Any Given Runday

#322 David O'Connor: Running 10 Marathons in 10 Days, BMX Across Country & Improve Your Running Performance

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'Connor11:53 David's Early Life and Introduction to Sports13:53 The Impact of Bullying and Trauma16:58 Discovering Running as a Coping Mechanism20:47 Running for Mental Health Awareness25:46 The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge30:28 Community Support and Emotional Connections33:34 Reflections on Future Challenges38:45 Training High-Level Athletes41:06 The Pressure on Young Athletes43:01 Deceleration Training: A Game Changer45:38 Injury Prevention Through Proper Mechanics49:52 Integrating Gym Work into Running Training55:52 It's Never Too Late to Start Strength Training62:55 Personalised Training Approaches for AthletesYou can follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrundaypodcastShop 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 checkoutPerformNutrition.com

#321 AGR Barcelona Marathon Trip Review 2026

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 Expo03:32 The ShakeOut Run and Pre-Race Preparations11:32 Race Day: Atmosphere and Nerves15:10 The Start of the Barcelona Marathon22:29 Mid-Race Reflections and Challenges27:08 The Turning Point and Injury Concerns32:32 The Marathon Experience: Reflections and Realisations38:57 The Mental Game: Overcoming Challenges in Racing48:37 Community and Connection: The Essence of Running01:00:04 Looking Ahead: Future Races and GoalsShop 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 checkoutPerformNutrition.com

#320 Rachel Farrell: HSI Co-Founder, From Ironman to Hyrox

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 Podcast16:57 Hyrox vs. CrossFit19:45 The Pain Cave: Embracing the Challenge22:51 Training Adaptations: From Triathlon to Hyrox25:50 Mental Toughness in Hybrid Racing28:58 World Championships in Nice in TWO different sports31:49 Organising Events: Building the Community34:35 Making Hybrid Training Accessible for Everyone40:07 Creating an Inclusive Fitness Community42:00 Overcoming Daunting First Steps43:55 Innovative Event Formats and Equipment Rental46:32 Engaging Local Communities and Fundraising48:21 Passion and Growth in Event Management49:00 Competing at the World Championship Level51:43 Balancing Training and Event Organisation53:28 Recognising Potential in New Participants55:18 Upcoming Events and how you can race alongside Eric at the next HSI eventYou can follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrundaypodcastShop 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 checkoutPerformNutrition.com

#319 Ballymun AC's Dean Hayden & Ger Prendergast: 60 Marathons in 60 Days, Getting Youths in to Running & Much More

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 & Ger25:10: Establishing Ballymun AC28:38 The Philosophy of 'Human Before Athlete'30:38 Removing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports34:08 Keeping Youth Engaged in Running38:55 Ger's Experience with the Seven Continents Marathon50:30 Dean's Sub 3 Hour Chicago Marathon59:27 World Record: 60 Marathons in 60 Days66:31 Ger's book: Gotta Keep It Movin': Amazon LinkYou can follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrundaypodcastShop 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 checkoutPerformNutrition.com

#318 Eoin Keith: Barkley Marathons, 6 Day Running Records, Ultra Running in Ireland and much more!

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 training22:00 Introduction to Eoin Keith's Journey24:45 From Pitch and Putt to Ultra Running27:42 Discovering the Love for Long Distances30:39 Transitioning from Mountaineering to Running33:35 The Marathon Experience and Beyond36:43 The Ultra Running Revelation39:40 Facing Challenges in Ultra Running42:38 The Balance of Flat and Trail Ultra Running45:44 Preparing for Six-Day Races48:42 The Mental Game in Ultra Running52:47 Navigating Sleep Deprivation in Ultra Running55:50 Training for the Unknown: The Challenge of Sleep Deprivation58:28 Questioning Conventional Running Theories59:59 The Barkley Marathons: The Ultimate Test of Endurance64:41 The Rarity of Finishing the Barclay Marathons67:03 The Key to Completing Ultra Races69:10 Shifting Focus: Enjoying the Journey Over Competition72:51 Exploring Multi-Day Races: The Grand Canaria Experience75:44 The Art O'Neill Challenge: A Test of Navigation and EnduranceBe sure to check out Eoin's blog on:https://eoinkeith.wordpress.com/And follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrundaypodcastShop 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 checkoutPerformNutrition.com