Mindful Runner

About Mindful Runner

Welcome to The Mindful Runner Podcast – the trusted voice for trail runners who want clear, actionable answers to their running challenges. The Mindful Runner Podcast delivers clear, actionable answers to trail runners’ toughest questions. Hosted by coach and ultra-runner Fred Richardson, each short episode tackles real training challenges with practical insight. ✨ New: The Quiet Run – weekly 5–8 min reflections on the inner journey of running. Tune in every Wednesday to reconnect with your breath, your stride, and the trail.

Publisher

Fred Richardson

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

22 Jul 2021

Latest episode

2 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

60 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Jul 2026

   The Art of Ultrarunning

   Most ultra runners agree: enduring the pain and chaos is the true art of the sport. Ian Sharman, a legendary ultramarathoner and Guinness World Record-holder, unveils the secrets to mastering long-distance endurance — not just through physiology, but with mental mastery, strategic flexibility, and embracing every challenge as part of the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just discovering your limits, this episode will reshape your approach to racing and resilience. Imagine transforming your race day mindset—shifting from rigid plans to instinctive problem-solving—so you can handle stomach troubles, bad days, and unexpected setbacks without losing your edge. Ian shares behind-the-scenes stories from epic races like Western States and Comrades, revealing how top ultra athletes mentally adapt when everything seems to go wrong. Discover how embracing “the suck,” focusing on process rather than outcome, and finding flow amid chaos can elevate your endurance game and unlock your true potential.We break down concrete strategies that apply across distances—from the basics of power hiking and nutrition to advanced mental tactics like shifting targets mid-race and racing with presence and purpose. Learn how the sport is evolving with longer distances, new challenges, and the importance of continuous growth—mentally, physically, and tactically. Ian’s insights on racing as an art form empower you to race smarter, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey, no matter how tough it gets.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by uncertainty or demoralized during a race, this episode is your blueprint for resilience—showing that mastery isn’t just about speed, but about the mental agility and strategies that turn chaos into clarity. Whether you're eyeing your first ultra or chasing new records, these lessons push you to redefine what’s possible and stay inspired to keep running long after others quit.Ian Sharman is an elite ultramarathoner, record-holder, and coach known for pushing the limits of endurance. His decades of experience and innovative approach make this a must-listen for anyone serious about ultra running, mental toughness, and long-term performance. Prepare to embrace the challenge, trust your instincts, and race not just with your legs, but with your mind. Perfect for:Ultramarathoners, long-distance runners, endurance athletes, coaches, and anyone seeking mental strategies to handle tough races and improve their longevity in the sport. Whether you’re going for your first 50K or your tenth 100-miler, this episode will help you master the art of ultra endurance. Order your book The Art of Ultra Running (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Ultrarunning-Strategies-Long-Distance-Runners/dp/1718252439/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DWBJQKJ9BTX8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mvPChvmaHVlAoI5EieFdrZICT0bAVix5l_d6_i71tVuaG5edZR0M2BuCJs755nw3FwIxkLH6DFuIpc8wHSoB_pSEyiYtrA6CCXK8IZ6xUry8uTriOFd1ZcBoPR0XSkEBy46Dz_Qj0KLWaSNzbWpWXxnKSo8VYGyWp5ghBXD7Us2dAtfAmr-agnquxsecPixxRRdgt_3iths_f-fs997hancfiBMwCb_AFzFcgpYO15c.U9PCbECh6-usn2z4r5DNpS1C0qGYXdst_BS-ZHvheNk&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+art+of+ultra+running&qid=1782992741&sprefix=the+art+of+ultra+%2Caps%2C474&sr=8-1) through Amazon

2. 

   3 Oct 2025

   Hydration Myths Busted: Essential Tips for Ultra Racers

   In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood yet critical aspects of ultra racing: hydration. Join Fred as he unravels the complexities of fluid intake, debunking old myths and offering practical guidelines for both hot and cold conditions. Discover why hydration and fueling should be treated as separate dials, and learn how to tailor your hydration strategy to enhance performance without risking health. Whether you're a seasoned racer or new to the ultra scene, this episode is packed with insights to keep you moving efficiently and safely. Tune in for expert advice and a chance to ask your burning questions in our interactive Q&A session.

3. 

   26 Sept 2025

   Fuel Like The Pros | UTMB & Tour de France

   Tom Evans and Ruth Croft’s fueling strategies at UTMB 100 miles — broken down into real numbers and lessons you can use. We also compare what Tour de France riders do and how terrain-timed fueling beats “hourly fueling.” Takeaways: gut training progression, carb ceilings, heat vs cold strategies, and practical race-day tactics. 👉 Coaching: mindfulrunner.co.za

Who has been a guest on Mindful Runner

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Marius van Rensburg
• Nicky Booyens
• Gideon Kahl
• Eben van Wyk
• John Carter

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

19,116

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

50

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

0

Contact Mindful Runner

Guest appearances

Books guests

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

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Everyday Ultra

• 

  Singletrack

• 

  The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

• 

  The Strength Running Podcast

• 

  Choose Strong

• 

  Some Work, All Play

Questions about Mindful Runner