Paul Tonkinson: Running Through Sand, Ageing & Why We Need To Do Hard Things

This week on the UKRunChat Podcast, we’re joined by comedian, writer and runner Paul Tonkinson.

Paul’s new book, Running Through Sand, follows his attempt to complete the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 250km self-sufficient ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert.

But this conversation goes far beyond the race itself.

We talk about:

• ageing as a runner
• adapting to physical changes
• losing competitiveness
• DNFs and setbacks
• why we seek difficult challenges later in life
• running as emotional processing
• the psychology of ultras
• simplicity, presence and life in the desert
• how running changes over decades

Paul also shares:

• how a freak accident with dogs derailed his first MDS attempt
• lessons from his DNF at Race to the Stones
• why ultras are “75% mental”
• the emotional impact of Marathon des Sables
• why he now sees running less as competition and more as adventure

Whether you’re training for an ultra, navigating changes in your running as you get older, or simply trying to hold onto the joy of movement, this is a thoughtful and surprisingly philosophical conversation about what running gives us.

You can also hear Paul on the Running Commentary podcast.

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