Solemate Runners - The Podcast

Episode 4 - Big Bear Events

Welcome to Episode 4 of Solemate Runners, The Podcast! Join hosts Paul and Aimee as they share their adventures doing Big Bear Events’ Elephant Challenge. They dive deep into their experiences, including Paul's ill-fated attempt with new carbon fibre trainers, Aimee's determination to beat her previous records, and the fun of volunteering at race events. Listen as they recount running through beautiful Salcey Forest, battling inner demons, and facing unexpected challenges. Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner or just love a good tale of endurance, this episode has it all! 00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners 01:28 Big Bear Events Overview 01:58 The Elephant Challenge Explained 05:01 Canicross and Other Unique Features 06:55 Training and Nutrition Tips 11:42 Medals and Rewards 15:43 First Big Bear Event Experience 20:11 Unexpected Challenges and Lessons 30:59 Discussing the Pros and Cons of Altra Trainers 31:41 Trying Out Altra Shoes at Events 32:24 Petzl Head Torches: A Game Changer? 33:38 Marshaling at the Petzl Night Trail 34:25 Balancing Training and Events 35:39 The Elephant Challenge: Goals and Strategies 36:29 Overcoming Mental and Physical Challenges 43:54 Aimee's Marathon PB Attempt 48:38 Unexpected Obstacles on the Last Lap 56:52 Volunteering at Big Bear Events 58:45 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Thanks for listening! Please give us a follow on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners [https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr]

Episode 3 - Vale Coastal Ultra

In this episode (recorded in April 2025) Paul and Aimee delve into their recent experience running 'Run Walk Crawl''s Vale Coastal Ultra, a challenging 32-mile race. Broadcasting from their quirky railway carriage in Wales, they share highs and lows, recount technical issues, and provide insights on ultra-running. Notably, Aimee celebrates her impressive achievement as the second female finisher while Paul discusses lessons learned, including the importance of problem-solving on the go. This is all to help them prepare for their biggest challenge yet—the Winter Downs 200 in December. Tune in for an hour of engaging stories and key takeaways for any ultra-running enthusiast. 00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners 00:42 Technical Glitches and Location Setup 01:24 Race Introduction: Winter Downs 200 01:46 Vale Coastal Ultra: Race Recap 02:12 Aimee's Achievement: Second Female 02:28 Reflecting on Past Races 02:47 Birthday Ultra: The Tradition 05:43 Race Day Logistics and Registration 13:09 Race Start: Penarth Pier 20:09 Navigating the Course and Checkpoints 33:21 Challenges and Setbacks 38:51 Aimee's Quick Decision 39:15 Pain Management and Pep Talk 42:21 Navigational Challenges 44:20 Concrete Path and Overtaking 47:07 Electrolytes and Fueling Strategy 48:06 Beach Detour and Recovery 49:30 Tackling the Hills 54:37 Final Stretch and Finish Line 01:07:28 Post-Race Reflections 01:17:23 Conclusion and Future Plans Thanks for listening! Please give us a follow on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners [https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr]

Episode 2 - Arc of Attrition Aftermath

In Episode 2 of Solemate Runners The Podcast (recorded in March 2025), Paul and Aimee dive deep into their experience running the Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultramarathon. Tune in as they share the highs and lows of tackling one of the UK’s toughest winter ultras. From harsh weather conditions to the gruelling terrain, they recount every detail of their journey, including struggles with nutrition, unforeseen challenges, and the bittersweet outcome. Whether you're an experienced ultra runner or just curious about the extreme sport, this episode is packed with insightful reflections and valuable lessons that can help anyone preparing for a long-distance race. It is an honest and heartfelt look at what it takes to push one's limits in the world of ultrarunning. 00:00 Welcome to Solemate Runners 00:42 Introducing the Arc of Attrition 02:04 The Journey to Ultra Running 03:43 Signing Up for the Arc 50 05:16 The Arc 50 Experience 09:20 Challenges and Triumphs 13:05 The Arc of Attrition: A New Challenge 20:48 Preparing for the Big Race 21:43 Race Day: The Arc 100 32:00 Arrival and Pre-Race Observations 32:39 Wave Two Start Experience 34:31 Navigating the Early Miles 36:44 Struggles with Nutrition and Hydration 40:16 Battling the Elements 42:27 Checkpoint Challenges and Crew Support 45:44 Pushing Through the Night 52:29 The Brutal Final Stretch 55:04 Missing the Cutoff and Emotional Finish 57:32 Reflections and Future Plans Thanks for listening! Please give us a follow on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners [https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr]

Episode 1 - Introduction

In this inaugural episode of Solemate Runners The Podcast, meet Paul and Aimee, a middle-aged couple with a passion for running. Join them in their running room filled with all things running as they share their motivation behind starting the podcast and YouTube channel. Learn about their background and how they've evolved from casual runners to tackling ultra-marathons and 100-mile races. They discuss their running experiences, the ups and downs, and their future race plans, including a quest to conquer the Arc of Attrition and other challenging events including the Winter Downs 200 in December 2025. Tune in for an honest, humorous, and inspiring dive into their journey in the world of ultra-running. 00:00 Welcome to Our Running Room 00:26 Meet the Hosts: Paul and Aimee 00:45 The Journey to Podcasting 02:03 Aimee's Running Background 03:59 Paul's Running and Sobriety Story 06:45 Our Running Dynamics as a Couple 10:01 From Couch to 100 Miles 14:58 Our First Official Races 16:45 Annual Running Mileage Progress 21:02 The Alcester 10k Races 28:29 Discovering Ultra Running 30:31 Our First Ultra Marathon Experience 37:11 Subsequent Ultra Marathons and Lessons Learned 39:07 Confidence and Preparation for Endure 24 39:29 Heatwave Challenges and Technical Issues 40:08 Aimee's Success and Paul's Struggles 42:06 The Joust and Lessons Learned 43:57 Run Walk Crawl as Arc 50 Training 45:17 The Arc 50: A Proudest Achievement 46:21 Big Bear Events Elephant Challenge 49:25 The Bridge 100: A Unique Challenge 54:51 Endure 24: A Sensible Approach 57:31 The Joust: A Successful Race 59:38 Escape from Meriden Chained 01:05:46 Arc of Attrition 100: A Tough Experience 01:09:20 Upcoming Races and Final Thoughts   Thanks for listening! Please give us a follow on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners [https://www.instagram.com/solematerunners] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/15Y3JAiQoF/?mibextid=wwXIfr]