Middle of the Pack Podcast

Episode 37 features Dennis Cronin describing how joining Watergrasshill AC after a Couch-to-5K changed his life. He talks about the social side of running, the supportive running community, and how group runs improved his mental health and friendships.
Dennis shares training habits, race experiences including his Malaga marathon, lessons learned about fueling, and why he loves distances like the 10K. The episode celebrates everyday runners and the communal joy of running. Email motpire@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions, or if you would like to come on and share your story.
 

In Episode 36, Robert McNamee describes his running journey — from youth sports and Gaelic football to taking up distance running in his 30s, training for multiple Dublin Marathons and aiming for a sub‑4 finish while balancing strength work, recovery and group training.
He also explains how BuffBarrier was born to solve chafing and blisters with Irish‑made, natural formulas (beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, zinc oxide, arnica, peppermint/eucalyptus), and how expos, online sales and customer feedback are shaping the brand's growth. Email motpire@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions, or if you would like to come on and share your story. 

Episode 35 of The Middle of the Pack Podcast breaks down simple, practical fueling and hydration advice for recreational marathoners. Padraig covers hydration strategies, when and how to use electrolytes, and how caffeine gels can boost performance — plus references to experts and resources like "More Fuel You" and past episodes.
Key takeaways: drink to thirst, practice your gels and drinks on long runs, reserve electrolytes for long or hot races, and time caffeine gels to get the benefit in your race's later stages. Any Questions email me at motpire@gmail.com

Episode 34 features Karen Twomey’s return from injury, detailing her diagnosis, rehabilitation, strength work, and gradual run-walk comeback. She shares practical coaching, pacing and training insights while juggling work, sleep and race life.
Highlights include her first parkrun after injury, pacing plans for the Cork 10K, goals for a Lisbon half-marathon birthday race, and a positive message for everyday runners about racing without pressure and enjoying the start line. Email motpire@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions, or if you would like to come on and share your story.

Episode 33 of Middle of the Pack features Tomás Moore, founder of Step One Socks, sharing his running journey from a tentative 5K to regular half marathons, 10-milers and plans for a marathon.
He discusses why he prioritizes enjoyment over PBs, the supportive running community, and how his brand grew — overcoming manufacturing issues, expanding colors and singlets, and collaborating with run clubs.
Frank, honest and upbeat, the episode mixes personal racing stories, practical gear talk, and the positive mental-health message behind Step One Socks.
https://steponerunco.com/ 

Episode 32 of The Middle of the Pack dives into Ian O’Brien’s running journey — from starting after a medical scare and taekwondo roots, to coaching, club runs, and an expanding collection of running shoes. The conversation centers on choosing the right shoe for easy runs, sessions, long runs and race day, and looks at brands like Saucony, ASICS and Adidas.Ian shares practical tips on shoe rotation, fitting, trying shoes in specialist shops, breaking in race shoes before race day, and how comfort and purpose should guide your choices — whether you’re a middle-of-the-pack runner or chasing PBs.

Episode 31 of the Middle of the Pack podcast features George Sherwood from Precision Fuel & Hydration. He explains sweat testing, electrolyte preloading, and practical fueling strategies for runners—how many gels to take, how much carbohydrate per hour, and when to use caffeine for best effect.George emphasizes practicing fueling in training, tailoring sodium replacement to your sweat rate, and taking caffeine about halfway through a race so it peaks when you need it most.

Episode 30 features Tara Wilson from Women Who Run Ireland sharing her Donadea 50K story: the short training block, the race-day fueling plan of real food (bananas, Jaffa Cakes, dates) and electrolytes, and how dehydration and salt loss led to late-race cramping.
Tara explains her ‘‘real food running’’ approach, how she pre-fuels and grazes during runs, her recovery routine, and encourages more women to try longer events. 

Episode 29 features Conor O'Keeffe, founder of Altar Nutrition, sharing his running journey from boxing to ultra-distance challenges — including running 32 marathons in 32 days — and how persistent gut issues inspired him to create a better endurance fuel.
Conor explains how he developed "speed dust," how to build carbohydrate tolerance, practical pre-fuel and race-day strategies, and uses cases like carb loading and on-course fueling for marathons, ultras, and field sports.
Listeners will get actionable tips on pacing nutrition, increasing carbohydrate intake safely, and where to find Altar Nutrition for more guidance.

In episode 28 of the Middle of the Pack podcast, guest Enda Kiernan shares his running journey from school athletics and Mullingar Harriers to helping launch the first Parkrun outside Dublin in Macroom. He discusses the people who influenced him, his commitment to volunteering, and how running shaped his coaching and role with Cork under‑20s and club football.
Enda also talks practical topics like warm‑ups, speed work, nutrition (including Speed Dust/Alter Nutrition), and the strong crossover between athletics and Gaelic football. The episode highlights the value of community, mentorship and giving back to sport.