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 Mountain Running
17:48 Progression and Competition in Trail Running
20:51 Healthy Competition and Training Partners
23:55 Getting Started in Mountain Running
26:58 Consistency and Coaching in Training
29:48 Experiences at the European Championships
32:52 The Role of Videography in Running
35:59 Transitioning to Road Running
38:56 Trials and Tribulations in Training
44:27 Recovery and Cross-Training Strategies
52:27 The Role of Cycling in Running Performance
57:34 Sauna Benefits and Heat Training
64:44 Experiencing High-Level Competition
70:47 Balancing Training with Life and Business

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