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

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome performance & Wicklow GAA nutritionist Leah Headon (@haeloo_nutrition on Instagram) who shares her journey into the field of nutrition, from discussing her personal experiences with diabetes to learning and studying more about food and health.

Leah discusses 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 listen to this week’s episode of the Any Given Runday podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube

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 also talks sbout @tryka.fit , 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 listen to this week’s episode of the Any Given Runday podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube

Hailing from Drogheda, Co. Louth, Conor Sweeney joined us as a man caught between two worlds: the high-octane buzz of HYROX and the pursuit of a fast marathon. As the founder and leader of the Cuppa Cardio running community, Conor has been a massive success in the Louth running scene. Given that their meeting place is a local pub, we aren’t at all surprised by the incredible turnout he manages to inspire!

Conor brought a fantastic sense of humor and a brilliant attitude to every episode, constantly championing the idea that everyone should "just give it a go." Despite navigating a training block that was far from perfect—battling through niggles, injuries, and setbacks—Conor showed true grit to come up trumps on race day. He also made history on the podcast as the first man we’ve ever heard of to perform a Formula 1-style pit stop during a marathon just to change his socks!

Beyond the finish lines and the "Cuppa Cardio" meetups, Conor’s real strength lies in his transparency. He was refreshingly honest about the mental toll of training, showing our listeners that you don't need a "perfect" block to have a "perfect" experience. Whether he was discussing the cross-training benefits of HYROX or the simple joy of a post-run pint, he grounded the podcast in reality. He represents the everyday athlete who balances a busy life with big ambitions, all while making sure no one in his community gets left behind. Conor isn't just a runner; he’s a leader who proves that the social connection is often the strongest fuel you can have in the tank. His "can-do" attitude and approachability make him a worthy Wall of Famer and a true champion of the social runner.

Hailing from Sligo and a proud member of Sligo AC, Shane O’Doherty was the undisputed "speed demon" of our Fantastic Four. While he might never admit it publicly, we all know his true running idol is his mum!

Shane brought a quiet, calculated intensity to the group as he chased the elusive sub-3-hour marathon dream. Working under the guidance of coach Kevin English, Shane provided our listeners with invaluable insights into the importance of having an expert in your corner to navigate the highs and lows of elite-level training.

He is an athlete who truly pushes his body to the absolute limit—occasionally a little too far, as a brief trip to A&E can attest! He also brought a harrowing new understanding to the dangers of marathon nipple chafe, yet, in a display of sheer stubbornness (or fashion commitment), he continues to race in white singlets.

Joking aside, Shane is a testament to discipline, routine, and the power of listening to your body. His impressive weekly mileage and persistent drive to see just how far he can go made him a vital part of the series. For his grit and his "calculated' approach to the roads, Shane earns his rightful place on the Wall of Fame.

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.