Show Notes
In this episode, I sit down with Michael Burton to unpack one of the most inspiring endurance transformations you’ll hear. During lockdown, Michael was an out-of-shape former athlete who struggled to run 5km without stopping. What began as a simple attempt to regain some fitness quickly turned into an obsession with progress. He fell in love with the process — the early mornings, the structure, the discipline and before long, he committed to racing an Ironman-distance triathlon. Crossing that finish line didn’t just mark the completion of a race, it ignited something much bigger. From there, Michael discovered an extraordinary capacity for endurance, going on to take on events most people would consider unimaginable. We dive deep into triathlon, training methodologies, and the philosophies that shaped his approach from consistency over intensity to embracing discomfort as a teacher. We talk about pain: how to sit with it, how to interpret it, and how it can become a tool rather than something to avoid. Michael shares the mental frameworks that helped him move from barely finishing 5km to thriving in extreme endurance environments. This conversation is about reinvention, resilience, and what happens when you stop negotiating with your limits — and start chasing them instead.
More from The RunSensible Podcast
The next episode of the Podcast is live and available for download on all platforms! This week, I’m joined by Dhanush as we dive into one of the most important parts of marathon preparation: getting to the start line ready to perform. We discuss what it actually means to taper for a marathon, how to adjust your training in those final weeks, what to eat, when to eat and what your race day nutrition strategy should look like. We also answer questions sent in by listeners, covering some of the common challenges and uncertainties runners face in the lead-up to marathon day. Because marathon preparation isn’t just about the miles you run. It’s also about recovering properly, fuelling your body and giving yourself the best chance of performing on race day. 🎧 Tune in now and get yourself ready for your next marathon!
Why do those niggles seem to appear just as you begin tapering for a marathon? In this episode of The Run Sensible Podcast, I explore the difference between an injury and a niggle, why aches and pains can suddenly become more noticeable as race day approaches and how stress, fatigue and increased body awareness can influence what you feel. I discuss how to assess symptoms sensibly, when to modify your training, and when a niggle deserves proper clinical attention. If you're approaching marathon day and suddenly becoming hyper-aware of every ache, this episode will help you understand what might be happening and how to approach your taper without unnecessary panic. Remember: don't ignore your symptoms, but don't automatically assume every ache means an injury. Run sensible, trust your preparation and arrive at the start line ready to go.
The next episode of the Run Sensible Podcast is live and available for download on all platforms. I’m back in the studio for another online chat with Dhanush and with the Dublin Marathon getting closer, this episode is all about what happens when the marathon starts to hurt. Why do athletes feel sore and injured during marathon training? What’s the difference between simply “hitting the wall” and experiencing pain? And how should runners understand the aches, fatigue and discomfort that come with pushing their bodies towards 26.2 miles? We chat about pain, fatigue, injury, the marathon experience and why not every sensation you feel while running means something is wrong. With Dublin getting closer, there’s plenty to think about for anyone heading towards race day.
In this episode of the Run Sensible Podcast, I sit down with Seamus Flannery to hear the story behind one of the fastest running transformations I’ve come across. Seamus grew up playing rugby before making the switch to running around the time of the Covid lockdown. He trained for his first marathon and ran a very respectable time for a complete running novice. Since then, his progression has been rapid. From 4+ hours, to sub-3:30, to 3:10, and then breaking the 3-hour barrier, Seamus has continued to improve at an impressive rate. But it sounds like he’s nowhere near finished yet. We chat about his transition from rugby to running, how his training has evolved, the races and experiences that have shaped his progress, and what might be possible next. And judging by the conversation, Seamus may only be getting started.
The Berlin Marathon never disappoints and this year’s race gave us plenty to talk about. I look at the men’s and women’s races, the standout performances from Guye Adola and Tigst Assefa, the incredible dominance of the adidas Adios Pro Evo 3 on the podium, and why big names Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha were missing. I also discuss the latest doping case involving Kenyan marathoner Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo and what it tells us about the ongoing challenges facing elite distance running. A look at the race, the performances, the shoes and some of the bigger stories behind Berlin 2026.