Hardest Geezer: How the Guy Who Ran Across Africa Trains for a Marathon | The Runna Podcast Live

Russ Cook ran across Africa. So a marathon should be easy… right?

Russ Cook, ‘Hardest Geezer’, joins Ben and Anya for a special live recording in London, chasing a 2:35 marathon. Despite running across a continent, he shares how marathon training is pushing him in new ways.

From raw, often hilarious stories from Africa to his broader journey from rock bottom, Russ reflects on completing one of the toughest endurance feats in history - admitting he could never do it again.

This episode explores the marathon training mindset and reveals the real value of doing hard things: it’s not about the finish line, but the self-belief you build in the process.
If you're training for a marathon, chasing a PB, or need a shot of running motivation, you'll love this one.

In this episode, you'll hear:
🏃‍♂️ Why marathon training is harder than running across Africa
🧠 The marathon training mindset that got Russ through Africa
💪 How a "nothing to lose" mindset transforms your running performance
🎯 Race day essentials: pacing, fitness & marathon training tips

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⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Live Intro & Meeting Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer)
1:05 – From Rock Bottom to Running (How It All Started)
3:10 – Quitting His Job & Chasing Extreme Challenges
7:20 – Planning Project Africa & Building a Team
10:00 – Running Across Africa: The Reality (50km a Day)
11:40 – Toughest Moments: Hostage Situation & Mental Battles
13:00 – The Mindset That Got Him Through (Focus on the Next Step)
17:30 – Finishing Africa: “My Life Means Something Now”
20:50 – Chasing a 2:35 Marathon (London Race Goals)
22:10 – Why Marathon Training Feels Like a Different Sport
23:30 – Race Day Uncertainty: Fitness vs Physiology
24:30 – Future Goals: Ultra Running & Team GB Ambitions
25:00 – How Having a Family Changes Your Mindset
25:59 – Why He “Wouldn’t Be Able to Do Africa Again”