I’ve been to watch horse racing lots of times - most often here in the town I live in at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse. And I know a fair bit about training - from a degree in sports science to qualifying as a personal trainer. But I don’t know too much about the training of horses. Turns out they’re not all that different to humans.
It was illuminating then to chat with Max Kendrick - an ex jockey who know helps training horses at Fergal O’Brien’s picturesque yard near Cheltenham.
Max is doing pioneering work with horse heart rate monitors, that also track metics like the speed of the horse and distance covered. This gives insight that will help trainers coax horses to peak performance, but also from an animal welfare perspective make sure the horses aren’t overtrained.
Pretty cool to hear Max talk about how the data is often backing up old school trainers’ ‘feel’ for how the horses are.
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Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-street
Info on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.uk
For 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast.
I’ve recently begun hosting a podcast called The Blindside for Gloucester Rugby. Rhys was a fascinating guest on that show, so it was a treat to get him on Sport and Life for a thorough conversation on health and fitness from a physio’s perspective.
Ground covered
1) Rhys’ sporting background, being deemed too small to be an elite goalkeeper.
2) Training in physiotherapy
3) Working at Sheffield United Football Club
4) The counselling role of the physio and the importance of creating a good ‘vibe’ in the treatment room.
5) General tips for injury prevention including your pelvis position.
6) The spectre of brain injury in rugby and football and how Gloucester Rugby have combined with The University of Oxford in landmark new research to understand and minimise player concussion.
Info on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at -
https://www.herringshoes.co.uk
For 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast.
Hope you like this one. Let me know your thoughts.
Go well and keep moving,
Teddy
Russell Milton has had a near 30-year relationship with ( couple of short spells away) Cheltenham Town as player, coach, head of recruitment and caretaker manager. I was loosely familiar with that. But loved hearing about ‘Milts’ beginnings as a Kent boy who didn't start playing organised football until the age of 10. He played for Arsenal and, when released by the Gunners, spent a chunk of time playing in Hong Kong and Japan.
An effervescent character! Russ is also a qualified PE teacher and he says having that qualification allowed him to have a go at being a pro with Cheltenham when the club went full-time in the 90s. Hope you enjoy this one.
Go well and keep moving,
Teddy
This is a little bit different. I qualified as a personal trainer a few years back, but alongside my sports broadcasting career have developed a slightly different training service for clients in Cheltenham: The Triple Tonic is based on three health pillars: movement, fresh air and conversation.
My sister-in-law Kerry Halloran in this conversation has kindly offered to (gently) quiz about the evidence behind each pillar, how I fastened onto this approach and what the science says.
We also discuss the nuance of each workout and how I incorporate balls, rackets, agility ladders and more while getting clients fitter and stronger in the great outdoors.
If you’re in Cheltenham and want to get out there with me, or live elsewhere and want some remote fitness coaching there is more info here: https://drapermedia.co.uk/the-triple-tonic
Info on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.uk
For 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast.
Go well and keep moving, Teddy
Sporting a black eye today after a football injury, but very much feeling good after chatting to author Wayne Barton about two of my favourite topics: football history and Manchester United.
I’ve just finished reading Wayne’s book Football Taught by Matt Busby’ and great to elucidate his findings on the quintessential style of United. It’s hard to define - Wayne found it to be from and related to Hungarian football, Total Football but yet slightly different. Wayne does a great job here in articulating a way of playing that had practical elements, but also an ethereal freedom to it.
As fan, there is a sense of flair and do and dash that feels a prerequisite of a United team - but perhaps different to other ‘entertaining’ clubs, there is a firm commitment to winning. To win in style seems the ultimate goal.
To elucidate sponsor offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.uk
For 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast.
Let me know what you think of this one. Go well and keep moving,
Teddy
Hi Team,
Slightly different podcast. Thought it might be useful to give you the details of three books I’ve been reading and a podcast I’ve found to entertaining and helpful.
Let me know if indeed you do find this useful:
Books:
Football Taught by Matt Busby https://reachsportshop.com/book/football-taught-by-matt-busby/
Nigel Benn autobiography: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/nigel-benn-book-nigel-benn-9781857826074?sku=GOR001703117
How to Winter: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/how-to-winter-book-kari-leibowitz-9781035006977?sku=NGR9781035006977
Podcast: Solved with Mark Manson:
Let me know your thoughts.
Go well and keep moving,
Teddy
Pro boxing is a tough business starting out. You have to punch opponents, avoid being punched and you have to sell tickets - often while working a day job.
I found this a fascinating insight into this world - Louis Bacon currently has a record of 2-0 and is still working three days a week as. landscape gardener.
I hope Louis has a bright, healthy and successful future in the ring ahead. But significantly boxing has already helped him in life - he turned to the sport after getting punched in the face on his first day at high school.
I love speaking to people who are passionate, particularly those who are passionate about sport. Steve Kitchen is one of the most passionate people I’ve met when it comes to sport - especially sport in Gloucestershire.
Steve is sports editor at the BBC’s local radio station and loves his job and the local teams - he’s been covering them for 30 years, but he was a fan way before that.
We discuss football - Cheltenham Town football club, Forest Green Rovers and Gloucester City - Gloucester Rugby Club, horse racing at Prestbury Park, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and women’s sport and para athletes.
Steve is poignantly touched by para sport as his sport-playing youth was abruptly changed when he was run over by a car, leaving him with life-changing injuries. While that may have stopped Steve playing the sports he loves, his enthusiasm for the local sports scene is unrivalled. Beat journalist like Steve are the lifeblood of sporting communities and long may he continue to document the exploits of local athletes for the fans.
I’ve known Alex Payne for well over a decade. We worked together covering rugby at Sky Sports and have both presented Sky Sports News. But this a man who wears many hats and seems to do very well whichever one he’s sporting that moment.
Alex still does ad hoc rugby presenting on TV - most recently The Lions tour of Australia for Sky - but is arguably better known for hosting the hugely successful podcast - The Good, The Bad and The Rugby: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LJJ9KUF4aAjcSPimyKfp3?si=29cc3e61ecff432d
Alex and his pod buddies, England legends Mike Tindall and James Haskell, have created a gin - the proceeds of which help grassroots rugby and research into injury prevention and care: https://blackeyegin.co.uk
Even that’s not enough to sate his appetite for work though! Alex has also helped build a tech business that pairs social media influencers with brands: https://www.theinfluenceroom.com.
But Alex in his very candid way admits he doesn't really use social media because it distracts him from his many jobs. He doesn't have the apps on his phone.
I loved this conversation, in large part due to Alex’s openness and willingness to chat about the complexities and contradictions of the world that's in front of us. I do find it very interesting that most of the successful people I know don’t spend time scrolling on social media. I think kicking that vice will be big for me. How about you?
One thing’s for sure - as I too navigate the early steps of a similar path away from full-time broadcasting - Alex’s example is an inspiring one. I’m just not sure how he keeps all the balls in the air.
Let me know what you think of this conversation.
Go well and keep moving, Teddy
Old School Soccer Story 13
James is a good pal and a fitness professional who I hold in the highest esteem when it comes to training and health information. But that’s nothing compared to what he knows about Queens Park Rangers in the 1990s!
Based in the Cotswolds now James was a West London lad who remembers all the swashbuckling players who lifted The Rs to a 5th placed finish in 92/93.
Follow James: aka_thefitnesspro
His new kids football camps: https://www.elitesoccerstars.com
A very uplifting and practical conversation with the effervescent Shane Duff. Shane’s pro football career was prematurely ended through a freak injury, but he’s rebuilt himself as a successful property developer in Cheltenham. ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/🔸shane-duff-🔸-5ab59139/ )
Shane skilfully articulates why an abundance mindset isn’t reckless or fanciful and why optimism is generally more effective in achieving success than pessimism.
We also discuss the importance of facing the fear of failure (and trying in the face of it) and surrounding ourselves with encouraging people - even if that is in the form of books or podcasts.
We also chat about Steve Cotterill’s return as Cheltenham manager and Shane’s memories of ‘Cotts’ from his teenage days at the club.
I found this conversation with Ben, an Osteopath at Origin Health Clinic - https://originhealthgroup.com - a fascinating thought-provoker.
Ben talks about his dramatic night earlier this year when he unexpectedly came close to his lights going out and how he approaches life with that palpable sense of mortality. With a baby at home we also discuss how the experience has affected his outlook on work and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Ben is also coming back from stomach surgery and is targeting a triathlon to galvanise his return to fitness. We talk about that dance between challenging ourselves physically and looking after our body so it continues to serve us into old age.
We also discuss Ben’s multi-discipline outlook and how he and his brother, Dan work with other practitioners at Origin, including physiotherapists and private GPs, to make sure their patients get the most effective care.
Jon Palmer has followed Cheltenham Town FC for decades, man and boy, personally and professionally. So great to get his take on the big story in my hometown - the return of Steve Cotterill 23 years on from his historic first stint at the club.
Cotterill lead Cheltenham into the football league as a young manager and JP explains why he believes a successful second era could be upon us.
JP continues to illustrate the power and importance of local beat journalists in sport.
I’ve always enjoyed interviewing Chris during his rise as a respected but, in retrospect, underrated boxer who upset big names to become world champion. Spectacular nights followed in his hometown of Bournemouth.
Then came defeat in 2024 to Gilberto Ramirez. But Chris’ hunger for the sport remains ravenous. He’s very candid though about the sense of internal conflict he feels being away from his two little boys. He’s very real in articulating something I’ve experienced and I think a lot of us can identify with - the pull to provide coupled with the pain of not being able to be physically present with our kids because of our jobs.
He also speaks here powerfully and glowingly about a former high-school teacher who left a lasting impression on him and others - Mr Clayton. I’m sure a lot of us can resonate with the idea of a hugely influential teacher. Mr Sockelov and Mr Dudah (I can’t remember the spellings, sorry as both were from Eastern European families) left a lasting mark on me and I think it’s important for teachers to here stories like Chris’.
Teachers - you are vital!
Thought s on this? Fatherhood? Influential teachers?
Really candid conversation with Charlie here about the challenges, uncertainties and pressures of one and two-year contracts when you’re a dad. We also talk about the physical challenges of having twins whilst playing for Cheltenham Town FC too - trying to train and play after a few hours sleep.
Ultimately, fans want their teams to win, but I do think we underestimate how difficult pro sport can be - particularly when you’re not financially set from your playing days. Charlie, 32, talks openly here about the future and what his next career could be. As someone who was lucky enough to do a fun job, but now I have to ‘go again’ I can certainly empathise with how daunting (and exciting) that can be.
I loved this conversation with Danny Donachie. Danny for a long time was head of medical services at Everton Football Club, but now works one-to-one coaching with players and managers.
We talk about Danny’s approach in helping players’ mental approach to the game - including visualisation, meditation and switching off social media. Connected to this we talked about how lonely being a player and manager can be - and how, inadvertently, sports science (by ending drinking/socialising culture etc) had reduced connection.
We discuss Danny’s reflections on former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti and current boss David Moyes and also his experience of Newcastle star Anthony Gordon’s mental strength.
We talk about Danny’s father, Willie, a professional footballer and how he opened Danny’s eyes to ‘alternative’ methods of self development.
A lot of ground covered here and a lot of insight into professional football. But also I believe some important notes on how we can all make improve our mental experience of life, find the joy in what we do, and perform better (if that’s our goal).
What do you think about this one? How do you manage the opinions of others?
Follow Danny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydonachie/
Old School Stories 12: Paul Gascoigne inspired Spurs to an epic Wembley win versus the club's arch rivals but, at not yet 24, was this his peak?
I loved Paul Gascoigne as a little boy. His dribbling… his power… his passing… his smile. When I look back at think of watching him play, I smile. But the smile is often followed by a slight sinking sense that we missed out. For Gazza left UK shores in the summer of 1991, aged just 24 and with knee ligament damage following a self-inflicted injury in the early stages of the FA Cup Final.
After his time in Italy, Gazza bedazzled Rangers fans but didn't return to English football until his 30s. He was still class, but the burst of power and pace and effervescence had dimmed.
And so I wonder if that heady day at Wembley in April 1991 when Spurs, big underdogs, bested their arch rivals Arsenal (best team in England at the time), represented peak Paul Gascoigne?
This was a significant and powerful conversation for me with Ross Mitchell. One of my Personal Training coaches during my training, Ross also works in combat sports.
Ross is a deep thinker and candid. But please be WARNED we discuss serious issues like mental health and suicide here so please skip if you don’t feel like listening to that right now.
What Ross has struck upon is the reverse of discipline - whereas most people chide themselves for not having the consistency to workout, some people just can’t NOT workout. They don’t do it to feel good, they do it to feel less bad about themselves - it’s a should rather than ‘I get to.’ That nagging feeling can drain other life pursuits of joy and, for me, at times has caused me stress because I’ve tried to shoehorn workouts into an already full day.
We also talk about male body dysmorphia and how a healthy goal to improve our physique can be hijacked by an impossible quest for perfection.
Let me know your thoughts on this one. It’s a delicate one, in my opinion, because being healthy in the modern world requires some kind of mental drive - most people’s jobs don’t include movement or daylight, for example - but that drive has to be managed and balance sought.
Really thought-provoking to have Lorien back on the show. Lorien is qualified personal trainer, a mindfulness and wellbeing expert and a psychology student. This is a free-wheeling conversation around how to manage modern life.
Discuss how movement and physical training is important, but how it can be a negative experience if we frame it in the wrong way - how it can fuel a negative body image, for example - or use it to compensate for something else.
Lorien also brings an interesting definition of trauma - that helped me reconcile how we live (in the UK) in an extended period of peace, a ‘soft’ era, and yet there is so much conversation about widespread trauma.
We also talk about the power of nature, the importance of being bored and community to health - and the importance of taking breaks/holidays (Holiday on holidays, if you like!).
To contact Lorien: https://www.lorienholiday.com
Poppy Murray started the BE LADS campaign in response to the horrific kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard. Poppy joined me to chat about the what BE LADS stands for and how well-intentioned men can help lone women feel safer on the streets. Practical steps.
We also talked about sports and the differences I found when coaching boys/men versus girls/women.
What do you think? If you're a man would you be prepared to cross the road to help a lone woman feel more at ease? I'd previously thought women might feel patronised, but Poppy has made me reconsider that take.