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

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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

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

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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
46:27 The Meditative Nature of Climbing
47:06 Embracing the Challenge of Triathlons
48:56 Documenting the Journey: YouTube and Social Media
52:04 The Reality of Content Creation
57:04 Motivation Behind Documenting Challenges
59:18 Building Towards the Half Ironman
59:35 The Journey Begins: From Zero to Triathlon
62:37 Training Trials: Overcoming Challenges in Preparation
65:44 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Race Day
71:02 The Swim Dilemma: Adapting to Changes
75:08 Crossing the Finish Line: The Sweet Taste of Achievement
77:36 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Aspirations

Follow Andrew on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@The_Irish_Adventurer

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

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

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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 the Next Generation in Sports
33:50 Navigating the Path of Youth Sports
36:17 Community and Club Spirit in Athletics
38:40 The Importance of Group Dynamics in Running
42:55 Building a Supportive Running Community
46:39 NCRC 5 Mile Race in June
52:22 Encouraging Youth Participation in Sports
55:57 Getting Involved in Local Running Clubs

Check out North Clondalkin Running Club to learn more about the 5 Mile Race on June 14th

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

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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, 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 Mental Health Awareness
25:46 The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
30:28 Community Support and Emotional Connections
33:34 Reflections on Future Challenges
38:45 Training High-Level Athletes
41:06 The Pressure on Young Athletes
43:01 Deceleration Training: A Game Changer
45:38 Injury Prevention Through Proper Mechanics
49:52 Integrating Gym Work into Running Training
55:52 It's Never Too Late to Start Strength Training
62:55 Personalised Training Approaches for Athletes

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

PerformNutrition.com

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 Mental Game: Overcoming Challenges in Racing
48:37 Community and Connection: The Essence of Running
01:00:04 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals

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

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

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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
28:58 World Championships in Nice in TWO different sports
31:49 Organising Events: Building the Community
34:35 Making Hybrid Training Accessible for Everyone
40:07 Creating an Inclusive Fitness Community
42:00 Overcoming Daunting First Steps
43:55 Innovative Event Formats and Equipment Rental
46:32 Engaging Local Communities and Fundraising
48:21 Passion and Growth in Event Management
49:00 Competing at the World Championship Level
51:43 Balancing Training and Event Organisation
53:28 Recognising Potential in New Participants
55:18 Upcoming Events and how you can race alongside Eric at the next HSI event

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

PerformNutrition.com