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 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 to ultras and coaching
03:29 — Sean’s journey from road running to ultras
05:54 — How the 275 Irish Mountains challenge began
08:18 — Taking on the mountains in brutal weather
09:14 — A frightening wait with no phone signal
11:59 — Why the first days become a training camp
14:31 — The work behind the scenes: support, coaching, and logistics
18:38 — Planning efficient routes between mountains
21:30 — A wrong turn on a steep Connemara route
22:47 — The deadline to finish 275 mountains
24:42 — The previous record and the 21-day goal
25:34 — Finishing in Kerry and racing the clock
27:54 — Starting the Wild Atlantic Way challenge
29:47 — How a tough first day shaped the journey
31:31 — Mindfulness and the west coast scenery
33:22 — A family loss and a change in perspective
35:42 — The people met along the Wild Atlantic Way
36:53 — Connecting the Dublin streets challenge to homelessness
43:46 — Planning Dublin streets and sleeping in the van
45:37 — Mapping the streets, one section at a time
48:24 — Fatigue and sleeping out in the city
51:42 — Meeting outreach workers and seeing the reality of rough sleeping
54:25 — How the challenge changed Sean’s perspective on homelessness
56:21 — Eat Sleep Trail Run (@eatsleeptrailrun) retreats in southern France
58:52 — Helping retreat guests believe in themselves
63:47 — The emotional crash after a major effort

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

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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 swimming as a beginner
36:45 Barriers to swimming in Ireland and solutions
39:07 Why Niall chose Ironman over marathon and other races
40:23 Training in Lanzarote and the appeal of the island
43:22 Involving family in training trips and balancing life
46:12 Recap of Niall’s toughest Ironman experience
48:24 Managing setbacks and injuries psychologically
50:12 The importance of love for the training process
56:29 Tapering strategies for race day
58:09 Approach to long runs and race pace
59:31 Distance versus time in training
61:21 Training blocks and structuring sessions
64:26 Using cycling for aerobic base and recovery
65:36 Comparison of Chicago and New York marathons
72:12 Experiencing race day in major marathons
74:11 How to start training for triathlon and next steps

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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, family life, and busy schedules
22:53:  Finding Accountability
28:11: Why running is freedom, headspace, and stress relief
34:18: Race-day shoe choices: carbon shoes, fit, and comfort
46:09: Post-race recovery and the finish-area experience
49:16: Treadmill workouts and coached fitness sessions
51:25: The final five weeks of marathon preparation

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrunaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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 with Danny
40:53: Dee’s injury and fatigue
47:16: Chloe’s Electric Picnic weekend and return to running
56:14: Danny’s three-quarter marathon and Norwegian training approach
62:33: Dee on using tune-up races before a marathon
67:27: Francis’s VO2 max re-test and Dublin Marathon strategy
71:17: Chloe’s plan for the final training block
74:08: Fuelling, hydration, and using Speed Dust in the marathon
83:20: What the next few weeks look like for our Incredibles

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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 medical training
34:13 When exercise becomes coping — and finding a healthier balance
40:58 The “beer marathon”
46:10 First full Ironman and the comeback from injury
51:39 Ironman Barcelona and race-day setbacks
58:40 Running the length of Ireland
61:28 Training for a multi-day ultra challenge
67:34 The hardest moments of the Ireland run
72:17 Reaching the finish line
74:17 Check In On A Mate: sport, community, and getting involved

You can learn more about Check In On A Mate:
https://checkinonamate.com/

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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.

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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 male athletes
14:57 The importance of fueling and training the gut
19:50 Nutrition myths, marketing, and food choices for runners
25:01 Guidelines for carbohydrate intake and fueling during marathon training
30:01 Using products like Speed Dust and training with concentration
35:11 Hydration, electrolyte balance, and salt tablets
40:02 Practical tips for race day fueling and recovery
45:12 The role of caffeine, supplements, and personal experimentation
49:50 Building a personalised nutrition plan for marathon success
54:55 Reflections on marketing, misconceptions, and the joy of running

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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 training philosophy, fueling strategies, and insights into elite long-distance running.

17:03 Introduction to Sorcha Loughnane's Running Achievements
20:22 First Marathon and Long-Term Goals
23:47 The 2018 Dublin Marathon and Race Reflection
26:42 Training Solo vs Group Running
32:43 Progression in Trail and Ultra Running
43:45 Fuelling Strategies for Ultra Races... or what NOT to bring!
48:56 Race Day Pacing and Mental Strategies
54:37 Training for a 100K Mountain Race in France
67:47 Enjoying the Experience Over Competition
73:16 Next Goals: Hundred Mile Races and Beyond

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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 Final Goals and Next Steps

You can follow us on Instagram
@anygivenrundaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com

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 The Six Core Pillars of Health
20:53 Lifespan vs. Health Span: What Matters Most
26:00 Using Blood Tests to Detect Early Risks
30:58 The Role of Medications and Supplements in Weight Management
35:49 Muscle Mass, Grip Strength, and Longevity
41:00 Impact of Social Media and Screen Time on Health
46:09 Practical Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
50:49 Sleep, Recovery, and Managing Heat in Training
56:12 The Future of Peptides and Unregulated Supplements
61:11 How to Access Proactive Health Screenings

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!

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 experienced performance testing providers.

Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.

ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).

altarfuel.com