I Can Run A Marathon

About I Can Run A Marathon

Running the London Marathon is a dream that many of us have but never actually achieve. In a year of record entries, Virgin Radio UK’s Emma B has got herself a place in the 2026 event, and this series follows her journey to the start line - not as an elite athlete, but as a woman dealing with everything midlife throws at you! It’s a podcast about running, yes… but more than that, it’s about choosing to say yes to yourself. Across the series, Emma is joined by inspiring guests from runners and coaches to experts and everyday stars, who share their wisdom about what it really takes to train for a marathon. Whether you’re training for your first one, getting back into running after time off, or you’re looking for an entertaining podcast, we’re here to help! This is not about winning races, it’s about proving something to yourself and saying “I CAN”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Virgin Radio

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Jan 2026

Latest episode

22 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Paula Radcliffe Told Me THIS The Week Before My First Marathon

   The final episode before London Marathon 2026 is here... and Emma B has pulled out the big guns! Joining her for this episode is running royalty Paula Radcliffe, three-time London Marathon champion, former world record holder (2:15:25, held for an 16 incredible years), and one of the greatest British distance runners in history. Whether you're pacing with maranoia, buzzing with excitement, or quietly terrified, this episode is your ultimate pre-race survival guide. Paula shares why your body will feel heavy and sluggish right before the big day, her golden advice for pacing in the heat, the smart trick of walking through early water stations, and the emotion she promises will hit you at the finish line. Plus, the top 5 tips from the entire series from Helen Thorne's kit checklist to Hugh Brasher's "don't go out too fast" warning. Emma is also joined by TalkSPORT's Andy Goldstein and Weekend Sports Breakfast's Shebhan Aherne - who share their own fuelling strategies! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   15 Apr 2026

   The Final Week Before a Marathon… Here’s What It Really Feels Like | Angellica Bell

   We’re one week away from the London Marathon, so Emma calls upon her friend and biggest cheerleader, Angellica Bell for a reassuring chat ahead of race day! Angellica, who you'll know from The One Show, winning Celebrity MasterChef and CBBC, ran the London Marathon in 2002 as well as the Great North Run seven times! Emma and Angellica cover everything from the party atmosphere of race day and the truth about hitting the wall, to running with Basil Brush and being overtaken by Mr. Tickle at mile 25! This one will leave you feeling inspired and ready to go! Boom Boom. Every week, we want to hear how your marathon journey is going... the wins or the wobbles, or good luck messages. Just WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00 This episode is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Find out more: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   8 Apr 2026

   What To Eat Before the London Marathon | 2 Weeks Out

   We're just two weeks away from the London Marathon 2026 and things are suddenly getting very real! In this episode, Emma B is joined by Tracy Parker, a Dietician from the British Heart Foundation and first-time marathon runner Lucie Bond for a reassuring chat about one of the biggest race day stress points... nutrition. Tracy shares her advice on glycogen, hydration, electrolytes, cramp, breakfast timing, fuelling early, recovery, why sticking to what your body already knows is one of the smartest things you can do, and what happens when your long run has been powered by mini eggs and jelly babies! Alongside Tracy's expert tips, Lucie tells us how she is running for the British Heart Foundation after her son Archie was born with congenital heart disease. It’s a moving reminder of the reasons so many people take on this huge challenge in the first place. Every week, we want to hear how your marathon journey is going… the wins or the wobbles, or good luck messages. Just WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00. This episode is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Learn more at bhf.org.uk/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   1 Apr 2026

   This Simple Trick Got Zoe Lyons Through 100KM Races

   As April arrives and the London Marathon approaches, Emma B welcomes comedian Zoe Lyons, who went from being “laughably bad” at sport… to completing ultra marathons of up to 100KM. Zoe tells us the reality of running 100KM (including what really happens to your body…), why you don’t need to “look like a runner” to become one, and the simple mental trick that keeps her going when everything says stop! Plus, take Zoe’s advice on what NOT to do after you’ve finished a race (she ended up in A&E), to discovering the power of “just getting to the next cow”! If you’ve ever thought “I could never do that”, Zoe and Emma B might just change your mind to say “I CAN!”. Every week, we want to hear how your marathon journey is going… the wins or the wobbles, or good luck messages. Just WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00. This episode is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Learn more at bhf.org.uk/events (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://bhf.org.uk/events__;!!F0Stn7g!FwBwAo4RlyqK80SPX5lXd8TXGGqU52eCsl3BgIjoS5Hi_90k1MvU_ajKYrzqTLSgGW7fi7OYPcnMTFdEUiUStRfcMB3i8zU$) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Why 85% of London Marathon Runners Say THIS Changed Their Life! | Hugh Brasher

   We’re a month away from the London Marathon 2026, so who better to join Emma B this week than Race Director, Hugh Brasher! As a first-timer, Emma B gets to ask all the questions you’re probably thinking, or searching online for. Hugh reveals the biggest mistakes first-timers make on the course, his single most important piece of race-day advice, and exactly what happens in those first moments after you cross the finish line. Plus, find out why the weather matters more than you think, what the organisers learned from the brutal 2018 heat, and the fascinating story of how Hugh's father co-founded the event with one extraordinary mission in mind. Think of this as your London Marathon cheat sheet! We 'Run It By Hugh' so you don't have to! Every week, we want to hear how your marathon journey is going… the wins or the wobbles. Just WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00. This episode is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Learn more at bhf.org.uk/events (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://bhf.org.uk/events__;!!F0Stn7g!DtEWgVbrbnoedDvm99SYQ2Gg-lF5Gg-TEh6MTkAYfHss56PWK6WjdRN9JOZeghFB6ikr1B3tfjAg7ZJQIJbwpdlwT5qO3Zg$) Watch the full episode on the Virgin Radio YouTube Channel from 6pm on Thursday 26th March 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   19 Mar 2026

   “A Couple of Pints Won’t Hurt” – How They Prepped in 1981 😳

   What was the London Marathon like before gels, super shoes, and sports science? In this episode of I Can Run a Marathon, Emma B meets Vernon Thomas, a runner from the very first London Marathon in 1981, right at the finish line on The Mall. From running in retro shoes to advice that completely flips modern marathon thinking, Vernon shares what it was really like… and why you might be overcomplicating your own race. As we head towards the London Marathon 2026, we think you’ll find this episode reassuring about how to run your own race! Every week, we want to hear how your marathon journey is going… the wins or the wobbles. Just WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00. This episode is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Learn more at bhf.org.uk/events Watch the full episode on the Virgin Radio YouTube Channel from 6pm on Thursday 19th March 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   12 Mar 2026

   “My Achilles Went BOOM” - Steven McRae on Surviving A Career-Ending Injury

   After Emma B had to pause her running from a setback, this week’s episode is all about resilience. She’s joined by Royal Ballet principal dancer Steven McRae, whose career was nearly ended when he snapped his Achilles during a performance at the Royal Opera House in front of 2,500 people! Emma B and Steven talk about how he rebuilt his body after having to learn to walk again, why setbacks can become your a strength, and the mindset that helps you keep going when everything feels stacked against you. Steven may never have run a marathon, but his story of recovery and mental strength will be useful whether you’re running, or just going through a tough patch. Every week, we want to hear how your marathon journey is going… the wins or the wobbles. Just WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00. This episode is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Learn more at bhf.org.uk/events (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://bhf.org.uk/events__;!!F0Stn7g!BozZypv90CgQumefRV5RnMxAcD7-dyNwwJKzZvid_9O5TSFhJtzSTW-3uIkHfUqCW7nAJ9anAIFL-tL-s4QS-jxwCAdaH7U$) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

8. 

   5 Mar 2026

   Your Running Form Is Costing You Energy (Biomechanics Lab Test)

   Emma B goes inside a biomechanics running lab with Dr Paul Brice at PB Biomechanics in Oxfordshire, to find out about the real science of running, why tiny technique tweaks can massively change your efficiency and how to best optimise your body later on in a run. You’ll see Emma B tested on force plates and a high-speed treadmill, which pulls 150+ running metrics in seconds! We break down the stuff runners obsess over (cadence, overstriding, ground contact time) and call out the myths, including why chasing “180 cadence” can be complete nonsense, and what you should focus on instead. This is a very visual episode! Please watch the full video from Thursday 5th March at 6pm on the Virgin Radio YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@VirginRadioUK), where you'll see all the graphics and breakdowns. Find out more about Dr Paul Brice’s work: https://www.pbbiomechanics.com/ (https://www.pbbiomechanics.com/) Every week we want to hear about how your training is going - any wins, wobbles, or footage of you stretching to 80s anthems (like Emma!), please WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00. This episode is sponsored by British Heart Foundation. Learn more at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

9. 

   26 Feb 2026

   Are You Overtraining? The Recovery Mistake That Leads to Injury! (with Kate Rowe-Ham)

   Emma's joined by leading women’s health coach and menopause fitness expert Kate Rowe-Ham. Kate tells Emma how she ran a marathon in 3:47 in her 20s, and did the same 20 years later! Plus, what really changes in our bodies as we grow older? What works best for your tummy on a long run? The simple trick to helping your long runs feel easier on the legs, and how to get over a "nervous wee". Every week we want to hear about how your training is going - any wins, wobbles, or footage of you stretching to 80s anthems (like Emma!), please WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00. Find out more about Kate: https://www.owningyourmenopause.com/ (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.owningyourmenopause.com/__;!!F0Stn7g!ErUb6vPGKawiLpBRF9xLEu-jT5NesytoiV37ZIZwW88Pptyge7oM0suI1Zu2kDvqRh45AKVXpQUu0-AQ9dTfx3X4sOw8XtU$) Kate's new book 'The Longevity Solution' is out now: https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/kate-rowe-ham/the-longevity-solution/9781399751575/ (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/kate-rowe-ham/the-longevity-solution/9781399751575/__;!!F0Stn7g!ErUb6vPGKawiLpBRF9xLEu-jT5NesytoiV37ZIZwW88Pptyge7oM0suI1Zu2kDvqRh45AKVXpQUu0-AQ9dTfx3X4B7ggzSE$) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

10. 

    19 Feb 2026

    The #1 Reason Couch to 5K Fails (And How To Fix It)

    In this episode of I Can Run A Marathon, Emma sits down with ultra-runner, UK Athletics approved running coach and author of ’Start Where You Are’, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys to talk about the one thing beginner runners have been missing (especially in midlife). Sabrina tells Emma about starting from scratch after severe postnatal depression, the “shuffle” run-walk method that helped her, and why so many people quit too early. They also chat about the pressure to “look like a runner”, training through periods, the menopause, and the myth that running ruins your knees. Don't forget you can WhatsApp the programme and let us know how you are getting on, the number is +44 333 00 333 00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

11. 

    12 Feb 2026

    SKIN: 'I Felt Absolutely GONE' - How Running Saved My Career

    This is the one where Emma B completes her FIRST EVER half marathon - running it alongside Virgin Radio’s very own CHRIS EVANS. We bring you all the mud and mayhem as they (literally) run for the hills in Marlow! Plus, our first rock ’n’ roll runner as SKIN from Skunk Anansie joins us from New York! What starts as a chat about running quickly becomes a masterclass in life, longevity, and the most unexpected workout playlist you've ever heard! Skin chats about why treating rock 'n' roll like athletic training is the secret to her 30 year career, why running has become her way of meditating, and we learn about running naked (it's NOT what you think!) Don't forget to WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00 with your running wins, wobbles, and weekly running updates! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

12. 

    5 Feb 2026

    Eilish McColgan: Why It's OK To Skip The Weekend (And Still Smash Your Marathon)

    Grab your trainers and turn up some Kendrick Lamar because this week, Emma B sits down with actual RUNNING ROYALTY - Eilish McColgan! Fresh from a hairdressers in Dubai, Eilish shares her elite advice for rookie runners tackling their first London Marathon. Find out why missing a weekend of training is actually FINE (Emma's already got this clipped on her phone), how treadmill running can lead to PBs (despite what some might say), and what's really on an elite athlete's running playlist. Plus, why consistency beats perfection every single time, and she reveals her aims for running the London Marathon this year! Let’s face it, this is the only sport where everyday runners compete on the EXACT same course as elite champions. Don't forget to WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00 with your running wins, wobbles, and weekly running updates! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

13. 

    29 Jan 2026

    "The Hardest Part of a Marathon Isn’t Running It" (With Bryony Gordon)

    What if the hardest part of running a marathon isn’t the running at all? In this episode of I Can Run A Marathon, Emma B is joined by journalist, author and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon, who tells us why just getting up and starting is the real battle, and how running helped save her life! Bryony chats about how she went from addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder to running her first marathon, why she always follows the Marathon beginner plan, and how running taught her to fuel her body with kindness rather than punishment. Oh, and don’t miss what she thinks about whilst running! This episode is sponsored by British Heart Foundation. Learn more at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/events (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.bhf.org.uk/events__;!!F0Stn7g!Ex9xeXPk9-sW21sukBcGAth2oqMCQqpO8uk2sweH2efFg4KvYYsYvEfIl_XDqnam-gezlGe3x5SwbM3gepfoVg1sy9LC7UY$) CHAPTERS: 03:40 – How Running Became An Alternative To Drink and Drugs 08:45 – The First Run That Changed Everything 12:30 – Why the Beginner Plan Works 16:30 – Running Without Punishment 19:30 – Why The Crowd Matters More Than Pace 22:00 – Running vs Addiction 24:00 – Why Eating Properly Matters More Than Discipline 27:45 – What Bryony Thinks About On Long Runs (no, really) 31:30 – Why Starting In Your 40s or 50s Is Not “Too Late” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

14. 

    22 Jan 2026

    What Nell McAndrew Would Tell Every First-Time London Marathon Runner

    Former model and elite marathoner Nell McAndrew joins Emma B to share her running wisdom on what really helps first-time runners, from how to stay consistent when motivation drops, the importance of strength and core work, the run-walk (“Jeffing”) approach, and practical race-day tips on shoes, hydration, fuelling, and managing the final miles. Emma B also shares her latest training win, answers listener questions, and gets a mindset reset you’ll want to replay before your next long run! This episode is sponsored by British Heart Foundation. Learn more at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/events Chapters: 00:33 — Welcome Back + This Week’s “Glasses While Running” Problem 03:14 — Emma’s Training Update: First Ever 10K 04:10 — The Big Lesson for Women 40+: Strength Training (But Are You Lifting Heavy Enough?) 05:56 — Introducing Nell McAndrew: 2:54 London Marathon Quick setup: why Nell’s advice cuts through the noise. 06:09 — Support, Consistency & “Tick It Off” Training 10:00 — How to stay consistent when life or weather messes with training. 11:30 — Nell’s First Marathon Story: Nerves, Advice, Don’t Go Off Too Fast 14:10 — Training as a Mum: How to Fit Runs In (Running Buggy Hacks) 16:40 — The “Two Short Runs” Trick + Visualising the Final 5 Miles 27:37 — Race Week & Race Day: Why taper makes you panic (normal), how to prep without spiralling. 29:00 — Shoes, Breakfast, Hydration & Fueling 33:10 — Why your longest run isn’t about speed — it’s about confidence and durability. 36:20 — Kit, Blisters & Foot Strength: Toes/Ankles Matter 41:20 — Nell's Playlist Pick & The One Piece of Advice 44:23 — Listener Qs: Wins & Wobbles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

15. 

    15 Jan 2026

    Can You Run a Marathon Without Being ‘A Runner’? (With Helen Thorn)

    What does it REALLY take to go from “I’m not a runner” to finishing the London Marathon? In our first full episode of I Can Run A Marathon, Emma B is joined by comedian, author, and Scummy Mummies co-host Helen Thorn for a fun and frank conversation about starting from scratch, surviving midlife chaos, and building real confidence one run at a time. Helen shares how she trained for her first marathon, what helped her through divorce, menopause and overwhelm, and why the running community is far more inclusive than people fear. Plus, the practical stuff nobody tells you from carb loading mistakes, what to pack on race day (definitely tissues), gels, running belts, and the very real pre-race toilet panic! This video is sponsored by British Heart Foundation. Learn more at https://www.bhf.org.uk/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

16. 

    6 Jan 2026

    Introducing: I Can Run A Marathon

    In a year of record entries, Virgin Radio UK’s Emma B has gotten a place at London Marathon 2026. This series follows her journey to the start line - not as an elite athlete, but as a woman dealing with everything midlife throws at you! It’s a podcast about running, yes… but more than that, it’s about choosing to say yes to yourself. Across the series, Emma is joined by inspiring guests from runners and coaches to experts and everyday stars, who share their wisdom about what it really takes to train for a marathon. Whether you’re training for your first one, getting back into running after time off, or you’re looking for an entertaining podcast, we’re here to help! This is not about winning races, it’s about proving something to yourself and saying “I CAN”. Get in touch with the podcast, WhatsApp us on 0333 003 3300 and tell us your "I CAN" moments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Contact I Can Run A Marathon

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.