- Podcast

Podcast 11: Dan Robinson – Training and Coping with Discomfort

Dan Robinson – Training and Coping with Discomfort

In this episode, Kevin sits down with the incredibly down-to-earth and inspiring Dan Robinson — a former Sunday league footballer turned Olympic marathon runner. Yes, you read that right. Dan’s journey into the world of elite running didn’t start on a track with a stopwatch, but on a football pitch, simply trying to get fitter for the weekend game. But as the miles added up, so did the trophies. Before long, Dan found himself not just running for fun or fitness, but racing – and winning – across the UK. Eventually, someone noticed just how fast he was moving and gave him the nudge toward competitive racing… and the rest, as they say, is history.

Dan went on to represent Great Britain in not one, but two Olympic Games – a remarkable leap from humble beginnings. In this episode, he opens up about the mindset required to transition from casual runner to international athlete. We delve into themes of mental resilience, learning to embrace discomfort, and the huge role that discipline and sacrifice play in elite performance.

We also talk about low expectations – both the kind imposed by others and those we set for ourselves – and how motivation can surprise us when we simply keep showing up. Dan shares honest insights into what it really feels like to train at such an intense level, and how over time, the pressure and singular focus of elite competition eventually led him to step away from the sport he once loved.

This is a conversation about more than just running – it’s about mindset, grit, and finding balance. Whether you’re a climber, runner, or just curious about what drives people to push their limits, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.

Check out the full episode in the links below.

You can also listen to the full episode on Apple and YouTube.

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