The RunSensible Podcast

Enhanced Games: The Mirror Elite Sport Didn't Ask For

The Enhanced Games promised a glimpse into the future of enhanced human performance. But after all the headlines, controversy and talk of performance-enhancing drugs, what stood out most to me was something completely different. The athletes weren't suddenly miles ahead of the world's best. If anything, the competition highlighted just how extraordinary elite athletes really are. Talent, dedication, discipline and years of relentless work still matter more than any pharmaceutical advantage. In this episode, I discuss why I don't have a major issue with the concept of the Enhanced Games, the honesty of a competition where nobody is pretending to be clean, why some athletes deserve credit for chasing the financial opportunity and how the event holds up a mirror to elite sport itself. Most importantly, I explore what the Enhanced Games revealed about greatness: there are no shortcuts to becoming truly elite.

From "How Do People Run 10K?" to Ultramarathon Champion - Catherine Harris

In this episode, I sit down in the studio with Catherine Harris, better known as RunCoachCath on Instagram, to talk all about her running journey. From being inspired by her mum in the early days and wondering how on earth people could run 10 kilometres, to going on to win an ultramarathon, Catherine's story is one of perseverance, growth, and a genuine love for the sport. We chat about the highs, the challenges, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how running has shaped her outlook on life. Catherine shares valuable insights for runners of all levels, whether you're just starting out or chasing your next big goal. More than anything, Catherine is a fantastic person with a positive and refreshing perspective on both running and life. This is a conversation packed with inspiration, honesty, and plenty of memorable stories. Enjoy the episode!

Why I Walk So Much

For the past year, I’ve been focused on something that most people overlook when it comes to fitness and performance: low aerobic training. In this episode, I talk about why I’ve spent so much time walking, keeping my training at a lower intensity and building a strong aerobic base instead of constantly pushing my body to the limit. I break down how slowing things down has actually allowed me to improve my endurance, recovery and overall work capacity. By spending the last year building a stronger engine, I’ve noticed that when it’s time to push harder or train at a higher intensity, my body responds far better than it used to. I can handle more workload, recover quicker and stay consistent without burning out. This episode is about playing the long game understanding that real performance isn’t built overnight, but through patience, consistency, and creating a foundation that can support bigger demands over time. If you’ve ever wondered why walking and easy training matter, or why elite athletes spend so much time training below their maximum effort, this conversation will give you a new perspective on fitness, health, and sustainable progress.

Chasing Two Hours: The Race That Changed the Marathon

The two-hour marathon barrier has finally fallen. At the 2026 London Marathon, Sabastian Sawe ran 1:59:30, becoming the first athlete to break two hours in an official race. Just seconds behind him, Yomif Kejelcha also dipped under the barrier in his marathon debut. It should be one of the greatest moments in the history of distance running. But the story isn’t that simple. In this episode we break down the performance, the science, and the controversies surrounding the modern marathon. We explore the dominance of Kenyan distance running and the uncomfortable questions raised by the country’s long list of doping bans. We look at the coaching networks behind elite athletes and the scrutiny they face. We also dive into the technology revolution transforming endurance sport from carbon-plated racing shoes like the Nike Vaporfly and Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 to the fueling strategies pushing human physiology to new limits. And we revisit the legacy of the controversial Nike Oregon Project and its banned coach Alberto Salazar, whose influence still echoes through elite distance running. Is the sub-2 marathon the greatest endurance breakthrough of all time — or a symbol of how much the sport has changed? This episode explores the science, technology, ethics, and trust behind the fastest marathon ever run.

Inside VO₂ Max Testing with Sean Kinane: The Data That Drives Better Training

In this episode, I sit down in the studio with Sean Kinane from Health Matters for a deep dive into the science of performance testing. With over 13 years of experience and more VO₂ max tests conducted than anyone else in the world, Sean has built an unparalleled understanding of how the body responds to exercise under the microscope. Together we unpack the methodology behind VO₂ max and metabolic testing, how the tests actually work and what the numbers truly mean. We explore the key data points these assessments reveal from aerobic capacity and substrate utilisation to training zones and how athletes, coaches and everyday exercisers can use this information to train smarter, not just harder. If you've ever wondered what happens in a lab test, how accurate your training zones really are, or how metabolic data can transform your performance and health, this conversation breaks it all down in a practical, accessible way. You can follow Sean on Instagram @healthmattersire