How Running Rebuilt His Life | Austyn Farrell on Mental Health, Sobriety & Sub-3 Marathons

From substance misuse and rock bottom to racing London in 2:58 - in two years. 🏅

Austyn Farrell is a dancer, content creator and marathon runner. He's also one of the most honest guests we've ever had on the show - and he'll make you laugh the entire way through.

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Anya and Ben sit down with Austyn to talk about the mindset, the training, and the life changes behind one of the most powerful running transformations we've heard.

We cover everything from his recent HYROX, to running for Mind, and finding his community in running - this is real proof that running can change your life.

In this episode, you'll learn:
🎭 From Dancer to Sub-3 Marathoner - zero experience to 2:58 in two years: his running transformation explained
🧠 Running & Mental Health - what running actually gives you on the hardest days, and why it works
💜 Running With Purpose - racing for Mind charity, and what it meant finishing sober and clean
🌈 Running Community & Identity - Run Clubs, Rainbow Road, and a Pride vest at HYROX
🏃‍♂️ Marathon Mindset - the marathon training tips behind 2:58
🎯 Running Tips for Beginners - "you cannot fail unless you try"

*Please note, this episode contains discussion of substance misuse and suicide, which some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional support.

Want to give Runna a go?
🆓 Try it FREE for 2 weeks with code: PODCAST26
👉 join.runna.com/lKmc/redeem

🎧 Listen on your next run → linktr.ee/runnapodcast
📺 Watch more episodes → @therunnapodcast

📱
Instagram → @runna
TikTok → @runna

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Intro - "When people say you inspired me to run, that's the winner"
1:40 Growing up around fitness - and how he lost his way
3:15 Hitting rock bottom: substance misuse & the decision to change
4:28 "You can't fake a run" - why running was different to performing
6:53 "Freedom is the word" - the running transformation that started it all
9:15 "I had to start again" - rebuilding his life and running community
11:19 Suicidal thoughts, recovery & becoming your own therapist on a long run
16:04 Running for Mind - in memory of Nathan Williams and Cherry Valentine
17:16 "Every single run it crosses my mind - you're running for your future"
18:27 The race day moment that nearly broke him
19:28 "That's my team" - why running community gets you to the finish line
26:48 "It's all mental" - the marathon mindset behind a sub-3 marathon and sobriety
27:36 Crossing the finish line: "I'm so happy to be running"
28:53 HYROX training, a Pride vest & owning who you are in sport
38:48 Running beginner tips: "You cannot fail unless you try"