The RunSensible Podcast

In this episode of the Run Sensible Podcast, I sit down with Marcus Neill to chat about his remarkable running journey.

Marcus only started running two years ago, initially running a sub-4-hour marathon before getting more specific with his training and discovering just how much potential he had. That progression eventually saw him run an incredible 2:46 at the Dublin Marathon last year.

Since then, things haven't always gone to plan. Marcus has spent the last few weeks carefully navigating his way back from a bone stress injury, rebuilding his fitness and confidence with the goal of returning to Dublin in a few weeks and having another crack at his PB.

We chat about his rapid progression, what changed when he started training more specifically, the lessons he's learned from injury, and what it takes to come back and chase another big marathon performance.

A great conversation about progression, setbacks, patience and finding out just how far you can take 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.

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.

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.

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.