what an honour it was to sit down and get some insight into running from what I call it the elite level, we all look up to people in sports and admire their talent and dedication to get to the level they are at, and Ian is one of those people to a lot of runners out there.

He shares with us his experiences on different races, how he learns from every race, and shares some amazing tips and perspectives for all, no matter what point they are at in the running game.

from representing Ireland at national level for a 100km run, with an added exclusive thrown into this conversation.

We explore the importance of the running communities and how being able to support and offer an amazing outlet for those looking to do long runs with a group, in your helpful runners, a group Ian and Pete set up which has gone from strength to strength with the next season kicking off Feb 2nd at 8am at the Popes Cross in the Phoenix Park.

The hour flew by in a flash and could of gone on and on, but no doubt Ian had a training run to do in preparation for Donadea 50k run in just under 3 weeks time, before holding the interval session this evening with his club and those he coaches at Inner City Running Club.

and there is much much more, from Team Cobey, to being so close to breaking that 2.30 marathon time, and his training to beat that.

Sit back and listen or get your runners on and go for a run and have Ian as company, I promise you, you wont feel the time go by just like myself.

thanks to all my guests on season 3 and who knows we may bring it back again on the lead up to Dublin City Marathon 2025.

Coming to the end of this season of the podcast, so far it has been filled with many who have only just begun their running journey but today I sat down with Tom Griffen, 45 years running experience under his feet, he has decided to try break the 3 hour marathon time in 13 weeks at the Milan Marathon, Tom shares so many tips and education on what he is finding out about himself and his body even after 45 years experience.

How having a supportive partner keeps him on track with his training and mainly his nutrition and explains the different sessions he puts on for himself 6 days a week.

how it all started and how repeating his leaving cert was all for the chance to win the national title that had eluded him for years before.

a huge amount of knowledge in this man, so grateful that he shared some of it on the podcast.

this episode is about change, how a change in lifestyle literally transformed my next guest. Going from 20+ stone and known as the party uncle, Darren decided it was time for change, from eating habits to social habits, taking that brave leap and out of his comfort zone into a healthier life of hiking and running.

Darren shares how the death of his best friend, his constant supporter threw his world upside down, and how watching his family turn the corner at DCM 2023 inspired him to run it himself in 2024, in memory of his dear friend his uncle D.

this podcast is about change and how all it takes is that leap of faith and belief in yourself, how changing your environment can open your eyes to what is actually around you, and always has been, we just choose to not see it.

Where do I begin, the running community may seem to be about the runners, the pbs and different races everyone has done, but its so much more.

The people behind the scenes, the supporters the partners who are there pushing and helping along the way, the forgotten heroes.

When some of the most important people in your life is heavily involved in running, yet you physically cannot be a part of it, what do you do?

well this story tells you what you can do, Craig shares his journey and how he has helped and been a part of others making their dream a reality in the lead up and on race days.

I left this conversation inspired, amazed and with lots of lessons too, as I am sure all who listen will too.

From needing to improve on her running 1km for Hyrox to running 5k and beyond, I sat down with a Shelters legend, who shares her fitness journey with me, and shows that anything in life is possible when you have belief in yourself.

Helen highlights the amazing work done by the Jack & Jill Foundation who she came across sadly during a truly very sad time in her families life, and how she continues to support and help them as much as she can.

A remarkable human who is an ever figure at the Shelters in Portmarnock and who has helped and inspired many from her gym to join and be part of the beach to 5K, lots of name dropping to keep all the spoofers happy, and little hints of whats in store for the What Now for 2025 for Helen.

Making those New Year deals with yourself when it comes to fitness starts off with such great intention but it can easily fall to the side, but when it comes to something that not only changes your health, your mindset and have not only an impact on you but your family, well it becomes a lot easier to follow through.

Committing to 5K a day for a year did just that for my guest in this episode, Ian Ward, hear how he has transformed the person he was at the end of last year and how it has changed the biggest relationships in his life.

How running Dublin Marathon was so special for him and how he will do it again next year just so his dad can have his camera ready.

Becoming friends and even naming his anxiety to normalise it, and how the mantras and messages he learnt through martial arts has stayed with him for life.

there was never going to be a running series of this podcast without this man being on it, a man who by chance stubbled across our community and has been an integral part ever since, he has graced us with his running knowledge, experience and helpful tips let alone his presence. And not to mention his level calm head when needed, the VC himself Gary Seery, if this episode doesn't inspire you to get out to run, I don't know what will, but I warn you this content may contain things that will have you signing up for ultras and marathons in the most strangest of places.

A truly brave and inspiring story told by this young man, his dad Derek who kindly shared his story and his journey in how running has changed his life, from a life lived before, Reece shares what is what like through the eyes of his son, a raw and honest and at times upsetting account of how the 2am drink fuelled chats with his dad, has changed to PBs, race meetings and energy gel of choice, the moments that perhaps he felt he would never experience such as a 5k on the beach, half marathon in Rome to Dublins full marathon.

a relationship that always had a close bond, to one that is truly unbreakable, and how one another inspire and make one another so proud every day.

Warning some of this podcast may upset some listeners in parts, but trust me it will inspire and warm your hearts as it did mine.

when two strangers show up with the same initial goal in mind that's the start, the start of friendship, running buddies and inspiring one another to go further and further every day.

from swearing that 5k was the limit to completing distance after distance finishing up doing a half marathon firstly in Dublin and then in Rome.

Lisa and Brenda inspire those around them and one another to keep going but all while having fun fun fun along the way.

listening to this pair I have no doubt will hit home to so many and inspire others to get up and show up for themselves and may find friends for life in the meantime too.

In this episode I sit down with John Forman, a man who is truly embracing his second chance of life as he says. John shares his love for running, how he fell into it by chance, and how running is saving his quality of life.

How his doctors are stunned when he reveals not only his distances but his times in running marathons, as John has c.o.p.d a condition of the lungs.

How not running for a period of time, makes breathing more difficult, how chance meetings has helped him in his life and he pays memory to the loss of his partner Lorraine last year from cancer.

His joy and pride when he speaks of his children and grandchildren including his latest, and how running Rome half marathon and Dublin Marathon this year was made even more special as he finished it with his son Dylan.