Any Given Runday

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
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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

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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

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You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

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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

Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit
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You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

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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
Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit
https://ultrapurelabs.ie/collections/muscle-recovery/products/wintergreen-heat-rub-cream
You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

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Fresh, or not so fresh off the Barcelona Marathon, Eric and Seán review the marathon weekend, and they're contrasting experiences of race day. Munro, a previous guest and great friend of the podcast, also joins in later to provide his perspective on the race, which greatly contrasts with Seán's!

01:03 Experiences at the Expo
03:32 The ShakeOut Run and Pre-Race Preparations
11:32 Race Day: Atmosphere and Nerves
15:10 The Start of the Barcelona Marathon
22:29 Mid-Race Reflections and Challenges
27:08 The Turning Point and Injury Concerns
32:32 The Marathon Experience: Reflections and Realisations
38:57 The Mental Game: Overcoming Challenges in Racing
48:37 Community and Connection: The Essence of Running
01:00:04 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals

Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit
https://ultrapurelabs.ie/collections/muscle-recovery/products/wintergreen-heat-rub-cream
You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com