The GymCraic Podcast

Welcome back to The GymCraic Podcast.Today’s episode is all about one thing: becoming a high performer in 2026.Over the past few days, I’ve just come out of a powerful two-day goal setting workshop, where I sought guidance from The Mindset Mentor, Rob Dial. And in this episode, I want to reshare what I’ve learned, what challenged me, and what genuinely shifted how I see discipline, identity, and growth.Because high performance isn’t about motivation.It isn’t about hype.And it definitely isn’t about perfection.High performance is about goal setting with intention.It’s about discipline as the highest form of self-love.Choosing your future self over your current comfort.It’s about identity.Belief.Action.Repeat.Who you believe you are shapes what you do.What you do shapes who you become.We’ll talk about finding your why, building goals that actually stick, and even strengthening something called the anterior mid cingulate cortex, the part of the brain responsible for doing hard things when you don’t feel like it.So if you’re ready to stop drifting…If you’re ready to stop negotiating with your potential…And if 2026 is the year you decide to show up differently…This episode is for you.

Now just felt like the right time to try and speak about the last 5 months since my mom Catherine Allen has passed away in July after a year long battle with cancer. A tough topic but this is life.Over the past while life changed in a way I never really knew how to prepare for my mom passing away. In between life has been hectic and im trying to find stability once again. I didn’t want to record this straight away, and I also didn’t want to avoid it completely. So this isn’t a polished episode or one with answers. It’s just me being honest about what the last few months and what moms final weeks with us were like for everyone , what I’ve leaned on, what’s helped a in the "emotional moments" that have happened since.If you’re listening and you’ve been through loss or you’re in it right now this isn’t advice. It’s simply my lived experience, shared in real time to a certain extent.And if you haven’t experienced something like this yet, maybe this is just a reminder to slow down, check in, and appreciate the people you still get to call today.So yeah… this is me, talking about one of the hardest topics ill ever have to share but maybe it helps me and everyone else going through tough times.

🎙 Episode 55 – Why I Started, What I’ve Learned, and Where It’s GoingFrom recording solo in my bedroom to chatting with ultrarunners, mindset coaches, triathletes and everyday legends — this podcast has taken me on a journey.In this milestone episode, I’m reflecting on the 10 biggest lessons I’ve learned across 50 episodes. From awkward beginnings to honest conversations, it’s all shaped the GymCraic podcast into what it is today.No studio. No editing. No script. Just a mic, a message, and the belief that if one person gets value, it’s worth it.Whether you’ve been here since episode 1 or just jumped in along the way, Here's to growth, gratitude, and showing up — even when it’s messy.📩 Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram: @aidoalan📊 Strava: Adrian on Strava📘 Facebook: Adrian on Facebook

In this episode, I sit down with Gráinne—an Ironman athlete, proud Donegal native, and all-round legend whose endurance journey has taken her from the GAA fields of Ireland to the finish line at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.We chat about life before triathlon, growing up in rural Ireland, the move to Australia, and how she found her way into the world of Ironman. Gráinne opens up about the early fears of swim-bike-run, the power of community through Districts GAA in Perth, and how she balances full-time work with full-time training.From mistakes made on race day to her recent injury setback, to training as a female athlete in a male-dominated space—this is a raw, real, and incredibly inspiring conversation about resilience, identity, and chasing big goals no matter where you start.Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or just curious about what drives someone to race an Ironman, Gráinne’s story will leave you feeling energised and uplifted.Find Grainne here:📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbyrneit?igsh=dWQ2dHZkdDBqdTBphttps://www.instagram.com/diaryofanironwoman?igsh=MWd3d3l4OWg2d3R3Ng==📘 Facebook: 📩 Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram: @aidoalan📊 Strava: Adrian on Strava📘 Facebook: Adrian on Facebook

Finally i got the gang together you've heard from Danny OSullivan & Denis Mc before their back again to share some more knowledge but now i get to introduce you to the man who planted the seed in all of our heads and that man is David Spring and his journey to becoming a 4 time ironman.In this episode of The GymCraic Podcast, I’m joined by three legends from home in Kerry — each with unique backgrounds, busy lives, and a shared goal: to hear the words, "You are an Ironman." We dive into what inspired them to sign up, how their goals evolved, and what they learned along the way.We talk motivation, mindset, and the real challenges behind the training — from balancing work and family to dealing with setbacks. You'll hear honest stories of mistakes, breakthroughs, and what it actually feels like to toe the start line of one of the toughest endurance events in the world.From race day highs and nutrition wins to emotional finish lines and valuable lessons, this episode is packed with insights for anyone thinking about doing an Ironman — or just curious about what it takes.Plus, we wrap up with a look ahead to their next big goal: a charity project close to their hearts.