Born to Run with Vassos Alexander
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Do you think running is just not for you? I think it will be hard not to want to give it a go after listening to this week’s podcast with BBC Radio 2 sports presenter, podcast host, author, and self-confessed running addict, Vassos Alexander.
Formerly unfit and out of shape, Vassos has now run the Spartathlon – a 153-mile ultramarathon race held annually in Greece. He shares his journey and gives a fascinating insight into the history behind this event. Vassos believes that it doesn’t matter how far you run or how fast, it is just about getting out there and giving it a go. And the benefits speak for themselves – he considers running a form of therapy. This is a lively and engaging conversation, and Vassos’s passion for running is palpable – I hope it inspires you!
Episode Highlights:
- How and when did Vassos first get into running?
- Did Vassos enjoy running at first?
- Has Vassos always had a healthy lifestyle?
- Hear how Vassos competed in the iconic ultra-endurance race Spartathlon, 153 miles from Athens to Sparta and the challenges he faced.
- What mental benefits does Vassos get from running?
- Having been a non-runner, what tips does Vassos have for starting to run?
- Vassos and Rangan talk about their mutual love of Parkrun and all its benefits.
- Is there a perfect runner’s gait? Vassos references Priscah Jeptoo’s.
- Vassos talks about his first book Don’t Stop Me Now: 26.2 Tales of a Runner’s Obsession.
- What key advice has Chris Evans given Vassos?
- Rangan & Vassos talk about the use of technology for running and how it can be both a help and a hindrance.
- What are Vassos’s 4 tips to get into running?
Further learning:
- Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
- Parkrun – Website Facebook
- Outdoorradar.com – 10 Things we learnt from sport reporter Vassos Alexander
- Telegraph.com – Confessions of an accidental ultra runner
- Guardian.com – All the gear…: ‘How obsession with kit eclipsed my love of running’
- Biomechanics of running – Video of Priscah Jeptoo running’s gait
- BBC.co.uk – Parkrun: What’s all the fuss about?
*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
†Disclosure: All books marked with a †are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. We take part in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon’s website. You are not charged any extra by using these links to purchase books.
Dr Rangan Chatterjee
MbChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP, MRCGP
