James Cooper - Smilinggg Man

In this episode of RunPod, host Jenny Falconer is joined by James Cooper, also known as Smiling Man. James shares his inspiring journey as a runner, detailing his recent completion of a grueling 150-mile Backyard Ultra over the weekend. He explains the format of the race, which involves running a 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one runner remains standing.

James discusses his personal reasons for tackling such intense challenges, which stem from both a love for running and a desire to test his limits. He emphasizes the joy he finds in running but acknowledges that he also seeks to experience 'voluntary adversity' to promote personal growth. This philosophy is tied to the initiative he founded, centered on gratitude, generosity, and growth—principles he didn’t discover until he began running during a difficult period in his life.

The conversation delves into James's monumental challenge of running 366 marathons in 2024, initially inspired by another runner’s marathon a day for a year challenge. In discussing training and the mental challenges of running in tough weather or facing injuries, James reflects on how running pushed him to grow.

The story behind the Smiling Mile, a mile run meant to promote gratitude and positivity, evokes emotion as James recounts the moment the concept came to him during a long run in Vietnam. He lovingly shares that running offers a therapeutic escape and has helped many, including himself, through dark times. The pair also touch on James's fundraising efforts for Samaritans following a family tragedy, underlining the purpose that drives his vigorous challenges, aiming to raise awareness and provide support for mental health issues.

As the episode concludes, James reflects on the strength he gains from running, his upcoming wedding plans, and the community he has built around his running journey, emphasizing that running is not just a sport for him but a way of life.