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Running Commentary

Rob Deering and Paul Tonkinson
Comedians Paul Tonkinson and Rob Deering talk about life and comedy - but mainly running. Whilst running.
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Episodes

Hyde Park Debrief

Paul and Rob take a turn round Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens after a very hot weekend of running. Featuring cancelled marathons, breaking weather, Rob's Great North Run, Paul's LSR, when runs are shorter than they seem, cormorants in Hyde Park, the Tonkinson memorial in Kensington Gardens, Rob's chest pains, Paul's palace, final training and taper plans ahead of the Yorkshire Marathon, Rob's son heading off to University, international disasters, the legal firm of Barnet and Finchley, running...

Sep 21, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 414

New Pathways

As the September sun blazes down, Rob and Paul change their plans - and find some new angles on their old routes. Featuring strangely criminal emergencies, running in the heat, parkrun report, an all-new nature reserve, trainergate, good and bad gigs, kintsugi, footpaths and neural pathways, some of your runs, anticipating the Great North Run - and university drop-off - and reappraising the Parkland Walk. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running adventu...

Sep 14, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 413

Happy New (Academic) Year

September begins with a very atmospheric misty morning on Hampstead Heath - perfect for Paul and Rob to say goodbye to the holidays and anticipate the coming months. Featuring some self-barbering, York Marathon training schedules, Rob's curious ailment, holiday memories, poignant parenting, bad ads, Paul's plant-infused diet, partial nudity, comparing and contrasting other countries with the UK, booze-and-gig report, Paul's three pillars of a happy life, the Parliament Hill Grand Prix, Rob's Pro...

Sep 07, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 411

Juliette Burton

Another interview special for you as Rob catches up with comedian and Mental Health advocate Juliette Burton for a wide ranging, insightful chat pulling together running, mental wellbeing and comedy - plus the occasional swan - on a beautiful trot long the Water of Leith during the Edinburgh Fringe. Happy running everyone. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running lives with us on line. You can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones...

Sep 05, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 412

Not Out Of The Woods Yet

The Cannock Chase-the-sun ten mile race is still fresh in Rob and Paul's minds, but since then Paul's been keeping the miles up and Rob's been entertaining the Green Man in Bannau Brycheiniog. Featuring fluffy-ball forgetfulness, Rob's result, festival report, friendly and unfriendly folk on the trail, people without pacers and pacers without people, that late-summer mood, and Yorkshire on the horizon. Happy last-blast-of-the Summer Holidays everyone. Thank you so much for listening, for all you...

Aug 30, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 410

Cannock Chase The Sun 10 Miler

Another adventure for the boys as they take on a Run Through UK 10 mile race in picturesque Cannock Chase. Featuring speculation, safety pins, start line confusion, shoe shenanigans, stone throwing, the Staffordshire sunset, the Strath family and other PBs, satnav struggles, separate stories, stomach fun, Steve's supermarket skit, and two men in something of a state. Thanks for sharing all your running stories and adventures with us on line, and for all your support; we love you. SUBSCRIBE for e...

Aug 24, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 409

Together Again

Paul and Rob have been all over the place so far this August and this is their first chance to catch up in weeks, so there's lots to talk about; layering up when it's warm-but-raining, how to wear a hat, Warrington and other parkruns, adventures around Europe, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, guzzlin' and puzzlin', and trouble with the law. Enjoy the rest of the Summer Holidays everyone. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running lives with us on line. SUBS...

Aug 17, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 408

Wanstead Flats Parkrun

For the first time in a long while, Paul and Rob check out an unfamiliar parkrun - Wanstead Flats, far enough into east London to qualify as being in Essex apparently. Featuring a classy date, guessing at geography, a Tarantino toilet moment, Rob's big plan, Paul's holiday schedule, DFYB, mystery questions from a stranger, how far to go for a parkrun, Paul's risk of injury, which way?!, gait analysis, course review, ticking off laps and tricking your brain. Happy Summer Holidays everyone, and ha...

Aug 10, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 407

Summer Heath Run Part Two - Impossible Missions

We rejoin Paul and Rob celebrating the Summer Holidays with an extra-long turn round Hampstead Heath, where their chat features a report onRob's latest 10k - the evening one - Paul and Rob's quest for fitness, accessing pace when you're tired, new corners of the Heath, guilt and laziness, cinema report, and training for their next challenges - including Paul's MDS... Happy Summer Holidays everyone, and happy running. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your run...

Aug 03, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 405

Catching Up With Liam McIntyre

An interview special with our friend, amazing runner and lovely man Liam McIntyre. When Paul interviewed Liam last Spring he was a very impressive runner - and since then he's gone from strength to strength, and had some amazing adventures - time to find out more. Happy running everyone. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running lives with us on line. You can get Rob's book Running Tracks here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering...

Jul 31, 20231 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 406

Summer Heath Run Part One - Seagulls, Tennis Racquets And Stolen Plates

On the first half of a long run round Hampstead Heath, Paul and Rob talk about lots of things; Rob's big weekend - seagull fun, Scarborough love, Bakewell parkrun, Brighton gigs and East Sussex loveliness - plus cricket, and tennis. Lots of tennis. Happy Summer Holidays everyone, and happy running. Thank you so much for listening, for all your support, and for sharing your running lives with us on line. SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get Rob'...

Jul 27, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 404

What's Next In Wanstead Woods

Paul's recovery continues and Rob's ramping up his fitness as they compare notes on a lovely loop of Wanstead Park. Featuring: parkrun report, gig - and post-gig - stories, swans, puppies and tots, new training plans and goals for old bodies and old souls, when winners can't help winning and praise for the mighty Susie Chan. Thank you, as ever, for your continued support; whether it's financial, anecdotal, on line or IRL. We really appreciate it and we love you. SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-fr...

Jul 20, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 403

Troublemakers

It's a soft-surfaces turn around Clissold Park as Paul recovers from his bad back, featuring gazebo thoughts, lovely friends, trouble at 'work', Dave Schneider, parkrun report, neologisms among runners, Pride in London, wives and dogs, music for the Deerings and a new friend for Paul. Thanks for listening, to anyone who celebrated our 400th Ep with us and to everyone sharing their running adventures on line. SUBSCRIBE for early access, ad-free listening and more... and BUY OUR BOOKS; you can get...

Jul 13, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 402

When Paul Has To Jeff

Rob and Paul run off into the new era in this episode... except Paul has to walk. FeaturingPaul's bad back - and the blame for it - Acast+, running among the morning runners, dirty dogs, monks not warriors, a sad shrine, some belated celebrity mourning, two Georges, gig report, training plans, Tom Price, Beth and Phoebe the birthday dog, and Paul's Runners World-based Proustian rush. And thanks for sharing all your summer runs with us on line; what a wonderful group of people you are. Paul and R...

Jul 06, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 401

Business As Usual At Four Hundred

Rob and Paul tour the estate and check on their state in this, Running Commentary's four-hundredth episode. On a hot day at home, they talk memories of early days, relatives on the move, the little jumps that change your perspective, walking the wetlands, eschewing Glastonbury, foot care and foot craziness, parkrun preview, old habits and good decisions. Happy four hundred to YOU, dear listener; it almost goes without saying that we are nothing without you. Thank you for sharing your adventures ...

Jun 29, 20231 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 400

Reminiscences On A Sun-kissed Heath

Sunshine blazes over Hampstead Heath as Rob and Paul take stock. Featuring kids at their outside-y best, flower power running gear, what, if anything they'd want from a watch, lockdown memories, Yorkshire Marathon training thoughts, that difficult second book, the folly of foolish influencers, the throbbing health of the Heath, noises and voices, Rob tree-climbing tree and Paul Bush-singing, and let's party. Our thanks, as always, to our supporters - through the Acast Supporter button - and our ...

Jun 22, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 399

Running Through The Now

Under June's blazing sun - and Highgate's leafy trees - Rob and Paul catch up on all their adventures, physical and spiritual. Featuring van hire, when dreams come true, the highs and lows of Zoom, yoga, transcendental meditation and checking in with yourself, being 'in the moment' in the face of curfews and memories, a lifetime in a loft, Scottish running adventures, the Parkland Walk being the perfect place for a fall, harmless-but-spooky caterpillars and - at long last - your PBs. Thank you, ...

Jun 15, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 398

Tonks is Back!

SO much to catch up on on this jaunt to and through the woods! Paul's illness, recovery and adventures, the comedians' cost of living crisis, professional break-ups, when it all goes wrong and you feel alright, a review of all our great guests, Rob's happy hols and faulty feet, drinking and parkrun reports, training, event and other life plans for the rest of the year - including our 400th episode celebrations! - and a little bit of appointment television. Fantastic to have Tonks back, but thank...

Jun 08, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 397

Hyde Park with Ivo Graham

Hopefully Paul will be all better and back next week, but in the mean time Rob's in beautiful Hyde Park with brilliant Ivo Graham, talking about anything and everything. Featuring 'if in doubt, go out', Machynlleth memories, Egyptian Goslings, top-end trainers, Rob's runs in retrospect - and his Albert Hall gigs - scary dogs, Ivo not-quite running the London Marathon with his brother - and channelling Paul - licking frogs, being poetically disorganised, Gig Pigs and other music talk, the Graham ...

Jun 01, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 396

Ben Willbond

With Paul still benched, Rob runs instead with lovely Ben Willbond - through the usual parts of North London, but on some new routes. Featuring Ben's knee, the Captain's challenge, the decision making skills of pregnant women, closed toilet drama, marathon memories, the deleterious effects of falling over as a career, Ben's mountain-related hopes, good and bad parenting, Horrible Histories and Ghosts, writing insights, complicity in comedy - whether it's sitcoms or stand-up - 'who's attached?', ...

May 25, 20231 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 395

Unofficial Eleanor Tiernan

With Paul on the bench, our old friend Eleanor steps in. Featuring convenient conveniences, when and when not to run fast, how even good shoes have limitations, Tom Cruise on a cruise, Eleanor's Brighton Half Marathon story - featuring a shocking admission - countryside comedy and parkrun plans, big fish, the whys and wherefores of different distances, more details from Rob's Bannau Brycheiniog adventure, the long walk after a finish line, fuelling fun, and an interesting opportunity for east-Lo...

May 18, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 394

Paul's Column And Rob's Story

On the weekend Rob ran over 50k in Bannau Brycheiniog, Paul's final column for Runner's World hit the nation's magazine racks and doormats, so there's plenty for them to catch up is this sunny episode. Featuring Rob's riddle, Paul's regret, getting granular on the Pen y Fan massif, mud, mountains, potatoes and parkruns - but not quite Alanis Morisette. Thank you to anyone and everyone who sponsored Rob for Velindre Cancer Care, all of you who've bought us a coffee through the Acast supporter but...

May 11, 202347 minSeason 1Ep. 393

Spring, The King, Robots And Things

This was Paul and Rob's second run this week; at this rate Rob's pre-event taper might have to wait til he's done all his events. Featuring green leaves, bluebells, good gigs, trail training, mud, motivation, fuel, fear and walking the hills of life. Thank you once again to all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more - through the Acast Supporter button. And thank you, always, for sharing all your running adventures, major, minor, glorious or ignominious, with us on line; what a wonderful...

May 04, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 392

Rob's London Marathon And Other Stories

Before, during and after Rob's 2023 London Marathon - plus Paul's big plan and your amazing PBs. Featuring when third place in an Ultra is not third place in an Ultra, how Denise Richards was going to help Rob run London, how the other half live on the start line, Rob's shonky feet and exemplary support team, the carrot that's going to inspire Paul's Race To The Stones, how Rob felt once the dust had settled, and a huge raft of incredible results from you guys. Thanks to all of you who sponsored...

Apr 27, 20231 hr 24 minSeason 1Ep. 391

Tough Mothers

The comfort of a classic Tonkinson turn - up the Walk and around the Woods - is welcome to a somewhat strung-out Rob in this episode. Featuring surprise chill, family drama, failing friendships, a poorly mother, a Tough Mudder, being famous and posh, Woodland Blooms, comedy slackers, toxic TV, and of course another looming marathon. Congratulations on all your marathon and other-event successes - we'll round up the PBs next week - and thanks for sharing all your running adventures with us on lin...

Apr 20, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 390

Rob Reminiscences, Paul Plans

It's been a long time since Paul and Rob ran together, so their new-month catch-up on Hampstead Heath is overdue, meaning there's plenty to talk about. For example... running and not running on holidays, shonky superannuated feet, the treado, Rob wearing big shoes, Paul playing big rooms, incredible Ultra achievements, an exciting commitment for Tonkinson, musical marathon memories from Deering, segueing from Brighton to London, parkrunning on mara's eve, and a gauntlet laid down for 200 Minute ...

Apr 13, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 389

Rob's Brighton Marathon

Rob comes to you live and direct from the 2023 Brighton Marathon, as Paul flies home from his tour. Featuring serious fuelling, cold beginnings, a Preston Park summary, spotting loved ones on the course, inspiring drums, following and/or ignoring pacers, planning for the next marathon in the final mile of the last, and those all-important, hard-but-fun last yards. All that, plus all the problems of first class travel... Thank you once again to all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more -...

Apr 06, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 388

Brighton Briefing

With Rob's Brighton Marathon coming up, Paul and Rob talk preparation - and execution. Featuring taper talk, pace plans, moderating mileage, curating carbs, Rob's reservations, finishing fine, multiple marathons in no more than a month, and a strange new take on gold, silver and bronze predictions. Thank you to everyone who's sponsored Rob for Sarcoma UK (https://tinyurl.com/BrightonMara4Phil), and thanks once again to all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more - through the Acast Suppor...

Mar 30, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 387

Rob Down

Rob's having a bit of a nightmare but Rudi's work search is going well on this muddy run round Finsbury Park and the reservoirs. Featuring a pet heron, a drop-and-roll, the Oscars, other comedians' trials and tribulations, gig-and-parkrun report, a variety of international accents, bumping into on-brand Jim, wave philosophy and dog distraction. Thank you once again to everyone who shares their running with us on line, and all of you who have ‘bought us a coffee’ - or more - through the Acast Sup...

Mar 23, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 386

More Things In Heaven And Earth... And Hampstead

Rob and Paul take their new recorders for a freezing cold, snowy trot round Hampstead Heath, featuring little birds singing and small dogs yapping, runs up Norwegian mountains and around midlands parks - but not at events - Paul's adventures with his actual child, his inner child and people passing on, International Women's Day, Eilish McColgan's record-breaking 10k and your record-breaking PBs. There is some fairly extreme content along the way in this episode, so be warned. Thanks, as ever, fo...

Mar 16, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 385
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