On this week's episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Chris O'Connor (@christopher.oconn on Instagram), an 18-year-old ultra marathon runner who shares his journey from his Dad getting him into running to completing a 100K race in memory of his father and how running has helped him with his grief. 

18:00 The Beginning of a Running Journey
25:08 The Impact of Loss on Running
32:29 From Marathon to Ultra: A New Challenge
40:13 Training for the 100K: A Personal Mission
41:30 Building Mental Toughness Through Running
47:08 The Role of Family Support in Endurance Sports
50:43 Fundraising and Personal Motivation Behind the 100K
56:51 Navigating Grief and Academic Challenges
59:53 Future Aspirations in Running and Personal Training

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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

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.

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Megan Hamill (@soulfullyginger on Instagram), who shares her incredible journey from childhood runs to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, ultra marathons through the Alps, and secretive races like The Speed Project going through LA to Vegas and much more. Discover her insights on mental strength, body positivity, and pushing limits in sport.

13:00 Introduction to Megan Hamill
00:25 Megan's Early Running Journey
03:13 Transitioning to Competitive Running
07:20 Learning to Swim for Ironman
11:20 Facing Challenges in Ironman Training
15:21 Empowering Women in Sports
19:18 Navigating Body Image and Nutrition
23:09 Experiences at the Ironman World Championships
29:04 Rehab and Resilience in Running
35:09 The Joy of Running and Its Impact
36:21 The Meditative Power of Long-Distance Running
39:19 Facing the Challenge: Running the Alps
44:19 The Importance of Support in Endurance Events
47:16 The Secretive Nature of The Speed Project
53:19 Experiencing the London Marathon
55:12 Building Community with Club Soul
59:31 Involving Family in Endurance Challenges

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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

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.

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Gary Connolly from We Run Wild NI (@werunwildni), who shares his journey from running his first marathon at the turn of the millennium to completing over 300 marathons and ultra-distance races, as well as organising ultra running events. Discover insights into training, organising ultra events, and the mental and physical challenges of long-distance running.

08:30 Introduction to Gary Connolly and His Journey
11:49 The First Marathon Experience and Its Impact
14:37 Unique Wedding Day: Running a Marathon
17:32 The Evolution of a Marathon Runner
20:36 Memorable Marathons and Unique Experiences
23:32 The Mental Aspect of Long-Distance Running
26:31 Transitioning to Event Organisation
29:21 Creating Meaningful Events: The Famine Way
32:02 Challenges in Organising Long-Distance Events
33:01 Logistical Challenges of Ultra Races
35:13 Motivation and Support in Ultra Running
36:46 Transitioning from Marathons to Ultra Races
38:02 Training and Preparation for Ultra Distances
40:39 Experiences Running Along Historical Routes
42:47 Navigation and GPS in Ultra Events
45:04 The Competitive Landscape of Ultra Running
48:02 The Growing Popularity of Long-Distance Events
50:02 Recommendations for First-Time Ultra Runners

For more of their events, check out:
werunwildni.com

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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

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.

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Emily Bond (@operationironwoman), an endurance athlete, aerospace engineer, PhD researcher, and public speaker with a TEDx talk to her name.

Emily shares her journey from engineering and overcoming compartment syndrome on both her legs to completing her first Ironman and setting her sights on completing all UK Ironman races in one year.

23:00 Introduction to Emily Bond
25:47 Journey into Engineering and Sports
28:42 Overcoming Physical Challenges
31:45 The Path to Self-Belief
34:22 The First 5K Experience
37:36 Building Up to Triathlons
40:34 The Ironman Ambition
43:31 The Emotional Journey of Racing
46:28 Preparing for Ironman Events
49:49 Embracing the Start Line: Overcoming Pre-Race Nerves
51:58 Community in Triathlon: The Power of Shared Experiences
54:46 Crossing the Finish Line: A Journey of Emotions
57:09 The Ambitious Goal: Completing Every UK Ironman
59:35 Planning for Success: Adapting to Challenges
61:42 Managing Risks: Understanding Physical Limitations
65:56 Recovery After the Race: The Importance of Rest
67:28 Building a Support Network: Community and Connection
69:33 Running for a Purpose: Personal Growth and Charity
71:40 Embracing Change: The Evolution of Self
74:23 Keeping Up with the Journey: Connecting with Emily

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

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

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.

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Dara O'Connor (@oconnordara) and Robert Merrigan (@robert_merrigan) from Positive Pacers (@positive_pacers on Instagram)

The guys talk about their running background, how they got into running and building Positive Pacers Running Community

16:00 Introduction to Positive Pacers
18:52 Dara's Journey into Running
21:53 Transitioning from Team Sports to Running
24:56 The Role of Coaching in Running
27:53 Rob's Background and Military Influence
30:50 Building Community through Running
33:51 The Growth of Positive Pacers
36:36 The Impact of Running on Mental Health
43:37 The Importance of Community Support
45:11 Family Dynamics and Shared Activities
48:07 The Role of Discipline in Recovery
51:07 Celebrating Achievements and Family Bonds
53:45 Building a Supportive Running Community
56:29 The Growth of Positive Paces
64:47 Encouraging New Members to Join
69:05 Preparing for Upcoming Events

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

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

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.

This week, we welcome Conor O'Keeffe (@cokeeffe on Instagram), who shares his journey from fighting to ultra-running, overcoming mental health struggles, and launching a successful sports nutrition business, Altar. We get into his first marathon, chasing identity and external validation, overcoming injuries and surgeries, 100 Mile Runs, plus much more

15:00 From Fighter to Endurance Athlete
19:40 The Struggles of Identity and Mental Health
27:44 Finding Solace in Running
33:47 The Journey of Transformation
39:08 Lessons from the 100-Mile Challenge
45:15 Redefining Success and Health in Running
48:26 The Journey to Relevance Post-Surgery
53:06 Realisations and External Pressures
55:45 Finding Freedom in Family
59:47 Transitioning to Alter Nutrition
64:08 Defining Success in Business
74:24 The Growth of Speed Dust
83:24 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

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

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.

In this episode, we welcome marathon runner and coach John McDonnell (@jmruncoach on Instagram), who shares his incredible journey from getting into running, his journey to the Boston marathon, health struggles to sub-3 hour marathon runner, overcoming a life-threatening stroke and heart surgery along the way.

14:00 We welcome John McDonnell
18:30 The Transformation: From Overweight to Marathon Runner
23:36 The Emotional Impact of Running: Family and Tragedy
28:33 Chasing the Boston Marathon: The Quest for Qualification
33:39 The Mental Game: Overcoming Challenges in Marathon Training
38:27 Breaking Barriers: The Sub-3 Hour Marathon Goal
43:17 Life After Boston: New Goals and Aspirations
48:20 The Unexpected Fall: A Personal Journey Begins
52:14 The Stroke: A Life-Altering Experience
56:13 Recovery and Realizations: The Aftermath of a Stroke
60:29 Back to Running: Overcoming Physical and Mental Barriers
68:17 Training Smarter: Lessons Learned in Running and Life

You can learn more about John and his coaching at:

https://jmruncoach.com/

https://achieverunningclub.com/

As well as purchasing his book on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.ie/Heart-Running-How-Saved-Life

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrudaypodcast

___________________________________________________________________

In the intro of this podcast, we also talk about Forever 19. Learn more by following their Instagram Page @aidansforever19 and https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/tomowens1

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

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.

We welcome Andrew Walsh to the Any Given Runday podcast this week. Andrew Walsh (@the_irish_adventurer on Instagram) shares his journey from a non-sporty background to joining the army, conquering a half Ironman, embarking on mountain adventures, and facing the challenges of documenting his progress on YouTube. We discuss entering the triathlon world, the common mistakes you make, training for a half Ironman, documenting it all online, and much more.

32:00 Introduction to Andrew Walsh's Journey
32:53 From Outsider to Athlete: Andrew's Early Struggles
35:57 Finding Identity in the Outdoors
40:04 The Transition to Mountaineering and Climbing
46:27 The Meditative Nature of Climbing
47:06 Embracing the Challenge of Triathlons
48:56 Documenting the Journey: YouTube and Social Media
52:04 The Reality of Content Creation
57:04 Motivation Behind Documenting Challenges
59:18 Building Towards the Half Ironman
59:35 The Journey Begins: From Zero to Triathlon
62:37 Training Trials: Overcoming Challenges in Preparation
65:44 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Race Day
71:02 The Swim Dilemma: Adapting to Changes
75:08 Crossing the Finish Line: The Sweet Taste of Achievement
77:36 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Aspirations

Follow Andrew on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@The_Irish_Adventurer

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

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.

This week, we welcome North Clondalkin Running Club member Mick Hallows, who shares his journey from Gaelic football to sub-3 hour Dublin Marathon finisher, his transition into running, and insights into North Clondalkin Running Club, his upcoming 6 Hour Race in Leixlip, training strategies, working with Kevin English and more. 

13:00 From GAA to Distance Running: Mick Hallows
15:43 The Transition: Leaving Team Sports Behind
18:50 Finding a New Passion: The Marathon Experience
21:52 Coaching and Accountability in Running with Kevin English
24:47 The Joy of Running: Finding Personal Satisfaction
28:07 Future Aspirations: Exploring New Distances
30:52 Encouraging the Next Generation in Sports
33:50 Navigating the Path of Youth Sports
36:17 Community and Club Spirit in Athletics
38:40 The Importance of Group Dynamics in Running
42:55 Building a Supportive Running Community
46:39 NCRC 5 Mile Race in June
52:22 Encouraging Youth Participation in Sports
55:57 Getting Involved in Local Running Clubs

Check out North Clondalkin Running Club to learn more about the 5 Mile Race on June 14th

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

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.

In this episode, David O'Connor (@performance_doc on Instagram), a fitness and performance coach, shares his journey from childhood bullying to becoming a marathon runner and mental health advocate. He discusses the physical and mental benefits of running, training tips, and his unique experiences with ultra-distance challenges, including cycling across Ireland on a BMX and 10 marathons in 10 days, emphasising the importance of simplicity, consistency, and purpose in fitness.

11:00 Introduction to David O'Connor
11:53 David's Early Life and Introduction to Sports
13:53 The Impact of Bullying and Trauma
16:58 Discovering Running as a Coping Mechanism
20:47 Running for Mental Health Awareness
25:46 The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
30:28 Community Support and Emotional Connections
33:34 Reflections on Future Challenges
38:45 Training High-Level Athletes
41:06 The Pressure on Young Athletes
43:01 Deceleration Training: A Game Changer
45:38 Injury Prevention Through Proper Mechanics
49:52 Integrating Gym Work into Running Training
55:52 It's Never Too Late to Start Strength Training
62:55 Personalised Training Approaches for Athletes

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

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

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.