Episode 107: The Philosophy of Running by George Sheehan. Why do we run? And why does the answer change as we get older? In this episode, we explore the timeless wisdom of George Sheehan — physician, runner, and the original voice asking not how we run, but why.

Drawing from Running & Being, Sheehan’s essays, and insights from his son Tim in a Ted Talk, we look at running as identity, partnership with the body, a source of meaning, and a discipline that creates freedom. For masters runners especially, his ideas feel more relevant than ever.

This is a reflective, heartfelt exploration of how running evolves with age — not as decline, but as refinement. A reminder that we don’t stop running because we get old; we get old because we stop running.

Helped in research by a Ted Talk by George's son, Tim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aII5dYK3v_Q

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Marcin is an M45 Polish middle distance runner with 25 years of sub 2 minute 800 metres to his name who recently medalled in Madeira. He's more than a runner though, despite having such a strong work ethic and talent. He has a deep love of nature and other non-running pursuits and an overall great attitude to life. Enjoy his story, wise words and tips for us all visiting Torun in Poland this month.

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Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

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Lisa Cross from New Zealand is a fantastic athlete who's been in the shadows a bit as we focus our attention quite a bit on Europe and the US, particularly with recent championships being held there. She is, however; an incredible athlete. She has a 2.41 marathon from her late 30s and at W40 in the last year, she's gotten a 33.47 10k, a 16.25 5k and a 1.13.37 half-marathon and holds New Zealand records. We hear about her life in running, past/ present achievements; her coaching group and busy family life with young children and the challenges many mum's face trying to train and rear children. Enjoy and please share widely.

Instagram: lisa.cross09

Strava: @lisacross

TTT runners instagram: @tttrunners.

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

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Ellie Stevens is a pure life force. She most recently won an incredible 8 gold medals in Madeira. Bursting with positive energy, Ellie outlines her junior successes and the illness that put a stop to what would have been a flourishing senior career. Amazingly, she holds no bitterness and is relishing her current masters journey with her family and friends. We learn about her work, training; attitude to life and future hopes.

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

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Edel Maguire (Ireland) who runs for Clonliffe Harriers, is a W65 World indoor and European outdoor record holder in the 400m who was recently crowned Irish Masters athlete of the Year. She got gold in the 400 and high jump in the recent European Masters Champs, along with 2 silvers in the 200 and 100. She speaks of her beginnings in athletics helped so much by her dad. She outlines her return to running, her proudest achievements; her training and life outside running. We see a lady who's very humble, determined and grateful for all the help she's received from fellow athletes, her club and Irish Masters Athletics.

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

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M70, Paul Elliot from Northern Ireland tells his tale of years of running with ups, downs; retirements and comebacks. Most recently, a major health scare that would retire many from running, but not Paul. He's due to run the British and Irish Cross Country in Leeds next Saturday just 14 months after being in an induced coma. Enjoy his passionate stories of running, the importance of clubmates; family and community. A huge thanks to Conor Curran for co-hosting. He had some great insights and we had some good fun too. Please share as much as you can. Thanks.

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

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Fresh off double 800 and 1500m golds in Madeira, Paul Grange (M45) discusses his preparations, races there; training and his running past. A very proud dad, we also hear about his sons' sporting exploits and he lifts the lid on why he left the podium early in Madeira. Enjoy and please share widely.

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

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Sandrine Host from Belgium discusses her preparations for the W50 1500m and 5000m in The European Championships in Madeira next month. Sandrine is an incredible athlete. She's ranked number 1 going in with a 1.17 half-marathon, 9.49 3000m and 35.12 10k in the last year. We chat about her hopes, training; past and family. Thanks to her for doing this as she was nervous about her English. The episode naturally doesn't have the detail in answers and flow of a native speaker, but it's nice to hear about her hopes and open her story up to a new audience.

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

Contact: [email protected]

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Season 4, episode 4 features previous guest, Declan Toal and his elite coach, Dublin Track Club founder, Feidhlim Kelly. We have a great chat about Declan's hopes for an M50 Irish record of low 2.29 or less. He's in fantastic shape and rearing to go. Feidhlim's insights are fantastic too on how to prepare, one's approach and goal-setting. Also, tapering tips, recovery advice and the need to adopt the right pacing strategy. Finally, he discusses the new Dublin Track Club branch of coaching, Run DTC which has online plan options or group sessions.

Instagram:

@toal.declan

@dublintrackclub

@ironmanmarkf

DTC coaching:

RUN DTC COACHING

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

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A catch up with Denise Toner, double world Masters 800/1500m champion from Finland and recent Irish W45 mile record holder in 5.06.77. We hear about how she's training, racing and preparing for the Euros in Madeira. Mainly we discuss her involvement with Hyrox from 11.10 to 38.44 . We hear what it involves and and how she feels it's improved her as a runner as regards strength, power and general fitness. You'll love this. Please download and share.

Hyrox:

The Fitness Competition for Every Body | HYROX

Denise's Hyrox coach. David Jamison on Instagram: @smart_gym_lisnaskea

Flycarb. Use 10% discount MASTERS10:

FLYCARB | Fueling Your Dreams with High-Performance Sports Nutrition

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help cover costs like Zoom, editing software; kit and future development like my planned live shows, you can now support the show through the trusted creator support app, 'Buy me a coffee.' Totally optional, but it'll help keep the podcast going. Thanks.

Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/mastersofrunningpodcast

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.