Cliodhna Ruane
Hailing from Galway, Cliodhna Ruane redefined the meaning of strength and mental resilience for our listeners. With a lifelong background in GAA and team sports, Cliodhna transitioned her athletic passion into running, but it was her personal journey that truly inspired us. After the heartbreaking loss of her husband, she emerged as a pillar of strength for her children, dedicatedly supporting them through their own health challenges.
A woman whose life is centered on an overwhelming love for her family, Cliodhna often joked that her kids were her biggest listeners—always ready to "slag" her about some of her now-famous quotes! Having her on the show was a gift; her laugh was infectious, and her genuine appreciation for our jokes was a welcome boost to our egos.
Her willpower is nothing short of admirable. Training primarily on her own, she reminded us all that the ability to run is a profound privilege, not a chore. We’ve even forgiven her for being a bit of a "traitor" and appearing on other podcasts since—honestly, we love seeing how far our guests go after they’ve had the "AGR bump!"
Cliodhna also shared perhaps the most poignant "top tip" in the history of the podcast: the power of dedicating specific miles to loved ones to overcome the mental battles of the marathon. For her grit, her heart, and her perspective, Cliodhna is a true Wall of Fame legend.
