Middle of the Pack Podcast

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 tuned for podcast merch and gear updates from The Middle of the Pack podcast.

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 health awareness and peer support. The episode highlights the power of movement to open conversations, how to check in on friends, and where listeners can learn more or get involved.
https://checkinonamate.com/
INSTA Check in on a mate. (@checkinonamate)
Patrick Mcclintock (@paddy.mcclintock)
 
 
 
 

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 invitation to share your marathon journey on the podcast.
Email me MOTPIRE@gmail.com
 

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 athletics up close.

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 (niamhstrainingdiaries) for listeners to follow or ask questions.

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.
EMAIL MOTPIRE@GMAIL.COM

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, giving listeners useful recommendations for training and race day comfort.
 
KIPRUN HYDRATION FLASK-CARRYING RUNNING BELT - BLACK
Tight shorts - Lululemon Wunder-Train with pockets
 
Baggy shorts with tight under layer - Nike Swift Dri-Fit
 
Baggy Shorts with no tight under layer - Lululemon Shake It Out High Rise Short, Lululemon Hotty-Hot Shorts or Nike Running Tempo Dri-Fit
 
USA Pro Seamless Longline Cycling Shorts Womens superstition race shorts
 
Advice - I always size up and get the longer length options!

Episode 47 of The Middle of the Pack features Ian O'Brien recounting his Paris Marathon experience, how he manages his running shoes (including buying and selling on Vinted), and answering listener questions about must-have shoes, carbon plates, toe problems, and versatile trainers.
Ian shares his top shoe picks, race stories, and practical tips for fitting, sizing, and choosing the right running footwear.
 
Email MOTPIRE@gmail.com

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, kindness, and the simple joys of post-run coffee, cakes and shared memories.

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.
Email motpire@gmail.com