Middle of the Pack Podcast

Episode 27 of The Middle of the Pack features Cian Charlton — entrepreneur, runner, and founder of 35 Vintage, on Fade St Dublin — as he shares his running journey and the launch of his Irish running brand, NegativeSplit.ie
They discuss Negativesplit gear, early product launches (the skull cap), design and manufacturing plans, balancing business with training, shoe habits, and Cian’s upcoming trail ultra in Spain( which he nearly forgot).

In this episode episode 26 of The Middle of the Pack Podcast, Laura Stenton Slater—known as Laura Muddy Soles—shares her running comeback, her decision to run the London Marathon in wellington boots for the charity Unique, and the personal story behind her motivation: her son's rare chromosome disorder.
Laura talks about rediscovering running after years away, how TikTok and a supportive community helped her reshape her relationship with the sport, the physical and practical challenges of training in wellies, and her fundraising and Guinness World Record goals. Link to Donate
2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/laura-stenton-slater

In episode 25 of the Middle of the Pack podcast, Ann O'Neill recounts how she started running, her journey to 79 marathons, and the viral TikTok clip from the New York Marathon that sparked worldwide attention. Ann discusses training while working as a nurse, overcoming injury and cancer, running low-key marathons across Ireland and abroad, and her plans and dreams toward reaching 100 marathons. A real down to earth conversation between two people enjoying their running journey.

Episode 24 features Conor Friel sharing his return to running, training with Carragline AC, race-day stories from 10Ks to full marathons, and the gear and fueling that keep him going.
Conor also discusses living with dyspraxia, fundraising nearly €2,000 for Dyspraxia Ireland, and his plans for upcoming races and travel. A really great episode where we, yet again, celebrate an everyday runner facing everyday challenges.

Episode 23 of The Middle of the Pack Podcast with Kieran McKeown explores his journey from junior track talent to full-time coach and why smart coaching beats endless training. Kieran shares practical tips on warming up and cooling down, avoiding injury, race fitness, sensible marathon planning, and the value of community support.
He explains how individualized coaching, week-to-week plans, and knowing when to rest help runners improve and stay running for decades, with real examples of runners who cut minutes off their 5K–half marathon times.

Episode 22 reviews the highs and lows of 2025 and looks ahead to 2026, celebrating everyday runners, recovery, and steady progress over flashy results.
Padraig shares stories of injury, resilience, personal bests, and the simple joy of running, inviting listeners to set realistic goals and run with presence and curiosity in the new year. As a podcast celebrating everyday runners we look forward to 2026 a new year, new goals and new Kms...

On this Christmas Eve special of The Middle of the Pack Podcast, returning guests share their running wishlists — from race entries and carbon‑plated shoes to watches, earphones and recovery gear.
The episode mixes practical gift ideas (race vouchers, shoes, socks, gels, reflective gear, recovery sliders) with heartfelt wishes for an injury‑free 2026, family time and the joy of running together.
Happy Christmas and a heartfelt thank you to all who supported me on this Journey. Ding Dong Merrily.....

Episode 20 of The Middle of the Pack features Ruairi O'Hagan reflecting on his Dublin Marathon experience, the post-race struggle with motivation and injury, and the training and support that got him through. Ruairi also discusses his role as chair of Watergrasshill running club and the importance of community in his running journey.
Listen for candid stories about race day drama, recovery, accountability from coaches and teammates, and Ruairi's goals for future races and club growth.

In this episode Cliodhna Ruane shares her moving journey balancing marathon training with devastating family challenges — the loss of her husband to cancer and her daughter’s leukemia diagnosis — and how running has kept her resilient.
She talks candidly about recovery after Dublin Marathon, adapting training while caring for her children, plans for future races, and how running provides mental release and strength through hardship. There's lots of silly small talk too in what was a very easy episode to record..

John Calabrese joins the podcast to talk turkey trots, pushing wheelchair racers, and his journey from road races to brutal ultras.
He shares fueling tricks, shoe testing, race stories and how running helps him balance family life, caregiving and the highs and lows of the sport.
So Buckle up and enjoy the Middle of the Pack podcast Ep18.