The Pace Invader

Sarah’s Story -The 75-Year-Old Parkrunner Still Going Strong

At 75, Sarah’s still lacing up every Saturday — and she’s been doing it since the very first Weymouth parkrun back in 2013. In this chat, she talks about: How her daughter inspired her to start running The community spirit that keeps her coming back Why she loves the seaside course (except when it’s windy) What’s still on her 2013 iPod And why her husband’s is part of parkrun legend at The Pineapple This episode is a reminder that running isn’t about PBs — it’s about people, persistence, and turning up.

Jillian - Running to heal

It was one of the windiest interviews I’ve ever recorded — but Jillian wasn’t fazed. She’s the kind of runner who keeps showing up, whatever the weather. In this episode, we talk about running when she was younger, taking a long break and returning in her 50's. We discuss motivation, some tragedy and why not every run needs to be a race. It’s an honest, grounded chat with someone who runs for all the right reasons — no ego, no drama, just love of the sport.

Running for Life: Les on 70+ Years of Running

In this episode of The Pace Invader, Daniel sits down with Les — a 73-year-old runner, swimmer, cyclist, and lifelong advocate for keeping active. From his lightning-fast army days to his current role in Egdon Heath Harriers in Weymouth, Les’s story is a testament to what a lifetime of movement can bring. We talk about the joy of Parkrun (even when you forget to stop the watch), the transition from sea swims to pool training after developing an exercise-induced heart condition, and how cycling and e-bikes now add variety to his routine. Les reflects on the marathons he once ran with ease, the importance of adapting to your body’s changes, and why joining a running club is the single best piece of advice he can give to newcomers. Above all, this is a story about resilience, community, and the lifelong rewards of simply keeping moving.

Jenny: Running as Therapy

Jenny doesn’t run for medals or times — she runs to heal. In this episode of The Pace Invader, I talk with Jenny, a Weymouth-based runner originally from Thailand, whose journey into running began in 2017 as a way to fight depression without medication. What started as a personal therapy has become her way of finding peace, freedom, and strength. Jenny opens up about: * How running became her “medicine” after years of domestic abuse and mental health struggles. * Why each run feels like meditation and freedom, even on busy roads. * Her proudest achievement so far: completing 25K at the Jurassic Outdoor Challenge. * Balancing goals like chasing a sub-30 parkrun with simply “just keeping her legs going.” * How she now gives back by volunteering to support other Thai women in the UK facing mental health and domestic abuse issues. Jenny’s story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and hope.

Matt - Running for Connection

Not everyone loves running for the running itself — and that’s okay. This week on The Pace Invader, I speak with Matt, a Weymouth runner who describes his parkruns as “40 minutes of pain” that he doesn’t exactly enjoy. But what he does enjoy — and what keeps him coming back — is the community, the friendships, and the boost to his mental health. Matt shares: How signing up for Race for Life in memory of his parents kick-started his running. Why the first parkrun will always mean the most to him. The role running plays in his mental wellbeing. How running with family and seeing his sister-in-law thrive has inspired him. This is a story about connection, resilience, and finding joy beyond the stopwatch. We discuss a few other podcasts such as Off Menu - https://open.spotify.com/show/0azMejb7zrmAqctVsUSAdq?si=eba1e2cdeedf43a2 Five Brilliant Things - https://open.spotify.com/show/1iK5KBPvzHA8AjvRfZhrUP?si=75866c6bc7264af6 Strangers on a Bench - https://open.spotify.com/show/5stjSreUX9Y9iUYv0KSxBH?si=e98e9a626655490d The Dollop - https://open.spotify.com/show/3m9c2ibJOYiigvVuswYSgU?si=112e022edffd433e