Any Given Runday

With the Dublin Marathon approaching, we check in on how training has gone for our Incredibles, from their final long run to their approach to tapering. Chloe reflects on her leap from injury recovery to 30K runs, managing unexpected emotions, taper nerves, and the excitement of running alongside her dad. Daniel shares his Norway half marathon, a calf scare, and his fast-taper approach. Dee talks through returning from fatigue and injury with a more relaxed race-day mindset, while Francis balances confidence-building workouts with fundraising motivation for Down Syndrome Mayo.

They also trade practical race-week advice on pacing...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Alicja Pilarska (@alicja_chasing_rabbits on Instagram) and Seanie Clifford (@runseanierun) as they share their incredible ultra-running adventures across Ireland. In the last three years, Alicja has crewed and coached Sean through running all 275 Irish mountains in a record-setting 21 days, running the 2700km length of the Wild Atlantic Way in 29 days, and, just this past August,  the 4400 streets of Dublin in 25 days. Hear some of the stories behind these three insane adventures and much more!

00:00 — Meet Alicja Pilarska and Sean Clifford
02:03 — Alicja’s path from school running...

This week, we are joined by Niall Connaughton (@nnncee on Instagram), who shares his journey from Gaelic football to Ironman, discusses training, nutrition, and triathlon challenges, and offers practical advice for beginners and seasoned athletes alike for the upcoming Dublin Marathon, as well as thoughts on running the Chicago Marathon, New York Marathon, 4 of his 11 Ironmans in Lanzarote and much more

20:00 We welcome Niall Connaughton
23:13 Balancing a high-pressure career with endurance training
27:48 Nutrition strategies for travelling athletes and macro considerations
31:42 Getting started in triathlon: beginner tips and first race advice
33:43 How to approach...

We're delighted to have Dr Sarah Kelly (@drsarahke11y on Instagram) & Helen Delaney (@helendelaneypt on Instagram) join us on the Any Given Runday podcast this week to review the Dublin Half Marathon in the Phoenix Park over the weekend

00:00: Dublin Half Marathon recap and introductions
02:44: Helen’s race strategy, pacing, and PB
05:29: Sarah’s race experience and managing the hill
10:21: The mental side of racing: self-talk and finding a finishing kick
16:28: Solo running vs. training with a group
21:50: Balancing training, fami...

We welcome back our Incredibles for episode 3 of their Road to the Dublin Marathon. Are they all on track with their training, and what is their approach to upcoming races? We've also got a special co-host for this week's episode: Cliodhna from last year's Road to Dublin series

00:00 Cliodhna joins Seán for this week's Intro to the podcast, and we find out how she has gotten on since The Road To Dublin 2025 series.
33:00: We welcome back The Incredibles
33:33: Francis’s training progress and knee niggle
36:42: Managing injuries
38:48: Streets of Galway race recap wit...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Paddy McClintock (@paddy.mcclintock on Instagram). Paddy has recently run the length of the country in memory of two of his close friends, who both died by suicide. He’s completed two full distance Ironmans along with numerous 70.3s and is the founder of Check In On A Mate (@checkinonamate)

13:30 We Welcome Paddy McClintock
15:02 Paddy’s sporting background and finding endurance sport
20:22 Grief, suicide loss, and processing the unanswered questions
22:52 How to check in on a mate
30:51 Mental-health education in schools and medi...

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Barry McCarroll (@mccarroll.barry on Instagram). Barry has represented Ireland in the Anglo-Celtic Plate 5 times along with having a 2:38 Dublin Marathon time to his name. Barry shares his journey from football to ultramarathons, the mental and physical adaptations involved, and insights into training and motivation for long-distance running.

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In this episode, we welcome Bri McGhee (@ontherunwithbri on Instagram), a qualified nutritionist and master's student in dietetics, who shares her journey from football to running, her insights on performance nutrition, and practical tips for marathon fuelling and recovery. Discover how to optimise your nutrition for endurance and avoid common pitfalls.

00:00 Introduction to Bri McGhee and her athletic background
02:02 Transition from football to running and her early experiences
03:59 How Bri got involved in performance nutrition and her education journey
06:56 Understanding reds and low energy availability in athletes
09:50 Signs of reds in female and...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome elite Irish ultra runner Sorcha Loughnane (@sorcha.loughnane on Instagram). Sorcha received the Athletics Ireland Ultra Runner of the Year award in 2024 not only for winning the Donadea 50k, but also for setting an Irish record and a world age-group record with her 3:18 time. She’s had numerous trail wins, including winning the Maurice Mullins Ultra and the Waterville Trail Running Festival overall, plus setting a record-breaking time in the Kerry Way Ultra Lite. In this episode, Sorcha shares her journey from marathon running to ultra trail races, her tr...

The Incredibles are back on the Any Given Runday podcast to talk all about how they have been progressing over the last 5 weeks, hitting running milestones, the challenges of balancing training with busy lives as they progress, and the different approaches each one is doing and a lot more

17:00 First 5 weeks of Dublin Marathon Training
18:03 Chloe's Running Milestones
21:40 Dee's Fatigue and Motivation levels
23:19 Managing Training with Night Shifts
27:03 Danny’s PB and Norwegian Singles
33:40 Francis' Intervals & HR Training
47:26 Upcoming Races and Targets
61:00 Progression in Long Runs and Race Prep
62:53 Fi...

We welcome Dr Aisling Farrell (@draislingfarrell on Instagram) back to the Any Given Runday podcast. Aisling is a GP with a master's in sports and exercise medicine and is the Lifestyle Medicine Lead at UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Swords.  In this episode, Dr Aisling Farrell discusses the importance of lifestyle medicine, how to approach lifestyle changes, and the role of health screenings in preventing chronic disease. She shares insights on managing weight, especially through marathon training, muscle mass, and the impact of social media on health.

16:02 Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine and Its Importance
17:53 T...

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome ultra runner and adventure racer, Lonan O' Farrell (@lonanruncoach on Instagram). Whether it’s recently coming second in Hellevation BYU, winning the Beara 100 mile in 2025, running 335km km around the Italian Alps, being a two-time UTMB finisher, or running into a Minotaur, we discuss all things ultra running, adventure racing and much more

17:00 Introduction to Lonan O'Farrell and his achievements
17:25 Lonan's background in football and adventure racing
18:19 Transition from team sports to ultra running
20:31 First ultra race and learning to dig deep
21:25 Th...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome back Will Boyle (@wboyledub on Instagram). The last time we had Will on the podcast, he was building towards the Dublin Marathon. We talk about how he got on, plus race experiences in Valencia,  Bohermeen Half, injury setbacks on the road to the London Marathon, marathon training strategies and the mental resilience required to come back stronger. 


00:00 Welcome Back Will Boyle
00:51 Dublin marathon experience and race day reflections
03:02 Race strategy and pacing in marathons
07:03 Training with faster athletes and mental conditioning
11:46 Balancing ma...

This week, we meet The Incredibles, our season 2 guests who are here to document their journey to the Dublin Marathon 2026. Danny (@dannycollins888), Chloe (@chloe.devereux19), Dee (@deekelly2018) and Francis (@conroyf) come from different running backgrounds and experiences and will take different roles towards one goal: getting to the start line of the Dublin Marathon

00:00 Meet the Incredibles
01:27 Danny shares his journey from weight loss to ultra marathons
04:04 The importance of nutrition and fueling in training
06:29 VO2 max testing and training insights
08:47: Chloe's First Marathon and Overcoming Injury
12:08 Dee's Training and Goals for...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Brian Swaby (@swabysessionscoaching on Instagram), a Level 2 Athletics Ireland coach with over 22 years of experience in coaching, as well as the Health Matters 20 Weeks to a Better Marathon Coach.

For anyone starting their running journey towards the Dublin Marathon this year, this is a must listen. As well as his own background, Brian talks about how to structure your training weeks, the biggest mistakes he sees in people's training,  managing intensity, why VO2 max testing is great but not for the VO2 number specifically, how people's zone 2 c...

In this episode, Sam O'Hara (@samohfitness on Instagram shares his journey from online content creation and physique development to marathon running, breaking the sub-40-minute 10k barrier and pushing further into running goals in such a short space of time. Sam highlights the importance of consistency, mental health, and proper fuelling with gym training and increased running. 

15:00 We welcome Sam O'Hara
18:05 From Soccer to Running: The Transition
21:01 The Impact of Coaching and Physicality in Sports
23:44 The Shift from Football to Fitness Coaching
26:50 The Challenge of Photo Shoot Prep and Its Lessons
29:48 Preparing f...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Matthew McConnell (@mrmattmcc on Instagram). Matthew is 2 time and current Irish mountain running champion, with countless podium finishes in trail and IMRA races around the country over the years, as well as representing Ireland on the World stage and recently represented Ireland in European 50k Trail Championship. He discusses training strategies, overcoming injuries, the role of community, and insights into performance optimisation for trail and road racing as well as his goals for the 2026 Dublin Marathon

12:10 Introduction to Mountain Running and Matthew McConnell
14:51 The Journey into...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Kayti Simonson (@kaytisimonson on Instagram). Kayti shares her incredible athletic journey from track and field to semi-pro soccer to Hyrox World Championships, representing Team Canada twice in the relay, all while balancing a law career and much more.  We explore her experiences balancing sport, career, and personal growth, along with insights on training, mental health, and chasing dreams.

00:00 From Track to Trials: Katie's Athletic Journey
04:01 Balancing Law and Athletics: A Dual Pursuit
08:52 Identity and Athletics: Beyond the Finish Line
12:05 Transitioning Sports: From Track to S...

Seán shares his detailed experience of participating in his first Spartan race, the 21k Beast Challenge in Edinburgh, Scotland, over the weekend. Covering obstacles, training insights (and mistakes!), as well as the terrain, Sean talks to Eric about how he got on throughout the course and the lessons he learned

Is he more or less looking forward to the 5k version in Limerick in August, and what does this mean for his Dublin marathon training this year?

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Ultrapure Sports Recovery K...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome back original Fantastic 4 member, Conor Sweeney, to talk about his upcoming 330km relay from Achill to Baltray, how his fitness has improved since we last talked to him after the Dublin Marathon, the Dublin City Half Marathon, Hot Yoga and much more

11:00 We welcome back Conor Sweeney 
13:53 Training and Preparation for the Relay Challenge
16:50 The Role of Coaching and Injury Management since Dublin Marathon
19:44 The Benefits of Hot Yoga for Runners
22:49 Planning the Relay: Origins and Team Dynamics
25:58 Logistics and Game Plan f...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome skyrunner David Kelleher (@o_ceileachair12 on Instagram). David shares his journey from rugby to ultra running, discussing the challenges and rewards of transitioning from team sports to solo endurance events. He reflects on his first marathon experience, the differences between road and trail running, and the meditative aspects of running in nature. 

David also delves into the intensity of ultra running, the importance of pushing personal limits, and his competitive journey that led him to wear the green bib at the World Masters Sky Running Championship. W...

On this week's episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Chris O'Connor (@christopher.oconn on Instagram), an 18-year-old ultra marathon runner who shares his journey from his Dad getting him into running to completing a 100K race in memory of his father and how running has helped him with his grief. 

18:00 The Beginning of a Running Journey
25:08 The Impact of Loss on Running
32:29 From Marathon to Ultra: A New Challenge
40:13 Training for the 100K: A Personal Mission
41:30 Building Mental Toughness Through Running
47:08 The Role of Family Support in Endurance Sports

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Megan Hamill (@soulfullyginger on Instagram), who shares her incredible journey from childhood runs to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, ultra marathons through the Alps, and secretive races like The Speed Project going through LA to Vegas and much more. Discover her insights on mental strength, body positivity, and pushing limits in sport.

13:00 Introduction to Megan Hamill
00:25 Megan's Early Running Journey
03:13 Transitioning to Competitive Running
07:20 Learning to Swim for Ironman
11:20 Facing Challenges in Ironman Training
15:21 Empowering Women in Sports
19:18 Navigating Body...

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Gary Connolly from We Run Wild NI (@werunwildni), who shares his journey from running his first marathon at the turn of the millennium to completing over 300 marathons and ultra-distance races, as well as organising ultra running events. Discover insights into training, organising ultra events, and the mental and physical challenges of long-distance running.

08:30 Introduction to Gary Connolly and His Journey
11:49 The First Marathon Experience and Its Impact
14:37 Unique Wedding Day: Running a Marathon
17:32 The Evolution of a Marathon Runner
20:36 Memorable Marathons and Unique...

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Emily Bond (@operationironwoman), an endurance athlete, aerospace engineer, PhD researcher, and public speaker with a TEDx talk to her name.

Emily shares her journey from engineering and overcoming compartment syndrome on both her legs to completing her first Ironman and setting her sights on completing all UK Ironman races in one year.

23:00 Introduction to Emily Bond
25:47 Journey into Engineering and Sports
28:42 Overcoming Physical Challenges
31:45 The Path to Self-Belief
34:22 The First 5K Experience
37:36 Building Up to Triathlons
40:34 The Ironman Ambition<...

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Dara O'Connor (@oconnordara) and Robert Merrigan (@robert_merrigan) from Positive Pacers (@positive_pacers on Instagram)

The guys talk about their running background, how they got into running and building Positive Pacers Running Community

16:00 Introduction to Positive Pacers
18:52 Dara's Journey into Running
21:53 Transitioning from Team Sports to Running
24:56 The Role of Coaching in Running
27:53 Rob's Background and Military Influence
30:50 Building Community through Running
33:51 The Growth of Positive Pacers
36:36 The Impact of Running on Mental Health
43:37 The Importance...

This week, we welcome Conor O'Keeffe (@cokeeffe on Instagram), who shares his journey from fighting to ultra-running, overcoming mental health struggles, and launching a successful sports nutrition business, Altar. We get into his first marathon, chasing identity and external validation, overcoming injuries and surgeries, 100 Mile Runs, plus much more

15:00 From Fighter to Endurance Athlete
19:40 The Struggles of Identity and Mental Health
27:44 Finding Solace in Running
33:47 The Journey of Transformation
39:08 Lessons from the 100-Mile Challenge
45:15 Redefining Success and Health in Running
48:26 The Journey to Relevance Post-Surgery
53:06 Realisations and External Pressures
55:45...

In this episode, we welcome marathon runner and coach John McDonnell (@jmruncoach on Instagram), who shares his incredible journey from getting into running, his journey to the Boston marathon, health struggles to sub-3 hour marathon runner, overcoming a life-threatening stroke and heart surgery along the way.

14:00 We welcome John McDonnell
18:30 The Transformation: From Overweight to Marathon Runner
23:36 The Emotional Impact of Running: Family and Tragedy
28:33 Chasing the Boston Marathon: The Quest for Qualification
33:39 The Mental Game: Overcoming Challenges in Marathon Training
38:27 Breaking Barriers: The Sub-3 Hour Marathon Goal
43:17 Life After...

We welcome Andrew Walsh to the Any Given Runday podcast this week. Andrew Walsh (@the_irish_adventurer on Instagram) shares his journey from a non-sporty background to joining the army, conquering a half Ironman, embarking on mountain adventures, and facing the challenges of documenting his progress on YouTube. We discuss entering the triathlon world, the common mistakes you make, training for a half Ironman, documenting it all online, and much more.

32:00 Introduction to Andrew Walsh's Journey
32:53 From Outsider to Athlete: Andrew's Early Struggles
35:57 Finding Identity in the Outdoors
40:04 The Transition to Mountaineering and Climbing<...

This week, we welcome North Clondalkin Running Club member Mick Hallows, who shares his journey from Gaelic football to sub-3 hour Dublin Marathon finisher, his transition into running, and insights into North Clondalkin Running Club, his upcoming 6 Hour Race in Leixlip, training strategies, working with Kevin English and more. 

13:00 From GAA to Distance Running: Mick Hallows
15:43 The Transition: Leaving Team Sports Behind
18:50 Finding a New Passion: The Marathon Experience
21:52 Coaching and Accountability in Running with Kevin English
24:47 The Joy of Running: Finding Personal Satisfaction
28:07 Future Aspirations: Exploring New Distances
30:52 Encouraging t...

In this episode, David O'Connor (@performance_doc on Instagram), a fitness and performance coach, shares his journey from childhood bullying to becoming a marathon runner and mental health advocate. He discusses the physical and mental benefits of running, training tips, and his unique experiences with ultra-distance challenges, including cycling across Ireland on a BMX and 10 marathons in 10 days, emphasising the importance of simplicity, consistency, and purpose in fitness.

11:00 Introduction to David O'Connor
11:53 David's Early Life and Introduction to Sports
13:53 The Impact of Bullying and Trauma
16:58 Discovering Running as a Coping Mechanism
20:47 Running for...

Fresh, or not so fresh off the Barcelona Marathon, Eric and Seán review the marathon weekend, and they're contrasting experiences of race day. Munro, a previous guest and great friend of the podcast, also joins in later to provide his perspective on the race, which greatly contrasts with Seán's!

01:03 Experiences at the Expo
03:32 The ShakeOut Run and Pre-Race Preparations
11:32 Race Day: Atmosphere and Nerves
15:10 The Start of the Barcelona Marathon
22:29 Mid-Race Reflections and Challenges
27:08 The Turning Point and Injury Concerns
32:32 The Marathon Experience: Reflections and Realisations
38:57 The Me...

This week, we welcome back Rachel Farrell (@rachel_farrell20 on Instagram) to the podcast after being a previous guest all the way back on episode 26, where she talked to Eric about appearances at the Ironman World Championships. Since then, she has transitioned to the world of Hyrox. Rachel discusses her role as co-founder of Hybrid Series Ireland, its accessibility, and her impressive accomplishments in the sport.

14:00 Welcoming Rachel Farrell to the Podcast
16:57 Hyrox vs. CrossFit
19:45 The Pain Cave: Embracing the Challenge
22:51 Training Adaptations: From Triathlon to Hyrox
25:50 Mental Toughness in Hybrid Racing<...

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we have two great guests from Ballymun AC (@ballymunac on Instagram) in Dean Hayden (@hayda0000 on Instagram) and Ger Prendergast (@ger_prendergast on Instagram) From establishing how Ballymun AC came about, helping to remove financial barriers for youths in Ballymun, community, world major marathons, to marathons on 7 continents and 60 marathons in 60 days, there's a lot to explore in this episode!

15:00 Introduction to Dean & Ger
25:10: Establishing Ballymun AC
28:38 The Philosophy of 'Human Before Athlete'
30:38 Removing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports
34:08 Keeping Youth Engaged in Running
38:55...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, ultra runner Eoin Keith (@eoinkeithultra on Instagram) shares his remarkable journey from a non-sporty childhood to becoming one of the most accomplished ultra runners in Ireland. He discusses his transition from marathon running to ultra distances, the challenges he faces during races, and the importance of enjoying the process. Eoin also delves into the unique experiences of the Barkley Marathons, the significance of navigation in ultra running, and how he balances different types of races, including running 900m loops for 6 days, the sleep deprivation, setting records for running the length...

On this week's episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Eric is back in the country just in time for the Donadea 50k National Championships over the weekend as Sean attempted the "10 laps and fook off"

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If you've never had your VO₂ max or metabolism measured, there's a good chance you're training at the wrong intensity, missing valuable adaptations, or ge...

In this episode, Lawrence Mooney shares his incredible journey from being an active triathlete and marathon runner to facing significant health challenges, including hip replacements and getting a second chance at life. 

He discusses his transition into triathlon, the barriers he overcame in swimming, marathons, and running marathons despite having a double hip replacement. We also discuss the events that led to him being able to join the podcast, surviving against the odds and share his story. 

13:00 Introduction to Lawrence's Journey
15:03 The Transition from Sports to Triathlon
18:07 Overcoming Swimming Barriers
21:02 The Challenge of...