Mastering the Run: Joggling Success Story | Running Tales with Craig Lewis
James McDiarmid’s journey into the world of running is anything but ordinary. Sparked by his father’s weight loss journey, James transformed his newfound passion into joggling—a combination of juggling and running. In this episode of the Running Tales Podcast on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network, hosted by Craig Lewis, James shares his incredible story of innovation, dedication, and working on mastering the run while juggling.
The Start of Joggling: From Parkruns to Marathons
James’s first encounter with joggling began as a novelty during a local parkrun. What started as an experiment quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit, connecting him to a global community of over 780 jogglers. Joggling introduced James to the meditative art of “looking through the pattern,” allowing him to combine his skills in juggling with the physicality of running.
The community and camaraderie he discovered in this niche sport kept him motivated. Along the way, James pushed his boundaries, eventually achieving an impressive marathon personal best of 3:19—all while juggling!
Perfecting the Technique: Challenges and Triumphs
Joggling isn’t just running with a twist—it requires precision and resilience. James explains the complexities of juggling three, four, or even five balls while on the move. Uphill joggling? It’s as challenging as it sounds, but James embraces these moments with determination.
His races are as much about interaction as competition. From entertaining spectators to inspiring fellow runners, James shares how joggling adds a unique dimension to his racing experiences.
A Structured Approach: Training for New Goals
To improve his performance, James transitioned to a structured training plan with a coach. His ambitious goal? A sub-3-hour marathon while joggling. Balancing competitive aspirations with the sheer enjoyment of the sport has become central to his training philosophy.
For James, joggling isn’t just a pastime—it’s an integral part of his identity as a runner, blending entertainment with athleticism.
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Health Benefits and Mental Clarity
Beyond physical fitness, James attributes joggling to significant mental health benefits. The combination of running and juggling acts as a stress reliever and mindfulness practice. During the COVID-19 lockdown, joggling provided an outlet for James to explore Edinburgh and maintain his mental well-being.
From weight management to improved focus, joggling has become a vital component of his overall wellness.
Looking Ahead: Ultra-Marathons and Community Spirit
James’s future is filled with exciting possibilities, including ultra-marathons and new joggling challenges. He emphasizes the importance of crowd support, which fuels his determination during races.
His story is a reminder of the power of endurance sports to inspire and connect, turning personal goals into shared triumphs.
Inspiration for All Runners
James McDiarmid’s journey is more than a story about joggling—it’s about creativity, persistence, and finding joy in the unexpected. His ability to balance ambition with enjoyment offers lessons for endurance athletes who are looking to master their running.
Discover more inspiring stories like James’s on Run Tri Bike, where everyday athletes share their journeys of overcoming challenges and pursuing their dreams.
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