Smart Running, by Jen and Sim Benson

Join us for this wonderful conversation with Jen and Sim about all things running! Their fantastic book, Smart Running,  is packed with useful information about a diverse range of topics and we only covered a few of them in our chat. The 19 chapters of this book are divided into 6 parts:

1. Our bodies and Systems
2. Becoming a resilient running
3. Mental skills for runners
4. Races, challenges and adventures
5. Practicalities
6. Training plans and workouts

Here is a little bit about Jen and Sim:

Jen is a runner, writer, mum and UESCA-certified running coach. She has a master’s degree in sport and exercise medicine, specialising in distance running. Her PhD research explores the psychology and philosophy that underpins running performance. She’s also a trained Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) teacher. She’s completed over 50 marathons and ultras, including 2 podium finishes at ultras in 2023 and a finish at the 2024 Arc of Attrition 100-miler. She’s a fan of good books and great coffee.

Sim is a runner, writer, photographer and dad. He’s a qualified England Athletics Running Coach with a background in orienteering, climbing and mountaineering. He’s explored the Alps, Iceland and the Himalayas both with the British Exploring Society and on self-guided adventures, and completed marathons, ultras, iron-distance triathlons and adventure races. Recent successes include finishing the North Coast 110-mile ultramarathon and a win and new course record at the 2023 Limitless Trails Tinsel 12.

You can find out more about them on their website (and find this book along with all the other books they've written): https://jenandsimbenson.co.uk