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.

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

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

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

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

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

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

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

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

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome ultra runner and adventure racer, Lonan O' Farrell (@lonanruncoach on Instagram). Whether it’s recently coming second in Hellevation BYU, winning the Beara 100 mile in 2025, running 335km km around the Italian Alps, being a two-time UTMB finisher, or running into a Minotaur, we discuss all things ultra running, adventure racing and much more

17:00 Introduction to Lonan O'Farrell and his achievements
17:25 Lonan's background in football and adventure racing
18:19 Transition from team sports to ultra running
20:31 First ultra race and learning to dig deep
21:25 The team element in adventure racing
24:36 Details of the Donegal 24-hour adventure race
27:15 The Beast 220km multi-sport race
29:59 Navigating and strategy in adventure racing
31:48 Dealing with fatigue, hunger, and sleep deprivation
34:48 Mountain biking and technical trail skills
36:21 Fuel, nutrition, and managing race pace
39:03 The mental challenge and hallucinations during ultra races
43:35 Training, preparation, and progression to ultra distances
49:59 UTMB and the allure of iconic races
67:53 Lifestyle, training, and balancing family and sport
73:39 Lonan's coaching and social media presence
75:16 Closing remarks and future ambitions

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome back Will Boyle (@wboyledub on Instagram). The last time we had Will on the podcast, he was building towards the Dublin Marathon. We talk about how he got on, plus race experiences in Valencia,  Bohermeen Half, injury setbacks on the road to the London Marathon, marathon training strategies and the mental resilience required to come back stronger. 


00:00 Welcome Back Will Boyle
00:51 Dublin marathon experience and race day reflections
03:02 Race strategy and pacing in marathons
07:03 Training with faster athletes and mental conditioning
11:46 Balancing marathon training with shorter races
16:03 The impact of fatigue and injury on training
19:53 Race day challenges and mental toughness
24:52 Recovery from double marathon and future plans
30:01 Injury diagnosis: stress fracture and setbacks
40:06 The emotional and physical toll of injury
49:57 Rehabilitation, patience, and rebuilding fitness
01:00:06 Next steps and long-term goals in running

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

This week, we meet The Incredibles, our season 2 guests who are here to document their journey to the Dublin Marathon 2026. Danny (@dannycollins888), Chloe (@chloe.devereux19), Dee (@deekelly2018) and Francis (@conroyf) come from different running backgrounds and experiences and will take different roles towards one goal: getting to the start line of the Dublin Marathon

00:00 Meet the Incredibles
01:27 Danny shares his journey from weight loss to ultra marathons
04:04 The importance of nutrition and fueling in training
06:29 VO2 max testing and training insights
08:47: Chloe's First Marathon and Overcoming Injury
12:08 Dee's Training and Goals for Dublin
22:12 Francis discusses his injury history and motivation
34:02 Training approaches: Norwegian Singles Method and more
44:31 Race day preparation and mental strategies
50:46 Tips for motivation, consistency, and community support
55:49 Closing remarks and upcoming episodes

You can follow us on Instagram
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Brian Swaby (@swabysessionscoaching on Instagram), a Level 2 Athletics Ireland coach with over 22 years of experience in coaching, as well as the Health Matters 20 Weeks to a Better Marathon Coach.

For anyone starting their running journey towards the Dublin Marathon this year, this is a must listen. As well as his own background, Brian talks about how to structure your training weeks, the biggest mistakes he sees in people's training,  managing intensity, why VO2 max testing is great but not for the VO2 number specifically, how people's zone 2 can look drastically different on a heart rate monitor, balancing life with marathon training and much more

16:00 We welcome Brian Swaby 
18:42 The Transition from Steeplechase to Road Racing
21:54 The Evolution of Marathon Running
24:41 The Importance of 5K and 10K Races
27:40 Coaching Philosophy and Adaptation
30:29 Training for the Marathon: Key Strategies
33:27 Navigating Marathon Training and Coaching
36:23 Understanding VO2 Max and Thresholds
39:18 The Role of Anaerobic Threshold in Training
47:22 Understanding Heart Rate and Training Zones
48:50 Maximising Marathon Performance through Testing
52:35 Balancing Life and Marathon Training
54:52 Building a Sustainable Training Plan
58:05 Navigating Club Training and Coaching
62:23 Establishing Training Habits for Beginners
67:41 Navigating Technical Challenges in Remote Recording
68:11 Coaching Strategies for Mixed Abilities
71:46 Building Confidence Through Small Victories
73:44 Common Misconceptions in Marathon Training
74:52 Connecting with a Coach for Marathon Success

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

And be sure to check out previous "16 weeks to Dublin Marathon" epsiodes as well the return of our Road To Dublin season 2 which will premier next Monday

and apply professional running coach advice to your own routine

joins the Any Given Runday podcast to break down the marathon training plan.

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE

In this episode, Sam O'Hara (@samohfitness on Instagram shares his journey from online content creation and physique development to marathon running, breaking the sub-40-minute 10k barrier and pushing further into running goals in such a short space of time. Sam highlights the importance of consistency, mental health, and proper fuelling with gym training and increased running. 

15:00 We welcome Sam O'Hara
18:05 From Soccer to Running: The Transition
21:01 The Impact of Coaching and Physicality in Sports
23:44 The Shift from Football to Fitness Coaching
26:50 The Challenge of Photo Shoot Prep and Its Lessons
29:48 Preparing for the Double Marathon: A New Goal
32:49 Nutrition and Performance: Balancing Body Composition
35:51 The Role of a Coach in Running
38:49 Mental Health Awareness and Fundraising for Pieta House
44:22 Navigating Judgment in Content Creation
45:23 The Evolution of Vlogging Acceptance
46:52 Balancing Personal Life and Online Presence
48:29 The Art of Documenting vs. Creating Content
51:29 Experiencing the Marathon Journey
54:12 Consistency and Progress in Running
56:25 Finding Love in Running
59:33 Knicks in Five
63:06 Preparing for the Next Marathon Challenge

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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 Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to go

Shop HERE

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE