

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

Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
Cooling headbands, Bicarb, Beetroot and Caffeine: What is worth spending your money on?
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 (Dan-Nash@Outlook.Com), including a description of your training background and upcoming goals. The deadline for emails is September 1st.

Aug 9, 2024 • 46min
Is threshold training dead?
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

Jul 15, 2024 • 45min
The Physiology of the Warm Up
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

Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 2min
Easy running- why bother?
Welcome back! Dan finally feels like he has the time to relaunch the pod and is joined by new co-host, Owain Zerilli.
In this episode, we delve into all things "easy running". We started with defining what easy running is from a physiology perspective, before going into describing what benefits we can (and can't) expect from training in "zone 2". We finish by looking at the bigger picture, discussing how we should fit our easy running into our training weeks and practical tips on how to let go of our egos.

Mar 12, 2023 • 55min
Threshold Training: Is it worth the hype?
Threshold training has come to prominence in recent years, primarily through the success of the Ingebrigtsens. In this episode, I discuss what threshold training actually entails, why it might be a useful intensity to train at, and what are the limitations with threshold training. A lot of the dicussion is centred around a recent review that discusses why "The Norwegian Model" of training may be the next step in the evolution of training practices. This article can be found here: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/5/3782
If you would like to support the show, you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Dan.Nash

Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 11min
The physiological model of endurance running performance
Yes, we are finally back! In this episode, we delve into the physiological model of endurance running performance. We discuss the determinants of VO2max, metabolic thresholds and running economy. We cover additional parameters that are important in the middle-distance events and distances beyond the marathon. Lastly, we discuss the relative importance of the physiological parameters across the different events and how we might determine what is limiting our performance. If you would like to support the show and contribute to the generation of more content, you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Dan.Nash

Sep 3, 2022 • 54min
The 2nd Threshold: The physiology and its applications to training
Discover the significance of the 2nd threshold in endurance running and its crucial role in improving performance. Delve into effective training techniques and the determinants that influence this threshold. Learn how to utilize the critical speed model for personal training without relying on lab measurements. Get insights from experts and practical applications that can elevate your running strategy!

Aug 29, 2022 • 58min
How to fuel your next marathon
Discover the essential role of carbohydrates in marathon fueling. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different fuel sources, and how to optimize your nutrition strategy for training and racing. Dive into research-backed recommendations on glucose-fructose mixtures for improved performance. Hear insights from leading experts in endurance nutrition and gather tips to elevate your marathon experience. Perfect for anyone aiming to push their limits on race day!