We are delighted to welcome back Michael Fox (@runningfox26.2 on Instagram), an elite marathon runner who ran a seriously impressive 2:21 in the Dublin Marathon last year, achieved the runner-up spot at the Cork City Marathon a few weeks ago and was the winner of the recent Clonee 10k.

In this episode, Michael shares invaluable insights into marathon training, from the importance of consistent training and optimal fueling strategies to overcoming the psychological challenges of racing. Michael delves deep into the transformation journey to becoming a top marathon runner. He also discusses the importance of having a support system, the nuances of personalised coaching, and the criticality of pacing during races.

He also answers some of your Instagram questions that you sent in to us a few weeks ago.

Whether you are a first-time marathoner or an experienced runner, Michael's tips on avoiding common pitfalls and maximising race day performance will inspire and guide your training for the Dublin Marathon 2025.

05:30 Welcome Back, Michael Fox
07:46 Training and Progression in Marathons
09:56 Getting into Running and Early Challenges
11:55 Training Partners and VO2 Max Testing
08:02 Get Coaching from Kevin Seaward and Training Adjustments
20:44 Nutrition and Fuelling Strategies
26:25 Advice for Marathon Beginners
36:48 Training for Victory: Mindset and Motivation
40:23 The Cork City Marathon 2025
48:18 The Importance of Proper Running Gear
51:17 Balancing Family and Marathon Training: Your Support System
53:02 Respecting the Marathon Challenge
57:37 The Value of The Race Series in Training
60:15 Final Tips and Encouragement

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

And if you enjoyed this episode, go back to episode #188 to listen to Michael's complete journey into the world of marathons!

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their new Essential Oil Muscle Rub Roll-On. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store and get 10% off until the end of July using the code 'AGR'

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Carb Gels, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

This week's guest on the Any Given Runday Podcast is Aisling Ryan (@aisling_r on Instagram), Aisling boasts multiple podium finishes in half marathons with a 1:18 PB along with a 35:50 10K. She was also a leader in Cork City Half Marathon 2025

In this episode, Aisling talks about her early love for sports, overcoming a severe illness, and finding her passion for running during COVID. Discover how running became her escape, her experiences with local running clubs, and why she excels in the half marathon race. Aisling also opens up about her struggle with an eating disorder, the road to recovery, and advice for anyone facing similar challenges.

10:10 Introduction to Aisling Ryan
10:45 Aisling's Early Involvement in Sports and Transition to Running During COVID
17:19 Joining a Running Club
23:13 Struggles with an Eating Disorder
26:54 Strength Training and Recovery
32:53 Moving to Switzerland
36:57 Becoming a Leader at Cork City Half Marathon
37:25 Sharing Personal Stories to Inspire Others
39:26 Reflecting on Half Marathons and Future Goals
48:20 Training Structure and Coaching Insights
52:27 Social Media and Perfectionism

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

In the intro to this week's episode, Sean talks about the Marathon Strong programme. A 16 week Strength Training programme building you towards the Dublin Marathon. For more details on it and how to sign up (discount code AGR to get 25% off!), click on the link below:

https://www.coachseanc.com/marathonstrong

Seán also talks about the exercises he's been following to help get him over his Achilles tendonitis that you can watch here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qt75npMxk3I

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their new Essential Oil Muscle Rub Roll-On. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store and get 10% off until the end of July using the code 'AGR'

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Carb Gels, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Eoin Sheehan (@eoinsheehan on Instagram), a cook, nutritionist, athlete, and entrepreneur.

Eoin  is a cook, nutritionist, athlete, and entrepreneur, founding the meal prep company, Country Munch, and is a TV chef  with Virgin Media on the six o'clock show. After vlogging his  training for the Dublin Marathon last year, he recently completed his first Ultra Martin in Wicklow, and as of recording the intro to this episode on Sunday, he was in the middle of his first Ironman in the Netherlands.

Eoin shares his journey from playing rugby in his youth to how he got into running, his training routines, and his relationship with food. He also talks about his experiences with marathon running and triathlons and the importance of performance versus optimal nutrition.

21:00 Introduction to Eoin Sheehan and his Early Sports Journey
23:54 Transition from Rugby to Running
28:42 Founding Country Munch
35:37 Balancing Performance and Optimal Nutrition
41:46 Relationship with Food and Training
48:47 Challenges of Marathon Training
50:55 Balancing Performance and Aesthetics
54:30 Transitioning Between Sports
57:37 The Journey of Becoming a Runner
68:11 The Importance of Structure and Nutrition

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their new Essential Oil Muscle Rub Roll-On. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store and get 10% off until the end of July using the code 'AGR'

Ultrapurelabs.ie

You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Carb Gels, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com