Marathon Talk: Stop Trying to Biohack Your Running

Marathon Talk: Stop Trying to Biohack Your Running

In this week’s episode of the Run Sensible Podcast, I sit down with Dhanush for another weekly catch-up, looking back at the previous week of training and talking about how our own running is progressing. We get into all things running, from marathon training and how to improve your marathon time to the specific approach needed to train for a 5K and break the 25-minute barrier. But we also talk about something that I think holds a lot of runners back: the obsession with finding the next shortcut. From supplements and gadgets to complicated training methods and the latest “biohacks” there’s always something promising to make us fitter, faster and better with less effort. The reality is that most people haven't consistently executed the simple things that actually work. We discuss why getting the basics right training consistently, running appropriately, recovering well, getting stronger and giving your body enough time to adapt will usually take you much further than trying to biohack your way to fitness. Another honest, practical conversation about running, training and what actually works.

The Best Thing I Added To My Running Wasn’t More Running

In this week's episode of the Run Sensible Podcast, I sit down with Dhanush for a more relaxed catch-up episode after we both spent a couple of weeks away. Rather than focusing on one specific topic, we chat about everything running how our own training is progressing, what we've learned from our recent experiences and the realities of staying consistent when life gets busy. We also dive into the importance of cross-training and why activities outside of running can play such a valuable role in improving performance, building resilience, and keeping you healthy for the long term. I share my own experience of learning to swim at the age of 27, why I decided to take on something completely new and how adding different forms of movement can benefit runners of all levels. A relaxed conversation about training, consistency, staying curious, and becoming a better athlete beyond just running more miles.

7watts Per Kilo Vs 2:50 Per Kilometre - What Elite Endurance Really Looks Like

What do Tadej Pogačar riding Alpe d’Huez at around 7 watts per kilogram and two athletes running an official sub-2hour marathon have in common? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of the Run Sensible Podcast, I compare Pogačar’s incredible Alpe d’Huez performance with Sabastian Sawe’s 1:59:30 marathon and Yomif Kejelcha’s 1:59:41. Different sports. Different demands. Different ways of measuring performance but underneath it all is the same thing: an extraordinary aerobic engine, efficiency, durability and the ability to sustain a huge output for a very long time. But this isn't just a conversation about elite athletes. I look at what these performances can teach the everyday runner, particularly runners over 40, about building aerobic fitness, training consistently, recovering properly and understanding that fitness isn't about how hard you can train, it's about how much quality work you can consistently absorb and adapt to. You don't need to run 2:50/km or produce 7 watts/kg to benefit from understanding how the world's best endurance athletes train. The principles are surprisingly simple. Build the engine. Build the durability. Train consistently. And give your body enough time to adapt.

What Does It Mean To Take A Rest Day?

Rest Days: Do We Really Need to Stop Completely? What exactly counts as a rest day? In this episode, I’m talking about my approach to rest and recovery, and why I almost never take a complete day off from exercise. For me, a rest day might mean getting out for a relaxed 30–45 minute walk nothing strenuous, just enough to keep the body moving and the fitness ticking over. I don’t usually plan full days with zero exercise. The only time that happens is when life throws a curveball and I simply don’t get the chance to get out and move. I chat about why I prefer active recovery, how I view rest days, and finding a balance between keeping active and listening to what your body needs. And with the Attyhalf Half Marathon coming up next week, I’ll also be talking a little about the race — entries are still open if you fancy joining me! So, are you a complete rest day person, or do you prefer to keep moving? Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Why Not? Big Adventures with Mary O'Donnell

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Mary O'Donnell for a conversation that goes far beyond running. We kick things off with the obvious question: why on earth did she run the Dublin Marathon in a pair of jeans? What starts as a funny story quickly turns into a fascinating look at Mary's mindset and her willingness to take on challenges simply because... why not? From there, we dive into some of her most ambitious adventures, including walking 70km in a single day and taking on a 400km cycle. We explore what drives her to push her limits, how she approaches training for these huge endurance feats, and why embracing the unconventional has become part of who she is. Mary also opens up about the role social media has played in her journey both the opportunities it has created and the responsibility that comes with sharing her life online. In one of the episode's most honest moments, Mary speaks candidly about battling an eating disorder as a teenager. She reflects on how that experience shaped her relationship with exercise, food and body image and how it continues to influence the healthy, balanced approach she brings to her fitness goals today. It's a conversation filled with humour, honesty, resilience and perspective whether you're an endurance athlete, someone navigating your own fitness journey or simply looking for an inspiring story there's something here for you.