The Start Line Podcast

When Carol and Donna lace up their running shoes, they're not just embarking on a physical journey, they're navigating the complex tides of menopause with every stride. Our heartwarming finale brings these incredible women from the ERC community into the spotlight, sharing how they've turned running into a fortress of empowerment during a time that society often whispers about. As we wrap up our series of conversations with the Emancipated Run Crew community, we delve into the silent battles, the communal triumphs, and the undeniable strength found in the running community and beyond. This episode is a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of conversation, and a rally cry for inclusion. We honor the strides made in menopause education, inspired by Karen Arthur, Davina McCall, and countless others who have reframed this natural transition from taboo to a shared, open experience. The stories of Carol and Donna underscore the importance of movement and community at every life stage, shining a light on the unique challenges faced by black and brown women, and the power of representation in sports. Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned and the collective wisdom we've gained from the conversations we've shared throughout this journey. We're incredibly grateful to our guests and you, our listeners, for the richness you've brought to this series. Here's to finding our pace together, to the beauty of shared experiences, and to embracing every step of life's marathon with courage and heart. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com . We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! You can also follow our guests on Instagram: Donna - @donsfitnessgram Carol - @thisisseajay64 Support the show

When the Emancipated Run Crew's Trojan Gordon, Lionel Mullin, and Greg Patmore joined us, we discovered a shared truth that many black men carry: the weight of unspoken struggles with mental health. Our conversation ventured into the transformative space where the discipline of running meets the vulnerability of mental wellness, revealing the profound impact of therapy and the creation of communities like ours that defy the age-old stoic masculine mold. We embraced not just the physical strides but also the emotional ones, as these runners helped unpack the societal pressures that often silence men's emotional voices. This episode is a heartfelt tapestry woven with the threads of our guests' personal journeys, highlighting the importance of safe spaces where men—especially within the Black community—can find camaraderie and the strength to express their emotions fully. We delved into the challenges and triumphs of fostering openness, the patience it takes to build trust, and the surprising parallels between the vulnerability required in personal relationships and that which can lead to a security breach in a professional setting. It's clear that the path to mental wellness is not a solitary run but a group sprint, where each stride forward is supported by the empathy and understanding of our peers. Finally, we steered the conversation towards the younger generation, discussing the delicate balance of entrepreneurship and the support that can sometimes come in conflict with personal gain. The insights shared by Trojan, Lionel, and Greg illuminated the essence of trust within friendships and familial bonds. Their stories serve as a gentle reminder of the power of listening, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and the undeniable value of therapy in the everyday connections that shape our lives. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com . We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! You can also follow our guests on Instagram: Trojan - TheBeardedRunner Lionel - LionRoars Greg - Greg Patmore Support the show

In the first ever TSL Rewound, we gather around the memory of our beloved cousin Steph, whose laughter and courage echoed even as triple negative breast cancer sought to silence her, by revisiting an episode that captures her essence. Steph's legacy, woven through stories of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a relentless battle against cancer, resonates with a message of hope and the importance of cherishing every heartbeat. Her voice, a tender reminder of strength and love, takes center stage once more, inviting listeners to hold dear the wisdom of self-care and the power of dreams that defy life's darkest moments. Imagine facing life's most profound challenges with a smile that never fades and a spirit that refuses to be dampened. Steph, our special guest and guiding light in this episode from February 2021, did just that, painting a portrait of resilience that etches itself into the heart. Her journey through the trials of IVF, the joy of motherhood, and the rigors of managing a business while waging a war on cancer is a poignant narrative that inspires awe. It's a tale that touches the core of human perseverance, spotlighting the unshakeable love within a family and the laugh that lingers even in the silence. Throughout our conversation with Steph, we unravel the complexities of a cancer journey amidst the loneliness of a pandemic, the support networks that become our lifelines, and the unvarnished truths of life and love in the shadow of illness. Her transformative approach to health—embracing an alkaline diet, meditation, and energy healing—not only showcases her indomitable will to live but also serves as a beacon for all navigating similar paths. We honor Steph's memory by sharing her story, a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering belief in tomorrow's sunrise. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and you can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or listen on our website! And don’t forget to rate and review us! Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence. Support the show

As a runner, nothing tests your spirit quite like an injury. In this heartfelt discussion with fellow runners, John and Michelle from ERC open up about their recovery journey, and how they each found a unique path through the trials of injury. From the shadows of frustration to the finish line triumphs, the share their inspiring stories that redefine what it means to be part of the running community, even when you're not the one pounding the pavement. This episode is all about the gritty and often overlooked realities of getting back on your feet—literally. As we exchange experiences and advice, you'll absorb practical tips for training post-injury, understanding the need to tune into your body's cues, and why your warm-up might just be the most crucial part of your run. We also touch on the mental game, emphasizing the importance of setting new, achievable goals. Sure, the body might scream "halt," but we discuss how to keep the mind firmly on the "go." And because every runner knows it's not just about the legs, we delve into the world of muscle maintenance and the critical role of shoe selection. Discover how regular massages, foam rollers, and the right pair of trainers can make all the difference. It's an episode crammed with personal touches, expert insights, and a whole lot of heart. Join us as we tie our laces for a journey through the peaks and valleys of running, with personal stories from Michelle and John that will leave you raring for your next run—whatever pace you're going at. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! You can check out our episode about The Race, Atlanta's biggest long distance race organised for and by the black community featuring Race Director Tes Sobomehin-Marshall here! Support the show

Discover the grit and grace of running beyond the usual finish line as we journey with Tasnim Tudor and Dina Loufimpou into the realm of ultramarathons. Witness firsthand the transformation from ordinary strides to the extraordinary feat of covering distances that push the human spirit to its limits. This episode isn't just about running; it's about transcending barriers and embracing the diversity within the ultra-running community. Step into the shoes of runners who have morphed from marathoners to ultra-marathoners, uncovering the profound mental and physical shifts required to conquer the solitude of long-distance trails. From the quiet determination needed to train before dawn to the inner resilience that turns 'penguin' runners into ultramarathon champions, our guests share their compelling tales. These narratives aren't solely about endurance; they're a testament to the power of self-belief and the importance of representation in a sport that thrives on diversity and inclusion. As we close this chapter of our running series, gratitude is the path we choose, with heartfelt thanks to Tasnim for her marathon wisdom, and Dina for her ultra insights that have enriched our understanding of what it means to run far. The advice and personal stories shared will fuel our community as we lace up for the races ahead. Stay with us as we continue to chart the course of these incredible journeys, running side by side in pursuit of our next endurance adventure. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Follow Tasnim on Instagram: @challengetaz Follow Dina on Instagram: @runwithdins Support the show

When Rachel McCoy and Dr. Zandi Ndlovu laced up their running shoes during lockdown, little did they know that they'd cross marathon finish lines in their mid-40s and at 50, rewriting their own narratives and shattering age expectations. Our latest episode is a testament to their extraordinary journeys, packed with laughter, resilience, and the sheer joy of running that knows no age. These women, who once cheered from the sidelines, now inspire us as they share the transformative power of putting one foot in front of the other, and how support from loved ones has amplified their triumphs. Our conversation flows into the mental tenacity that marathon training demands, and the personal victories beyond the physical feat. The stories shared here are about more than just running; they're about the mental fortitude it builds within us. Rachel and Zandi recount the visceral thrill of the crowd's energy at the London Marathon and how it catalyzed their own leap from spectators to participants. This episode celebrates the unexpected paths to empowerment and the remarkable realization that what seemed insurmountable can become a cherished part of our identity. Lastly, we unfold the fabric of the running community, a network of support likened to a family that extends far beyond the track. To those contemplating their first stride, know that it is never too late to join this invigorating tribe. We delve into the practicalities and spiritual connections of group runs, and how virtual platforms have bolstered our bonds, especially in a world slowly emerging from isolation. Whether you're seeking advice on starting out or contemplating your next big race, let Rachel, Zandi, and The Start Line be your cheerleaders on this exhilarating journey of self-discovery and communal celebration. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Follow Rachel on Instagram - @justrach2023 Follow Zandi on Instagram - @zandi__ndlovu Support the show

Stephen D'Souza's tale is one for the books—a journey from being on the brink of diabetes to conquering marathons with a vigor that's nothing short of contagious. In our return from the National Running Show, we've brought together an array of stories that embody the transformative power of running, and Stephen's is a beacon of inspiration. We chat about the strides being made toward inclusivity and representation in the running world, and the importance of creating safe spaces. Our gratitude is immense for those who've supported these discussions, which took place at the National Running Show including England Athletics, Raccoon Events, and the ever-passionate Emancipated Run Crew community. This episode weaves through Stephen's quest with ERC's co-founder Trojan to bring diversity to the forefront of London's Parkrun scene—34 down and counting. But it's not just about tallying runs; it's a mission to inspire black and brown communities to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement. We celebrate the upcoming trail runs, Race to the King and Race to the Stones, where stories like Stephen's continue to unfold and where the camaraderie of the running community shines brightest. Join us for a heartwarming look at the journeys that challenge not only our bodies but our spirits, all while fostering a sense of belonging in the expansive world of running. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Follow Stephen on Instagram - @parkrunneruk Support the show

The Start Line Girls (Jules and Dee) were honoured to be asked to host the Emancipated Run Crew Women’s Discussion Panel Event in celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March! We recorded live from the event and to end March we are dropping it now so all those who missed out will get the opportunity to hear this amazing session (please forgive the background noises!) The event, for black and brown women, was curated by co-founder of Emancipated Run Crew and our running brother Trojan Gordon as part of a series of ERC panel discussions . It was held in the beautiful FS8 gym, and started with a great fit session for the ladies, followed by the panel discussion on community, safe spaces and mental health, centring on the lived experiences of black and brown women. Taz, Kelly and Mercy were amazing panellist, shared their stories so openly and vulnerably, but from a position of confidence and strength! The audience were engaging and as we ran out of time were keen to hear more. Watch this space for part 2!!! Thank you to all who attended! PANEL: 🏃🏽‍♀️@challengetaz Taz Tudor - Emancipated Run Crew 🏋🏾 @mercybrown Mercy Brown - Weightlifter - European silver medalist 🏊🏾‍♀️@kellysmith.onthego Kelly Smith - Triathlete creator of Black Try a Tri Triathlon CURATOR: Trojan Gordon SUPPORTED BY: Lululemon Europe, Regent Street and FS8, Oxford Circus Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the Emancipated Run Crew stand! In today's final episode from this bonus series, Jules is in conversation with Lisa Jayne Henry-Arscott from the Black Trail Runners family. Lisa talks to Jules about how she started trail running, her love of cold water swimming, as well as about her love of history and why her childhood memories of Notting Hill Carnival made last year's Black Crews United Carnival Run so special for her. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the Emancipated Run Crew stand! Today Dee grabs a chat with Andre Coggins, founder of the Mafia Moves community, who tells us about his move from being a solo track runner to discovering through the crew running experience after joining the legendary Run Dem Crew, that people can run together for fun! After a period of injury, and a few years of persistent suggestion from Track Mafia's Cory Wharton-McFarlane (aka BitBeefy) Andre finally set up Mafia Moves to create his own local running community. Andre tell Dee how sometimes its necessary to break a few rules in order to break barriers. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the Emancipated Run Crew stand! In today's bonus episode, Dee & Jules are joined by another ERC member Taz Tudor (or Challenge Taz as she's known on Instagram) who talks about how she turned around a bad relationship with sports as a child by sheer determination after she went to running school to change from running "like Phoebe from Friends" to multiple marathons. We discuss the importance of finding your tribe, and how it is possible to use a bad running situation to drive positive organisational change. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the Emancipated Run Crew stand! In this bonus ep, Dee and Jules chat to one ERC’s most ambitious runners, Stephen D'Souza, known on Instagram as @ParkRunnerUK, and to his ERC running family as "Mr Sponsorship" due to his love of the brand with the Three Stripes! Stephen tells us about how joining ERC has changed his life, taking him from a zero miles runner to a marathon hero, as he defied all expectations last October by running the London Marathon with only 6 weeks of training! Prepare to be amazed... We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the Emancipated Run Crew stand! In our second bonus ep this week, Jules is in conversation with Tazneem, more widely known as @thishijabiruns, a woman who has become a role model to Muslim women and girls, by showing the world that South Asian women run too! Tazneem shares her running goals for this year, which includes running the Edinburgh Marathon, as well as talking about how she became an Aspics Front Runner and why it's important for her to be an ambassador for The National Running Show. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

The Start Line Girls (minus Pet!) headed back to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January. We caught up with some of our favourite people in the running community, and all this week we'll be sharing the goodies with a new set of bonus episodes fresh from the Emancipated Run Crew stand! In our first bonus ep, this week Jules catches up with Trojan Gordon, who alongside Jules and Dee co-founded ERC. Trojan and Jules chat about the importance of having groups like Emancipated Run Crew attending events like The National Running Show and why being able to create safe spaces within such events are vital for real conversations around diversity and race in order to drive really change in the running community. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

Ahead of our return to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January, we’ll be giving you a daily dose of TSL goodness as we kick off the New Year with the rest of our series of bonus episodes recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South! For our final bonus ep this week, we are happy to introduced the woman who runs to the beat of calypso, Marcia Bartholomew, known on Instagram as Marcia_Runs_After_50, who talks to Jules about discovering running just before turning 50, finding her tribe in Run Mummy Run and Black Girls Do Run UK, and the amazing power of community. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

Ahead of our return to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January, we’ll be giving you a daily dose of TSL goodness as we kick off the New Year with the rest of our series of bonus episodes recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South! In today's bonus episode we catch up with Ruden Bhutia, founder of Runderbolts - a diverse running family who have been making waves on the running scene since 2017 with their legendary epic running adventures which have included the crew running 10K in 10 countries in ten days, 100K across Europe to raise funds to provide aid for the Nepal earthquake victims and improving the livelihood of Tibetan refugees. Ruden shares why running is important to him - but not so important that he wouldn't stop in the middle of a half marathon to take some else's photo - he's just that kind of runner and a legendary guy. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

In the second of our special bonus episodes this week recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South, Dee catches up with the amazing Prabina Talary, runner, cyclist, swimmer, mother - Prabina is a Swimmathon UK Amabassador who has run marathons, competed in duathlons and triathlons, and a champion for increasing participation by the Nepalese community, and particularly Nepalese women, in these sports. Prabina shares with Denise memories of growing up as part of the Nepalese Gurkha community, and the transformational experience of finding her tribe amongst fellow female runners with RunMummyRun and amongst her Nepalese community with Runderbolts. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

Ahead of our return to The National Running Show Birmingham, with the Emancipated Run Crew over the weekend of 21 and 22nd January 2023, we’ll be giving you a daily dose of TSL goodness as we kick off the New Year with the rest of our series of bonus episodes recorded live last May from the Emancipated Run Crew stand at The National Running Show South! For our first bonus ep, Jules chats to ERC’s most lyrical member, Allen Richards, otherwise known as Coach Al or Big Al, about how running has helped him to find community and family ,as well as helping him to redefine himself after a life as a respected martial arts practitioner. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebookby searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Support the show

Whoooaaa! Where did 2022 go??? The Start Line Girls are back after a little hiatus over the summer (and autumn!) and here we are at Christmas already!!! But the great thing about that is this is the first TSL Christmas episode! Yes, we managed to pull it outta the bag to celebrate the season (and to mark the official end of the first (3 year long!) season of The Start Line Podcast) and got round the table together to record this special episode. We take a look back at what we did over the summer/autumn including our highlight-the Lisbon Half Marathon and 8k, which marked the inaugural ERC running holiday! We hear from our Emancipated Run Crew family about their experiences of racing abroad. We also share what makes Christmas special to us, and discuss ways of staying motivated to keep moving throughout the holiday season. Wishing a Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year to all our listeners! See you in ‘23! We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence. Canon and Variation by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/ Hip Hop Christmas by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/ Support the show

October marks Black History Month in the UK, and to celebrate this The Start Line Girls are taking a look at people who are making history in the Black Community. In this special episode we speak to Jesse (Specs) Spellman, creator of online running publication Mid Strike Magazine, an avid runner since 2016 and proud member of Black Men Run NYC. Jesse's goal was to create a diverse magazine which showed our run culture and journeys. As a runner Jesse always struggled to find stories of runners that look or sounded like him and other runners in the black community, both in the US and worldwide, so he decided to launch Midstrike Magazine, a publication which celebrates the beauty of blackness and champions our stories, recognising amazing people, giving the spotlight to those who are often not celebrated. As Jesse takes on the London Marathon on 2nd October 2022, we celebrate him and the team at Midstrike for the wonderful job they do in celebrating us! You can follow Midstrike Magazine on Instagram or head to their website to subscribe. We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com (where you can also get your hands on some TSL merch!). We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out! Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence. Support the show