Peak Performance Unplugged
Lewis Walker, Myles Edwards
4.8from 5 ratings
- 9
- Episodes
- 5
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Peak Performance Unplugged
Performance doesn’t usually break all at once. It drifts first. Peak Performance Unplugged explores how people stay on track under pressure — in sport, in business, and in life. Hosted by endurance coach and author of Peak Performance Psychology for Endurance Athletes Lewis Walker, and former international athlete, business leader, and Gathimba Edwards charity founder Myles Edwards, the podcast goes beyond highlights and success stories to examine what’s really happening when things get difficult. Each episode explores: How high performers recognise when things start to drift The decisions they make under fatigue, uncertainty, and pressure What happens when performance goes off track And how they bring it back — often stronger than before This is not about motivation, hacks, or polished narratives. It’s about awareness, correction, and return — when it matters most. If you want inspiration, there are plenty of podcasts for that. If you want clarity about how performance actually works under pressure, you’re in the right place!
- Publisher
- Lewis Walker, Myles Edwards
- Category
- business · sports
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 2 May 2026
- Latest episode
- 28 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
9 episodes in the feed.
28 Oct 2026
Episode 9: Jamie Crowe - re-discovering the joy of competing at top-level whilst working full-time
Episode 9 of Peak Performance: Unplugged 🎙️ This week, we are delighted to welcome four-time Scottish National Cross Country Champion Jamie Crowe to the podcast. With remarkable personal bests of 13:36 for 5K and 28:47 for 10K, Jamie is one of Scotland’s leading distance runners. What makes his achievements even more impressive is that he manages to compete at this level while balancing the demands of a full-time teaching career. In this conversation, Jamie shares: ⭐ The steps he took to fall back in love with running, after he almost quit the sport last year. ⭐ How he fits in 100+ mile training weeks despite having a demanding job. ⭐ How the group dynamic at Central AC has driven him and others to success. ⭐ His pre race routine. ⭐ The life changing impact he has seen sport play in young people’s lives. ⭐ How he builds up training gradually and never tries to squeeze in missed sessions. ⭐ And much more! Time-Stamps Intro 0:41 – Welcome and introducing Jamie Crowe 1:51 – Back from Spain and what feels different this year Interview 2:57 – Changing his training and rediscovering enjoyment 4:07 – Early days: Liz McColgan's group and the Central group 6:09 – Lessons from training groups ("never be the last rep hero") 7:51 – Avoiding racing within a group 9:32 – Training solo and having control 10:44 – Why Central produces so many top runners 12:30 – Life and racing at Lamar in Texas 14:42 – Sports medicine support in the US 16:29 – Winning the NCAA regional title 18:04 – The car crash and the comeback 19:59 – Balancing training, cross-training and a social life 21:48 – Running to and from work as a teacher 24:38 – Flexible sessions and a coaching perspective 26:44 – Challenges for teachers and kids (phones) 28:32 – How sport changes kids' lives 30:46 – Teaching safe rugby tackling 31:50 – Adapting training after mentally draining days 33:59 – Key sessions: the move to threshold work 36:47 – Double threshold training and Almgren's influence 39:34 – Building up to 5K pace gradually 40:39 – Going back to the track 42:44 – Marathon ambitions and the Aberdeen Marathon 46:36 – Race prep and his pre-race routine 49:14 – Tactics at the Inverness Half 52:01 – Deciding when to make a move 54:41 – Coach Derek Easton's impact 56:18 – Winning the National Road Relays 58:41 – Balmoral weekend 1:00:55 – Hill and trail running 1:03:59 – National Cross aspirations 1:06:07 – Nat Muir 1:07:15 – Does he have another level? 1:09:02 – Interview wrap-up Debrief with Lewis and Myles 1:10:16 – Debrief begins: group training and vicarious learning 1:15:35 – Staying fresh and renewing motivation 1:20:05 – Routines and a structure that flexes with your capacity 1:22:57 – Gradual build-ups and extending speed into endurance 1:24:12 – Protecting your time for important work 1:25:28 – Pre-race routines and managing anxiety 1:29:38 – Preparing for presentations 1:32:19 – Getting grounded before you perform 1:34:58 – Process goals vs. outcome goals 1:39:16 – Taking action to build confidence 1:42:32 – Closing reflections And you can get your copy of Peak Performance Psychology for Endurance Runners here: https://amzn.eu/d/09rFYINj (https://amzn.eu/d/09rFYINj)
5 Oct 2026
Episode 8: Faith Kipyegon - 3 x Olympic Champion, 5 x World Champion and Double World Record Holder
Episode 8 of Peak Performance: Unplugged🎙️ Our guest today needs little introduction. As a three time Olympic Gold medallist, five time World Champion and double world record holder, Faith Kipyegon has cemented herself as the greatest 1,500m and mile runner of all time. In this conversation, Faith talks openly about: ⭐️ Her humble upbringing and why it, and her success, motivate her to change the lives of and inspire others. ⭐️ How one of her early successes resulted in 32 people getting electricity. ⭐️ The impact of her coach Patrick Sang and being part of the same training group as Eliud Kipchoge. ⭐️ Her attempt to be the first woman to break 4 minutes for the mile. ⭐️ How she and her family embrace the fame that has come from her success. ⭐️ How she dealt with the drama of the Paris 2024 Olympics. ⭐️ The important role her family and wider support system played after she gave birth, and the extra motivation which being a mum gives her. ⭐️ And much more! This is a conversation about what it takes physically and mentally to not only reach the top, but stay at the top. Timestamps 00:42 Hosts’ catch-up: Kenya house-building trip and Lanzarote training holiday 04:45 Introducing Faith Kipyegon 05:19 Faith’s early life: running barefoot to school, football and gymnastics 07:46 Discovering her potential as a young athlete 08:48 Growing up with hardship and running as a path to change 11:45 Racing barefoot and her first experience with spikes 12:50 London 2012: learning from her first Olympics 15:22 The road to Rio and winning her first Olympic gold 16:30 How Faith’s Rio victory brought electricity to her community 18:19 Husband Timothy Kitum and the importance of support 20:57 Rio 2016 final: nerves, goals and race strategy 24:32 Mental focus in the decisive final lap 27:07 Tokyo 2021: Olympic gold as a mother 28:49 Returning to elite sport after motherhood 32:11 Parenting, values and raising children with humility 34:00 Paris 2024: 5000m disqualification, recovery and resilience 38:19 Competing fiercely while staying friends off the track 41:33 What championship racing demands mentally 43:31 Injury setbacks, rehab and preparing for the next season 48:38 First road 10K and the prospect of a marathon 50:50 Marathon training, long runs and enjoying the distance 54:45 Working with coach Patrick Sang 57:35 Tough track sessions and training hard 59:25 Why easy runs and recovery matter 62:16 The attempt to break four minutes for the mile 65:36 Breaking the 1500m world record 67:15 What still motivates Faith 68:42 Advice for young athletes and handling fame 71:53 Hosts’ debrief: purpose bigger than yourself 74:16 Setting clear goals without becoming consumed by outcomes 75:28 Building confidence through preparation and evidence 81:09 Controlling attention under pressure 85:09 Comparing yourself to your own progress - not others 85:50 The value of a strong support system 89:18 Knowing when to push, reset and move forward 92:19 The psychology of self-belief and performance 96:16 Closing reflections
10 Jul 2026
Episode 7: Mark Pollard – Developing Scottish Athletes: Pathways, Performance & Potential
Achieving Peak Performance: Insights from Scottish Athletics’ Head of Performance, Mark Pollard. Discover how elite sporting environments foster resilience, progression, and leadership. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or leader in any field, learn lessons on navigating pressure, building strong relationships, and supporting talent development. In this episode: The true essence of high performance as resilience and adaptation rather than perfection How Scotland’s athletic system supports athlete progression from youth to world stage The importance of environment, tools, and mindset in athlete development The impact of role models and success stories on aspiring athletes’ psychology Managing difficult decisions and criticism in leadership roles Strategies for maintaining focus and balance under pressure The significance of values such as honesty, process, and dedication in coaching and leadership Practical advice for young athletes entering competitive sports The unique challenges of supporting athletes at major championships like the Commonwealth Games Timestamps: 00:00 - The real meaning of high performance: resilience over perfection 00:42 - Introducing Mark Pollard and his role at Scottish Athletics 01:09 - Mark’s athletic background and transition into coaching leadership 02:28 - What does high performance truly mean? 06:40 - Creating a culture of development and progression in Scottish athletics 07:54 - The long-term journey to elite success: supporting athlete development 08:22 - How national pathways act as springboards for international success 09:58 - The role of parents, coaches, and environment in athlete progression 11:17 - Mark’s own athletic achievements and reflections on unfulfilled ambitions 12:51 - Rethinking training approaches and the importance of broad training tools 15:52 - Supporting athletes through transition phases, especially during adolescence 16:02 - Psychological barriers and resilience in athlete development 19:31 - Factors that support continued progress into early adulthood 21:14 - The interplay of physiology and psychology in athletic ceilings 22:24 - The importance of mental tools in reaching finals and winning medals 23:35 - The influence of role models like Laura Muir and Josh Kerr on younger athletes 29:24 - The impact of national success stories on athlete motivation and mindset 31:22 - Mark’s experience guiding Josh Kerr to European success 32:23 - Leadership decisions and managing outcomes bias and criticism 33:24 - Building strong relationships for difficult conversations in leadership 36:18 - Strategies for preparing for challenging discussions 37:24 - Lessons learned from past leadership decisions 39:03 - Supporting athletes immediately post-competition 44:18 - What makes a coach outstanding? The difference between good and elite coaches 45:46 - Balancing coaching alongside demanding leadership roles 48:22 - Prioritizing tasks during a busy schedule and maintaining focus 51:34 - The shift from everyday coaching to supporting athletes at major events 53:49 - Supporting athletes’ emotional states immediately after performances 56:01 - Maintaining focus under pressure and routine importance 58:01 - Reset techniques for high-stress periods, including exercise and reflection 58:59 - Balancing work and family life: life lessons from fatherhood 60:56 - Personal values: dedication, honesty, and desire to see Scottish athletes excel 62:23 - Advice for young athletes stepping onto performance pathways 63:43 - Final thoughts: believing in yourself and celebrating Scottish athletic success 64:25 - Closing remarks and debrief from Miles and Lewis
22 Jun 2026
Episode 6: Barbara Jones - Head Teacher, Marathon Runner, Force of Nature
Episode 6: Barbara Jones: Head Teacher, marathon runner, community leader, a career built on developing people, creating opportunities, helping others achieve their potential. Barbara opens up about: ⭐️ How sport shaped her life, providing identity, confidence, belonging and purpose, why helping young people find something they love remains a big passion ⭐️ Realities of leading a school for sixteen years: navigating competing demands (pupils, parents, staff, wider society), maintaining high standards, strong values and a thriving school culture. ⭐️ Lessons learned from completing 17 marathons: resilience through injury, the importance of consistency, why success is built through small daily actions rather than dramatic breakthroughs. ⭐️ Honest conversations matter: how listening is one of the most powerful leadership skills, strategies used to support children and staff through challenge, uncertainty and change. ⭐️ Growing challenges facing young people today: Anxiety, social media and wellbeing. Why helping children develop resilience, self-awareness and a sense of belonging has never been more important. Timestamps: Guest Introduction o 1:06 - Barbara Jones, head teacher and marathon runner o 1:35 - Achievements and role at Hazelhead Primary School Background o 2:15 - Sharing an upbringing and passion for sports o 3:40 - Connection with sports and education o 4:34 - Influence of PE teachers and early sport experiences Teaching Journey o 5:04 - Transition into teaching, early career experiences o 9:01 - First teaching role o 10:24 - Involvement in sports and community building Balancing Career and Running o 18:51 - Managing career and marathon training o 22:19 - Benefits of running and impacts on life o 23:54 - Running as a cathartic experience and support network Challenges in Education o 41:52 - Challenges facing teachers and pupils today o 46:53 - Increase in anxiety in young people: support strategies o 49:07 - Importance of naming emotions, building resilience Leadership and Legacy o 55:05 - Decision to step down as head teacher and reflections on legacy o 60:46 - Support networks for head teachers. o 62:11 - Building resilience and seeking support Sport and Education o 66:00 - Importance of sport and competition in education. o 70:45 - Balancing participation and competition. o 71:13 - Role of sport in building community and identity Personal Reflections o 74:26 - Importance of listening and honest conversations in leadership o 78:23 - Early experiences with sport and its impact o 80:55 - The role of anxiety and managing emotions Building Support Networks o 83:02 - Creating sustainable performance through support networks o 86:18 - The role of running in personal and professional life o 88:41 - Importance of diverse support networks Final Reflections o 90:31 - Balancing work and personal life through running o 95:01 - Final thoughts on performance and resilience
9 Jun 2026
Episode 5: Colin Hutchison - Performance, Pressure and Difficult Decisions
Introducing Colin Hutchison - CEO of Scottish Athletics, whose role requires balancing performance, people, difficult decisions and competing priorities. In this conversation, Colin opens up about: ⭐️ Why sustainable high performance starts with strong foundations, and how clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents and support systems create the conditions for success long before results appear. ⭐️ Navigating difficult decisions under pressure, including Commonwealth Games selection, and why fairness is not always about making everyone happy, but ensuring decisions are transparent, consistent and clearly explained. ⭐️ The potential solutions to the commercial challenges facing the sport of athletics. ⭐️ The strategies he uses to stay effective during periods of uncertainty and intense workload, including planning, prioritisation, trusted relationships, exercise and creating space to think clearly. This is a conversation about leadership, resilience, decision-making and how strong systems help people stay on track when pressure, ambiguity and competing demands are at their highest. Timestamps: Introduction and Overview 0:42 - Introduction of Colin Hutchison, Chief Exec of Scottish Athletics. Colin's Background and Career 1:39 - Colin discusses his career in sport and his role at Scottish Athletics. 2:09 - Transition from Head of Development to CEO. 3:05 - Colin's early involvement in bowls and his career progression. 4:26 - First job in sports development at Edinburgh Leisure. Leadership and Development 6:37 - Discussion on leadership philosophy and club infrastructure. 7:36 - Managing the balance between club participation and elite performance. 8:35 - Importance of club development in Scottish Athletics. 9:56 - Collaboration with UK Athletics for athlete development. Challenges and Strategies 16:40 - Resistance to change in sports programs and overcoming challenges. 19:30 - Long-term sustainability concerns in sports programs. 20:55 - Balancing paid roles and volunteer workforce. 22:58 - Recruitment for non-executive directors and expertise gaps. Commonwealth Games and Selection Process 31:22 - Insight into the selection process for the Commonwealth Games. 32:42 - Challenges with athlete allocations and selections. 38:27 - Handling difficult conversations with athletes about selection. 40:25 - Emotional impact of selection decisions on athletes. Personal Insights and Management 67:37 - Impact of difficult decisions on mental health. 70:44 - Strategies for managing work-life balance and stress. 71:42 - Importance of planning and structure in managing workload. 77:19 - Core values and personal strategies for staying on track. Closing Thoughts 100:27 - Final reflections on strong systems and outcomes. 101:10 - Importance of not procrastinating and getting tasks done.
1 Jun 2026
Episode 4: Kris Urquhart – How an Endurance Athlete Faced Cancer...and Kept Going
Episode 4 of Peak Performance: Unplugged 🎙️ Introducing Kris Urquhart - a father of two, business owner and athlete who last year, at the age of 33, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Following chemotherapy, he recently returned to racing and won the Run Garioch 10K. In this conversation, Kris opens up about: ⭐️ Navigating the psychological impact of diagnosis, treatment and uncertainty while continuing to lead a business and support his family. ⭐️ The performance habits, routines and mindset tools that helped him keep moving forward during uncertainty and intense treatment. ⭐️ How his experiences in kick boxing, cycling and running shaped his ability to manage fear, discomfort and loss of control during chemotherapy and recovery. This is a conversation about identity, resilience, discipline and how people continue functioning when life becomes uncertain and difficult. Introduction 0:07 - High performance isn't about getting it right all the time. 0:40 - Introduction of Kris Urquhart and his background. Kris's Sporting Journey 2:00 - Early interest in sports and kickboxing. 3:34 - Transition from cycling to running. 5:11 - Challenges in switching from cycling to running. Health Challenge 15:24 - Discussion about Kris's health diagnosis. 17:39 - Reaction to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis. 20:08 - Psychological impact of the diagnosis. Coping with Treatment 24:28 - Approach to chemotherapy. 28:06 - Mental toughness during treatment. 30:01 - Training routine during chemotherapy. Business and Personal Life 43:11 - Managing business responsibilities. 47:33 - Balancing family and business priorities. 50:38 - Reflections on family and life changes. Discussion on Kris's Strategies 57:14 - Dissecting Kris's approach to challenges. 58:35 - Process-focused approach in life and business. 60:10 - Importance of controlling the process and setting goals. Conclusion 80:14 - Final thoughts and encouragement from Kris.
18 May 2026
Episode 3: Sean Chalmers - Rebuild, Reset and Return!
Unlocking Resilience and Performance: Insights from Endurance Athlete Sean Chalmers Discover how Sean Chalmers, a prolific Scottish endurance runner and inspiring mental resilience expert, navigates injury setbacks, goal-setting, and maintaining motivation. In this episode, he shares practical strategies rooted in psychology and experience to push through challenges both on and off the track. In this episode: Sean’s athletic background, including his transition from middle-distance to long-distance running The impact of injuries on motivation and how to regain love for the sport The importance of long-term planning versus short-term goals in training How visualization and mental strategies prepare Sean for race day challenges The role of teamwork and external support in overcoming setbacks Stress management techniques used during races and injury recovery Insights on managing identity and maintaining self-worth beyond athletic performance Practical advice for balancing training with a busy work-life schedule The benefits of internal versus external motivation, and how to stay focused when facing pain and fatigue Future marathon ambitions and how consistency can lead to breakthrough performances Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Sean Chalmers and his background 02:21 - Transition from middle-distance to long-distance running 04:12 - Struggles with injuries and losing the love for running 07:17 - The importance of patience and team support in recovery 09:49 - Shifting focus from short-term to long-term race goals 11:12 - Effective goal-setting: outcome, process, and performance goals 12:35 - Mental strategies for race day: visualization and scenario planning 14:56 - Recognizing and reacting to race challenges with mental cues 16:38 - Handling motivation during tough race moments 18:13 - Using breath control and self-talk to manage pain and fatigue 19:19 - The significance of family and team support in recovery 22:37 - Approach to injury management and returning to training 25:12 - The power of focusing on controllables during injury 26:45 - Disruption management: maintaining identity beyond running 28:19 - Balancing commitments: work, training, and personal life 32:26 - Lessons from coaching and working with young athletes 37:00 - Navigating conflicts with parents and guardians in youth support 38:45 - Self-talk and the role of mindfulness in recovery and performance 44:20 - Monitoring body sensations and training data for optimal results 47:47 - Preventing injury recurrence through footwear and biomechanics 49:22 - Collaboration with a training partner and daily routines 53:11 - Early morning training routines and fueling strategies 54:14 - The impact of lifestyle choices on endurance running 58:07 - Considering double threshold training within a busy schedule 61:28 - Planning marathon training cycles and race goals 66:35 - The importance of flexibility and compromise in training schedules 67:18 - Advice for athletes with recurrent injuries: staying motivated and resilient 68:33 - Final thoughts: balancing motivation with patience, and the power of the "why" in performance
7 May 2026
Episode 2: The Evergreen Kev Campbell
In Episode 2, we sit down with Scottish endurance athlete Kev Campbell, a runner whose rise over the last few years has been built not on shortcuts, hype or overnight success, but on relentless consistency, discipline and the ability to stay on track when life becomes difficult. In this conversation, recently crowned Scottish 5K Road Champion Kev opens up about balancing elite performance with work, family life and constant travel, the lessons learned through setbacks and injury, and the routines and mindset that have helped him steadily build towards the top level of endurance sport. This is a conversation about resilience, patience, self-regulation and what it really takes to keep moving forward over the long term. This is Peak Performance Unplugged. Key Topics: Kev's background: Military discipline shaping athletic mindset The importance of routine and process-driven habits in training Managing training amidst work, travel, and family commitments The role of patience, consistency, and long-term planning in performance improvement How to adapt training and racing strategies when things go off-plan The concept of flow state and racing without rigid targets Avoiding common pitfalls for middle-aged athletes entering the sport The benefits and integration of strength work and heat acclimatization Monitoring effort: Heart rate, effort, and internal cues Maintaining motivation and resilience through setbacks and injuries Timestamps: (00:01) - Introduction to Kev's impressive athletic achievements (01:03) - Kev's approach: staying consistent and sticking to basics (03:31) - Managing family life and training (07:29) - Military background and late entry into running (08:16) - The value of consistency over shortcuts (09:47) - Mindset: Discipline, routines, and process focus (10:41) - Importance of routine, food, and planning when traveling (13:16) - Training solo vs group (14:33) - Dealing with uncertainty and adapting to life's unpredictability (16:57) - Learning patience from military experience and injury recovery (20:34) - Training alone for effort consistency and race preparation (23:09) - Managing early morning sessions and travel challenges (25:08) - Internal monitoring: Heart rate, effort, and coach input (28:34) - Acceptance and flexibility in training and racing (29:45) - Flow states and their effects on performance (33:17) - Long-term goal setting and avoiding unrealistic predictions (34:42) - The importance of doing your best and letting race unfold (36:03) - The value of internal cues over rigid pacing targets (39:11) - Navigating setbacks and injuries with resilience (44:52) - The role of mindset and recovery strategies in longevity (47:36) - Incorporating sauna for heat acclimatization (49:08) - Balancing work, family, and running: Practical tips (52:54) - Race week nutrition and carbohydrate loading strategies (56:26) - Effort management during training and racing, fueling strategies (58:19) - Advice for older athletes: Avoiding overtraining and maintaining consistency (1:01:30) - Strategies for mental resilience during long races (1:03:15) - Insights on balancing life and training (1:05:00) - The importance of support networks (1:07:20) - Future goals and upcoming races (1:09:45) - Closing thoughts and advice for aspiring runners
2 May 2026
Episode 1 - Introducing Lewis and Myles: Who are we and why are launching this podcast?
Here we set the scene, explore why we've set this podcast up, and speak through the importance of staying on track during challenges Check out Peak Performance Psychology for Endurance Athletes https://www.routledge.com/Peak-Performance-Psychology-for-Endurance-Athletes/Walker/p/book/9781041103646 (https://www.routledge.com/Peak-Performance-Psychology-for-Endurance-Athletes/Walker/p/book/9781041103646)
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