Roger Black MBE

In this episode of RunPod, Jenny Falconer hosts Roger Black, an Olympic silver medalist and a celebrated figure in British athletics. Black reflects on his illustrious career, highlighting his participation in a golden era for British track and field and his significant achievements, including standing on the Olympic Rostrum in 1996. His experience as an athlete is intertwined with themes of resilience and recovery, particularly after facing a serious heart condition that led to open-heart surgery.

Black shares his journey starting from when he was a young athlete diagnosed with an aortic valve issue but initially ignored. As he transitioned into professional athletics with training alongside legendary figures like Daley Thompson and Sebastian Coe, he navigated numerous injuries and comebacks. With his heart condition remaining largely unrecognized, he focused on performing at his best without allowing this challenge to define him.

The conversation delves into Black's perspective on the evolution of running and how the attitude towards it can shift over time. He emphasizes the profound impact of running on physical and mental health, especially post-recovery from surgery. Black now advocates for walking and encourages listeners to embrace the healing power of movement. The episode concludes with Black sharing insights on race nerves, training philosophies, and the internal dialogue every runner experiences. Together, they celebrate the joy of running and the importance of self-discovery through physical challenges.