This podcast is all about getting sport science research out into the public domain. We cover what we do and don’t know regarding all topics related to endurance running performance and, more importantly, how can we use this information to make ourselves healthier and faster runners! Your hosts are Dr Dan Osborn-Nash, 2:12 marathon runner and sport physiologist for Welsh Athletics and Welsh Triathlon, and Owain Zerilli, MSc student exploring the effects of heat on EPO release and 2:38 marathon runner
The podcast The Physiology of Endurance Running Podcast is created by Dan Nash and Owain Zerilli. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Dan & Owain are delighted to welcome Dr Andy Shaw to the podcast. Andy is the Senior Physiologist for UK Athletics - working with some of the best athletes on the planet as they prepare for major events.
The discussion begins with some reflections from Andy on his PhD - which he completed at Loughborough University and investigated running economy, a topic often talked about on the podcast.
They then turn to Andy's role with UKA, talking through what the role entails, some of his day-to-day work, the support UKA offers to athletes.
We think Andy gives us some great insights into how scientists work with athletes and coaches, and how technology can be applied in different ways based on the athlete and their needs.
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here -https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
The hard work has been completed, and Owain is ready to taper. Dan & Owain discuss the last big week of training for Barry 40, including a session and drink mixes.
They then discuss one of the early thoughts at the start of the series; would Owain's training look much different if he was training for a marathon instead?
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here -https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
The hay is almost in the barn, as they say, for Owain and his Barry 40 training. A fairly unremarkable week in the books with a big session and a 20 mile long run, and lots of carbs.
The lads then talk through what went wrong for Owain at last year's Barry 40, and the lessons that were learnt from that attempt at the race!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here -https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are delighted to welcome their first guest to the podcast! Lauren Thomas joins the show to talk all things Maurten, nutrition and performance. Lauren is the Performance Nutritionist for Maurten, and a registered sports dietitian, holding a Masters in Nutrition Education from Columbia University.
The interview kicks off with a discussion about some of the Maurten products and the science behind their unique qualities. Day-to-day diet is then discussed, before we arrive at race day and talk carb-loads and race day nutrition.
We loved recording this interview, and hope you enjoy listening too!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
28 days from the race - and the last few weeks of big training for Owain. Dan & Owain break down another week of training, with another trial of bicarb and a cross country race.
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
More athletes and coaches are using portable lactate devices to monitor sessions, or lactate test themselves outside of the lab. But what are they doing right, and wrong?
Dan & Owain discuss what a lactate device can and can't do - and offer some helpful knowledge and experience so you can get better results, or see through some of the smoke and mirrors appearing on social media!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
5 weeks until the Barry 40!
Dan & Owain are back to discuss another week of training. Owain combines a long "durability" style session with a staple session of Aussie running podcasts, before a 20-mile long run with a carbohydrate buffet.
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are back with another week of training for Barry 40. This week Owain's tried out bicarb, completed a VO2max test, and raced a fell race - a far from normal week! Dan has some questions about Owain's training structure, or lack thereof...
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain follow on from their episode on improving your VO2max, to discuss thresholds.
First the boys break down what thresholds are, and are not, before diving into some of the research - what it says and more importantly, doesn't say. As always with physiology, the answer isn't as clear as we'd all like it to be!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are back, with another week of Barry 40 training to dissect.
Owain has had an interesting week - working around research, racing & finishing off his Masters, to get his training done.
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are back with another "Road to..." series - this time a very unique race is on the cards for Owain - Barry Track 40 Miles.
The history of the race, and ultras in the UK is discussed, before Owain's recent lab test is broken down before Owain's training week is rattled through.
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are back with a boxing day treat - what does the science say about improving your VO2max?
Firstly, some discussion about what VO2max is, some misconceptions and some scene setting. They then break down 3 key papers about training VO2max, before giving some take-home advice on how to train your VO2max.
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
We're back, like your favourite sitcom, with a Christmas Special. Dan & Owain answer some listener questions! Before diving in some talk about nasal strips - an accessory popping up in a lot of races recently. Do they actually work, should you use them yourselves?
Then it's on to questions. Loads of topics are covered - thanks for sending in a question, and sorry if yours wasn't covered this time!
Thanks for all the support this year - loads more to come in 2025!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are back, with a big debrief of Dan's race in Valencia. The newly minted 2:12 runner goes through his taper week, the race, his pacing and nutrition.
Dan talks through his training in 2024, and across the last 8 weeks, before thinking ahead to 2025.
The guys finish off with some housekeeping; plans for the podcast for the rest of 2024 and into 2025. Let us know if you're keen for another "Road to..." series!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
A bumper episode before the big race - Dan & Owain talk through Dan's week of training. Dan's been in the lab for his pre-marathon lab test, with promising results.
They then talk through the marathon itself; fueling, kit, shoes, pacing; haircuts.
Let us know how you think Dan will get on!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
2 weeks to go, the hay is in the barn, the work is banked. Dan & Owain talk through the last "big" week of training before Valencia marathon.
Dan travels up north for a wedding, but before that runs one last big treadmill session, with some final shoe testing.
Dan's session planning is also discussed in a listener question.
If you have any questions for Dan before the big day in Valencia, drop them in the form below for next week's final episode before the marathon!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
A big week in the books for Dan, with two sessions and a long run.
Dan & Owain break down the sessions, and take a deep dive into some shoe testing numbers as Dan decides on his shoes for the big dance in Valencia.
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are back to discuss Dan's training with 4 weeks to go until the Valencia Marathon!
Dan's week began on a high note, before coming down with a cold. Dan logged a fast long run beforehand, which is broken down, along with a few listener questions!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
A big week in the books for Dan, and a big episode to break it down!
Dan & Owain discuss the sessions, as well as Dan's carbs & bicarb use during the sessions - and his thinking for using them during the marathon itself. A longer episode than normal, but a lot of information to cover!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Dan & Owain are back again to dissect Dan's training - but begin with an exciting announcement about the podcast!
With 6 weeks to go until Valencia marathon, Dan returns to a fairly normal training week! Using lab data to guide his return to sessions, they go through Dan's aborted session, followed by a quality session later in the week.
They also discuss fitting training around Dan's hectic schedule, and the impact that possible changes to the Commonwealth Games has on Dan - a runner that sits on the cusp of qualifying!
The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is now proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR produce high quality running clothing, designed to fit the needs of runners that put in time & effort to the sport. Check them out here - https://www.soarrunning.com/
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
In this episode, we review Dan's week following his PB at Cardiff Half Marathon.
Initially, a positive start, with a quick recovery from the race. We then discuss Dan's strength training regime that he has introduced as a "marginal gain" in this Valencia block.
Unfortunately, Dan then caught one of the many viruses going around which led to three days off running and a measly 72km for the week.
You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
In this new mini-series, we will share a week-by-week account of Dan's preparations for Valencia marathon where he is targeting the European Road Running Championships qualifying time of 2:12:30.
As this is a podcast about physiology, the emphasis will be on how Dan uses his own data, and findings from the scientific literature, to optimise his training and performance come race day.
In this first episode, we breakdown the results from Dan's recent submax test and discuss how that will inform what his training will look like over the next 8 weeks.
Dan's test data can be found here: Dan Nash- submax test (3.10.24).pdf You can submit questions for our Q and A episode here: https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
In today's in-person episode, Dan and Owain break down the physiological components of marathon running.
There's more to the marathon (and other distances) than just having a big VO2max! Thresholds, economy, and durability all interact with each other, and as you'll hear, there's more than one way to run a marathon from a physiological perspective.
If you want to submit a question for a future episode drop them here.
Building on a very popular Twitter thread (https://x.com/Dan_Nash94/status/1797744471565574604),Dan & Owain discuss marathon pacing.
First, an overview of some of the physiology that you'll be contending with during a marathon - especially if you go out too fast!
Dan & Owain then discuss the pacing plan Dan has utilised in recent marathons, and how you could go about doing the same yourself.
Let us know if you've used a similar physiological anchoring method for a marathon and how you got on!
Owain is also recruiting for a research study looking at hot baths and EPO, which will be a future podcast topic too - if you're interested in taking part more information is here: https://many.bio/EPOStudy
In this episode, Dan and Owain explore the research on the supplements and accessories that have recently been hitting the headlines.
They share what the research has to say on their effectiveness including, who may benefit the most, the risk-reward ratio, and advice on implementation strategies.
Dan finishes the podcast with a plug of both the Sport Physiology Hub, and his new online coaching offer. If you are interested in one of the five coaching slots that Dan has available, then introduce yourself via email ([email protected]), including a description of your training background and upcoming goals. The deadline for emails is September 1st.
Is threshold training old news? Should we all be following the "American Method"?
Dan & Owain talk through the mens 1500m Olympic final; how the race played out, what training is best to run a championship 1500m, will we see a shift of training methods in the next 4 years.
What did you think of the 1500m final, and the rest of the Olympic events?
Do you use threshold training yourself?
Get in touch via X with your questions or comments - @dan_nash94 & @owainzerilli
If you fancy getting tested in a lab, check out the Sport Physiology Hub - https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/sportandhealthsciences/researchandinnovation/innovation/Pages/sport-science-services.aspx
In this episode Dan & Owain discuss the physiology of the warm up.
For many runners, a warm up features some jogging and possibly a few strides. But the warm up of a professional runner differs significantly, due to some interesting research into what is often referred to as "priming".
Dan & Owain discuss some of the history of the research, the physiology of "priming", and offer some practical applications that you can try before your next session or race.
If you give priming a go, let us know how you get on!
Get in touch via X with your questions or comments - @dan_nash94 & @owainzerilli
Research discussed:
Ingham et al., Priming in 800m runners - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22868404/
Jones et al., Priming time to exhaustion - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14652506/
Mark Burnley's explanation of VO2 Kinetics - https://youtu.be/ptPHNo9z7eA
In this second episode of The Physiology of Endurance Running Podcast, we explore all aspects of the 2nd threshold. We cover:
Critical Speed Calculator
You can access the calculator via this link. You will need to download the Excel file in order to edit the document. Let me know if it doesn't work!
Key References
"The maximal metabolic steady state: redefining the ‘gold standard’"
"Muscle metabolic responses to exercise above and below the “critical power” assessed using 31P-MRS"
Dr Mark Burnley: Twitter Profile and YouTube channel
Dr Philip Skiba: Twitter Profile and Book
Find more from me on Twitter and Strava, while here is a link to my "Physiology of Endurance Running" webinar series.
In this first episode of The Physiology of Endurance Running Podcast, we explore what the research has to say on how best to fuel your marathon. We cover:
Key References
"Glucose-fructose likely improves gastrointestinal comfort and endurance running performance relative to glucose-only"
"Contemporary Nutrition Strategies to Optimize Performance in Distance Runners and Race Walkers"
"Solid, Gel, and Liquid Carbohydrate Format Effects on Gut Comfort and Performance"
Specialists you should follow
Louise Burke: Twitter Profile and ResearchGate Profile
Trent Stellingworth: Twitter Profile and ResearchGate Profile
Find more from me on Twitter and Strava, while here is a link to my "Physiology of Endurance Running" webinar series.
Post-production corrections
At 34' I say that Maurten gels contain 40g of carbohydrate. They actually contain 25g while SIS Beta Fuel gels that I also refer to contain 40g
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.