Any Given Runday

This week, we welcome back Rachel Farrell (@rachel_farrell20 on Instagram) to the podcast after being a previous guest all the way back on episode 26, where she talked to Eric about appearances at the Ironman World Championships. Since then, she has transitioned to the world of Hyrox. Rachel discusses her role as co-founder of Hybrid Series Ireland, its accessibility, and her impressive accomplishments in the sport. 14:00 Welcoming Rachel Farrell to the Podcast 16:57 Hyrox vs. CrossFit 19:45 The Pain Cave: Embracing the Challenge 22:51 Training Adaptations: From Triathlon to Hyrox 25:50 Mental Toughness in Hybrid Racing 28:58 World Championships in Nice in TWO different sports 31:49 Organising Events: Building the Community 34:35 Making Hybrid Training Accessible for Everyone 40:07 Creating an Inclusive Fitness Community 42:00 Overcoming Daunting First Steps 43:55 Innovative Event Formats and Equipment Rental 46:32 Engaging Local Communities and Fundraising 48:21 Passion and Growth in Event Management 49:00 Competing at the World Championship Level 51:43 Balancing Training and Event Organisation 53:28 Recognising Potential in New Participants 55:18 Upcoming Events and how you can race alongside Eric at the next HSI event 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 You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we have two great guests from Ballymun AC (@ballymunac on Instagram) in Dean Hayden (@hayda0000 on Instagram) and Ger Prendergast (@ger_prendergast on Instagram) From establishing how Ballymun AC came about, helping to remove financial barriers for youths in Ballymun, community, world major marathons, to marathons on 7 continents and 60 marathons in 60 days, there's a lot to explore in this episode! 15:00 Introduction to Dean & Ger 25:10: Establishing Ballymun AC 28:38 The Philosophy of 'Human Before Athlete' 30:38 Removing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports 34:08 Keeping Youth Engaged in Running 38:55 Ger's Experience with the Seven Continents Marathon 50:30 Dean's Sub 3 Hour Chicago Marathon 59:27 World Record: 60 Marathons in 60 Days 66:31 Ger's book: Gotta Keep It Movin': Amazon Link 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 You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, ultra runner Eoin Keith (@eoinkeithultra on Instagram) shares his remarkable journey from a non-sporty childhood to becoming one of the most accomplished ultra runners in Ireland. He discusses his transition from marathon running to ultra distances, the challenges he faces during races, and the importance of enjoying the process. Eoin also delves into the unique experiences of the Barkley Marathons, the significance of navigation in ultra running, and how he balances different types of races, including running 900m loops for 6 days, the sleep deprivation, setting records for running the length of the country and his approach to training 22:00 Introduction to Eoin Keith's Journey 24:45 From Pitch and Putt to Ultra Running 27:42 Discovering the Love for Long Distances 30:39 Transitioning from Mountaineering to Running 33:35 The Marathon Experience and Beyond 36:43 The Ultra Running Revelation 39:40 Facing Challenges in Ultra Running 42:38 The Balance of Flat and Trail Ultra Running 45:44 Preparing for Six-Day Races 48:42 The Mental Game in Ultra Running 52:47 Navigating Sleep Deprivation in Ultra Running 55:50 Training for the Unknown: The Challenge of Sleep Deprivation 58:28 Questioning Conventional Running Theories 59:59 The Barkley Marathons: The Ultimate Test of Endurance 64:41 The Rarity of Finishing the Barclay Marathons 67:03 The Key to Completing Ultra Races 69:10 Shifting Focus: Enjoying the Journey Over Competition 72:51 Exploring Multi-Day Races: The Grand Canaria Experience 75:44 The Art O'Neill Challenge: A Test of Navigation and Endurance Be sure to check out Eoin's blog on: https://eoinkeith.wordpress.com/ And follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

On this week's episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Eric is back in the country just in time for the Donadea 50k National Championships over the weekend as Sean attempted the "10 lap and fook off" Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

In this episode, Lawrence Mooney shares his incredible journey from being an active triathlete and marathon runner to facing significant health challenges, including hip replacements and getting a second chance at life. He discusses his transition into triathlon, the barriers he overcame in swimming, marathons, and running marathons despite having a double hip replacement. We also discuss the events that led to him being able to join the podcast, surviving against the odds and share his story. 13:00 Introduction to Lawrence's Journey 15:03 The Transition from Sports to Triathlon 18:07 Overcoming Swimming Barriers 21:02 The Challenge of Long-Distance Events 23:58 Incorporating Reformer Pilates into Training 27:08 Marathon Experiences and Training Strategies 29:56 The Benefits of Multi-Sport Training 33:02 Navigating Hip Replacements and Recovery 35:49 Mental Resilience in Endurance Sports 41:16 Marathon Reflections and Personal Challenges 45:30 Getting a Second Chance 52:33 Surviving Against the Odds 58:34 Awareness and Prevention 63:50 Life After a Near-Death Experience You can listen to this week's episode of the Any Given Runday podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts from Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit The NI Running Show is coming on 7th & 8th of February in the Eikon Centre, check out AnyGivenRunday.com for more info on tickets You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

On a special Thursday episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we have the founder of Elite Event Management, Oliver Kirwan, on the podcast to discuss what goes on behind the scenes to create some of the top events in the country, including Quest and the Wicklow 200, as well as upcoming events such as Project 8 and Run The Night Run The Night 5 Mile event will be in Cork on February 11th and Dublin on February 18th, with tickets for the Charity Night Run available on: runthenight.ie You can follow us on Instagram, where we are running a competition for a pair of tickets for both events: @anygivenrunday.com Shop ultrapurelabs.ie to shop the muscle recovery range and get 10% off by buying the Muscle Recovery Kit

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, performance & Wicklow GAA nutritionist Leah Headon (@haeloo_nutrition on Instagram) shares her journey into the field of nutrition, discussing her personal experiences with diabetes and an eating disorder that shaped her understanding of food and health. The conversation delves into topics such as gut health, the balance between weight loss and performance, the impact of hydration, and the importance of nutrition habits. Leah also addresses common myths in the nutrition space and provides practical tips for marathon training, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to fuelling and recovery. 17:00 Welcome to the podcast, Leah Headon 19:48 Leah's Journey to Nutrition 22:52 Understanding Gut Health 25:25 Nutrition for Athletes 28:21 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods 31:19 Balancing Nutrition and Weight Loss 34:13 Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects 43:49 Fuelling Performance: The Role of Diet 45:15 Psychology of Cravings and Eating Habits 46:19 Hydration and Its Impact on Performance 49:38 The Importance of Mental Habits in Nutrition 51:34 Nutrition Strategies for Marathon Training 54:29 Caffeine and Fuelling During Races 59:35 Debunking Nutrition Myths and Misconceptions 63:14 Final Thoughts on Nutrition and Performance 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 The NI Running Show is coming on 7th & 8th of February in the Eikon Centre, check out AnyGivenRunday.com for more info on tickets You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Ray Shah (@rayshah on Instagram) shares his journey from being unfit and overweight during Covid to becoming a competitive athlete in Hyrox with multiple podium wins and World Championship appearances. He discusses his weight loss transformation, the importance of diet and training, and the role of community in fitness. Ray emphasises the significance of pacing and strategy in races, the value of coaching with Jake Dearden and Sean Noble, and the lessons learned from early competitions. He talks about Tryka, a new fitness event that aims to be more inclusive than Hyrox, with their second event happening this weekend in the RDS, where he competes and was the MC of the first event back in October. Ray shares his top tips for success in Hyrox races and the importance Ray highlights the importance of enjoying the journey and the experiences that come with it. 06:00 Welcome to the Podcast, Ray Shah 07:36 Ray's Journey into Fitness 10:03 The Impact of COVID on Health and Being Unfit 13:09 The Importance of Diet and Losing 25kg 15:14 Training Regimen and Challenges 18:02 Discovering Hyrox 24:54 First Race Experience in Madrid 28:39 Success at Hyrox Dublin and first podium finish 32:54 The Competitive Edge in Racing 36:53 Training Smarter, Not Harder 42:38 The Rise of Tryka: A New Fitness Community and Inclusive Hybrid Race Series in Ireland 51:14 Enjoying the Journey in Fitness 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 The NI Running Show is coming on 7th & 8th of February in the Eikon Centre, check out AnyGivenRunday.com for more info on tickets You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, after DNF'ing Art O'Neill in 2023, Seán talks about his second attempt at it over the weekend... and why he didn't tell Eric about it beforehand If you're looking for the top tips and inside scoops on how to complete AON, Seán is probably not the best example of that, as he talks about his experiences running through the night and the following morning in all sorts of conditions, terrain and challenges he faced It's a fantastic, well organised event full of challenges and definitely an adventure element to it. In the second half of the podcast, the lads both open up with their struggles in their journey right now, setbacks, challenges, routine and more. 00:53 Seán's Decision to take on Art 04:02 The Start of the Race and Historical Context to Art O'Neill 09:43 Early Challenges and Steep Climbs 14:49 Checkpoint Reflections and Weather Woes 19:55 The Struggles of Navigation, Terrain & Climbing 24:48 Final Stretch and Silly Mistakes 29:51 Reflections on the Experience and Future Plans 30:19 Facing Injuries and Embarrassment 31:44 The Mental Battle of Training 34:16 Finding Community in Running 37:15 The Importance of Goals and Accountability 40:31 Embracing the Journey of Running 49:05 The Reality of Training and Motivation 54:56 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals 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 The NI Running Show is coming on 7th & 8th of February in the Eikon Centre, check out AnyGivenRunday.com for more info on tickets You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Run Day podcast, mountain and trail runner Zak Hanna (@zakhanna on Instagram) shares his journey from cycling to becoming a competitive mountain runner at the highest level. He discusses his experiences in various international competitions, the challenges of downhill running, and the importance of mindset and training in harsh conditions. Zak reflects on his achievements, including his fifth-place finish in the World Mountain Running Championships, and emphasises the significance of enjoying the journey as an athlete. He also shares insights on training strategies, injury prevention, and his future goals. 07:00 Introduction to Zak Hanna & The Journey to Trail Running 11:34 Transition from Cycling to Running 16:07 First Experiences in Competitive Running 19:03 The Challenge of Downhill Running 25:07 Mindset in Extreme Sports 26:11 Training Consistency in Winter 28:11 Running with a Canine Companion 31:59 The Joy of Running with Dogs 32:34 Training Locations: From Kenya to Italy 35:16 Becoming 5th in the World in Thailand 41:59 Celebrating Achievements and Future Goals 46:19 Training Strategies and Injury Prevention 51:20 Upcoming Races and more 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 Coming on 7th & 8th, check out AnyGivenRunday.com for more info on tickets You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Paul Pollock (@ppmarathon on Instagram) shares his journey from a junior runner to becoming an Olympian and elite marathoner. He discusses the challenges of injuries, the transition from shorter distances to marathons, winning the National Championships in 2012 and the impact of training with elite athletes. Paul also delves into his unique approach to training, including the role of cycling in his preparation, and reflects on his experiences at the World Championships, the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and training in the NN Running Team alongside some of the top runners in the world. As a coach, he emphasises the importance of individualised training and building a strong foundation for marathon success. 18:00 We welcome Paul Pollock to the AGR podcast 22:03 Injuries and Comebacks: The Road to the Marathon 24:25 Transitioning from 5k to the Marathon Distance and winning the national Championships 36:14 World Championships and Olympic Dreams 42:38 Training with the Elite: Insights from the NN Running Team 44:27 The Impact of Cycling on Marathon Training 54:14 Navigating Injuries: The Achilles Experience 57:29 Tokyo 2020: A Unique Olympic Experience 63:12 Coaching Philosophy: Individualised Training for Success You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie

The second half of 2025 brought a different kind of energy to Any Given Runday from race-day nerves and strategies, post marathon blues and pitfalls, big challenges, and honest conversations about what really goes into endurance sport. From first time marathoners to elite athletes, to caffeine, strength work, climbing the tallest peaks in the world, and ballsy strategies to endurance challenges, this episode captures some the lessons and the craic on the podcast from July through December. Whether you’re deep in winter training, recovering from a big year, or already eyeing your next start line, this Best Of is a reminder that progress doesn’t come from one perfect session, it comes from showing up, learning, and staying curious. Thanks again for making 2025 our biggest year yet. This one’s for the runners, the thinkers, and the ones still figuring it out. 2:01 Anne & Jamie on what to expect on Dublin Marathon morning 5:49 The Fantastic 4, with Cliodhna on signing up for her first ever marathon 10:46 Rob Dwyer, who does lane swimming on a Monday 11:15 Niamh Culhane on caffeine and performance: benefits, timing, and pitfalls 18:50 Learning about The Speed Project and the lads’ ballsy approach to it 25:55 Sarah Kelly on why women’s training is different and how research lagged behind on purpose 34:10 Mick Fox’s Dublin Marathon approach from our first-ever YouTube Live episode 38:55 Kevin English with post marathon advice most runners ignore 45:51 Will Boyle on the turning point that started his running journey 55:37 Enda Kilgallon breaks down the strength exercises runners should actually be doing 63:24 Andy Nolan on why Denali was the hardest peak he’s climbed so far You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie

The first half of 2025 gave us some of the most honest, inspiring and downright interesting conversations we’ve had on Any Given Runday. From survival stories on the far side of the world, to elite endurance insights, to everyday decisions that shape how we train, fuel and think — this episode pulls together some of the standout moments from the first six months of the year. Whether you’re switching off over the holidays, sneaking in an easy run, or already plotting what 2026 might look like, this is a chance to rewind, reflect, and catch anything you might have missed. Thank you for making 2025 our biggest year yet. We really appreciate every listen, share and message, and we hope you enjoy this Best Of Any Given Runday. 1:27 Fergal Guihen on being drugged in Iran — and the strangers who helped him continue a 23,000km cycle to Australia 11:29 Becky Woods on sibling rivalry, identity, and finding her place in Ironman 24:04 Ger Copeland on training principles behind 300+ marathons, many under 3 hours 32:05 Niamh Fitzpatrick on why sea swimming is non-negotiable for ultra runners 35:43 Cian Charlton on breaking the sub-20 minute 5K and beyond 42:22 Gary Reinhardt on why he stopped running with AirPods 46:24 Dr Aisling Farrell on social media, fad diets, and avoiding common traps 56:34 John O’Regan on the rise of endurance racing in Ireland You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie

After a Christmas run in Howth, Eric sat down with Ger Copeland (@gercopeland on Instagram) and Anto Lee (@rockyseven7 on Instagram) to record the Christmas Special of the Any Given Runday Podcast for 2025! They talk about Ger's recent marathon in Antarctica as well as Ger & Anto running the Cape Town marathon, how the running year was in Ireland, as well as the countdown to the Donadea 50k on Valentine's Day 2026 00:00 Year in Review 02:33 Antarctica Marathon 05:43 The Growth of Running Events 08:50 Social Aspects of Running 11:24 Looking Ahead: Goals and New Year Resolutions 14:38 Reflections and Gratitude for the Year 17:15 And with that being said... You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast

Over the weekend, Seán and Eric took part Hybrid Series Ireland (@hybridseriesireland on Instagram) in Athlone, Eric's first ever Hyrox event. Has Eric converted into a Hybrid Rockstar enthusiast? 00:00 Merry Christmas, Eric 03:02 The Hybrid Series Ireland Experience 05:52 The Challenge of Endurance Events 08:49 Team Dynamics in Competition 14:25 The Joy of Shared Experiences 18:39 The Appeal of Hybrid Events 21:58 Fitness and Competition: A Personal Journey 24:46 Training Strategies for the New Year 28:33 Local vs. Major Races: A Personal Perspective 31:19 Dublin Half Marathon Ballot You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Andy Nolan (@andy_everest2026)shares his incredible journey of climbing the Six of the Seven Summits, including his experiences with fear, training, and the challenges faced during his climbs. From starting as a sedentary individual to summiting some of the world's highest peaks, Andy discusses the mental and physical preparation required for such feats. He also highlights the importance of teamwork, the risks of mountaineering, and his commitment to raising money for charity through his climbs. As he prepares for his final summit, Everest, Andy reflects on the lessons learned and the adventures that lie ahead. 09:00 Meet Andy Nolan 11:56 From Sedentary to Summit: The Climb to Kilimanjaro 14:57 The Thrill of the Summit: Euphoria and Relief 17:47 Training for the Seven Summits: A New Challenge 20:26 Planning the Ascent: Timing and Logistics 23:26 Facing Nature: The Reality of High Altitude 26:12 The Art of Climbing: Experiences and Insights 30:08 The Challenges of High Altitude Climbing 33:04 Denali: The Toughest Climb 36:06 Team Dynamics and Mental Resilience 38:07 Accidents and Setbacks 41:00 Recovery and Reflection 47:43 Momentum and Future Goals 49:57 Experiencing Antarctica 55:45 Preparing for Everest 61:28 Charity and Community Engagement 65:57 Training and Mindset for Everest You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie

In this episode of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Irish international runner Matthew Collins (@mattamoo on Instagram). We discuss Matt's journey from team sports to becoming a competitive runner, his marathon experiences, and his Guinness World Record for running in a postbox costume in London. Matt shares insights on training, coaching, and the importance of community in running. He also reflects on his recent achievements, including guiding Ger Copeland during the Dublin Marathon, and his aspirations in ultra running. 13:45 Introduction to Matt Collins 15:36 Matt's Running Journey Begins 20:00 Transitioning to Competitive Running 24:30 The Evolution of Running Knowledge 28:38 First Marathon Experience 30:58 Coaching with Gary O'Hanlon 34:11 Why not a Postmas 40:01 Becoming a Guinness World Record Holder 42:20 Pushing the Limits: Marathon Progression 46:04 The Emotional Highs of Home Marathons 49:04 The Journey to Valencia: Setting A Marathon PB 53:12 Transitioning to Speed: The 5K Challenge 56:45 The Anglo Celtic Plate & Team Dynamics in Ultra Running 66:05 Running Dublin with Ger Copeland You can follow us on Instagram:} @anygivenrundaypodcast You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie

In this episode of the Any Given Monday podcast, we interview Pat Cassidy, co-author of 'The Story of the Donore Harriers', who shares his extensive experience in running and the evolution of the Donore Harriers club. The conversation covers Pat's personal journey into running, the transition of running clubs from elite to community-focused, the importance of facilities in athletics, the recent boom in marathon participation, and the significance of the handicap system in club races. Pat also discusses the future of the Donore Harriers and their launch night for the book on Thursday, December 4th 00:00 Pat Cassidy & Donore Harriers 06:32 Evolution of Running Clubs 12:21 Community Engagement in Athletics 16:33 The Importance of Facilities 19:32 The Boom in Running Participation 22:45 The Changing Landscape of Running Training 25:51 The Historical Roots of Athletics 29:16 The Handicap System in Racing 33:57 The Community Spirit in Athletics 38:51 The All-Ireland Senior Cross Country Championship 41:08 Future Aspirations for the Club Click the link below to learn more about the book: https://www.donoreharriers.com/our-book You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we are delighted to welcome professional triathlete and Olympian, Russell White @russellwhite6 on Instagram) Russell shares his journey from a young swimmer to a professional triathlete, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on his early experiences in triathlon, the pressure of competing at the Olympic level, and the impact of injuries on his career. Russell also talks about his transition into coaching and his aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of supporting young athletes in Ireland. 17:30 Introduction to Russell White 19:44 Transition from Swimming to Triathlon 23:46 The Dream of the Olympics 27:41 Training and Injury Challenges 29:26 First National Championship Victory 31:26 The Competitive Nature of Triathlon 33:19 Training Regimen and Discipline 37:25 Balancing University Life and Training 40:21 Pressure and Mental Challenges 44:24 Path to Olympic Qualification 47:13 Reflections on Achievements and Goals 52:02 Navigating Health Challenges in Elite Sports 56:31 The Olympic Experience: Triumphs and Trials 63:23 Post-Olympics: Finding Direction in Triathlon 67:16 Transitioning to Coaching: A New Chapter 73:38 The Future of Triathlon in Ireland You can find out more about getting coaching from Russell: russellwhitetri.com You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Marcus Cowzer (@marco161 on Instagram) shares his journey from a football player to a psychotherapist and building Shelters Running Community (@sheltersrunningcommunity_ on Instagram) He discusses the importance of community in running, the impact of therapy on mental health, and building towards his marathon goals. Marcus emphasises the significance of small wins, the challenges of seeking help, and the power of connection in overcoming mental health struggles. He also highlights the benefits of cold water therapy and the joy of running as a community activity. 16:00 Introduction to Marcus Cowzer 17:05 Journey into Running and Community Building 22:06 The Evolution of the Running Group 28:34 From 5K to Half Marathons 35:06 Preparing for the Dublin Marathon 39:02 Team SJ: The Journey Begins 41:14 Crossing the Unknown: The Marathon Experience 43:44 The Pressure of Leadership in Running 45:28 From Football to Running: A Shift in Mindset 48:55 Finding Community: The Importance of Connection 53:03 Small Steps: Celebrating Progress in Running 54:47 Men's Mental Health: Breaking the Silence 57:56 The Challenge of Opening Up 64:01 Cold Water Therapy: A Mental Challenge 66:06 Future Goals: Growing the Shelters Running Club 71:13 Introduction to Therapy and Its Accessibility 72:11 This Is Us Therapy (@this_is_us_therapy on Instagram) https://thisisustherapy.ie/ for more information on Marcus and This Is Us Therapy You can follow us on Instagram: @anygivenrundaypodcast You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout PerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store Ultrapurelabs.ie