This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Niamh Fitzpatrick (@niamh.fitzpatrick on Instagram), an accomplished fitness coach, personal trainer, ultra runner, trail runner, and martial artist. 

From running 100K in the Dublin BYU to back-to-back ultras and earning her purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu all in the previous 12 months, Niamh shares how she balances various passions. Dive into her rigorous training routines, her love for sea swimming and yoga, and how she aims for podium finishes. If you're looking for motivation and practical advice on fitness and endurance, this episode is a must-listen!


14:27 Niamh's Journey into Fitness and Travel
17:31 Transition to Trail Running
18:22 Competitive Trail Running and Achievements
20:53 Balancing Training and Recovery
25:42 Sea Swimming and Lifestyle Changes
28:32 Martial Arts and Multisport Balance
32:43 Challenges and Motivation
34:52 Joining the Kerry Way Ultra
36:36 The Barclay Event Experience
37:26 Dublin Backyard Ultra Challenge
40:07 Training and Preparation Insights
43:28 Upcoming Races and Goals
46:06 Reflections on Trail Running
53:07 Advice for Aspiring Runners
55:13 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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

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In this week's episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we dive into the journey of Seán McFadden (@seanmcfadden247 on Instagram), a fitness coach and accomplished cyclist with an impressive résumé, including three Rás finishes, second Irishman Everesting and winning The Race. 

Seán shares his humble beginnings, transitioning from a non-athlete to a marathon runner, triathlete, and eventually a seasoned cyclist. He narrates his experiences in various races, including the brutal Donegal Ultra 555 and the infamous Rás stage race. Sean also discusses his life-changing move to Dubai for 5 years, his involvement in establishing local triathlon clubs, and organising high-profile races. 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:55 Seán's Early Life and Introduction to Sport
03:48 First Marathon and Athletic Club Journey
09:53 Transition to Cycling and Triathlons
13:17 The Rás Race Experience
19:14 Everesting Challenge
25:27 Triathlon Training and Dubai Move
30:26 The Importance of Clubs and Leaving Comfort Zones
31:25 Adjusting to Life in Dubai
32:56 Comparing Sports Facilities: Dubai vs. Home
35:21 The Donegal Ultra 555 Challenge
43:00 The Race: An Adventure Like No Other
45:56 Organizing Races Post-COVID
47:31 The Michael Murphy Mile: A New Challenge
55:26 Upcoming Races and Final Thoughts

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 Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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

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

PerformNutrition.com

In this Any Given Runday podcast episode, Eric and Seán chat with Ken O'Driscoll (@Coached_By_Ken on Instagram), a running coach, ultra runner, and founder of Cherry Orchard Running Club (@cherryorchardrunningclubd10 on Instagram)

Ken, the reason you see all those orange t-shirts at events all over the country, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming addiction through running and discusses the impact of the Cherry Orchard Running Club on the community. He also details his experiences with ultramarathons, Ironman competitions, and the challenges of starting a running club. Ken talks about his commitment to helping others find solace and strength through running and fitness and the exciting future plans for Cherry Orchard Running Club!

06:50 Introduction to Ken O'Driscoll

07:53 Ken's Journey into Running

11:00 First Marathon Experience

13:02 Founding Cherry Orchard Running Club

15:15 Building a Running Community

21:18 Encouraging New Runners

26:40 Ultra Running Adventures

34:06 The Ironman Journey & Training and Lifestyle Commitment

36:16 Hyrox Dublin with 2 weeks' notice

43:17 Cherry Orchard Community and Club Involvement

47:41 Future Plans, Advice and how to get Coached By Ken

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 Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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 are joined by Fergal Guihen (@Rossie_to_Aussie on Instagram), who is 11 months into a 23,000-kilometre cycling journey from Roscommon to the Sydney Opera House, Australia, raising over €50,000 so far for Northwest Stop Suicide Prevention and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. From overcoming a torn ACL 6 months before taking off to pedalling through the Alps, sandstorms, desert heat and the Tibetan Plateau with temperatures reaching as low as minus 22 degrees! Fergal shares captivating stories of endurance, cultural encounters, bike mishaps and acts of kindness. 


13:34 Meet Fergal Guihen
15:17 From GAA to Endurance Sports
18:46 The Turning Point: Injury and Determination
23:50 Setting Off: The First Steps of the Journey
27:42 Survival and Equipment Essentials
31:41 Cultural Experiences and Unexpected Kindness
42:17 Navigating Borders and Facing Fears
44:32 A Harrowing Encounter in Iran
48:01 Experiences in Afghanistan
39:21 Family Concerns and Support
50:58 Mental and Physical Challenges
56:59 Coping with Loss and Continuing the Journey
58:45 The Toughest Leg: China
64:16 Planning the Route to Australia

You can follow Fergal's journey on his incredible Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/rossie_to_aussie/

As well as donate towards his charities:
https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Rossie-to-Aussie

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 Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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 Any Given Runday Podcast episode, we welcome Suzanne Kenny (@suzanneyoga4all on Instagram), an ultra mountain runner and aerial yoga teacher. Suzanne has represented Ireland twice in European trail competitions, won the Donadea 50K in 2016, and claimed the title thrice at the Art O'Neill Challenge. Join us as Suzanne shares her journey from a varied sports background, including Irish dancing and horse riding, to discovering her talent for mountain running, often winning races. Suzanne also delves into how she incorporates yoga and strength training into her routine, emphasising the benefits of aerial yoga for recovery and overall fitness. Tune in for a fascinating insight into her mountain exploits, yoga retreats in the Wicklow Mountains, and her unique approach to fitness and wellness.

11:30 Introduction to Suzanne Kenny

12:39 Suzanne's Early Sports Journey

13:16 Discovering Mountain Running

23:29 The Art O'Neill Experience

27:59 Winning the Donadea 50K

33:59 The Role of Yoga in Training

39:19 Starting Aerial Yoga: First Impressions & Choosing the Right Yoga Class

41:36 Sound Baths and Relaxation

45:04 Incorporating Yoga into Daily Life

48:30 Yoga Retreats in the Mountains

52:35 Tips for Runners: Yoga and Mobility

57:11 The Benefits of Pop-Up Saunas

61:13 Connecting with Suzanne for Yoga

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 Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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

On a special Thursday episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we are delighted to welcome Anto Lee to talk about his ultra running, the 24 hour Irish Championships in Leixlip in April and the Donadea 50k Irish Championships this Saturday (click HERE for race day info)

From the history of the race, how the rules came about to last minute tips, it's a must listen for not only those doing the event this weekend but for those that are interested in trying it in future years

Good luck to everyone Saturday trying to get in in under 5 hours

You can follow the Donadea 50k on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/donadea50k?igsh=MXQ1Mm90MmR0bDlqcA==

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 Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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

For our 250th episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Ger Copeland (@gercopeland and @work.it.out2025), a phenomenal marathon runner who has completed over 300 marathons and won over 70 of them. Ger shares his incredible journey, from what lead to his first marathon to founding the Dublin Bay Running Club and his insane marathon challenges in Howth to raise funds. shares his incredible journey, from his early love for running to founding the Dublin Bay Running Club and East of Ireland Marathons. Despite suffering a severe skiing injury that led to a stroke and brain haemorrhages, Ger’s resilience and determination have seen him return to the Dublin Marathon this past October, completing it in an incredible time and also receiving the Lord Mayor's medal. Listen as Ger discusses his motivations, the challenges he faced during recovery, and how running continues to play a pivotal role in his life. 

13:00 Introduction to Ger Copeland

13:34 Ger’s Early Life and Love for Running

15:13 The Turning Point: From Fit to Fat

16:50 First Marathon and Beyond

21:10 The Rise of Dublin Bay Running Club and 10 Marathons in 5 Days

26:34 The Growth of Marathon Running in Ireland 

31:39 The Ironman Experience

32:51 Training and Injury Prevention

35:43 The Evolution of Running Culture

45:28 The Community Spirit in Running

51:35 Skiing Accident

53:48 Immediate Aftermath

60:58 The Road to Recovery

63:18 Running Again

68:47 Achievements and Reflections

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 Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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 Aoife Fay (@aoife.in.training on Instagram) as she shares her remarkable journey from her early days in the Irish Pony Club to Tetrathlon, Pentathlon, Triathlon, and now dominating the Hyrox World. 

Aoife talks about her competitiveness in her early years as an athlete, from receiving a scholarship to getting burned out in Triathlons, and how that journey led her to Hyrox. She shares her strategic approach to training and how it has evolved over the years, and she goes into great detail about what it takes to reach such a high level in her field.

10:12 Aoife's Early Sports Journey

11:42 Commitment and Competitive Nature

15:26 Transition to High-Level Coaching

20:48 Family Support and Personal Challenges

27:23 Discovering Hyrox

31:11 CrossFit and Hyrox Training

44:48 Transitioning from Triathlon to Hyrox

47:32 First Hyrox Event Experience in Barcelona

51:43 Learning and Improving Race Strategies

60:54 Training Adjustments and Coaching Insights

68:32 Upcoming Competitions and Goals

You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast
For Email enquiries: [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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 Any Given Runday podcast episode, we welcome Jeff Brazier (@jeffbrazier on Instagram), a former professional footballer turned TV presenter who has appeared on shows such as I'm a Celebrity, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Celebrity Race Across The World. He is also a very active father, a life coach, and a football coach.

Jeff shares his diverse experiences, from professional football to his love of running, the importance of staying active, and his involvement in the Save Our Souls (@saveoursoleshq on Instagram) community, which aims to destigmatise foot health for runners. Jeff provides valuable insights on mental resilience, the benefits of meditative practices, and the significance of proper foot care. 

04:30 Introduction to Jeff Fraser

05:40 Jeff's Early Sports Journey

06:28 Transition from Football to Running

07:01 Staying Active and Motivated

14:21 The Importance of Balance and Meditation

20:40 Challenges of Modern Technology

25:41 Daily Routines and Flexibility

30:17 The Mental Challenge of SAS Training

31:22 Facing Personal Flaws and Competitiveness

33:43 Reflections on Competitiveness and Missed Opportunities

37:43 The Importance of Foot Health

39:16 Innovations in Footwear and Foot Care

43:54 The Benefits of Earthing and Grounding

51:05 Future of Save Our Soles and Personal Goals

52:59 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store. Their ULTRAPURE Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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

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 Ice Cold Menthol Gel is  instant fast acting and cooling savior.

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