Running on Empty - Navigating RED-S as a professional runner with Jake Smith

In this episode of the new season, Ffion is joined by guest co-host Ollie Olds for an honest and eye-opening conversation with Jake Smith, professional runner for Nike and the NN Running Team.

Jake opens up about his deeply personal journey with RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) — a condition that silently affects many endurance athletes. He shares how years of underfuelling and the pressure to fit a certain ‘runner’ body type led to a significant decline in his health, disrupted training cycles, and compromised race performances.

We dive into the mental toll of battling an invisible condition, the emotional strain it’s placed on his family, and the frustration of navigating recovery in a sporting culture that often celebrates sacrifice at all costs. Jake also challenges the outdated perceptions of what a distance runner “should” look like — and how breaking free from those ideals has been key to rebuilding his relationship with sport and with himself.

Despite the setbacks, Jake speaks with quiet determination about his aim to hit the Olympic qualifying time, not for validation, but as a powerful step toward proving that you can compete at the highest level while prioritizing health, sustainability, and self-respect.

This is an essential listen for athletes, coaches, and fans who want to understand the human side of elite sport — the part that often goes unspoken.

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