podcast with brewer and stand-up comedian Jo Llewellyn-Jones. Each week the pair sit in a fictional pub while Tom hands out running advice to Jo, and Jo responds with some expert knowledge on the world of beer.
As is often the case with a trip to the pub, they also delve into some of life’s big debates, like what’s the best movie robot, what is out of bounds for a breakfast and who’s the best TV detective?