Episode 20: Running Myths, Dirty Kit Confessions & Strength Training Truths | ChatGBT

How many sweaty runs can you get out of your kit before you really need to wash it? 🫣

And is social media changing running culture for better—or worse?

This week on RUNcensored, Gary and Ben are back with another ChatGBT episode, answering your questions with their usual mix of brutal honesty, funny stories, and real-world running advice.

The episode covers a wide range of running-related topics, including:

• The influence of social media on running – and why many influencers might be doing it for the wrong reasons.
• Preparation for ultras – how a lot of first-time ultrarunners are underprepared (and why that’s normal and survivable!).
• How often should you replace your running shoes? – including hilarious commentary on the evolution of race shoes, carbon plates, and shoe durability.
• How many runs you can get out of your running kit before washing it – with a brutally honest (and funny) conversation about smell tests, gooch checks, and sweaty kit habits.
• Essential kit for running ultras – practical tips on gear, lube, nutrition, hygiene, and even toothbrushes for long races.
• The importance of strength training for runners – why most runners know they should strength train, but few actually do, and how to make it realistic and sustainable.
• Gary’s behind-the-scenes insight into working at big trail events – including frustrations with media expectations and why knowing your worth matters.
• Funny stories about embarrassing running habits, stand-up comedy ambitions, and how growing up in the UK shaped their humour.

At its core, the episode blends practical running advice, mindset coaching, and plenty of banter—perfect for trail runners, ultra runners, and anyone who loves the real, messy side of the sport.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: ChatGBT Chaos Begins

04:20 – Social Media and Running: Good or Bad?

09:30 – Undertrained for Your First Ultra?

16:10 – Shoe Life: When to Replace Running Shoes

21:45 – Sweaty Kit Confessions & Gooch Checks

29:20 – Ultra Running Kit Essentials

35:00 – Strength Training for Real Runners

41:00 – Behind the Scenes at Big Trail Events

49:10 – British Humour, Comedy, and Bad Habits

56:00 – Final Thoughts: Keeping Running Honest

Why You Should Listen:

If you love trail running, ultras, and laughing at the ridiculous side of the sport, this one’s for you. It’s real advice, real stories, and a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep moving forward.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday – follow, subscribe, and join the madness!

#TrailRunning #UltraRunning #RunningPodcast #RunningGear #StrengthTraining #RUNcensored #ChatGBT #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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Episode 19: How The Chimp Paradox Helped Me Start Running – with Nigel Richards

How do you go from barely being able to run a mile… to training for one of the toughest races in the UK?

In this episode of the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by Nigel Richards, a former driving instructor from Wrexham who turned his life around with the help of running—and a mindset model from the best-selling book The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters.

Nigel shares how a single book changed the way he thought, moved, and made decisions. With Gary’s coaching and support, Nigel went from running in the rain for one minute at a time to signing up for the Lakeland 50. But this conversation isn’t one-sided—Nigel also helped Gary rethink how he approached his own racing mindset using the Chimp Model.

This episode is a powerful blend of coaching insights, personal breakthroughs, and practical tips for anyone starting their running journey—or looking to get their head back in the game.

What is The Chimp Paradox?

Written by psychiatrist Prof. Steve Peters, the book explains how your brain has two main drivers:

• The Chimp (emotional, reactive)
• The Human (logical, rational)

Understanding how these systems work helps you manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve performance. The Chimp Model has been used by elite athletes including:

• Sir Chris Hoy (Olympic cyclist)
• Ronnie O’Sullivan (snooker world champion)
• Victoria Pendleton (Olympic cyclist)
• Steven Gerrard (football legend)

In This Episode:

• Why Nigel started running after 20 years behind the wheel
• How The Chimp Paradox helped him take control of his mindset
• Gary’s experience applying the model to his own racing
• Why emotion, identity, and self-talk matter more than speed
• The role of coaching, community, and setting meaningful goals
• Cadence, balance, breathing, and building beginner-friendly routines
• Nigel’s road to the Lakeland 50—and a Mars bar meltdown for the ages

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & van trouble banter

01:37 – Meet Nigel Richards

02:33 – Discovering The Chimp Paradox

04:46 – Nigel’s first rainy run session

08:00 – Coaching challenges & transformation

11:06 – How The Chimp Paradox changed everything

15:20 – Gary’s race mindset & helicopter thinking

25:00 – Uncovering your “why” with the Stone of Life

31:35 – Nigel signs up for the Lakeland 50

37:15 – Local running groups & coaching moments

44:00 – Cadence, breathing & habit building

54:00 – Mindset, drills & the 3 stages of a marathon

01:03:45 – The Chimp beyond running

01:04:42 – How the Chimp model applies beyond running

01:05:34 – Steve Peters’ background & elite sport connection

01:07:00 – Final thoughts & the power of timing in mentorship

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to rediscover your motivation, this episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Nigel’s journey proves that it’s not just about miles—it’s about mindset.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow, subscribe, and let us know how you manage your inner chimp.

#RunningPodcast #TheChimpParadox #BeginnerRunning #TrailRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #NigelRichards #MentalResilience #Lakeland50

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Episode 18: Holly Stables on Surviving The Speed Project – 340 Miles to Vegas

How far would you run for a challenge? How about 340 miles across the desert… solo?

This week on the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by ultrarunner, coach, and community builder Holly Stables (@rushbynature), fresh off completing The Speed Project—an unsanctioned, unsupported race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas that’s as wild as it is infamous.

Holly ran solo, with Gary as part of her crew, and went on to finish second overall in the women’s category. In this brutally honest conversation, she breaks down the reality of running through sleep deprivation, blistering heat, nosebleeds, hallucinations, poor nutrition, and the full chaos of managing an RV support vehicle with a team of mates.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run for days across a desert with no rules, no finish line tape, and only your own mindset to get you through—it’s all here.

Who is Holly Stables?

Holly is an ultrarunner, endurance coach, and co-founder of the UK trail running community Rush By Nature. She’s known for her grounded, honest approach to running and life, and has helped countless runners build confidence through coaching, community, and leading by example.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What exactly is The Speed Project, and why is it so difficult?
• How Holly trained (and didn’t train) for a 340-mile solo run
• Crew chaos, sleep deprivation, and managing the mental rollercoaster
• Fueling with burgers, hot sauce, and occasional meltdowns
• Racing side-by-side with the front runner—and what happened next
• Gary’s behind-the-scenes role and the things he definitely didn’t plan for
• Holly’s honest take on whether she’d do it all again

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome Holly!

03:40 – What is The Speed Project?

07:30 – Training and preparation (sort of)

12:00 – Life in the van and crew dynamics

17:20 – Nosebleeds, heat, and hallucinations

23:00 – Burgers, Red Bull & hot sauce: the fueling plan

29:45 – Catching the front-runner

36:10 – Mental fatigue and final miles into Vegas

44:20 – Recovery, reflection, and race blues

50:30 – Would she do it again?

Why You Should Listen:

This episode gives a raw and real insight into one of the most extreme races out there—told with honesty, humour, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether you’re into ultra running, long-distance challenges, or just love a story of human grit, this one delivers.

👉 New episodes drop every Tuesday – follow and subscribe!

#TheSpeedProject #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #RunningPodcast #HollyStables #RushByNature #DesertRunning #MentalToughness #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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Episode 17: Running Heroes, Pizza Fuel & The Great Tights Debate (ChatGBT Q&A)

In this latest ChatGBT episode of the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary House and Ben Mounsey take on another round of listener-submitted questions—and no topic is off-limits.

From debating whether real runners should wear tights, to revealing their most ridiculous fuelling choices (yes, McDonald’s and pizza), this one is packed with honesty, laughs, and surprisingly useful advice.

The pair also chat about:

• Their ultimate running heroes

• Race day mistakes (including a legendary Three Peaks error)

• Urban orienteering

• Pre-race prep and early start times

• Night running and when to fit training in

• Whether you really need to be specific with your sessions

• Gary’s unexpected background as a hairdresser

Whether you’re a seasoned ultra runner or just here for the banter, this episode is classic RUNcensored—unfiltered, unpredictable, and way too honest.

What You’ll Hear:

• Who we’d love to run with (dead or alive)

• Gary’s past life as a hairdresser

• The truth about tights: yay or nay?

• Fuel fails and the weird stuff we eat pre-race

• Night running and training logistics

• Coaching tips and race-day specifics

• Big love to trail heroes like Killian, Jim, and Francois

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro Chaos & Claudia Winkleman?

08:00 – Who Would You Run With (Dead or Alive)?

13:00 – Gary’s Hairdressing Past

17:00 – The Running Tights Debate

21:00 – When Gary Actually Wears Tights

26:00 – Pizza, McDonald’s & Race Fuel

31:00 – Upcoming Races & Training Goals

36:00 – Urban Orienteering & Epic Promo Video

40:00 – Heroes in the Sport

45:00 – Night Running & Training Timing

49:00 – Best Time of Day to Train

53:00 – Specific Coaching Advice & Race Readiness

Follow, subscribe, and send us your questions for the next ChatGBT episode. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

#RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #RunningTips #ChatGBT #UltraRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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In this no-nonsense episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey take on some of the biggest debates in ultra running, trail racing, and the future of the sport.

From the mystique of the Barkley Marathons to the rise of carbon super shoes, the guys dig into whether the sport is evolving in the right direction—or if it’s losing its roots.

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🏃 Barkley Marathons – Has this legendary race lost its magic?

🧩 The secretive world of Laz Lake’s brutal ultra marathon

👟 Super Shoes Debate – Do carbon plate shoes ruin the purity of racing?

🎭 Trail Racing Boom – Is the market getting oversaturated?

🔥 Influencers vs. Elite Athletes – Why do brands pay influencers more than professional runners?

💰 The Money Problem – Should top trail and fell runners be earning more?

⚡ Doping in Running – Is it being overlooked in endurance sports?

🏔️ The Fell Running Purity Test – Should poles be banned in fell races?

The world of running is changing fast, and this episode takes a brutally honest look at whether those changes are helping or harming the sport.

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 - Intro & Why We Don’t Live Together (Yet)

3:00 - Barclay Marathons: Why Some Fans Are Losing Interest

8:45 - How Lazarus Lake Designs the Hardest Ultra Ever

14:20 - Trail Racing Boom – Are There Too Many Events?

22:30 - Super Shoes Debate – Do They Give An Unfair Advantage?

28:15 - Influencers vs. Elite Runners – Who Deserves More Sponsorship?

34:40 - Doping in Running: Is It Worse Than We Think?

42:55 - Should Poles Be Banned in Fell Running?

50:30 - Future of Trail Running: What Needs to Change?

55:00 - Final Thoughts & Next Episode Preview

Why You Should Listen:

If you love ultra running, fell racing, and unfiltered discussions about where the sport is headed, this episode is for you.

The RUNcensored Podcast is all about real conversations, zero fluff, and telling it how it is. Whether you’re a trail runner, mountain racer, or just love running talk, you’ll find something in this episode to agree—or argue—about.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!

#TrailRunning #UltraMarathon #BarkleyMarathons #SuperShoes #RunningPodcast #CarbonShoes #DopingInRunning #FellRunning #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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Paul Mort on Mental Resilience, Parenting & Progress (Part 2)

🎙️ In Part 2 of our explosive chat with Paul Mort, we go even deeper into the mindset of taking control, staying grounded, and owning your journey.

Paul is a life coach, speaker, author, and two-time UK Mastercoach of the Year, known for his brutally honest, no-excuses approach to personal development. In this episode, he opens up about the lessons he’s learned through parenting, pressure, cold water therapy, and how to reframe failure so it fuels your growth instead of crushing your confidence.

💭 Whether you’re a runner, a business owner, a parent, or just trying to level up your mindset, this conversation will challenge how you think, act, and respond when things get tough.

🔥 What We Talk About in This Episode:

✅ Why belief without evidence is just wishful thinking

✅ The reality of trekking to Everest Base Camp (spoiler: it wasn’t what he expected!)

✅ How coaching his son through his first boxing match taught him about fear, nerves, and trust

✅ How screen addiction affects us and how to take control of your digital habits

✅ The meaning of “Unfuckwithable” – and why nothing external should shake your inner calm

✅ Cold water therapy, morning routines, and doing what works for YOU – not Instagram

✅ Why we argue online and what passion vs. insecurity really looks like

✅ Reframing failure, embracing boredom, and staying consistent in business and life

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 – Everest Base Camp Experience

6:15 – Belief vs. Evidence

8:00 – Performing Under Pressure

14:00 – Coaching Paul’s Son

18:15 – Parenting Lessons

24:00 – Screen Time & Habits

28:45 – Book Deal & ‘Unfuckwithable’

34:30 – Cold Water & Routines

42:30 – Passion, Debates & Online Opinions

48:00 – Reframing Failure

51:30 – Boredom & Business Motivation

55:00 – Final Thoughts

💬 Why You Should Listen:

If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or weighed down by comparison culture and perfectionism, this episode is your permission to drop the excuses and focus on progress over perfection.

Paul Mort brings real-world insights and fire to every minute of this episode – you’ll walk away with tools, perspective, and a good kick up the arse.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday – follow & subscribe now!

#PaulMort #Mindset #Motivation #Parenting #MentalResilience #MorningRoutine #ColdWaterTherapy #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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No motivation? No problem. It’s time to stop overthinking and start taking action.

In this high-energy, no-BS episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey sit down with Paul Mort, a two-time UK Mastercoach of the Year, life coach, speaker, and best-selling author. Paul is known for his direct, no-excuses approach to personal development, helping thousands of people break free from negative thinking and self-doubt to take full control of their lives.

But his journey wasn’t easy. Paul opens up about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, sharing how he turned his life around and built a system for consistency, discipline, and success. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or caught in the cycle of waiting for the perfect moment, this episode will give you the wake-up call you need.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why motivation is overrated and success comes from discipline

✅ How to stop overthinking and take control of your life

✅ The brutal truth about excuses and why they hold you back

✅ How Paul battled mental health struggles and built resilience

✅ The role of fitness, training, and Jiu-Jitsu in developing mental toughness

✅ Why social media is killing your confidence and how to escape comparison culture

✅ How to create consistency through morning routines and habit-building

✅ The secret to long-term success and getting results in all areas of life

This episode is a no-nonsense guide to taking action, breaking bad habits, and becoming unstoppable. Whether you’re a runner, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for real-world strategies to level up, Paul Mort delivers pure, unfiltered truth.

📚 Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction: Paul Mort Joins RUNcensored

1:05 - Who is Paul Mort? His Journey & No-BS Coaching Style

7:48 - The Problem with Motivation: Why You Need Discipline

13:19 - Do Runners Need Motivation? The Truth About Habits

18:10 - The Power of Taking Action & Why Overthinking Kills Progress

26:30 - The Social Media Trap: Why We’re Obsessed with Validation

34:00 - How Fitness & Jiu-Jitsu Built Mental Resilience

42:50 - Morning Routines & The Key to Productivity

50:25 - The Secret to Long-Term Success & Final Thoughts

Why You Should Listen to This Episode:

If you’re tired of waiting for motivation to strike, if you feel stuck in your comfort zone, or if you want to push past self-doubt and take action, this episode is for you. Paul Mort doesn’t sugarcoat anything—he calls out the excuses and lays out exactly what it takes to succeed.

👉 Follow & Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!

#Motivation #Mindset #PaulMort #SelfDiscipline #MentalStrength #PersonalDevelopment #RunningPodcast #NoExcuses #TakeAction #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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💬 Your Running Questions Answered! This ChatGBT Q&A Special is packed with trail running insights, gear talk, and hilarious race stories, as Gary House and Ben Mounsey answer your biggest running-related questions!

From the AI coaching debate to whether carbon-plated trail shoes are actually worth it, this episode covers everything you need to know about ultra running, marathon training, and trail gear. Plus, some of the funniest race moments we’ve ever had!

🎧 What’s Inside This Episode:

✅ Will AI replace running coaches? 🤖

✅ Are carbon-plated trail shoes actually worth it? 🚀

✅ How & when to use running poles for ultras

✅ What’s the weirdest thing someone’s said during a race? 😂

✅ Best long-distance running routes in the UK & Europe

✅ What’s been our toughest running challenge ever?

And much more—including hilarious race stories, coaching insights, and plenty of trail running banter!

📚 Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction & Windshield Disaster

Gary and Ben kick off the episode with a ridiculous story about broken windscreen wipers and driving blind.

2:00 - Welcome to ChatGBT: Answering Your Questions

Introducing this month’s listener Q&A, covering everything from coaching and training tips to the weirdest race stories.

6:15 - What’s Been the Best Part of Starting a Podcast?

Gary and Ben reflect on the highs, challenges, and surprises of launching RUNcensored.

12:40 - What’s the Craziest Running Challenge You’ve Taken On?

From team relays to solo ultra challenges, Ben and Gary share their toughest races and biggest regrets.

19:30 - Could AI Replace Running Coaches?

An in-depth discussion on how AI is being used in training plans—and whether it can truly replace human coaching.

28:50 - Carbon-Plated Trail Shoes: Are They Worth It?

The guys debate whether carbon shoes make a difference on the trails and who really benefits from them.

39:15 - Running Poles: How & When to Use Them

Tips on choosing the right poles, carrying them efficiently, and mastering technique for ultra races.

47:40 - The Weirdest Things People Have Ever Said During a Race

From bizarre mid-race conversations to unexpected crowd interactions, Gary and Ben share their funniest encounters.

55:20 - Best Long-Distance Running Routes in the UK & Europe

Exploring the best long-distance trails, ultra routes, and multi-day running adventures.

1:06:30 - The Truth About La Sportiva & Spine Race Shoes

Why certain trail shoes dominate extreme races, and whether waterproof running shoes are actually useful.

1:15:40 - Final Thoughts & Next Month’s Q&A

Wrapping up the episode and how listeners can submit their own questions for the next ChatGBT session.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode:

Whether you’re looking for trail running tips, gear recommendations, or just a good laugh, this episode has something for every runner. Join the conversation and submit your questions for the next Q&A!

👉 Follow & Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!

#RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #AITraining #CarbonShoes #EnduranceRunning #MarathonTraining #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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