The Season 15 curtain comes down with special guest Steven Willetts, better known as one half of the Brig Boys Podcast. A three-time Lakeland 50 finisher, Steven joins us to talk training, mindset, race strategy, nutrition, coaching, and what keeps drawing him back to one of the UK's most iconic ultra marathons.
With Lakeland weekend just around the corner, it's the perfect conversation to send us into the season break.
🔥 In This Episode
- Steven's journey from parkrun and hangover runs to ultra marathons
- How a 3:07 marathon PB led to bigger trail ambitions
- Why the trails now beat the roads for enjoyment
- The story behind the Brig Boys Podcast
- Working with coach Dan Connolly and the impact of structured training
- Lakeland 50 race tactics, checkpoints and favourite sections of the course
- Blisters, feet care, socks, shoes and gear choices
- The goal for this year's race
- Why Lakeland is "Glastonbury for runners"
🎯 Lakeland 50: The Mission
Having completed Lakeland 50 in:
2023: 14:40
2024: 11:50
2025: 11:42
Steven returns this year chasing another PB.
Lakeland Trackers
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/26lakeland100/
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/26lakeland50/
Our discussion dives deep into pacing, checkpoint strategy, pole usage, fuelling plans and the mental game required to keep moving when the Lake District starts asking difficult questions.
🎧 Brig Boys Podcast
If you've not checked out the Brig Boys Podcast yet, this episode is a great introduction to the team behind it.
Steven shares how a friendship spanning more than 25 years evolved into a running podcast.
We're big fans and highly recommend giving them a listen.
💡 Quote of the Episode
"Nobody's asking what your time was in a 50-mile race. You can just enjoy the experience." Steven Willetts - 2026
🙌 Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who has listened, supported, shared, bought merch, worn buffs, stuck stickers around the world and joined us for another incredible season.
We'll be back soon for Season 16.
Until then, keep running, keep smiling and we'll see you in the Lakes.
