The Keep Smiling Podcast

Today I’m joined by Sabrina Pace-Humphreys — trail runner, activist, speaker, author, and founder of Black Trail Runners. Sabrina shares her incredible journey from initially turning to running as a way to cope with post-natal depression, to going on to complete some of the world’s toughest endurance events — including the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara Desert, the brutal 268-mile Spine Race, the 100k Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, and countless other extraordinary adventures. But this conversation goes far beyond performance and finish lines. We explore how running first became a form of freedom and escape from difficult thoughts, before discussing how modern running culture can sometimes lose sight of that — becoming overly focused on pace, PBs, Strava statistics, body image, comparison, and constant optimisation. Sabrina speaks beautifully about how trail running allowed her to reconnect with the true essence of movement again: nature, exploration, playfulness, community, presence, and joy. The conversation also explores the racism Sabrina has experienced and how it fuelled her activism. Motivated by her lived experiences and a desire to create change, she founded Black Trail Runners in 2020 to increase inclusion, representation, safety, and accessibility within trail running and the outdoors.  This episode is about far more than running. It’s about belonging, resilience, identity, healing, community, and reclaiming joy through movement. Twitter @SabrunsmilesInstagram @sabrunsmilesWebsite - https://sabrunsmiles.com/Black Trail Runners - https://blacktrailrunners.org/Start Where You Are (Book):Start Where You Are: The Beginner’s 5k Running Guide for Women: Amazon.co.uk: Pace-Humphreys, Sabrina: 9781399423311: Books

Today I’m joined by podcaster and content creator Cerys Davage, for an inspiring conversation about living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and how she’s turned her experiences into a platform for advocacy and connection.In this episode, Cerys shares her journey — from recognising the early signs and navigating diagnosis, to the impact it had on her identity, confidence, and sense of self. We also explore the misconceptions often faced by young people living with disabilities, and the importance of creating environments that support independence and accessibility.We talk about the role of community, and how building a space through podcasting and advocacy has not only raised awareness, but also strengthened her own sense of belonging.Find Cerys:YouTube:https://m.youtube.com/@cerysdavageUnbalanced Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7zMIefnEXU4AdhrslYSiOu?si=CChRIIysRo2vAidhUq9ejw@unbalancedpodcast@cerysdavage

Today we’re joined by multi-Olympian Kate Slatter to explore her journey from elite sport into the world of holistic health and wellbeing. She reflects on her experiences competing at three Olympic Games, the dedication and discipline required to perform at the highest level, and the often-overlooked transition that comes after life as a professional athlete.Kate also shares how this next chapter led her toward a more holistic approach to health. She discusses the fundamental habits that support long-term wellbeing and longevity, the importance of balance, and practical ways we can build sustainable routines to help us perform at our best in everyday life.Kate Slatter Wellness | Registered Nutritional Therapist

I’m joined today by Hollie, whose story is a great example of what it can look like to choose a slightly different path. After spending two years living and travelling in a van across the UK and Europe, Hollie learned how to slow down, live with less, and place more value on experiences, connection, and simply being present in the moment.Since then, she’s transitioned more into the world of sport and community, co-founding a run club and starting a women’s swimming community, while still carrying that outdoor-led mindset into everything she does. Her approach is centred around simplicity, movement, and creating a life that genuinely feels good rather than just looking good on paper.In this conversation, we explore outdoor living, intentional lifestyle choices, and the importance of slowing down to reconnect with what really matters. Hollie shares her journey of stepping away from traditional expectations to build a lifestyle that feels more aligned and meaningful, and how small daily choices around movement, nature, and community have supported both her mental and physical wellbeing.It’s a conversation that serves as a gentle reminder that slowing down isn’t always about doing less, but often about noticing more — appreciating small moments, getting outside, moving your body, and living with a little more intention.

In today's episode, we're joined by Renee McGregor, a  Sports Dietitian specialising in Athlete Nutrition, REDs, and Hormonal Health. We explore the risks of underfueling and overtraining, alongside the psychological drivers behind disordered behaviours, including comparison culture, perfectionism, and the pressure to always do more. Renee also shares practical strategies for developing a healthier, more sustainable approach to nutrition and training, helping athletes perform at their best without compromising their long-term health or wellbeing.We also discuss the importance of body awareness, adequate recovery, and learning to listen to your body to build a more balanced relationship with food, exercise, and performance.https://reneemcgregor.com/@r_mcgregor