The RunSensible Podcast

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!

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.

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.

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

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, I sit down with Helen Ryvar to explore an extraordinary journey of resilience, healing, and rediscovery.

The 2026 London Marathon may go down as one of the greatest races in marathon history. In this episode we break down the stunning performances that redefined what’s possible over 26.2 miles.

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe made history by running 1:59:30, becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in official race conditions at the London Marathon. Behind him, Yomif Kejelcha also dipped under two hours, while Jacob Kiplimo completed one of the fastest podiums ever assembled.

On the women’s side, Tigst Assefa delivered a historic run with a women’s-only world record, holding off marathon stars Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei in an incredibly deep race.

We also look at the role of super-shoe technology — including the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 — and how modern racing shoes continue to reshape elite marathon performance.

Finally, we tackle the difficult but important conversation around doping in Kenyan athletics. With historic performances and ongoing anti-doping concerns, how should fans interpret these results, and what does it mean for trust in the sport?

Topics covered:

In this episode we break down one of the fastest and most exciting editions of the Boston Marathon in recent memory. I dive into the elite men’s and women’s races, analyse the podium finishers and look at the incredible performances that defined the day on Boylston Street.

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Today I sat down in the studio with Padhraic Maguire to talk about his recent completion of the Marathon des Sables, one of the toughest endurance races on the planet. In this episode, Padhraic takes us inside the journey that led him to the Sahara from the months of preparation and training, to the logistical challenges of taking on a multi-day race across the desert, carrying everything you need on your back.

We dive into the realities of preparing for such an extreme event: balancing training with everyday life, dealing with setbacks, and building the physical and mental resilience required to keep moving when conditions are at their toughest.

Padhraic also shares what it’s actually like out on the course, the heat, the terrain, the camaraderie among runners and the moments that test your limits. It’s a fascinating conversation about dedication, resilience and the power of committing to something that once seemed impossible.

If you’re interested in endurance sport, pushing personal boundaries, or hearing the story behind an incredible achievement, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The Skool link: https://www.skool.com/runsensible-4557/about?ref=9a9178f6565e4023b74c066c50480acf 

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In this episode we recap the 2026 Paris Marathon, breaking down the men’s and women’s races and the standout performances that defined this year’s event. We take a closer look at the podium finishers, the decisive moments in the closing kilometres, and the super shoes many of the elite athletes raced in as carbon-plated technology continues to shape the marathon landscape.

We also discuss the broader storylines coming out of Paris, including what the results might mean for the European marathon scene and how the race unfolded on one of the most iconic courses in the world.

Looking ahead, we preview the upcoming Boston Marathon and what makes the historic course such a unique challenge for elite and amateur runners alike. Finally, we cover the latest news from the London Marathon field, including the withdrawal of Vincent Kipchirchir from the elite roster and what that could mean for the race dynamics.

If you’re following the spring marathon season or simply love the sport of distance running, this episode covers the key results, talking points, and storylines you need to know.

The next episode of the podcast is now live and available for download on all platforms.

In this episode, we explore one of the most important principles in endurance running: consistency and mileage. While workouts and race efforts often get the spotlight, the real physiological adaptations that make runners stronger happen through steady, repeated aerobic training over time.

We dive into how consistent running helps develop the heart as a powerful and efficient pump, increasing stroke volume and cardiac output so more oxygen-rich blood can be delivered to working muscles. We also discuss how regular aerobic training stimulates the growth of new capillary pathways, improving oxygen delivery and waste removal within muscle tissue.

Finally, we look at what may be the most important adaptation of all: the development of mitochondria inside muscle cells. These tiny energy-producing structures allow the body to produce more energy aerobically, improving endurance, efficiency, and long-term metabolic health.

This episode breaks down the science behind why the simple act of running consistently week after week and mile after mile gradually transforms the body into a stronger, more efficient aerobic engine.

If you’ve ever wondered why coaches emphasize easy miles and steady training, this episode explains the physiology behind why those miles truly matter.