Middle of the Pack Podcast

A solo episode about handling taper week four days before the Dublin Marathon: what to expect physically and mentally, why rest and sleep matter, and how to avoid trying anything new.Practical race-day advice on pacing, fueling, logistics and mindset—bank sleep, trust your training, break the marathon into chunks, pack warm clothes, and enjoy the crowds.

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 smart for anyone building toward a half or full marathon.

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.ie/fundraising/pages/EO99188211
Merch Link: https://unbound.ie/search?q=Motp
 

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 philosophy: simple, achievable plans that teach runners to become confident and independent over time.

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.
 
https://unbound.ie/search?q=Motp

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 and enjoying the race day play into long-term progress and performance.
MOTP Merch -
https://unbound.ie/search?q=Motp

Episode 58 sets the scene 46 days before the Dublin Marathon and encourages middle-of-the-pack runners to trust their training, build confidence, and stay consistent without comparing themselves to others.
The host covers long-run strategy, practicing marathon pace and fueling, handling missed runs, and the mental game — and invites runners (especially women) to share their stories at motpire@gmail.com.

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 health and performance.
We also get into the practical side of marathon preparation — how Simon is structuring his training, building towards Dublin, managing the demands of running alongside everyday life, and how he plans to fuel his body for the big day.
There’s plenty of honest conversation about what it really takes to prepare for a marathon as an everyday runner, the lessons learned along the way, and why nutrition and recovery can be just as important as the miles themselves.
A great chat about running, lifestyle, consistency and the journey towards the Dublin Marathon — with plenty for any middle-of-the-pack runner to take away.
MOTP Merch -
https://unbound.ie/search?q=Motp
Every pace has a place.

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 youth teams with marathon preparation.

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 having a good time. "Don't forget to listen...Good luck"