PODCAST · sports
Peak Endurance
by Isobel Ross
Welcome to the Peak Endurance podcast, where we talk all things endurance, mainly running! You will hear from athletes, experts in the field and also myself on all topics designed to help you reach your endurance goals!
Episodes
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The top 12 trail/ultra races in Australia!! (as judged by Ron and Isobel)
Ok, strap in listeners for the top 12 trail/ultra races in Australia as judged by Ron and I. Based purely on races either Ron and I (or both) have done and biased towards the types of races we like. You may not agree, but that's ok! Let us know races you think deserve to be there!
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The trials and tribulations of crewing at TDG
My daughter Elizabeth comes on the pods to discuss the highs and lows of crewing at TDG. What wet well, what was hard and what we would do better next time. Essential listening for anyone wanting to crew at any race!
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Isobel's Tor Des Geants experience...and DNF
Ron and I discuss how my TDG race went...and what led to the DNF. We discuss lesson's learnt and what I would do differently.
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Last podcast before Tor des Geants!
Ron and I discuss my final preparations for TDG. It's getting real now!!!
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Strength training for runners
Ron and I discuss strength training for runners: How often you need to train, when is the best time and the sort of work you need to do.
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10 ways to spice up your running!
Have you lost your running mojo? Ron and I discuss 10 ways to spice up your running!
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Are you really recovered? Or is your CNS fried?
You've had your rest days, your legs feel fine, your blood markers would look fine too, and you're still snapping at your kids, can't sleep, can't focus, feel flat or wired for no reason. That's not laziness or being soft. That's a nervous system still in overdrive weeks after the race finished....
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Elephant trail race and Tor Des Geants training update!
Isobel and Ron discuss Isobel's 100k race at the Elephant Trail Race in Port Macquarie and give updates on the tent and Tor Des Geants training
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Do You Actually Need a 'Why'?
I don't really have a big why. And I've represented Australia three times, won Six Foot Track, run three Barkleys. So, either I've been doing it wrong the whole time, or the 'find your why' advice is oversold. The real question of the episode: is a why necessary, or just sometimes useful.
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The Lost Art of Running by Feel
We live in a world where our watches tell us how we slept, how recovered we are, how hard we should train and even how stressed we are. While technology can be incredibly useful, many runners have become so dependent on it that they no longer trust what their own body is telling them. In this...
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Training for Tor Des Geants
Isobel and Ron talk about what Isobel is doing for her training for Tor Des Geants. They discuss the daily and weekly work required and the fact that big races take a lot out of you.
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Interview with Kerryn Bell, RD of Southern Lakes Ultra
Ron and Isobel chat with Kerryn Bell about the Southern Lakes Ultra, a 7day, 6 stage multi day event in New Zealand. If you've ever thought about doing a multi-day event but don't want to have to go all the way to the states or Europe, then this one is for you! Kerryn gives us all the details on...
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Running and Hiking adventures: The Camino Trail with Elizabeth Bespalov
Isobel's daughter Elizabeth comes on to discuss her hike of the Camino Trail. This is a very runnable trail and a popular destination for multi day running. Hear how you could easily organise this adventure for yourself!
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Eat Like a Runner: The Nutrition Fundamentals That Actually Support Your Training
Most runners train hard and eat like an afterthought. In this episode, Isobel and Ron break down the nutrition fundamentals that directly support your training: not the fads, not the noise, just what the research actually says and what she's learned from years of racing and coaching at the sharp...
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How to Brief Your Crew So They Don't Cost You the Race
Your crew shows up on race day wanting to help. The problem is you never told them how. In this episode, Isobel and Ron (who has crewed Isobel for years) break down exactly what a good crew needs to know before race day, and why most athletes get this completely wrong. They cover what actually...
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Why Racing More Is Making You Slower (The Cake Analogy Every Ultra Runner Needs to Hear)
Most ultra runners have a race calendar that looks impressive and a performance trajectory that doesn't match it. Here's why: racing is eating the cake. Training is making it. And if you're racing every other weekend — or hammering yourself in training like every session is a time trial — you're...
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Grit Season: Why Winter is Where the Real Work Happens
Winter doesn't care about your goals. It's cold, it's dark,and your bed is warm. So, what separates the runners who come out the other side fitter, sharper, and ready; from the ones who spend September wondering wheretheir fitness went? Isobel and Ron get into the real mechanics of...
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What It Really Takes To Race A Half, Marathon, 50K, 100K, And Miler
Most runners use the same race strategy for every distance. That’s why they blow up in marathons, fall apart in ultras, or leave speed on the table in shorter races. In this episode, Ron and Isobel break down how race strategy changes from the half marathon all the way to the 100 miler. They…
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Coping With Injury When Everything Is On The Line
At 39km into the Buffalo Stampede 100k, I rolled my ankle (and broke it!) and ruptured my ATFL ligament. Boot on. Running stopped. Tor des Géants in September still on the calendar. In this episode, Ron and I talk through what actually happens when a serious injury hits mid-season, not the...
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How to Choose the Right Running Coach (And Avoid Wasting Your Time)
Hiring a running coach should make your life easier. It should fast-track your progress, keep you consistent, and get you better results. But the reality is… most runners either don’t hire one whenthey should or they hire the wrong one and waste months, sometimes years. So today Ron and I are…
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Buffalo Stampede to NZ 6 Day
Racing is one thing. Crewing is another game entirely. In this episode, we unpack the reality of the Buffalo Stampede. What it felt like out there, what went right, what didn’t, and what you only learn when you’re deep in it. Then we shift gears into the NZ 6 Day race. Not as athletes this time,...
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We Ranked Cross Training So You Don’t Waste Time
Most runners waste time on the wrong cross training. They do workouts that feel hard They do sessions that look impressive They do what everyone else at the gym is doing But very little of it actually makes you a better runner. So in this episode we ranked different types of cross training out of...
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Why your running isn’t improving (and it’s not fitness)
Most runners think they need more mileage, more speed work, or more motivation to improve. Most of the time that isn’t the problem. In this episode we talk about the habits that actually keep runners stuck. Comparing yourself to people on Strava without knowing their context. Panicking after one...
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How to Arrive at the Start Line Fresh and Fast
Most runners sabotage their race before they even reach the start line. Not because they didn't train hard enough. Because they taper badly. In this episode we break down exactly how to taper properly before an event so you arrive fresh, sharp, and ready to perform. We explain the 3 week taper...
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If You Love Ultrarunning, Do This
Ultra running can become very self-focused. My training. My race. My goals. But this sport does not survive on personal ambition alone.It survives because people give their time, energy, and care behind the scenes. In this episode, we take a holistic look at volunteering inultra running. We talk...
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Meet Coach Daniel!
Ron and I have a fun chat with Daniel Kokken, assistant coach at Peak Endurance Coaching. We find out about his coaching philosophy and discuss recovery!
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Returning to Running After Injury: What Actually Works (And What Keeps You Stuck)
Most runners don’t get injured because they’re weak.They get injured because they rush the return.In this episode, we break down what actually matters when returning to running after injury, drawing on principles used by physiotherapists, sports doctors, and experienced run coaches.We talk about...
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The Truth About Sleep Deprivation Training for Ultras
Sleep deprivation training is often recommended for ultrarunners.But does it actually make you a better athlete?In this episode, we break down the reality of sleep deprivation training and explain why we don’t believe the benefits outweigh the costs for most runners.We talk about:• What athletes...
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Disordered Eating in Runners: The Hidden Cost of Endurance Culture
Disordered eating is far more common in runners than most people realise.And many athletes are already caught in it without ever using that label.In this episode, we have an honest, necessary conversation about disordered eating and eating disorders in runners. Not from a place of blame or shock,...
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Appropriate Expectations: Why Your Training or Races Keep Falling Apart
Most runners don’t struggle because they lack discipline.They struggle because their expectations don’t match their reality.In this episode, Ron and I unpack what appropriate expectations actually mean in endurance training and racing.We talk about:• Trying to train for a miler while working long...
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Mountain Ultra Training: What Actually Matters.
Mountain ultras aren’t just longer trail races. They’re repeated strength tests disguised as endurance events. In this episode, we break down how to actually train for a mountain ultra, beyond just “running hills” and hoping for the best. We cover: The real difference between aerobic endurance…
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Why Taking Time Off After a Race Won’t Make You Slower
Most runners finish a race and immediately worry about onething: “How fast am I going to lose my fitness?” In this episode, we break down why that fear is misplacedand why taking a proper break after a race is one of the smartest things youcan do for your performance, your body, and your mental...
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Heat Acclimatisation: Your Guide to Running Success
Join Isobel and Ron as they delve into the essential tips and strategies for heat acclimatisation, a crucial aspect for runners and athletes facing challenging climates. Discover how to safely adapt to high temperatures, the physiological changes involved, and practical advice to enhance...
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Running Isn’t Your Therapy: The Hard Truth Most Runners Don’t Want To Hear
Most runners swear running is their therapy. I get it. Ron gets it. We’ve both been there; using the miles to outrun the hard stuff instead of actually dealing with it. But in this episode we break down why that mindset quietly wrecks your running, your mood, and your progress. We get into the…
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Active vs Passive Recovery: Are You Recovering Wrong?
Most runners think they know how to recover… until theyrealise their “rest days” aren’t actually restful, their legs always feel heavy, and they’re permanently training through fatigue. In this episode, Isobel and Ron break down the REALdifference between active recovery and passive recovery —…
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How Road Running Makes You a Better Trail Runner
Are you a trail runner who avoids the road like it’s the plague?In this episode, Ron and I break down one of the biggest mistakes we see in trail and ultra runners: relying on trails alone to build fitness.We get into: • Why road running builds the engine trail runners desperately need • The...
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How to Get Back Into Speedwork Without Getting Injured (Or Overwhelmed)
In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, Isobel and Ron break down the exact approach runners should take when they’ve been doing nothing but easy running or have never done structured speedwork before and now want to get faster again. We cover: • Why speed is a skill not a pain game• How…
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Ultra Running Q&A: Part 2
This week, we’re diving into the questions every ultra runner is thinking—but not always asking out loud. No fluff, no generic advice, just honest, practical coaching insights (and a few hard-earned lessons) from years of racing and coaching ultras. In This Episode, We Answer: • Training for...
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Ultra Running Q&A: Overtraining, DNFs, Pacing, and more!
This week, we’re diving into the questions every ultra runner is thinking—but not always asking out loud. That's why we asked ChatGpt what ultrarunners would ask! From overtraining and gut issues to pacing mistakes, DNFs, confidence, and more, we’re tackling the real challenges you face on the...
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VO₂ Max vs Lactate Threshold — What Actually Matters for Ultra Runners
Most runners obsess over VO₂ max. Watches flash it. Apps brag about it. Athletes compare numbers like trophies. But here’s the truth: if VO₂ max decided races, we wouldn’t need start lines. We’d just hand medals to lab results. In this episode, Ron and I break down the real difference between VO₂...
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10 Running Myths That Need to Die (and What to Do Instead)
In this episode, Isobel and Ron are calling out the biggest myths in running that just won’t die — from “more miles are better” to “pain is weakness leaving the body.” These myths keep runners stuck, injured, and frustrated. Together, they break down the truth behind each one and share what...
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10 Things Smart Runners Don’t Do (And What to Do Instead)
Welcome back to the Peak Endurance Podcast with Isobel & Ron. In this episode, we flip the script: instead of adding more to your training, we’re looking at what to avoid. Because sometimes, progress isn’t about piling on — it’s about cutting out the habits that hold you back. We cover the 10...
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Coaching Won’t Make Ultras Easy (and That’s the Point)
A lot of runners think that hiring a coach means guaranteedresults. Or that once you’ve trained enough, ultras somehow get easier. In this episode, Isobel and Ron break down why both of those ideas are myths. We talk about: - why coaching is guidance and accountability - not a magic shortcut.…
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Expect the Unexpected: How to Handle Curveballs in Your Ultra
Ultras never go to plan. The runners who finish strong aren’t the ones who hope for a perfect day—they’re the ones who are ready for anything. In this episode, I break down how to prepare for the inevitable curveballs of ultrarunning: nutrition mishaps, gear fails, weather chaos, and those mental...
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Ultra Endurance: Built, Not Born — The Science & Art of Going Long
Ron and I break down what it actually takes to build true endurance over months and years—not just survive a big weekend. We unpack the physiology of aerobic capacity (why an easy-paced base is your performance superpower), how to apply progressive overload without tipping into fatigue, and the...
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Run Safe: Essential Tips for Staying Safe on The Roads & Trails
Whether you’re logging long runs on quiet trails or squeezing in miles along busy roads, safety should always come first. In this episode, Ron and I dive into practical strategies every runner can use to stay safe while training. We cover:✅ Road running safety—visibility, traffic awareness, and...
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When to Listen to Your Body (and When to Push Through)
Are you forcing your runs even when your body is screaming at you? That’s a fast track to overtraining and injury. In this episode, we break down: How to recognise the signs your body needs rest When it’s okay to swap, shorten, or walk your run The difference between productive discomfort and...
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Every Run Feels Hard? You’re Not Unfit—You’re Under Recovered
Ever had a week where every run feels like a slog and you start wondering if you’ve lost all your fitness? You’re not alone—and it’s probably not your fitness that’s the problem. It’s your recovery. In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, Ron and I break down: Why “feeling flat” doesn’t...
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Ultrarunning Over 50: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Think your best running days are behind you? Think again. In this episode, Ron and I dive deep into what it really takes to thrive—not just survive—as an ultrarunner over 50.We explore the key physiological shifts that come with age, including hormonal changes and slower recovery, and explain how...
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🎧 Why Your Training Isn’t Working—And How to Fix It | Peak Endurance Podcast
Are you training hard but still not getting faster, stronger, or closer to your goals? You’re not alone—and chances are, it’s not your motivation that’s the problem. It’s your approach. In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, coaches Isobel and Ron Tait break down the top 5 training…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Peak Endurance have?
Peak Endurance currently has 322 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Peak Endurance about?
Welcome to the Peak Endurance podcast, where we talk all things endurance, mainly running! You will hear from athletes, experts in the field and also myself on all topics designed to help you reach your endurance goals!
How often does Peak Endurance release new episodes?
Peak Endurance publishes regularly with 322 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Peak Endurance?
You can listen to Peak Endurance on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Peak Endurance?
Peak Endurance is created and hosted by Isobel Ross.
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