Episode 31: Born to Run with Vassos Alexander - Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Do you think running is just not for you?  I think it will be hard not to want to give it a go after listening to this week’s podcast with BBC Radio 2 sports presenter, podcast host, author and self-confessed running addict, Vassos Alexander.

Formerly unfit and out of shape, Vassos has now run the Spartathlon – a 153 mile ultramarathon race held annually in Greece.  He shares his journey and gives a fascinating insight into the history behind this event. Vassos believes that it doesn’t matter how far you run or how fast, it is just about getting out there and giving it ago.  And the benefits speak for themselves – he considers running a form of therapy.   This is a lively and engaging conversation and Vassos’s passion for running is palpable – I hope it inspires you!

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Episode Highlights:

How and when did Vassos first get into running?
Did Vassos enjoy running at first?
Has Vassos always had a healthy lifestyle?
Hear how Vassos competed in the iconic ultra-endurance race Spartathlon, 153 miles from Athens to Sparta and the challenges he faced.
What mental benefits does Vassos get from running?
Having been a non-runner, what tips does Vassos have for starting to run?
Vassos and Rangan talk about their mutual love of Parkrun and all its benefits.
Is there a perfect runner’s gait? Vassos references Priscah Jeptoo’s
Vassos talks his first book Don’t Stop Me Now: 26.2 Tales of a Runner’s Obsession
What key advice has Chris Evans given Vassos?
Rangan & Vassos talk about the use of technology for running and how it can be both a help and a hinderance.
What are Vassos’s 4 tips to get into running?

'It’s about the journey, its not about the destination.'
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Find out more about Vassos:

Twitter     Free Weekly Timed Podcast

Vassos’s books:

Don’t Stop Me Now: 26.2 Tales of a Runner’s Obsession

Running Up That Hill: The highs and lows of going that bit further

Further learning:

Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Parkrun – Website   Facebook 
Outdoorradar.com – 10 Things we learnt from sport reporter Vassos Alexander
Telegraph.com – Confessions of an accidental ultra runner
Guardian.com – All the gear…: ‘How obsession with kit eclipsed my love of running’
Biomechanics of running – Video of Priscah Jeptoo running’s gait
BBC.co.uk – Parkrun: What’s all the fuss about?

Dr Chatterjee’s resources:

Episode 28: Rich Roll on How to Find Your Purpose
Episode 15: Treating Depression and Anxiety with Dynamic Running Therapy with William Pullen
Find Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillar of Health in The 4 Pillar Plan
Now available in the US & Canada with the title How to Make Disease Disappear
Pre-order Dr Chatterjee’s NEW book The Stress Solution.

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