

112 episodes
by High Performance · English
Welcome to UNTAPPED with Spencer Matthews, the #1 podcast for runners. Every Monday Spencer speaks to world-class athletes, coaches and experts about the habits, training methods and mindset behind elite performance, featuring guests like Mo Farah, Alistair Brownlee and Stephen Scullion. From sprints, to 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon distances we dive deep into the ways that you can run faster, longer and smash your PB’s. On Thursdays Spencer is joined by expert Physiologist Oli Patrick to breakdown the science behind the latest health and fitness topics like sleep, zone training, caffeine and more. Whether you’re just starting out, chasing a new PB, or simply trying to become fitter and healthier, UNTAPPED is here to help you untap your potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanal Petros (European marathon champion) discusses race strategy, mindset, training volume (about 200 km/week), fueling (bicarb timing, coffee-in-gel, gels), and his Puma “super shoe” Fastar/ Fast…
25 Aug 2026 · 41m · 19 chapters
Whether to get blood tests (“bloods”) and how to use them for prevention and optimization, not just diagnosis.
20 Aug 2026 · 32m · 16 chapters
Reece Barclay, an Ironman world champion coach and sports scientist, shares “training rules” for triathletes and runners, balancing data with real-world coaching.
17 Aug 2026 · 53m · 24 chapters
Spencer Matthews and Oli Patrick discuss what sauna is and why they believe it improves health, recovery, sleep, and longevity.
13 Aug 2026 · 39m · 19 chapters
Marathon training misconceptions and how to prepare for discomfort, mental “reset” moments, and pacing without over-fixating on tech.
10 Aug 2026 · 41m · 17 chapters
Creatine explained—what it is (naturally occurring; made in kidneys/liver; stored mainly in muscle as phosphocreatine), how it boosts high-intensity energy (ATP recycling), and who should consider it…
6 Aug 2026 · 33m · 15 chapters
Marcus Smith (England/Harlequins fly-half) shares “basic speed training tips” plus how he stays available and mentally ready, focusing on recovery, acceleration/sprint work, and scenario-based…
3 Aug 2026 · 48m · 20 chapters
How to prevent running injuries by understanding injury types (anatomical vs functional), common runner problems, and the main drivers of pain (often inflammation from poor load management and…
30 Jul 2026 · 32m · 14 chapters
Andy Butchart discusses simple training for distance running, building mileage for speed, shoe choices, fueling, pacing strategy (paced vs championship races), and managing performance margins at the…
27 Jul 2026 · 51m · 20 chapters
Explains acute vs chronic systemic inflammation as a key driver of aging and many diseases; argues inflammation is beneficial when short-term but harmful when chronic, and that diet/lifestyle…
23 Jul 2026 · 30m · 14 chapters
Whether running should have weight classes, and how “heavyweight” runners can train and race without being forced to lose strength.
20 Jul 2026 · 1h 7m · 29 chapters
Heart rate variability (HRV)—what it measures, why it changes, how it reflects the autonomic nervous system balance (stress/threat vs recovery/rest), and how alcohol/social life affects HRV and…
16 Jul 2026 · 39m · 12 chapters
Jonny Davies discusses how to build a foundation for ultra/marathon running, improve running economy and gait via analysis, and use ultra-distance training for mental resilience and emotional…
13 Jul 2026 · 1h 4m · 33 chapters
Running economy—moving fast while wasting as little energy (oxygen/heart-rate cost) as possible—plus how to improve it via biomechanics, form, strength, speed work, and volume.
9 Jul 2026 · 26m · 7 chapters
A host reviews and ranks his running-shoe rotation for daily training, recovery, racing, and trail use, arguing shoe choice depends heavily on runner weight and stability needs.
8 Jul 2026 · 14m · 9 chapters
Elite golfer Charley Hull’s “secret obsession” with running—how threshold training, recovery, and even shoe/physio choices affect her golf performance and mental state.
6 Jul 2026 · 41m · 16 chapters
Altitude training for runners—how it works physiologically, whether it improves performance, and how to use it (including “train low, sleep high”); also compares altitude vs heat training and…
2 Jul 2026 · 31m · 15 chapters
Holly Archer (former 1500m European silver medalist) discusses what “elite” means, the mental toll of narrowly missing Olympic selection by 0.02s, how sponsorship/teams can derail performance, 5K…
29 Jun 2026 · 47m · 21 chapters
Strength and conditioning—especially weight training—improves running performance and is a major driver of healthy aging by protecting against injury and preserving muscle, strength, and mobility.
25 Jun 2026 · 30m · 11 chapters
Hybrid endurance-and-strength athleticism, framed around a “Norwegian secret training method” and the idea that kayaking naturally builds both.
22 Jun 2026 · 52m · 18 chapters
How runners should think about carbohydrates—carb loading, glycogen depletion, and when gels help—plus how “zone 2” fat-burning relates to weight loss and performance.
18 Jun 2026 · 36m · 12 chapters
Mary McCarthy discusses her running background, marathon training structure, and addresses online “over-training” rumours after a stress fracture.
15 Jun 2026 · 1h 11m · 25 chapters
Genes vs environment in athletic performance, especially running—whether people are “born” great runners or made through training, recovery, and lifestyle.
11 Jun 2026 · 28m · 17 chapters
Harry Judd (McFly drummer) discusses his marathon journey toward a sub-3:00 London Marathon, what “bonking” means, training changes (especially volume pacing and adding strength), running mindset,…
8 Jun 2026 · 1h 1m · 28 chapters