After Seán talks about the Art O'Neill cancellation, why he should not do it in May (even though he is tempted), and the Donadea Half Marathon over the weekend, Eric catches up with Rachael Smyth and her incredible performance in last month's Ironman World Championships! 

Rachael and Eric discuss the challenges of training across continents, the pressures and triumphs of racing, and Rachael's HUGE future plans in the sport!

11:03 Rachel's Triathlon Journey 

21:51 Race Day Experiences 

24:37 Training and Preparation 

26:36 Mental Toughness and Endurance 

33:12 Balancing Training and Life 

45:10 Routine and Motivation 

54:29 Get Your Ass in Gear: The Importance of Preparation 

56:11 Racing Strategy: Building Up to the World Championship 

56:49 The Busselton Experience: Racing with the Pros 

57:52 Trusting the Process: Training and Recovery 

01:03:23 Race Day: The World Championship in New Zealand 

01:06:58 The Final Push: Overcoming Challenges on the Course 

01:15:34 Crossing the Finish Line: Achieving Second in the World 

01:32:28 What's Next for Rachael in the Triathlon World 

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In the first episode of 2025, Sean and Eric discuss New Year's resolutions, Art O'Neill Challenge, 75 Hard, Running Motivation, and the realities of staying active even in challenging conditions. 

While Eric was trying to find working treadmills in Vietnam, Sean talks about his own struggles with training over Christmas, including recces for the upcoming Art O'Neill Challenge. They also touch on the pressures of setting goals, balancing life changes, and the importance of small, consistent habits as well as winning an award at the Irish Pod Awards

00:00 New Year, Same Us

00:23 The Motivation Dilemma

02:10 Running Adventures and Mishaps

04:44 Navigating the Art O'Neill Challenge

12:21 The Joy of Disconnecting

16:57 Navigating Through Fog

17:14 The Art of Orienteering

18:34 Training Challenges Abroad

21:26 Treadmill Troubles

22:55 Setting 2025 Goals

27:46 75 Hard Challenge Insights

33:05 Irish Pod Awards

To vote for us in the upcoming Sports Pod Awards, click below:
https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-fitness-health-wellbeing-podcast/

For those looking for a more detailed preview of the Art O'Neill Challenge, check out Episode #191 with Ciara Smullen through the link below:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4k5KFgN3SzQlMwfwEEvRTR?si=YzE67vmrSgis2cckn2mvrg

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

We're not waiting till next Monday to drop this one!

In this special Christmas episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we reflect on the year and answer your Instagram questions, including about our favourite races and events from the past year. We also share our race goals and plans for 2025, including the highly anticipated AGR Group Barcelona Marathon and other major events.

We got a great, wide variety of questions. Thank you to everyone who submitted a question! 

We also tackle various listener-submitted questions on topics ranging from balancing strength training with running to maintaining motivation, as well as the notable bits of advice we received from guests throughout the year. 

00:00 Christmas in Vietnam?!?!

01:52 Your Questions

03:09 Top Races and Marathons

05:45 Memorable Race Experiences

16:11 Ironman and Future Plans

19:23 Training Insights and Goals

28:59 Guest Highlights and Common Themes

30:30 The Importance of Consistency and Accountability

34:09 Running Solo vs. Running with Groups

38:40 Morning Run Preparation Tips

46:03 Balancing Strength Training and Running

56:54 Reflecting on the Year and Future Goals

You may enjoy a Christmas Day run or have some downtime over the next few days to listen to this one. Or, you could wait until the following Monday, when we would usually drop an episode.

This is our last episode of the year! Thank you again to everyone who listened throughout the year... and if you do have a spare minute: give us a vote in the Sports Podcast Awards for Best Fitness & Health & Wellbeing Podcast:

Click HERE to vote

You can follow us on Instagram @anygivenrundaypodcast

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In this week's episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome ultra runner Shane Furlong (@run_for_long_shane on Instagram). Shane has completed several ultra marathons, including the 80K Ecotrail, the 200K Kerryway Ultra, and the gruelling 300K Northern Traverse in 104 hours and 16 minutes with just five hours of sleep, and shares his experiences and motivations. 

He discusses juggling ultra running with fatherhood, the mental and physical challenges faced during extreme races, and his transition from road to trail running. We go into detail on some of the crazy races he has done, and his experiences of dealing with extreme physical pain, sleep deprivation, and emotional hurdles throughout his races. Despite the hardships, Shane's passion for ultra running and his determination to push his limits shine through.

02:59 First Marathon and the Impact of COVID-19 on his running

04:15 Transition to Trail Running

06:24 First Ultra Race Experience

09:56 Mental and Emotional Challenges of Ultra Running

14:18 Friendships and Community in Ultra Running

19:48 Training and Preparation for Big Races

22:49 Committing to the 300K Northern Traverse

24:56 Race Day: The 300K Northern Traverse including an unexpected race schedule change, struggles at aid stations, tackling tough climbs in very harsh weather conditions, dealing with navigation while battling sleep deprivation, hallucinations and delusions, and the emotion in crossing the finish line

A must listen, especially for anyone who has done a marathon and is thinking about going longer instead of faster

You can follow us on Instagram @anygivenrundaypodcast

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we sit down with Saoirse O'Brien (@saoirse.ob on Instagram), an elite national champion and Irish national champion in triathlon, who is representing her country in the European elite senior sprint triathlon championships and the world university championships. At only 20 years old, Saoirse shares her journey from starting sports like GAA and tennis, to excelling in swimming and running, and finally transitioning into triathlon. She talks about her challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, handling injuries, and balancing her training with her studies as a physiotherapy student. Join us as Saoirse discusses her training routines, her experiences in major races, and her aspirations for the future, including potential Olympic dreams. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a young athlete who is making waves in the triathlon world.

18:30 Introduction to Saoirse O'Brien
19:14 Early Beginnings and Sports Journey
20:59 Transition to Triathlon
23:12 Impact of COVID-19 on Training
24:09 Cycling and Triathlon Preferences
25:06 First Major Triathlon Success
32:23 Balancing University and Training
36:38 Physiotherapy and Injury Management
37:33 International Competitions and Relays
40:05 Transition Challenges in Triathlons
41:53 Draft Legal vs Non-Draft Legal Racing
44:25 Balancing University and Training
45:36 Olympic Aspirations and Qualification
49:20 Training Regimen and Weekly Schedule
52:50 National Championship Victory
58:37 Future Goals and Upcoming Races

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In this week's episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome movement specialist Brian O'Loughlin (@brian_o_loughlin on Instagram), who discusses his journey from dealing with chronic shoulder pain to co-founding Movement 101, which has rebranded to TELOS. Brian shares the core principles of their program—Weaponise Your Body, Raise Your Standards, Live with Purpose—and emphasises the importance of holistic health, including strength training, nutrition, sleep, and responsibility. He highlights the significance of education in understanding and managing pain, the role of mindset in recovery, and the misconceptions around mobility and physical fitness. The conversation also explores Brian's personal challenges with alcohol and the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset.

09:30 Introduction to Brian

10:39 Brian's Background in Sports and Fitness

11:59 The Birth of Movement 101

13:36 Philosophy and Approach to Training

18:07 Understanding Mobility and Strength Training

21:58 The Complexity of Pain and Injury

28:29 The Role of Education in Pain Management

36:29 Understanding Client Reviews and Mental Wellbeing

37:01 The Evolution of Movement 101 to Telos

37:51 The Importance of Identity and Belief in Training

40:09 Principles of Different Training Systems

41:31 Personal Experiences and Client Success Stories

42:48 Challenges in Changing Mindsets

43:15 The Role of Responsibility and Reflection

45:11 Daily Routines and Training Philosophies

50:18 Relationship with Alcohol and Its Impact

You can learn more about TELOS through their website:
https://yourtelos.com/

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Owen Mulrane, a seasoned fitness professional with over 17 years of experience in the personal training industry and now venturing into bespoke Online Coaching, Owen Mulrane (@owen_mulrane_fitness on Instagram). 

Owen shares his journey from working in gyms across Ireland to climbing the ranks at Ultimate Performance in the UK. Now back in Ireland, he's diving into online coaching and has conquered the 80K Eco Trail in Wicklow. We discuss the difference, if any, between the standards between Ireland and the UK regarding the fitness industry, the importance of both weight training and endurance for overall fitness, the Leeds Marathon, qualifying for Worlds in powerlifting, getting in physical shape vs running shape and the mental and physical challenges faced during ultra-marathons. Owen also provides valuable insights into maintaining a balanced fitness routine and achieving personal goals without extreme sacrifices.

08:20 Introduction and Guest Welcome

09:27 Comparing Fitness Standards: Ireland vs. UK

10:37 The Ultimate Performance Experience

13:47 Powerlifting Journey and Achievements

14:51 Balancing Strength and Endurance

18:58 Hybrid Athlete: Combining Weight Training and Running

27:11 Client Success and Consistency

35:46 Post-Photo Shoot Reflections

36:04 Planning for the 80K Eco Trail

37:28 The 10K Challenge and Fitness Realisations

40:29 Marathon Experiences and Recommendations

42:04 Preparing for the 80K Eco Trail

43:14 The Grueling 80K Eco Trail Journey

51:59 Post-Race Reflections and Future Plans

53:24 Coaching Philosophy and Final Advice

You can get Personal Training with Owen by DM'ing him through Instagram @owen_mulrane_fitness

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome the formidable Aisling Wyer, (@aislingwyer on Instagram) an accomplished triathlete, who has an impressive record of achievements, including winning the AG Cork Ironman in 2022, the 2023 AG Sprint Distance Champion, and the overall winner of Ironman Italy in 2024. Coming from a sporty family, she only started triathlons in 2019 and quickly rose to the top. Aisling shares her journey, training schedules, overcoming challenges, and the importance of club support and coaching. From her early days up to her victorious Ironman in Italy, Aisling delves into the emotional and physical aspects of racing and provides insights for triathletes at every level.

11:50 Introduction to Aisling Wyer
13:21 Aisling's Journey into Triathlon
14:37 Joining the Triathlon Club
16:50 The Importance of Equipment
20:49 First Major Competitions
24:22 Balancing Career and Training
26:04 National Series and Consistency
27:03 Exploring Different Races
31:16 Hyrox and Future Plans
35:49 World Championships in New Zealand
36:26 Training for Different Race Distances
38:58 Race Day Emotions and Preparation
42:51 The Swim and Transition to Bike
44:20 Challenges During the Bike Segment
47:11 The Final Run and Finishing Strong
50:53 Reflecting on the Achievement
55:07 Advice for Aspiring Triathletes
57:15 Future Plans and Goals

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In this week's Any Given Runday Podcast episode, we welcome personal trainer, running coach, hiker, marathon runner, and co-founder of the Coffee Running Naas, Killian Andersen (@coach_killo on Instagram). Killian shares his journey from being a football enthusiast to a seasoned marathon runner, detailing his transition from gym training to running marathons. He opens up about his motivations, training methods, and challenges. We discuss the mental hurdles of transitioning to longer distances, the importance of community in running, and tips for those training for marathons. Killian also reveals his future plans, including a remarkable 100km run on New Year's Day and his continued efforts to build a supportive running community. 


08:57 From Gym to Marathon: Killian's Journey
11:17 First Marathon Experience
13:12 Balancing Strength Training and Running
20:08 Destination Marathons: Amsterdam and Iceland
28:24 Christmas Day 50K Run for Charity
38:32 The Unexpected Growth of Our Running Group
38:59 Creating a Community Through Running
40:27 How Our Coffee Social Run Works
42:01 The Ironman Journey: Overcoming Challenges
42:59 The Makeshift Ironman Experience
50:27 Future Plans for the Running Club
52:28 Marathon Training Tips and Mental Barriers
62:28 Upcoming Challenges and Final Thoughts

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In this week's episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Rachel Conway (@rc_running_coach on Instagram), an online marathon coach with a BSc in Psychology and a Masters in Clinical Psychology. 

Rachel shares her first marathon experience, detailing the physical and mental challenges she faced, including a partially torn Achilles. We also touch on broader issues such as the underrepresentation of women in marathon running, the psychological benefits of running and balancing athletic training with pregnancy. Rachel emphasises the importance of self-awareness, realistic goal-setting, and maintaining a healthy relationship with running tools like Strava.

10:30 Rachel's Early Sports Background

12:04 Discovering Running During COVID

14:38 First Marathon Experience

17:40 Mental Challenges and Strategies

30:59 Balancing Training and Recovery

36:09 The Struggle of Driven Individuals

37:12 Balancing Training and Pregnancy

40:08 The Gender Gap in Marathon Running

49:27 Psychological Benefits of Running

62:50 The Importance of Self-Reflection

67:57 Authenticity on Social Media

Be sure to check out Rachel's Instagram page for running tips and how to have her as your marathon coach

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Wintergreen Heat Rub is great for winter training on cold and wet days!

You can also check out their muscle recovery range through their website:

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 25% off all Perform Nutrition products using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com