Loading episode…
Loading episode…

Running
Episode context
Listen here or keep browsing the show and related sport coverage from here.
This week, Max, Rob and Sarah are joined by one of the biggest names in UK ultra running — Damian Hall.
Damian has finished fifth at UTMB, won the Spine Race, set multiple FKTs and taken on some seriously ambitious challenges. But there’s much more to his running than racing.
He’s also a coach, author, journalist, climate campaigner and co-founder of The Green Runners — a group working to make running and the wider sport more environmentally sustainable.
We chat about Damian’s recent running adventures, and with winter ultras such as the Spine and Winter Downs approaching, we also get practical: how do you train for 200 miles without destroying yourself? How much running do you actually need to do? What role does strength training play? How do you prepare mentally for several days on your feet? And how do you stay motivated when it’s dark, cold and absolutely miserable outside?
We also chat about longevity and Damian’s latest book, Run Forever, which explores how we can continue to get the most out of running as we get older.
Plus, there’s the usual Trails, Tales, and Fails chaos with Celebrity Pacer, Truth or Lie and the Quickfire Round.
If you enjoy the episode, please give us a rating, follow the podcast and share it with your running friends. It really helps us grow the show.
Support the show via Patreon and buy us a coffee.
We’re proud to be supported by:
Protein Rebel — get 15% off with code TTF15
Beta Outdoor Sports, where you can get 10% off BV Sports compression and apparel, plus 10% off Näak Nutrition products to fuel your adventures using TTF10.
Trailskin get 20% off with TTFS_20
Don’t forget to click here to join our Strava club to connect with fellow trail lovers and celebrate your own achievements.
👉 Join our Trails, Tales, and Fails Facebook Community to continue the conversation and connect with fellow trail and ultra runners.

Next listen
Leroy Valentine: Bigfoot 200
Listen guide
"Damian Hall: FKTs, 200 milers, longevity and motivation" is an episode of Trails, Tales, and Fails - An Ultra Running Podcast. Runtime 1 hr 19 min. Published September 28, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.