The Adventure Habits Podcast

Episode 35 - Jonathan Thomas

Walking Through History: Jonathan Thomas's Journey to Hadrian’s Wall and Beyond In this episode, Jonathan Thomas shares his decade-long fascination with British history and his upcoming adventure walking the legendary Hadrian’s Wall. Discover how meticulous planning, training, and a genuine interest in history can turn a dream into a transformative experience and how preparation and mindset are key to every adventure. Key insights: ✔ The origin story of Angletopia and its role in connecting Americans with British culture ✔ Why long-distance walks like Hadrian’s Wall draw enthusiasts and how they prepare physically and mentally ✔ The importance of choosing engaging, meaningful projects to stay motivated ✔ Practical tips for adventure preparation, including mapping, gear, and footwear ✔ The positive health impacts of long-distance training and walking ✔ The role of accountability, social pressure, and non-negotiables in sticking with goals How history, landscape, and personal interest fuel the passion for adventure Insights into UK trail infrastructure and how American adventurers can navigate and plan their journeys The significance of proper gear, especially footwear, and the value of detailed mapping Jonathan’s links * Anglotopia [https://anglotopia.memberful.com/] * Anglotopia Podcast [https://podcast.anglotopia.net/] * Ordnance Survey SplashMaps [https://www.splash-maps.com]  * Hadrian’s Wall + SplashMaps’ NEW Challenge Series of Long Distance Trails  [https://www.splash-maps.com/product-category/destinations/?jsf=epro-archive-products&_s=Long%20Distance%20SplashMaps]

Episode 34 - Stave Chilton

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton from Splash Maps sits down with renowned fell running author, coach, and historian Steve Chilton for a deep and inspiring conversation about endurance, resilience, adventure, and the spirit of the hills. From the origins of fell running in Northern England to legendary challenges such as the Bob Graham Round, the Three Peaks Race, and the Cuillin Ridge, Steve shares decades of experience exploring some of the toughest and most iconic landscapes in the UK. Together, they discuss:  * What makes fell running unique  * The culture and history behind the sport  * The importance of navigation, self-reliance, and community  * Stories from legendary runners and mountain athletes  * The evolution of women’s participation in endurance sports  * Adventure habits that apply far beyond running Steve also reflects on his journey as an author, researcher, and coach revealing the lessons learned through success, failure, ambition, and stepping outside of comfort zones. Whether you’re a runner, outdoor enthusiast, adventurer, or simply someone looking for motivation to pursue your own challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights and unforgettable stories from a lifetime spent exploring the hills. Resources & Links * Article in Cumbria magazine [https://itsahill.wordpress.com/] * Lake District Map- Bob Graham Round [https://www.splash-maps.com/shop/lake-district-bob-graham-round/] * 3 Peaks Yorkshire Dales OS Map [https://www.splash-maps.com/shop/3-peaks-yorkshire-dales-os-map/]

Episode 33 - Nick Goldsmith

In this episode, David Overton sits down with Nick Goldsmith former Royal Marine, author of Rewild Your Mind, founder of the Woodland Warrior programme, and a man whose journey has taken him from military operations and trauma to helping others rebuild resilience and purpose. Nick shares his path into the Royal Marines, his experiences in Afghanistan, the realities of living with PTSD, and how reconnecting with nature became a powerful tool for recovery and personal growth. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, adventure, mental health, and Nick’s five key “Adventure Habits” that can help anyone bring more purpose and challenge into everyday life. Resources & Links: * Hidden Valley Bushcraft [https://www.hiddenvalleybushcraft.co.uk/] * Woodland Warrior Programme [https://bluelightcardfoundation.org/woodland-warrior/] * Nick demonstrates essential navigation skills [https://youtu.be/cLgNN7y9xwI?si=xqsh6qfJAIoiBJAI] * Chew Valley & Mendips SplashMap [https://www.splash-maps.com/shop/map-maker/?centre=51.36620760795351,-2.6113128662109375&title=Chew%20Valley&scale=25k&style=OS&splashmap_product=SplashMap&searchtext=Chew%20Valley]

Episode 32 - Lee Plank, Longest Prison Break Run from Dartmoor

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary world of ultra running, featuring Lee Plank, who has run the furthest in the Dartmoor prison break challenge. Discover tactical insights, inspiring habits, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the top ultra marathoners. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just curious about pushing limits, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to elevate your adventure game. 00:00 - Introduction to Dartmoor Prison Break ultramarathon and episode overview 00:35 - Explaining the race concept: running from inside the prison walls and geography challenges 02:05 - Lee Plank's record-breaking 102 miles in 24 hours and route planning strategies 03:45 - Inside the prison setup and race dynamics, including the theme and logistics 04:50 - Strategies for route selection, terrain analysis, and staying on track 06:15 - Training the gut with real food like rice pudding and varied fueling methods 07:45 - Control what you can: gear testing, weather considerations, and kit preparation 09:10 - The importance of maps and navigation skills in ultra races 10:15 - Memorable moments on the route: support from strangers and overcoming low points 11:50 - Inspiration from top ultra athletes and reading adventure books 13:10 - Doing something that scares you, like upcoming 10k or new adventures 14:25 - Treats and rewards as motivation, with examples like McDonald's and milkshakes 15:50 - The importance of continuous mental and physical preparation and coaching 17:15 - Final thoughts: pushing limits, embracing the adventure, and race sign-up info Resources & Links * Discount Code [https://www.splash-maps.com/?coupon-code=dartmoorprisonbreak&sc-page=shop] (15%!!) for ALL participants * Dartmoor Prison Break [https://www.dartmoorprisonbreak.com/dartmoor-prison-break-ultra-event](Take Part! Entries close 15th May, Challenge 30-31st May) * Lee’s Ultra Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/l.p.ultrarunner?igsh=eDR3NXc1ajAwY3hu] * Shout-out to Gemma Barnett, Lee’s supportive wife * Wroughton Whippetshttps [http://www.instagram.com/wroughton_whippets?igsh=MTRucHd3azRscWNjdw==] running group * Nathan Montague [https://therunningklub.trainingtiltapp.com/] at The Running Klub

Episode 031 - Dermot Cosgrove

Joining the French Foreign Legion and Embracing Adventure: Dermot Cosgrove’s Journey & Habits In this episode, Dermot Cosgrove shares his extraordinary adventures—from joining the French Foreign Legion to walking across Iceland—highlighting the mindset and habits that keep him pushing boundaries. Discover how his experiences shape his approach to preparation, purpose, and resilience in challenging environments. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Dermot Cosgrove: from Iceland to the French Foreign Legion 02:23 - Dermot’s military background and fascination with maps 04:45 - The impact of Dermot’s family and childhood outdoors enthusiasm 07:18 - Dealing with trauma and finding purpose through adventure 09:05 - Inspiration from Rob Steiner and joining the French Foreign Legion 11:14 - Understanding the spectrum of motivations among legionnaires 12:56 - Dermot’s regiment choices and role in the Legion 15:22 - Experiences in Djibouti, Somalia, and challenges of remote environments 18:39 - Transition from military skills to security work and mapping projects 20:36 - Dermot’s travel research and planning insights 23:49 - The deeper “why”: testing limits and managing ego 26:27 - The importance of having a clear purpose during adversity 28:37 - Training, gear familiarity, and self-rescue techniques 31:58 - Building habits: from physical training to route research 37:43 - The significance of proper kit and understanding environmental quirks 41:14 - The value of embracing failure as part of growth and adventure 43:27 - Launching Iceland map for adventure explorers 44:50 - Dermot’s commitment to charity and outdoor community Resources & Links * Dermot’s Hike raises funds for Dogs for the Disabled [https://www.facebook.com/IrishDogsForDisabled/] * Support him and them on his donation page [https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/DermotCosgrove]. * How we Designed the perfect Map for Dermot [https://www.splash-maps.com/make-your-challenge-our-challenge/]. * NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH: Iceland SplashMap [https://www.splash-maps.com/shop/iceland/]