

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

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Road to Barry- 6 weeks to go
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

4 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 55min
How to improve your thresholds
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

Jan 14, 2025 • 46min
Road to Barry- 7 weeks to go
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

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 6min
Road to Barry- 8 weeks to go
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

8 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 4min
How to improve your VO2max
Discover the science behind VO2max and common misconceptions about it. The discussion highlights the importance of cardiac output and how structured training can enhance oxygen utilization. Learn about the benefits of longer interval sessions versus shorter bursts for improving aerobic capacity. Self-pacing in high-intensity training is explored, alongside insights into the complexities of VO2max measurement and the impact of factors like weight loss. Finally, unpack strategies for optimizing interval training to maximize cardiovascular fitness.

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 36min
Christmas Q&A (+ Nasal Strips)
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

Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 19min
Road to Valencia- The Debrief
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

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 5min
Road to Valencia- 1 week to go
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

Nov 20, 2024 • 47min
Road to Valencia- 2 weeks to go
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

Nov 12, 2024 • 58min
Road to Valencia- 3 weeks to go
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