The Physiology of Endurance Running Podcast
Dan Nash and Owain Zerilli
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 1h 5min
Why Do You Fatigue During a Marathon
Dan & Owain talk through the multifaceted impact of fatigue on a marathon, how it manifests and some overviews on strategies to delay it!A global view episode to set up some more marathon-specific topics as we race through spring marathon season!The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR are the producers of the worlds best running apparel, designed to fit the needs of runners that put time and effort into the sport. Check out their awesome kit: https://www.soarrunning.com/ Check out our Patreon, with exclusive bonus content here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEnduranceCollective You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 11min
The Athlete Series: Callum Hawkins
Dan & Owain are joined by a runner that doesn't need much of an introduction!Callum Hawkins; 2:08:14 marathon pre- supershoes. 60:00 half. 4th in the World Championships marathon twice (2017 & 2019). Callum talks us through his career so far; the early start in the marathon, his approach to major races, his racing style and the benefits and drawbacks it brings. He also talks about shoes, fuelling, and the Commonwealth Games marathon, as well as his setbacks with injury.We loved talking to Callum - a real hero of running for us both. Hopefully you enjoy too!The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR are the producers of the worlds best running apparel, designed to fit the needs of runners that put time and effort into the sport. Check out their awesome kit: https://www.soarrunning.com/ Check out our Patreon, with exclusive bonus content here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEnduranceCollective You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 42min
The art of coaching - with David Chalfen
Dan & Owain are joined this week by David Chalfen. David currently coaches at Highgate Harriers - one of the most successful clubs in the UK - as well as coaching individuals online and in-person. He's been involved in the sport since the 1980s; as an athlete, coach and working in sport administration. David talks to us about how the landscape of the sport and coaching has changed across his career - from writing a letter to a coach to the rise of online coaching. We also discuss the UK club scene, its benefits and drawbacks.Less primary research, more art of coaching in this one! We'd have loved to keep chatting to David about the sport over a few coffees or beers!David's book about his life in the sport is here too!The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR are the producers of the worlds best running apparel, designed to fit the needs of runners that put time and effort into the sport. Check out their awesome kit: https://www.soarrunning.com/ Check out our Patreon, with exclusive bonus content here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEnduranceCollective You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 34min
The Science of Trail & Ultra Running - with Dr Simon de Waal
Dr Simon de Waal, a senior lecturer and researcher on trail and ultra running physiology, discusses why trail athletes need different lab tests. He talks about uphill-specific testing, how steep gradients change running mechanics, and practical outdoor testing and training tips. The conversation also covers pacing on technical courses and plans for studying resilience and durability in long-distance runners.
Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 22min
The Do's and Don'ts of Session Design
Dan & Owain are back to talk session design. We had a few questions throughout the intensity domain series about actually implementing the training in practice - so we thought we'd talk through how to plan a training week, and the considerations for training sessions in each intensity domain!Let us know what you think - this episode came about because of comments and questions so we're always keen to hear what you think!The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR are the producers of the worlds best running apparel, designed to fit the needs of runners that put time and effort into the sport. Check out their awesome kit: https://www.soarrunning.com/ Check out our Patreon, with exclusive bonus content here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEnduranceCollective You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 28min
How to apply Training Zones to running
Dan & Owain are back for the another installment of the intensity domains series. They talk through how to take intensity domains, and apply training zones that support and quantify your training!The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR are the producers of the worlds best running apparel, designed to fit the needs of runners that put time and effort into the sport. Check out their awesome kit: https://www.soarrunning.com/ Check out our Patreon, with exclusive bonus content here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEnduranceCollective You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 15min
Seville Marathon Recap
Dan, Jen & Owain talk through Dan's Seville Marathon - and how exactly Dan went from a week off with an injury, to a 2:11:50 PB!His plans for the next few months are also discussed - some exciting news about this!The Physiology of Endurance Running podcast is proudly sponsored by SOAR. SOAR are the producers of the worlds best running apparel, designed to fit the needs of runners that put time and effort into the sport. Check out their awesome kit: https://www.soarrunning.com/ Check out our Patreon, with exclusive bonus content here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEnduranceCollective You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
Feb 11, 2026 • 1h 13min
Meteopace, the game-changing weather app - with creator Phil Richardson
Meteopace has taken the running world by storm (pun intended) since being launched in 2025, and we're extremely excited to be joined by Phil (aka Meteopace Phil), the founder of the app.We dive down some serious rabbit holes about the inner workings of Meteopace - there's an incredible amount behind the scenes driving the app! 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/ Check out our Patreon, with exclusive bonus content here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEnduranceCollective You can submit questions for this series or our Q and A episode here:https://forms.gle/XGmxsR6dsanikRSX7
5 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 2min
Beyond VO2max - The extreme domain
They explore the rarely used extreme intensity domain and what truly maximal sprint efforts do to the body. Short sprint protocols, muscle fiber recruitment, and why type II fibers and glycogen matter get attention. Safety, practical prescriptions like very short reps with long recovery, and when sprinting actually helps performance are all discussed.
14 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 15min
Physiological failure guaranteed... the severe intensity domain
They unpack the severe intensity domain where physiological responses become unstable and cannot hold steady. Conversation covers rising VO2, heart-rate drift and fast-twitch recruitment during high-intensity work. They compare heavy and severe efforts, talk practical pacing and session design for VO2 work. They also discuss recovery limits, how often to do hard days, and why elites space intense sessions.
