The Extra Mile: Real Life Forest Gump & She Strides Run Club!

This episode of The Extra Mile features Jenni Falconer in conversation with Holly Thackway, who has founded She Strides, a rapidly growing women's running group aimed at providing a safe community for women to run together. Holly shares her journey about starting running after the birth of her daughter, and how a simple social media post led to the creation of a supportive running group that now boasts multiple clubs across the UK.

The discussion highlights the need for spaces where women can build confidence, share experiences, and feel empowered in their running journeys. Holly explains the structure of the She Strides run clubs, which cater to everyone from beginners to more experienced runners, fostering a welcoming environment. She also touches on the launch of She Strides Live, the UK's first women's-only running festival, slated for May 2027, aimed at encouraging women to engage in running and fitness through various events and talks.

Additionally, Jenni reconnects with Rob Pope, known as 'the real-life Forrest Gump', who shares his experiences running across the UK. He discusses the challenges and highlights of his recent 569-mile journey, his love for food during his runs, and the importance of community support for runners. Rob's humorous anecdotes and inspiring perspective on running contribute to an uplifting conversation emphasizing the joy and camaraderie in the running community.