In this episode Sinead Power, an oncology and palliative care nurse, talks about balancing compassionate work with her life as a back-of-the-pack runner. She shares how the running community, club life and parkrun kept her connected and motivated.
Sinead discusses starting with couch-to-5K, marathon training and fueling strategies, coping with grief while running, and why running is about wellbeing and belonging rather than pace or podiums.
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29:02
Comeback to Setback: Karen Twomey’s Rockiest Road to Dublin
On this episode of Middle of the Pack, Karen Twomey recounts her journey from junior success and repeated stress fractures to rediscovering running in 2023, training for marathons, and the injury that forced her to withdraw from Dublin.
Karen shares the diagnosis of a stress fracture, her recovery plan, a renewed focus on 10Ks and half marathons, and honest reflections on nutrition and supporting young athletes—ending the episode with a positive, practical plan for coming back stronger.
Join Padraig & Karen for a chat about all things Running ( Highs & Lows)
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32:22
Inside the Medical Tent: Marathon Meltdowns, Heat & Lifesaving Tips
Laura Fleming, a runner and emergency nurse, recounts her experiences working in the medical tents at races and will be at the Dublin marathon 2025. She describes how hot weather, under-fuelling and dehydration can quickly make runners very ill, and why half-marathons sometimes produce more medical cases than full marathons.
This episode covers common race issues—heatstroke, low blood sugar, muscle breakdown, falls from discarded bottles—and practical precautions: hydrate, take electrolytes, fuel properly, write emergency contacts on your bib, and be mindful of shoe choice and training in warmer conditions.
Laura also shares personal running habits (morning runs, shoe rotation, recovery stretches) and the emotional side of helping runners at the finish line, offering empathy-driven advice for safer racing.
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Couch to 5k to Marathon: Gareth’s Quest to Break Five Hours
Host Padraig and guest Gareth Franklin talk candidly about his running journey — from lockdown walks and Couch to 5K, through parkruns and marathons, to the goal of breaking five hours. They cover training, pacing, fueling strategies, race day atmospheres, and the mental challenges of middle-of-the-pack running.
Gareth shares tips on hydration, gels, shoe choices, and club running, plus his upcoming races and personal targets.
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From TikTok to 42K: Karen Twomey’s Running life
Episode 6 features Karen Twomey — teacher, personal trainer, TikToker and devoted runner — sharing her return to the sport, race experiences (Blarney, Charleville) and how running shaped her life and career choices.
She discusses founding an inclusive run club with interval sessions, gear and shoe preferences, the benefits running has for mental health, and the supportive running community that keeps her motivated.
Join Padraig & Karen as they Chat all things running....
The Middle of the Pack Podcast, your go-to source for all things running! Padraig shares his & His guests running journeys, revealing the ups and downs of training, racing, and balancing life as middle-of-the-pack non-elite runners. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, this podcast offers practical tips, honest gear reviews, and engaging conversations with fellow runners chasing progress, not perfection.
Ireland