Middle of the Pack Podcast

Episode 63 features David Gillick — elite athlete, RTE commentator and author of The Race — sharing practical advice for middle-of-the-pack runners. He discusses his shift to longer distances, race-day tactics from the Manchester Half, pacing his wife at the Dublin Marathon, shoe choices, fueling with gels, and how to trust your training during the taper.

Simple, human conversation about preparation, mindset, and racing...

Eoghan O'Brien of Dublin Frontrunners shares his running journey from struggling 5Ks to training for the Dublin Marathon while fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society in memory of loved ones. The episode highlights the club's welcoming community, practical advice on shoes, orthotics and fueling (including caffeine gels), and the motivation that keeps all middle of the pack runners going.Eoghan Fundrasining Page https://eventmaster...

Episode 61 features Catherine Harris (Insta RunCoachCath) sharing her running journey from casual 10Ks during COVID to marathons and ultras, and how she became a coach focused on educating everyday runners.

She covers practical race-day advice — pacing strategies, pacer selection, fueling and gel timing, shoe choices — and offers specific tips for Dublin marathoners and prep for Chicago.

The episode highlights coaching ...

Episode 60 of The Middle of the Pack podcast features Brian Kelly from Dublin Frontrunners as he prepares for the Amsterdam Marathon, sharing his late-start running story and how club life transformed his social life and training.

Brian covers marathon training routines, long runs and tapering, fueling strategy and gels, race-day expectations, and the social support that helps make marathon prep manageable and enjoyable.

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Adrian Hanley shares his running journey from easy beginnings to marathon racing, detailing ups and downs, injuries, family life and club training with Skerrie’s AC.

He discusses race experiences in Connemara, Dublin and London, training strategies (easy runs, hard sessions, mobility and strength work), and his love for running shoes—especially carbon-plated racers.

This episode covers how consistency, realistic goals a...

In this episode of the Middle of the Pack Podcast, Padraig sits down with Simon Kelly of Plant Based AC for a wide-ranging conversation about running, health, nutrition and preparing for the Dublin Marathon.

Simon shares his journey back to running after his rugby days, what drew him towards a plant-based lifestyle and how going vegan became an important part of his approach to heal...

Episode 56 of The Middle of the Pack features Mossy O'Mahony discussing his running journey—from parkruns to his first Dublin Marathon—his training routine, coaching support, gear choices, fueling strategy, and plans for this year’s race.

As Dublin approaches, Mossy shares setbacks (including a blister that forced a DNF), race-day lessons, shoe and nutrition preferences, and how he balances shift work and coaching...

Episode 55 features Charlie "Chaz" Lillis discussing his switch from GAA to running after knee surgery, his rapid progress from 5K to marathon, and his goals for the Dublin Marathon. He also talks about the Malin-to-Mizen fundraising walk for CUH for family friend "Tubbs", training and fueling strategies, shoe choices, and sharing the journey on social media. A real inspiring guy with a passion for sport, health & fitness and h...

Episode 54 of the Middle of the Pack podcast features Maeve O’Hagan describing how she started running during COVID, joined a club, and progressed from parkruns to completing multiple marathons including Cork, Belfast and Edinburgh.

Maeve shares training and fueling tips (including gels, hydration and pacing), the mental-health benefits of running, and how club support and community helped her improve and enjoy racing. Stay t...

Episode 53 features 23-year-old Paddy McClintock, who ran the length of Ireland over 14 days to raise funds and awareness for his charity Check In On A Mate. He shares his journey from rugby and Ironmans to planning and completing Project Ireland, the logistical challenges, injuries, and the mindset behind ultra-endurance efforts.

Paddy explains how the charity grew from run clubs and school talks into a program teaching mental hea...

Episode 52 is a 13-week, no-nonsense guide for middle of the pack runners preparing for the Dublin Marathon. It covers setting A/B/C goals, building a realistic weekly plan around four key sessions, long-run strategies, strength work, recovery, nutrition, and race-day mindset.

The episode focuses on consistency over perfection, practical tips for balancing training with life, and encouragement to trust the process—plus an inv...

Episode 51 captures a day at the London Diamond League where Josh Kerr’s Project 222 mile world record stole the show. The host and members of Eagle AC share voice notes and reactions, reliving the electric atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium.

The episode also celebrates standout performances from Irish athletes like Mark English and Sarah Healy, and highlights the camaraderie of clubmates traveling together to witness elite at...

In episode 50 the host chats with Niamh Walsh about her running journey—from starting in Australia to earning a big half-marathon PB in Cork. They discuss training structure, switching to a coach, injury prevention, strength work, race fueling (Altar Nutrition speed dust and gels), and shoe choices.

Niamh also talks about the social benefits of club running, balancing life and training, and shares her Instagram handle (niamhs...

Episode 49 of the Middle of the Pack podcast — a mailbag special answering listener questions about why the show exists, marathon training tips (with a focus on gut and nutrition), race-day mistakes, and favorite gear.

Padraig shares practical advice on fuelling long runs, evening-race strategies, the challenges of producing a weekly podcast, and encouragement for runners of all levels to keep showing up.

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In episode 48 of The Middle of the Pack, Karen Twomey talks running shorts, pacing the Cork City Marathon 10K, and her personal race superstitions. She shares favorite shorts (Lululemon Wonder Trains, Nike Swift), advice on sizing to avoid ride-up, storage options like pockets and belts, and quick fixes for chafing and phone carry.

This episode mixes practical gear tips with Karen’s pacing highlights and personal stories, giv...

Episode 46 of The Middle of the Pack features Mary Sweeney reflecting on a lifetime of running — from childhood sprints to dozens of marathons, parkrun camaraderie, and running through illness and loss. Mary shares personal stories about training, fueling, shoes, and the deep sense of community that keeps her coming back to the road.

This short, honest chat highlights running as both sport and therapy, celebrating resilience,...

Episode 45 of the Middle of the Pack podcast features Laura Garrigan sharing her running journey — from starting at parkrun in 2023 to completing 10Ks, a sub-4hr Dublin Marathon, the Trasna relay and a 24-hour fundraiser where she runs 5K every hour for the Samaritans.

Laura discusses training, fueling, shoe rotation and community support, and listeners can follow her progress and donate via her Instagram @laws_fitness.

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