Any Given Runday

A special Thursday episode because we couldn't wait till Monday to drop this one. We have two Dublin Marathon pacers, Jamie Killeen & Mike Kissane, to answer all your Dublin Marathon pacer-related questions ahead of the big day. They cover race-week preparation, finding and using pace groups, handling crowds and hills, fuelling, staying mentally composed, and getting the most from the atmosphere all the way to the finish.

00:00 — Meet the pacers: Jamie and Mike
03:14 — Race-week preparation and start-line logistics
09:55 — Choosing the right pace group and avoiding a fast start
12:10 — Managing crowds in the opening kilometres
15:32 — Water stations, pacing groups, and staying relaxed
19:20 — Even pacing, hills, and race strategy
21:35 — Enjoying the atmosphere without burning energy too early
25:56 — Tough stretches of the Dublin course and how to handle them
28:05 — Toilet stops, pace bands, and using your watch wisely
32:13 — Splits, Plan B, and adjusting expectations mid-race
38:21 — Why running with a pace group can transform the day
43:36 — Tackling the final hills and the last 5K
48:04 — Managing disappointment and celebrating the finish
50:48 — Spectators, family meet-up plans, and post-race logistics
55:09 — Final encouragement for Dublin Marathon day
You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

Ultrapure Sports Recovery Kit is the perfect answer for post marathon training recovery. Check out Ultrapure.ie or shop here

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!
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.
ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).
altarfuel.com

With the Dublin Marathon approaching, we check in on how training has gone for our Incredibles, from their final long run to their approach to tapering. Chloe reflects on her leap from injury recovery to 30K runs, managing unexpected emotions, taper nerves, and the excitement of running alongside her dad. Daniel shares his Norway half marathon, a calf scare, and his fast-taper approach. Dee talks through returning from fatigue and injury with a more relaxed race-day mindset, while Francis balances confidence-building workouts with fundraising motivation for Down Syndrome Mayo.

They also trade practical race-week advice on pacing, fuelling, caffeine, the Dublin course, crowd support, family plans, and travel logistics

9:40 — We welcome back the Incredibles
12:07 — Chloe’s marathon journey and emotional challenges
15:09 — Daniel’s Norway race and injury recovery
18:05 — Nutrition and fuelling strategies
21:08 — Pacing plans and race-day preparation
23:35 — Dee’s injury update and marathon plans
27:46 — Fitness setbacks, confidence, and revised goals
33:06 — Tapering and managing illness or fatigue
34:26 — Race-day fuelling plans
40:04 — Caffeine, energy drinks, and gels
44:15 — First-marathon nerves and excitement
48:00 — Carrying your own fuel on race day
50:25 — Francis’s charity motivation
52:21 — Heart-rate strategy and pacing through Dublin
54:32 — Course highlights and crowd support
55:36 — Family moments and post-race plans
61:46 — Travel plans and pre-race preparation

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast
Ultrapure Sports Recovery Kit is the perfect answer for post marathon training recovery. Check out Ultrapure.ie or shop here

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!
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.
ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).
altarfuel.com

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Alicja Pilarska (@alicja_chasing_rabbits on Instagram) and Seanie Clifford (@runseanierun) as they share their incredible ultra-running adventures across Ireland. In the last three years, Alicja has crewed and coached Sean through running all 275 Irish mountains in a record-setting 21 days, running the 2700km length of the Wild Atlantic Way in 29 days, and, just this past August,  the 4400 streets of Dublin in 25 days. Hear some of the stories behind these three insane adventures and much more!

00:00 — Meet Alicja Pilarska and Sean Clifford
02:03 — Alicja’s path from school running to ultras and coaching
03:29 — Sean’s journey from road running to ultras
05:54 — How the 275 Irish Mountains challenge began
08:18 — Taking on the mountains in brutal weather
09:14 — A frightening wait with no phone signal
11:59 — Why the first days become a training camp
14:31 — The work behind the scenes: support, coaching, and logistics
18:38 — Planning efficient routes between mountains
21:30 — A wrong turn on a steep Connemara route
22:47 — The deadline to finish 275 mountains
24:42 — The previous record and the 21-day goal
25:34 — Finishing in Kerry and racing the clock
27:54 — Starting the Wild Atlantic Way challenge
29:47 — How a tough first day shaped the journey
31:31 — Mindfulness and the west coast scenery
33:22 — A family loss and a change in perspective
35:42 — The people met along the Wild Atlantic Way
36:53 — Connecting the Dublin streets challenge to homelessness
43:46 — Planning Dublin streets and sleeping in the van
45:37 — Mapping the streets, one section at a time
48:24 — Fatigue and sleeping out in the city
51:42 — Meeting outreach workers and seeing the reality of rough sleeping
54:25 — How the challenge changed Sean’s perspective on homelessness
56:21 — Eat Sleep Trail Run (@eatsleeptrailrun) retreats in southern France
58:52 — Helping retreat guests believe in themselves
63:47 — The emotional crash after a major effort

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast
Ultrapure Sports Recovery Kit is the perfect answer for post marathon training recovery. Check out Ultrapure.ie or shop here

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!
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.
ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).
altarfuel.com

This week, we are joined by Niall Connaughton (@nnncee on Instagram), who shares his journey from Gaelic football to Ironman, discusses training, nutrition, and triathlon challenges, and offers practical advice for beginners and seasoned athletes alike for the upcoming Dublin Marathon, as well as thoughts on running the Chicago Marathon, New York Marathon, 4 of his 11 Ironmans in Lanzarote and much more

20:00 We welcome Niall Connaughton
23:13 Balancing a high-pressure career with endurance training
27:48 Nutrition strategies for travelling athletes and macro considerations
31:42 Getting started in triathlon: beginner tips and first race advice
33:43 How to approach swimming as a beginner
36:45 Barriers to swimming in Ireland and solutions
39:07 Why Niall chose Ironman over marathon and other races
40:23 Training in Lanzarote and the appeal of the island
43:22 Involving family in training trips and balancing life
46:12 Recap of Niall’s toughest Ironman experience
48:24 Managing setbacks and injuries psychologically
50:12 The importance of love for the training process
56:29 Tapering strategies for race day
58:09 Approach to long runs and race pace
59:31 Distance versus time in training
61:21 Training blocks and structuring sessions
64:26 Using cycling for aerobic base and recovery
65:36 Comparison of Chicago and New York marathons
72:12 Experiencing race day in major marathons
74:11 How to start training for triathlon and next steps

Ultrapure Sports Recovery Kit is the perfect answer for post marathon training recovery. Check out Ultrapure.ie or shop here

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!
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.
ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).
altarfuel.com

We're delighted to have Dr Sarah Kelly (@drsarahke11y on Instagram) & Helen Delaney (@helendelaneypt on Instagram) join us on the Any Given Runday podcast this week to review the Dublin Half Marathon in the Phoenix Park over the weekend

00:00: Dublin Half Marathon recap and introductions
02:44: Helen’s race strategy, pacing, and PB
05:29: Sarah’s race experience and managing the hill
10:21: The mental side of racing: self-talk and finding a finishing kick
16:28: Solo running vs. training with a group
21:50: Balancing training, family life, and busy schedules
22:53:  Finding Accountability
28:11: Why running is freedom, headspace, and stress relief
34:18: Race-day shoe choices: carbon shoes, fit, and comfort
46:09: Post-race recovery and the finish-area experience
49:16: Treadmill workouts and coached fitness sessions
51:25: The final five weeks of marathon preparation
You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrunaypodcast

Ultrapure Sports Recovery Kit is the perfect answer for post marathon training recovery. Check out Ultrapure.ie or shop here

Get the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!!
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.
ALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).
altarfuel.com