The UKRunChat podcast.

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle talks to Mel Bound, founder and CEO of This Woman Runs, one of the world's largest women's running communities.

What began with a simple Facebook post asking if anyone wanted to be her running buddy has grown into a movement supporting tens of thousands of women across the UK through free weekly walks, runs and beginner-friendly programmes.

Mel shares her own running journey, from being an asthmatic child encouraged to run by her GP, to losing her running identity after having children and recovering from major back surgery. She explains how 75 women turned up to that first run in Bristol, revealing a much bigger need for connection, confidence and belonging among women who felt excluded from traditional fitness spaces.

We discuss:

• How This Woman Runs began from a single Facebook post

• Why "the running was never really the point"

• The barriers that still stop many women from joining running groups

• The importance of community, confidence and belonging

• How volunteer Run Angels help women take their first steps into movement

• The evolution from This Mum Runs to This Woman Runs

• Building a nationwide network of women-led communities

• Why the organisation is simplifying its model around free weekly Sunday morning walks and runs

• Mel's own recent experience of injury and rebuilding confidence

• Receiving an OBE for services to women's community sport

Whether you're an experienced runner, returning after time away, or wondering if you're "the sort of person" who could join a running group, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.

Find out more about This Woman Runs and locate your nearest community at thiswomanruns.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with a friend.