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Low stakes, biscuits and lots of Sabrina Carpenter: Josh Widdicombe's running habits

Comedian Josh Widdicombe hosts a new series of Pace Setter on BBC Sounds. In weekly hour-long episodes Run With Josh Widdicombe welcomes casual and reluctant runners, and offers relatable motivation for getting out on a run.

I used to do it and hate it, but felt I should.

An amateur runner by his own admission, Josh's episodes aim to provide an enjoyable and approachable alternative to joining a running club. No matter if listeners are already runners, or have never run before and haven't got the right gear, they can listen along to Josh and his eclectic hand-curated playlist.

But he wasn't always a fan of running...

Get to know your new running companion: Josh Widdicombe

We asked Josh some questions about his running habits.

What do you enjoy about running?

Being on my own, being out, listening to loud music.

When did running become a part of your life?

I used to do it and hate it, but felt I should. Sometime in the last few years I started to enjoy it. Then much to my surprise I looked forward to it and felt annoyed if I couldn’t do it.

What benefits have you noticed?

I feel great when I do it and when I'm done. And I am fitter and feel less guilty about biscuits.

What motivates you to get out for a run?

A sunny day and a free 45 minutes.

What sort of music do you like to listen to on a run?

I like to think I have quite broad tastes on my running playlist, people who just listen to boring background dance like in a gym blow my mind. I basically have to really like the song and want to sing along. Or at least drum and then realise people are looking at me.

Favourite track to run to at the moment?

I will always return to Sabrina Carpenter’s Please Please Please.

What song keeps you going when you're flagging?

The Rat by The Walkmen. Absolute pure energy (not all positive) like no other song.

What song would people never guess you like to run to?

Hip Hop by Dead Prez.

What would you say to someone who needs a bit of encouragement to get running?

Ignore distances, times, PBs and all that rubbish, do it for yourself. And get a good playlist (on BBC Sounds).

Are you competitive with your friends who run?

No, I’m the opposite. I want to enjoy it and I know how competitive I am, so I try to keep all that stuff away.

How do you feel about being the person people run with for Pace Setter?

It is the honour of a lifetime.

What can listeners expect from your Pace Setter episodes?

I don't want to talk too big but... the greatest collection of songs to run to in the history of recorded music. And too much Sabrina Carpenter.

Want to join Josh for a run?

If you want to make running a bigger part of your life, let Josh accompany you on your next run. There's a new Pace Setter episode on BBC Sounds every Saturday morning.