Any Given Runday

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 th...

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 ...

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...

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 an...

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 unanswer...

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. If you've never had your VO₂ max or metabolism measured, there's a good chance you're trainin...

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 B...

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 t...

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:...

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 maratho...

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 an...

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 refl...

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 nutri...

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,&nbs...

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 Phys...

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 ...

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 Athle...

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? You can follow us on Instagram: @anygiv...

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...

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 pushi...

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 Bu...

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...

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 Expe...

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 Cha...

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 Influenc...

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 ...

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...

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 Jour...

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 Coa...

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 Introduct...

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 Challenge...

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...

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: Establi...

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 runni...

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" 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 getting your race nutrition wrong. Health Matters replaces guesswork with data. With over 15 years of experience, they're one of Europe's most ...

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...

On a special Thursday episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we have the founder of Elite Event Management, Oliver Kirwan, on the podcast to discuss what goes on behind the scenes to create some of the top events in the country, including Quest and the Wicklow 200, as well as upcoming events such as Project 8 and Run The Night Run The Night 5 Mile event will be in Cork on February 11th and Dublin on February 18th, with tickets for the Charity Night Run available on: runthenight.ie You can f...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, performance & Wicklow GAA nutritionist Leah Headon (@haeloo_nutrition on Instagram) shares her journey into the field of nutrition, discussing her personal experiences with diabetes and an eating disorder that shaped her understanding of food and health. The conversation delves into topics such as gut health, the balance between weight loss and performance, the impact of hydration, and the importance of nutrition habits. Leah also addresses...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Ray Shah (@rayshah on Instagram) shares his journey from being unfit and overweight during Covid to becoming a competitive athlete in Hyrox with multiple podium wins and World Championship appearances. He discusses his weight loss transformation, the importance of diet and training, and the role of community in fitness. Ray emphasises the significance of pacing and strategy in races, the value of coaching with Jake Dearden and Sean Noble,...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, after DNF'ing Art O'Neill in 2023, Seán talks about his second attempt at it over the weekend... and why he didn't tell Eric about it beforehand If you're looking for the top tips and inside scoops on how to complete AON, Seán is probably not the best example of that, as he talks about his experiences running through the night and the following morning in all sorts of conditions, terrain and challenges he faced It's a fantastic, well organised ...

In this episode of the Any Given Run Day podcast, mountain and trail runner Zak Hanna (@zakhanna on Instagram) shares his journey from cycling to becoming a competitive mountain runner at the highest level. He discusses his experiences in various international competitions, the challenges of downhill running, and the importance of mindset and training in harsh conditions. Zak reflects on his achievements, including his fifth-place finish in the World Mountain Running Championships, and ...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Paul Pollock (@ppmarathon on Instagram) shares his journey from a junior runner to becoming an Olympian and elite marathoner. He discusses the challenges of injuries, the transition from shorter distances to marathons, winning the National Championships in 2012 and the impact of training with elite athletes. Paul also delves into his unique approach to training, including the role of cycling in his preparation, and reflects on his experiences a...

The second half of 2025 brought a different kind of energy to Any Given Runday from race-day nerves and strategies, post marathon blues and pitfalls, big challenges, and honest conversations about what really goes into endurance sport. From first time marathoners to elite athletes, to caffeine, strength work, climbing the tallest peaks in the world, and ballsy strategies to endurance challenges, this episode captures some the lessons and the craic on the podcast from July through December. Wh...

The first half of 2025 gave us some of the most honest, inspiring and downright interesting conversations we’ve had on Any Given Runday. From survival stories on the far side of the world, to elite endurance insights, to everyday decisions that shape how we train, fuel and think — this episode pulls together some of the standout moments from the first six months of the year. Whether you’re switching off over the holidays, sneaking in an easy run, or already plotting what 2026 might look like,...

After a Christmas run in Howth, Eric sat down with Ger Copeland (@gercopeland on Instagram) and Anto Lee (@rockyseven7 on Instagram) to record the Christmas Special of the Any Given Runday Podcast for 2025! They talk about Ger's recent marathon in Antarctica as well as Ger & Anto running the Cape Town marathon, how the running year was in Ireland, as well as the countdown to the Donadea 50k on Valentine's Day 2026 00:00 Year in Review 02:33 Antarctica Marathon 05:43 The Growth of Running ...

Over the weekend, Seán and Eric took part Hybrid Series Ireland (@hybridseriesireland on Instagram) in Athlone, Eric's first ever Hyrox event. Has Eric converted into a Hybrid Rockstar enthusiast? 00:00 Merry Christmas, Eric 03:02 The Hybrid Series Ireland Experience 05:52 The Challenge of Endurance Events 08:49 Team Dynamics in Competition 14:25 The Joy of Shared Experiences 18:39 The Appeal of Hybrid Events 21:58 Fitness and Competition: A Personal Journey 24:46 Training Strate...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Andy Nolan (@andy_everest2026)shares his incredible journey of climbing the Six of the Seven Summits, including his experiences with fear, training, and the challenges faced during his climbs. From starting as a sedentary individual to summiting some of the world's highest peaks, Andy discusses the mental and physical preparation required for such feats. He also highlights the importance of teamwork, the risks of mountaineering, and his commitm...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Irish international runner Matthew Collins (@mattamoo on Instagram). We discuss Matt's journey from team sports to becoming a competitive runner, his marathon experiences, and his Guinness World Record for running in a postbox costume in London. Matt shares insights on training, coaching, and the importance of community in running. He also reflects on his recent achievements, including guiding Ger Copeland during the Dublin Marathon,...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we interview Pat Cassidy, co-author of 'The Story of the Donore Harriers', who shares his extensive experience in running and the evolution of the Donore Harriers club. The conversation covers Pat's personal journey into running, the transition of running clubs from elite to community-focused, the importance of facilities in athletics, the recent boom in marathon participation, and the significance of the handicap system in club races. Pat also...

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we are delighted to welcome professional triathlete and Olympian, Russell White @russellwhite6 on Instagram) Russell shares his journey from a young swimmer to a professional triathlete, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on his early experiences in triathlon, the pressure of competing at the Olympic level, and the impact of injuries on his career. Russell also talks about his transition into coach...