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 of Community Support
45:11 Family Dynamics and Shared Activities
48:07 The Role of Discipline in Recovery
51:07 Celebrating Achievements and Family Bonds
53:45 Building a Supportive Running Community
56:29 The Growth of Positive Paces
64:47 Encouraging New Members to Join
69:05 Preparing for Upcoming Events

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

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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 Finding Freedom in Family
59:47 Transitioning to Alter Nutrition
64:08 Defining Success in Business
74:24 The Growth of Speed Dust
83:24 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit

https://ultrapurelabs.ie/collections/muscle-recovery/products/wintergreen-heat-rub-cream

You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

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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 Boston: New Goals and Aspirations
48:20 The Unexpected Fall: A Personal Journey Begins
52:14 The Stroke: A Life-Altering Experience
56:13 Recovery and Realizations: The Aftermath of a Stroke
60:29 Back to Running: Overcoming Physical and Mental Barriers
68:17 Training Smarter: Lessons Learned in Running and Life

You can learn more about John and his coaching at:

https://jmruncoach.com/

https://achieverunningclub.com/

As well as purchasing his book on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.ie/Heart-Running-How-Saved-Life

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrudaypodcast

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In the intro of this podcast, we also talk about Forever 19. Learn more by following their Instagram Page @aidansforever19 and https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/tomowens1

Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit

https://ultrapurelabs.ie/collections/muscle-recovery/products/wintergreen-heat-rub-cream

You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com