Jonny Marsh

In this episode of RunPod, host Jenny Falconer welcomes chef Johnny Marsh, known as the ‘football feeder’ for cooking for top athletes. Johnny reveals that a comment from his wife about his weight spurred him to undertake the challenge of completing an Ironman triathlon, starting with a 10k run that he initially dismissed. After some painful initial training, where he could only run for four minutes due to discomfort, he shares the importance of persistence, saying that with the right attitude and mindset, anyone can progress in running.

The conversation highlights Johnny's trials and tribulations in his first year of training, including rookie mistakes like running in inadequate shoes and pushing himself too hard during initial runs. He celebrates incremental accomplishments, such as completing his first half marathon just three weeks before his half Ironman. Johnny also discusses his swimming experiences, particularly the chaos at the starting line of an Ironman swimming event, and his struggles with balancing training alongside his responsibilities as a chef, especially with the demanding schedules of his clients.

The episode delves into Johnny's fitness routine, emphasizing that it’s not solely about race day, but the joy found in everyday training and the 'runner's high' post-run. Marsh shares insights on preparing meals for elite athletes and how his diet has evolved since he started training seriously. He underscores the balance needed in his personal life, particularly with a baby on the way, and how both he and his wife, who is also an athlete, support each other’s fitness journeys. The episode closes with quickfire questions about his favorite running experiences, gear, and his evolving love for running.