Episode 128 - Joe & Sarah Hudak | ECH / Trafford AC | Northern 800m Champion | US Scholarship
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In episode 128 of the Local Runners Podcast, hosts Katie Kaye, Dave Norman, Colin Parkinson, and Sean Orbison welcome Joe and Sarah Hudak, a brother-sister running duo from East Cheshire Harriers and Trafford AC. The conversation dives into their shared running journey, beginning with their mother’s influence in introducing them to the sport at a young age. Joe, a Northern 800m champion with PBs across multiple distances, discusses his transition from East Cheshire to training with a faster group in Bolton, which helped him achieve personal bests and win the 2026 Indoor Northern 800m title. Sarah, who earned a US scholarship to UAB in Alabama, reflects on her transformative college experience, highlighting the intense training culture, high mileage (65–70 miles weekly), and the pressure to race consistently. Both athletes discuss their struggles with injury, motivation post-college, and the challenges of returning to training in a non-elite environment. They share candid insights on race tactics, mental resilience, and the importance of family support. Joe expresses his desire to break the 150-second barrier in the 800m, while Sarah aims for a sub-18:00 5K. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on sibling rivalry, family legacy, and the joy of running as a lifelong pursuit.
Consistency and high-volume training, especially during college in the US, were pivotal in Sarah’s performance breakthroughs.
Joe’s move to train with a faster group in Bolton significantly improved his race times and competitive edge.
Injury prevention and recovery are ongoing challenges—both athletes rely on sports therapy and targeted rehab.
Mental resilience and managing pressure are key, especially when transitioning from elite college athletics to club-level running.
Family support, particularly from their parents, was foundational in their long-term commitment to running.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor Intro & Guest Welcome
The episode opens with a sponsor plug for Activate Sports Therapy and Hyde, followed by a warm welcome to Joe and Sarah Hudak, the first brother-sister duo on the podcast. The hosts introduce their impressive PBs and running backgrounds.
Family Roots & Early Running Beginnings
Joe and Sarah reflect on how their mother introduced them to running, despite their early involvement in football and swimming. They discuss their natural competitiveness, especially with their twin brother James, and how running became their preferred sport.
Training Transitions & Club Moves
Joe discusses leaving East Cheshire Harriers to train in Bolton, citing the need for faster competition. Sarah recounts her move to UAB on a scholarship, highlighting the cultural shock of the intense US collegiate training environment.
The US Scholarship Experience & NCAA Pressure
“I loved it. I had the best time. I'd go back and do it all again if I could.”
Race Tactics, PBs & Mental Toughness
“I just remember thinking, oh God, yeah, I need to go. So I got past the girl that was behind and just... sprinted the last 300.”
“I loved it. I had the best time. I'd go back and do it all again if I could.”
“I just remember thinking, oh God, yeah, I need to go. So I got past the girl that was behind and just... sprinted the last 300.”
“I'd say it helped quite a lot when we were younger because we did used to train a lot together, didn't we? But I'd also say mum.”
Hosts
Guests
Joe Hudak
person
Sarah Hudak
person
East Cheshire Harriers
other
Trafford AC
other
UAB
other
Activate Sports Therapy
other
Chelsea
person
Tony
person
James Hudak
person
Martin Lewis
person
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