Chasing the Finish

The countdown to the Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon is officially on....whether Mike's legs are ready is another story. This week, we chat about race preparations, the excitement (and slight panic) ahead of the big day and the not-so-glamorous reality of recovering from those annoying running injuries that always seem to appear at the worst possible time. We also put each other through a quickfire game of Running: This or That, where impossible choices are made, questionable opinions are shared and friendships are almost ruined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chasing The Finish, the lads cover absolutely everything... apart from staying on topic. Ben reveals the bizarre prank calls he's been receiving and attempts to convince the rest of us they're real. We break down our very different experiences at the Two Castles 10K, featuring personal triumphs, questionable pacing decisions and the mystery of the missing medal. Was it ever there? Has it entered the witness protection programme? The investigation continues. Mike takes us through his trip to London for Richmond ParkRun, a journey that can only be described as a masterclass in how not to prepare for a race. Delays, drama and despair all before the starting whistle. And to finish, we tackle one of the biggest questions in running: What do we think to the London Marathon becoming a two-day event? We solve the issue completely, so you're welcome. As always, expect running chat, questionable opinions, plenty of laughs and at least one story that sounds too ridiculous to be true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chasing the Finish we're celebrating a huge milestone, one whole year of podcasting! Join us as we look back at where it all began, revisit our very first episode, and marvel at how we've somehow managed to keep talking about running for 12 straight months without being banned from Spotify. We also recap our trip to Shustoke for the Centurion Summer Pub Run 10K, where the running was challenging, the pub was welcoming and our race-day decision-making was, at times, questionable. With the Two Castles 10K upcoming, we discuss our preparations, race goals, pacing plans and whether we'll be chasing PBs, survival or simply the finish line itself. Expect the usual mix of running chat, race nerves, questionable training choices and plenty of laughs as we celebrate our first birthday and gear up for another castle-filled adventure. Lace up, press play, and join us for a trip down memory lane — preferably at an easier pace than our last interval session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LIVE: Centurion Running Club ParkRun Cup Draw! The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here! Join Ben, Jake & Mike LIVE as the fixtures for the Centurion Running Club ParkRun Cup are drawn on air. Ben and Jake are together at the draw venue, pulling the all-important numbers out of the hat, while Mike takes on the role of fixture master, revealing the match-ups as they happen. Who will face who? And who will have the toughest route to ParkRun Cup glory? We’ll also be looking back on a packed week for the the lads, including: - Babbs Mill Parkrun - The Centurion RC Yacht Race - A preview of this weekend’s Summer Pub Run Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chasing The Finish, Ben explains the chaos behind his handicap-style Parkrun Cup — where maths, pacing and pure luck somehow all matter at the same time. Meanwhile, Mike continues the quest of “just trying to run consistently” without his legs filing a formal complaint. We also take a look at the rapidly stacking running calendar, with races, parkruns and questionable recovery decisions coming thick and fast. At this point, the diary is fuller than the carb-loading menu. Expect: Parkrun Cup drama Over-ambitious scheduling Tired legs and big plans The usual questionable decision-making Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we chat about the incredible Mental Health World Cup at Watford FC — a brilliant event showing the power of football, community, and talking openly about mental health. Expect heartfelt moments… quickly interrupted by the usual nonsense. We also officially launch CTF Running Bingo Season 2 — because apparently normal running wasn’t chaotic enough. More challenges, more questionable ideas, and more opportunities for someone to pull a hamstring while trying to complete a bingo square. Expect: Running chat that occasionally makes sense Football talk from people who definitely aren’t professional pundits Mental health conversations that actually matter Competitive bingo energy nobody asked for At least one terrible running-related decision Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chasing the Finish, we attempt to piece together what actually happened on Ben’s stag do in Amsterdam… with mixed success. Expect questionable decisions, hazy memories and at least one story that definitely didn’t need to be told on a podcast (but was anyway). We also (briefly) regain some professionalism to chat about the upcoming charity football tournament at Watford FC, where athleticism will be optional, but enthusiasm absolutely won’t be. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more chaotic… we officially announce Season 2 of CTF Bingo. New squares, new rules and even more opportunities to shout “THAT’S ON THE CARD!” at completely inappropriate moments. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and it’s probably our most on-brand episode yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week… things get shaken up. Ben grabs the mic and takes over hosting duties (power has officially gone to his head) Ben & Mike have a chat about Babbs Mill - heartfelt, real, and important. Mike opens up about switching up his lifestyle and running routine (goodbye bad habits, hello… slightly less bad habits) And of course, the lads wrap things up with another chaotic game hosted by Jake because what’s an episode without a bit of nonsense? It’s got everything:- A host takeover- A bit of real talk- Some running motivation- And the usual questionable decision-making Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chasing the Finish it's less "elite athletes" and more "enthusiastic blokes slightly out of breath"... Mike is chasing the mythical sub 40 5k (spoiler: his legs have other ideas), Mike makes his long awaited run club debut (nerves? yes, stretching? debatable.) and we spiral into a full blown existential crisis over... which parkrun to do this weekend? Expect: - Questionable pacing strategies - Big ambitions, mixed execution - Strong opinions on parkrun courses we've barely researched Will we break 40? Will Mike survive run club? Will we ever agree on a Parkrun? Unlikely. But we'll have a laugh trying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. Lace up, because this episode is basically a three-course meal of running chaos. Mike takes on the Lincoln 10K and lives to tell the tale (just about), Jake heads off to Oaklands ParkRun in search of glory (or at least a respectable time), and Ben discovers muscles he didn’t know existed at his first-ever track session with Centurion RC. Expect questionable pacing decisions, dramatic retellings, and the usual expert-level analysis (read: guessing) from the lads. There may be PBs, there may be pain and there’s definitely a lot of unnecessary chat. Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone who considers walking to the fridge a workout, this one’s for you. Hit play, have a laugh, and remember… it’s all about the vibes, not the times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. Fresh off the pavements of Victoria Embankment, the lads lace up to debrief a parkrun that was equal parts grit, glory and questionable pacing decisions. There’s talk of dodgy GPS watches and heroic sprint finishes that may or may not have started too early.. Ben then rocks the episode by dangling a mysterious running announcement. Finally, all roads lead to Lincoln, where Mike gears up to take on the Lincoln 10K for the third time. Can he finally crack that elusive course PB or will history repeat itself with a strong start, a questionable middle and a character-building finish? The lads weigh in with expert analysis (read: guesses), encouragement and just a hint of doubt. It’s parkrun banter, big teases and bold ambitions - just another week of Chasing The Finish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. In this episode of Chasing The Finish, we take a closer look at the Wolverhampton 10K a race that promised a great day of running but quickly turned into frustration for many involved. We break down the major issues surrounding the event, including the confusion over bib numbers not being posted out, the long queues on the day and the delayed and chaotic start that left runners unsure of what was going on. Was it just poor organisation, or were there bigger problems behind the scenes? And most importantly, how did it impact the runners who showed up ready to race? As always, we give our honest thoughts, share experiences, and ask what needs to change to stop this happening again. Let us know your experience in the comments — did you run it, and how did you find it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. We ran… and ran… and ran… and went absolutely nowhere! Yes, you read that right. We attempted a 24 HOUR TREADMILL CHALLENGE. No fresh air. No scenery. Just vibes, suffering… and a slowly dying will to live. In this episode of Chasing The Finish, we break down: - Who started strong… and who completely fell apart - The mental battles (and mild delusion) after hour 12 - The funniest, weirdest, and most questionable moments - Who nearly quit (and who we thought had quit) Somewhere along the way it turned into less of a challenge and more of a test of friendship… and whether we actually like each other. Could YOU last 24 hours on a treadmill? Let us know in the comments (be honest… you’re quitting at hour 3). Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. This week on Chasing the Finish… things get slightly concerning. With our 24 hour treadmill challenge somehow happening THIS SATURDAY, we take a long, honest look at: our questionable levels of preparation how we’re actually feeling (spoiler: nervous) and what our goals are… assuming we survive We also hear all about Ben’s adventure at the Wyre Forest Half Marathon how it went, what went right (if anything) and whether he’s in better shape than the rest of us (not a high bar). Plus, the lads chat through their personal running goals for the rest of the year, ranging from “respectable” to “wildly optimistic”. Expect:👉 optimism👉 delusion👉 very little training👉 and a 24 hour challenge that seemed like a good idea at the time Pray for our legs. And the treadmill. 😅 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. Ben and Mike lace up their trainers to break down their latest adventure at Evesham parkrun. The highs, the lows and the questionable pacing decisions. With the parkrun dust barely settled, attention turns to Ben’s next challenge as he prepares to tackle the Wyre Forest Half Marathon this weekend. Is he ready? Is he tapering properly? Or is he just hoping for the best and extra snacks at the finish line? Meanwhile, Jake returns with another instalment of his game, meaning Ben and Mike once again go head-to-head in a battle of running knowledge, questionable guesses and inevitable controversy. Parkrun chat, half-marathon nerves, and competitive chaos - it’s all in this week’s episode of Chasing the Finish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Jake & Mike return with another instalment of questionable pacing decisions, bold race entries, and Mike once again hoping this is finally his quiz-winning week. This week we head back (yes, back again) to Arrow Valley Country Park. There’s also some exciting chatter about Brooks pitching up, the lads trying on fresh trainers before the run, and the confidence boost that only brand-new shoes can bring (guaranteed at least 3 seconds per mile, obviously). We also dive into the Pairs Sunday action at Centurion Running Club Grand Prix, including the moment Ben officially became a professional athlete… after earning his first-ever running career prize money. Yes, we reveal the amount. No, he’s not retiring yet. Elsewhere, Ben & Jake have officially booked the Wolverhampton 10K. With an already chaotic March race calendar, we get into goals, expectations, and whether this is peak fitness season… or peak delusion season. And of course, it wouldn’t be Chasing the Finish without Jake stepping into his quizmaster era. Ben vs Mike. Head-to-head. Will Mike finally break his losing streak? Will Ben’s dominance crumble? Is Jake enjoying this a bit too much? There’s only one way to find out. 🎧 Hit play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. Mike’s back from Spain… and yes, he did technically run a race. But more importantly: was the Spanish beer selection elite? Did the sea view meet performance standards? And how quickly can a race recap turn into a holiday review? We get the full breakdown, plus news of Mike’s next Spanish race because apparently one wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, Ben & Jake took on Babbs Mill parkrun, a course Jake previously swore (on record) he would NEVER do again. Yet here we are. Peer pressure is a powerful thing. They were joined by Jake’s dad, so naturally there’s an official family debrief on how the lads got on and whether Jake’s vow aged well. We also look ahead to another busy weekend for the CTF crew: - Which parkrun course is on the cards? - The next instalment of the Centurion RC Grand Prix And how much chaos we can realistically fit into one running weekend? Running chat, questionable decisions, scenic beer analysis, and mild regret... standard behaviour really. Subscribe for race reports. Stay for the sea views and broken promises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. Ben, Jake & Mike are back with another chaotic instalment of the CTF Podcast. This week the lads dive into Mike’s upcoming trip to Alicante, where he’ll be taking on the Alicante 10K (his first ever race abroad). Sunshine, sea views… and the small detail of actually running 10 kilometres without collapsing. What could possibly go wrong? We also check in on Jake’s CTF Running Bingo challenge. One week in and there’s already a runaway leader. Is it tactical brilliance? Beginner’s luck? Outright cheating? The investigation is ongoing. Expect travel nerves, questionable preparation, competitive tension, and at least one bold claim that absolutely won’t age well. Grab a brew, lace up your trainers, and enjoy. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know — would you take on a race abroad? Ross (The Orange Running Guy fundraiser): https://www.justgiving.com/page/orangerunningguy?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020&fbclid=IwdGRjcAQDCiFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeKZeG27Md_74hc2eRojMxw8N4qHcNECOd3WtfDPXb-hVq5msQSvPE-mc19v8_aem_SS3DKmfYbXo2FvFTFhOijw Donate to Team Chasing the Finish at the Mental Health World Cup 2026: https://www.givengain.com/project/chasing-the-finish-raising-funds-for-mental-health-world-cup-108914 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. Ben, Jake & Mike are back in your ears (again). Jake and Mike relive their very real, very definitive head-to-head at Oaklands ParkRun, with analysis, excuses, and selective memory as they break down what actually happened on the course (and who’s still talking about it). The YouTube vlog exists. The results are final. The banter is ongoing. Mike also looks ahead to his upcoming Alicante 10K, chatting through race plans, content ideas, and why running abroad automatically feels faster, even if it isn’t. Throw in some running-world updates, a few games, and the lads doing their absolute best to stay on topic, and you’ve got yourself an episode. Running chat. Rivalries settled (kind of). Games for good measure. Press play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story. This week, Ben & Mike spill all the tea from their trip to the NEC for the National Running Show, including the emotional fallout from Harry Judd’s devastatingly failed meet & greet (still hurts). The lads also lace up for the latest Centurion Running Club Grand Prix race, where legs were tired, egos were tested, and PBs were… discussed. And finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, Jake returns to parkrun! He joins Ben & Mike for his debut at Oaklands Parkrun, a course the boys last survived in the June inferno. This time? Slightly less sun, same questionable decisions. If you enjoy running chat, mild suffering, and stories that make you feel better about your own training… you’re in the right place. - Like the video - Drop a comment - Hit subscribe It genuinely helps the channel — and our fragile running confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices