Skip to main content
Ponteland Runners Off Road

Ponteland Runners Off Road

By PontRunners

Ponteland Runners Off Road is the podcast channel for Ponteland Runners, a friendly running club based in the village of Ponteland, just outside Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK. It's your home of lively, and sometimes humorous, discussions on running and triathlon from club members, runners and experts.
Thanks for listening and you are welcome to contact us at podcast@pontelandrunners.org.uk
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Ep 40 - Pub food chat

Ponteland Runners Off Road Feb 15, 2020

00:00
01:08:29
Ep 85 Guided running

Ep 85 Guided running

Tune into find out how Laura got on guide running at a parkrun and how Matty got on running round in circles on the town moor half!

Feb 10, 202456:57
Ep 84 Cross Country Christmas 2023

Ep 84 Cross Country Christmas 2023

We're back and we've missed you all! This time we are joined by Kelly Enderwick, our ladies cross country captain for an update on the current season, fixtures to come and general catch up. There's plenty of good humoured bants (I think) as we share our love for the sport and club.

Dec 22, 202352:48
Ep 83 Kielder Marathon 2023

Ep 83 Kielder Marathon 2023

We're back with not one, not two but three guests all fresh from Kielder marathon triumphs! Join us as we chat with Dawn, Emily and Amelia and find out how they got on. We also re-cap on cross country, parkrun championship and the coastal run. Thanks for listening and we'll see you again soon.

Oct 12, 202348:10
Ep 82 - Kiwi adventure

Ep 82 - Kiwi adventure

This time we're chatting with club pals Lauren and David as they tell us about how they upped sticks last year with just 2 suitcases between them and moved to Auckland, New Zealand.

They do parkruns and triathlon a bit differently over there, and I think that's saying things mildly so tune in to find out a bit more of their life and adventure in New Zealand.

Jul 11, 202349:47
Ep 81 - The Craic at the Back

Ep 81 - The Craic at the Back

Join us once again as we are in conversation with Helen O'Neil and Dawn Roxburgh discussing the latest race results and just why the Craic at the Back is so important to our club. Don't forget to subscribe to get automatic notifications of future episodes. Thanks for listening and see you next time.

Jun 14, 202301:04:34
Ep 80 Relays, Ultras and treadmills

Ep 80 Relays, Ultras and treadmills

Join us to find out what everyone has been up to over the last couple of months. We have news of the recent relays, some incredible ultra and marathon running by our members, parkrun and if you haven't tried running on a treadmill, well we have a very non-scientific report on what it's like!

Apr 12, 202347:15
Ep 79 - And the winner is...

Ep 79 - And the winner is...

We're back for our first episode of 2023 - can't believe it's March already! Well, there's been plenty going on so far so tune in and listen to what everyone has been up to. We've got Brass Monkey results, cross country update, club champs, parkrun take over and lots more besides. We say a big thank you to our fantastic triathlon team who picked up 3 awards at British Triathlons' equivalent to the Oscars.

Feb 28, 202353:51
Ep 78 Promises Promises

Ep 78 Promises Promises

Join us as we recap on what's been going on in the last couple of months. We have a roundup of the latest cross country and local races with some cracking performances, news from our GBR athletes and catch up with some broken promises we aim to put right!

Dec 15, 202253:02
Ep 77 Anne-Marie Shield

Ep 77 Anne-Marie Shield

We're back with more club chat, and this time we're joined by Anne-Marie who brings us up to speed with what she's been up to at the Steelman and GNR22. Lots of race news with roundups and shout outs from Amsterdam, Keilder, Great North Run and many more. Thanks for listening and see you next time!

Oct 19, 202201:06:55
Ep 76 Andrea Simmons Full throttle!

Ep 76 Andrea Simmons Full throttle!

We're back and this time we manage to tie Andrea Simmons down for a few minutes as she pops in to chat about her energetic rise through the club. When she isn't running, swimming or cycling she's helping out with club kit making sure we all look smart when we're out and about. We have a few shout outs and recap briefly on what the committee have been up to aswell.

Aug 31, 202251:17
Ep 75 Races, Races, Races

Ep 75 Races, Races, Races

Hi folks, we're back with  packed show!

For those who missed the AGM, we bring you the highlights (yes, there were some!!). And as our Go-Tri season comes to a close, we celebrate our success and don our swimming caps to thank those in the club who made it possible. You have all been busy racing so if that includes you, sit up and pay attention and listen for your  shout-out! With a dose of dry humour as we go along, we hope you enjoy catching up.

See you next time!

Jul 28, 202201:02:34
Ep 74 Go Tri 2022 with Mick Meaney

Ep 74 Go Tri 2022 with Mick Meaney

After the recent successful Go Tri, our first since 2019, we chat with event organiser and GBR athlete Mick Meaney about what it took to put the event on, what it means to him and the fun to be had getting involved in club activities. Our members have been busy out and about running, swimming and cycling and we take a minute to give as many as possible a well deserved shout out amongst what we hope is our usual good humoured banter that's worth listening to! See you next time!!

May 25, 202247:49
Ep 73 Breaking barriers

Ep 73 Breaking barriers

In this episode we hear from Laura as she hits yet another milestone, breaking the sound barrier to record a new parkrun PB! There are round ups from a flurry of recent races and we look ahead to what's coming up. 

Apr 12, 202238:49
Ep 72 Cross Country champs

Ep 72 Cross Country champs

We're back and this time what more is there to talk about when we met on International Women's day than the news of our ladies winning promotion to Division 2 in the Harrier League? Well, quite a lot more actually as we have recap the Hetton Lyons Relays and Deugar races. We finish with tales of running in New York and Naples and look forward to the season ahead. Thanks for listening!

Mar 11, 202243:02
Ep 71 Joanne Lucking - The ultra Ultra Runner's ultra runner!

Ep 71 Joanne Lucking - The ultra Ultra Runner's ultra runner!

Joanne Lucking pops in to chat about her love of ultra running. Since taking up long distance running in 2019 she has tackled some seriously long events that really are remarkable. When we sat down to chat none of us had any idea just how much she has accomplished in a couple of years. From 1 day events, virtual, multi-day and even some volunteering at major ultra events, Joanne really is on another level completely. Running, run-walking, 35miles to 268 miles - it doesn't matter - at these distances it's all about getting the job job. Have you got what it takes? There's an ultra race for everyone!

Feb 01, 202251:22
Ep 70 Brass Monkey nuts

Ep 70 Brass Monkey nuts

Join us once again for more idle running chat. We cover Cross Country heroics, Brass Monkeying in York, and a Parkrun takeover. Wow, what a start to the New Year it has been already! We look ahead to what's to come and contemplate our own goals for 2022.

Jan 19, 202239:24
Ep 69 End of Year Review 2021

Ep 69 End of Year Review 2021

Hello friends and welcome to our end of year chat in The Blackbird. We hear from some of our members as we look back on 2021. We recap on the Saltwell 10K and Club Championship results and we look ahead to what 2022 might bring. 

Thanks for listening and we look forward to hearing all about your accomplishments next year.

Dec 29, 202129:59
Ep 68 - John McGargill, Barcelona Ironman 2021

Ep 68 - John McGargill, Barcelona Ironman 2021

Join us again for another episode as we catch up on some local results and all things cross country, including voice clips from some very excited runners at the Druridge Bay meet. Then we catch up with John McGargill as he describes completing his Ironman quest. It's been a long road and some years in the doing, but his tale of perseverance and determination is there for us all to admire.

Nov 08, 202101:11:18
Ep 67 Race roundup

Ep 67 Race roundup

Join us for another episode as we reflect on the achievements of our globe trotting athletes. From Jesmond Dene parkrun to Wrekenton Cross Country, London and Keilder half and full marathons to the amazing Ironmen and Ironwoman in Barcelona. There is a discipline and distance here to inspire us all.

Oct 07, 202150:16
Ep 66 Great North Run 40 2021 round up

Ep 66 Great North Run 40 2021 round up

Hi folks. Tune in for a round up and shout outs for the GNR 40 event results, chat and banter. We cover off some amazing ultra running and triathlon achievements to hopefully get you motivated to get out there and keep active. We look ahead to the new cross country season as it kicks off this weekend at Wrekenton. Enjoy this one and we'll see you next time!

Sep 22, 202152:01
Ep 65 - Ann-Marie - Triathlete

Ep 65 - Ann-Marie - Triathlete

Join us as we chat with Ann-Marie on her growing confidence in triathlon and the recent performances by our athletes. Modest as always, there is plenty of time to talk about her first place (with Laura and Kirsten) in the women's relay at The Lakesman too! Matty rounds things off with some recent race results and a recap on the the great evening we all had at the club handicap.

Aug 06, 202156:22
Ep 64 - Hardmoor Ultra 2021

Ep 64 - Hardmoor Ultra 2021

Want to know what it takes to run 110 miles on the North Yorkshire Moors? Tune in to find out as we talk with Arran Stephenson as he recounts this year's Hardmoor Ultra 2021. What drives someone to run that distance, how do you keep going for over 31 hours without sleep, through the dark hours and in to the morning? It was an epic run, Arrans first 110 and whilst I'm sure it won't be his last, have you got what it takes?

Jun 19, 202152:41
Ep 63 - Susan and Balu Dorani

Ep 63 - Susan and Balu Dorani

It's great to be back safely in The Badger, this time we're with Susan and Balu Dorani who popped in for a drink and a chat. We hear their tale as they have gradually got in to running and now cycling since joining the club. We couldn't let them go without spilling the beans on daughter and club Chair Abby so tune in to find out how she went all out to win that bar of Toblerone at school! We catch up on a few race results look ahead to some upcoming races too. 

May 31, 202152:22
Ep 62 - Race against time

Ep 62 - Race against time

Could you run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours? Want to know what it takes? Club runner Paul ONeil has done just that and now you can find out and hear how he did it. Will you be inspired to create you own distance or time based challenge and get a little something extra out of your running? First up though is club Chair Abby Dorani with important news about the resumption of club sessions (hooray!!).

Thanks for listening & see you next time.


Apr 03, 202155:22
Ep 61 Gear review

Ep 61 Gear review

This time David Levison joins us for a review of some of the latest gear. David shares is knowledge and experience when it comes to all things turbo trainers, and we hear reviews from some club members as well. We round up with some fun reviews of the latest innovative gear from our friends at lessKMS too where everything might not be quite as it seems!


Mar 07, 202101:02:12
Ep 60 Lent Bingo 2021

Ep 60 Lent Bingo 2021

Join us this time as Grace Holt pops in for a chat to talk about her Lent Bingo Challenge and the Grace House Charity. This challenge is just what I am sure we all need to keep us motivated in these weird times so it's not too late to get involved. We also hear about the work of the Grace House Charity too. Thanks for listening!

Feb 16, 202134:51
Ep 59 Tina Kelly - busy mum, triathlete and coach!
Jan 30, 202101:00:16
Ep 58 Happy New Year!

Ep 58 Happy New Year!

Hi folks.

Well, we made it through 2020 and for many its 'good riddance', but we can't say goodbye without hearing from our members and getting some of their thoughts on the year and how much running and the club means to them. We recap on the other stories we've heard this year's episodes and close with news of the Christmas 5k 2020.

See you in 2021!

Dec 31, 202055:06
Ep 57 - Triathlon special with Elaine Stroud

Ep 57 - Triathlon special with Elaine Stroud

Join us for more tri talk with club tri co-ordinator Elaine Stroud as she describes how she got in to triathlon. Elaine has worked tirelessly since joining the committee building the tri activities and this has paid off as the club scooped 2 very prestigious awards - regional and England tri club of the year 2020. It's an inspiring story and offers encouragement to all of us to have a go.

 

Dec 06, 202052:21
Ep 56 - The Sarah Levison Story

Ep 56 - The Sarah Levison Story

Whilst running is the activity that binds us all together, it's also for many of us so much more than that. The effect of running is not just better fitness, it can be transformational and take you on a journey you didn't think was possible for you. In this episode we hear from Sarah Levison as she describes how she went from being a slouch couch potato to tri-athlete and coach in just a few years. It's an uplifting and personal journey which might just resonate with you too. 

Nov 14, 202043:49
Ep 55 - Sarah Gibson

Ep 55 - Sarah Gibson

Join us for a chat with Sarah Gibson as she talks about how she got in to running, the importance of running form and running with a buggy!

Oct 31, 202053:18
Ep 54 Peter McCowie

Ep 54 Peter McCowie

Join us this time as Peter McCowie drops in for a chat and tells us his story of how, after some straight talking from his doctor, he changed his ways and got in to running. Hear who John McGargill votes the greatest runner of all time, and Victoria Grace expresses her thoughts on what's great about running. We even have some race results too - both real and virtual! Thanks for listening!

Oct 03, 202041:56
Ep 53 - Callum Ward unplugged

Ep 53 - Callum Ward unplugged

Something a little different this time as we get to know Ponteland Runners' very own Piano Man, Callum Ward. Listen in to this one as we explore the relationship between Callum's two passions in life - music and running. It was a real pleasure to chat with Callum and make sure you had over to YouTube and just search for 'cwardmusic' to see and hear Callum performing with his uni pals (and his brother Finlay) at his very best. 

Sep 04, 202044:07
Ep 52 Runners against rubbish
Aug 29, 202039:56
Ep 51 Alcohol Free beer and training!

Ep 51 Alcohol Free beer and training!

This time Heidi Finlay joins us for an update on her marathon training and how she's trying to lead a healthier lifestyle drinking alcohol free beer. As we're back in The Badger she gets us to try a few too and we give our verdicts. There's plenty of running talk as we bring you up to speed with our club sessions and we look beyond Amsterdam to some other smaller events coming up you might consider.

Aug 21, 202037:25
Ep 50 Greener Miles

Ep 50 Greener Miles

Join us this time as Laura meets up with Mark Marchant from Greener Miles and our very own Nicola Balfour as they talk about environmentally friendly running, virtual racing and what the new normal races might look like.

Aug 14, 202039:47
Ep 49 Racing Back to the Future

Ep 49 Racing Back to the Future

If you're wondering how we might move from virtual races back to running for real, well this is for you. After a quick round up we're straight in to a recording this week with Mr Run Nation himself Richard Hunter. Well known in North East England running circles and the head of Run Nation events, Richard talks to us about the reality of moving his races to the virtual world due to Covid-19, and gives us a glimpse in to how real races might look in the future.

Jul 25, 202046:27
Ep 48 - Club update, virtual Blaydon and charity events.

Ep 48 - Club update, virtual Blaydon and charity events.

We're joined by club Chair Abby Dorani for a round up of what's been going on behind the scenes during lockdown, Laura takes us through the Virtual Blaydon Race results, and Matty updates us on Grace and Heidi’s charity runs.

Jun 18, 202040:28
Ep 47 - Virtual Racing!

Ep 47 - Virtual Racing!

Nicola Balfour joins us for a chat about virtual racing and how the club was galvanised in to the Greener Miles virtual Team 24 hour challenge. We also have clips sent in by Abby and Ann Marie as they recollect their first, last, worst and best races. Send yours in to podcast@pontelandrunners.org.uk, thanks for listening.

May 31, 202038:44
Ep 46 First, Last, Worst & Best races EVER!

Ep 46 First, Last, Worst & Best races EVER!

There might not be any races on at the moment but we still have our memories of the races we have run that matter the most. Join us as we chat with club runners Victoria Grace and Heidi Finlay as we reminisce on our first, last, worst and best races of all time! What shines through all the stories is our pure love of running, from our first to our last race, from our worst (if there is such a thing really) to our best!

May 08, 202001:04:55
Ep 45 Run with Ponteland Runners

Ep 45 Run with Ponteland Runners

Move move over Coach Bennett (well, just this once anyway) and take us with you on your next run! It's tough running on your own sometimes, so after a quick warm up we'll distract you as we chat with Esme and Arran Stephenson. Get set and get going with plenty of light hearted banter, running talk, film reviews and plenty of bad jokes. Arran takes us back to how he met Esme and they play a quick game of Mr & Mrs (take a guess who wins). Prepare to be blown away as Arran plays us out with his new guitar solo that he has learned during the lockdown! And just when you think its all over, Matty gets locked in his bedroom. You couldn't make it up, and neither did we!

Apr 18, 202049:24
Ep 44 Phill Bell - sports physiologist

Ep 44 Phill Bell - sports physiologist

We're back, and this time you get a chance to meet one of our newer members, sports physiologist Phill Bell. He takes us in to the world of sports physiology and how he has worked with some of the world's top athletes. He shares some top training and recovery tips and answers the big question on everyone's mind at the moment - do compression tights really work? 

Apr 11, 202050:39
Ep 43 Nike Run Club with Paul O'Neil

Ep 43 Nike Run Club with Paul O'Neil

This time we're joined by Paul O'Neil who popped in, via Facebook messenger, for a chat. Find out how we've been occupying ourselves during the second week of lock down, we run through what must be the shortest race recap in history before Paul describes what it's like working for Nike. He gives us some great tips on how to run with the  Nike Run Club app and picks out his favourites guided runs.

Apr 04, 202046:05
Ep 42 Keep calm and carry on!!

Ep 42 Keep calm and carry on!!

You're gonna have to try harder than setting off a global virus to keep us of the air! Join us as we swap our regular spot at The Badger for our virtual studio. Club news and dodgy banter is followed by Rob Charlton giving his account of the Run Northumberland Half Marathon.

Mar 20, 202042:58
Ep 41 - Ponteland Runners take on the world !

Ep 41 - Ponteland Runners take on the world !

Join us for more club news and banter and hear how a couple of our members are representing GBR in European and World championships.

Mar 05, 202001:23:11
Ep 40 - Pub food chat

Ep 40 - Pub food chat

Join us for something a bit different as we chat about diet, nutrition and running. We aren't experts (that will become obvious!) so it goes without saying that you should take the appropriate advice if you decide to make any changes to what you eat.

 Oh, and has anyone seen Matty?

Feb 15, 202001:08:29
Ep 39 Trophygate

Ep 39 Trophygate

Join us once again for club news and race our regular round up. We do our best to unravel what happened after the club social and Trophy-gate and Laura reports back on her trip to the most northerly parkrun on the planet.

Feb 07, 202047:47
Ep 38 And the winner is....

Ep 38 And the winner is....

Yay, we're back! Join us in The Badger sitting by the fire talking about our great club and what's been happening over Christmas and New Year. We give well deserved shout outs to the winners of the various club awards for 2019 and look ahead to some upcoming races. Seriously, we just couldn't stop talking so take us on your long run, or on your daily commute or by your bedside as we lull you to sleep even (right Neil?). I'm not selling this episode very well but we hope you enjoy this one and we'll see you again soon!

Jan 17, 202001:04:31
Ep 37 End of year race round up and your 2019 highlights

Ep 37 End of year race round up and your 2019 highlights

Join us as we recap on the Winter Club 5k handicap, Saltwell 10k and as we hear your hightlights of 2019. 

And in true "it'll be alright on the night" fashion, there are a few outtakes and funny clips too so I hope you enjoy them!

Thanks for listening, have a great Christmas and we'll see you in 2020!

Paul, Laura and Matty

Dec 24, 201947:53
Ep 36 - Ann-Marie Shield, busy mum, runner and triathlete!

Ep 36 - Ann-Marie Shield, busy mum, runner and triathlete!

Join us for race recaps and shout outs before we catch up with busy mum Ann-Marie Shield as she describes how, after having 2 children, she got back in to running parkruns, 10 milers, half marathons and even triathlons. Wow! And you thought you were busy!

Dec 14, 201901:07:03