On this week's RunAlive interval Ed is joined by distance runner and finance professional Steph McCall. Steph shares her running journey from sprinting as a kid to just recently tackling 2 Oceans marathon in South Africa (and coming 10th!) She delves into the communal joy of running, the psychological shifts required for tackling ultra-marathons, and her ongoing passion project, the Five Miles Easy podcast, which she hosts with Rose Harvey, who's just been selected for Team GB at the Olympics! (Whoop!) Tune in to discover how Steph balances her love for running with a demanding career and why she believes running is more than just a sport—it's a metaphor for life. Three Key Learnings: Community and Connection: Steph emphasises the importance of community in running, illustrating how shared experiences, regardless of pace or ability, enhance her joy and engagement in the sport. This sense of community not only enriches her running experience but also extends to her podcast.Adaptability in Goals: Transitioning from marathons to ultra-marathons was a strategic choice for Steph to alleviate pressure and rediscover enjoyment in racing. This shift highlights the importance of adaptability in athletic goals and the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone to maintain motivation and excitement in sports.Running as a Life Metaphor: Steph articulates how running mirrors life's ups and downs, teaching resilience and providing perspective on overcoming challenges. Through running, she has learned valuable life lessons about enduring hardships and maintaining balance between personal passions and professional responsibilities. Find out more: Search for Five Miles Easy wherever you get your podcast Steph is on instagram: @stephmccall Offers and Discounts: Race Day Prints: Running any of the big marathons coming up? Get an amazing 15% off your own Race Day Print by clicking this link or by using code runalive15 at checkout. Hardlines Coffee: Need a coffee top up? You can get a massive 20% off your orders from Hard Lines Coffee - Pods, Beans, Ground and Merch. Hard Lines is a Cafe and Roastery in Cardiff with Running at their heart. Use RUNALIVE20 art www.hard-lines.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: We'd love to hear what you think! Please give us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Join the Strava Group and follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.