Middle of the Pack Podcast

Episode 15 of the Middle of the Pack features Tara Wilson of Women Who Run Ireland discussing her 15-year running journey, how running helped her heal and keeps on healing, and her work at the Run Hub helping all types of runners through Women who run Ireland.
She shares tips on mental training for marathons, the Super Half series and solo race travel, running community stories, winter gear recommendations, and why celebrating everyday runners matters.

Episode 14 of The Middle of the Pack podcast takes you into The Recovery Room in Ballincollig, Cork, where the host experiences NormaTec compression boots and an infrared sauna for the first time. Jerry Lynch explains the benefits—improved circulation, reduced soreness, muscle relaxation, skin and cardiovascular benefits—and how the facility supports both athletes and people seeking stress relief or medical recovery.The episode covers practical booking details, session timing recommendations, pricing, and the private, personalized nature of the services, plus insights into the adjoining private personal training studio.

This episode of The Middle of the Pack captures the electric day of the Dublin City Marathon through the host's finish-line buzz and short voice-note recaps from runners and spectators.Listeners hear personal PBs, emotional moments, crowd and volunteer support, pacing challenges and the community spirit that made the day special — with a follow-up recovery-themed episode coming next week.

Padraig hosts a Taper Week special on Middle of the Pack, exploring ‘maranoia’—the nervous, restless anxiety many runners feel before a marathon. Previous Guests share personal tips, packing lists, race-day advice and how they’re managing rest, nutrition and nerves ahead of the Dublin City Marathon.
Short, practical guidance and warm encouragement for first-timers and veterans alike, with reminders to trust the training( the Hay is in the Barn), enjoy the race and celebrate getting to the start line.

On this episode of The Middle of the Pack Podcast Dave Buckley talks about his running journey from school cross-country and soccer to road races and marathons. He shares memorable races (Cork and Dublin), training highs and setbacks, pacing stories, shoe choices, fueling strategies and brutal hamstring cramps that nearly stopped him at the finish.
Dave also describes the addictive PB feeling, why he prefers 10-mile races, and his plans and hopes for future marathons. Expect candid race stories, practical tips and plenty of passion for the sport ( and a bit of a laugh).

In this episode Sinead Power, an oncology and palliative care nurse, talks about balancing compassionate work with her life as a back-of-the-pack runner. She shares how the running community, club life and parkrun kept her connected and motivated.Sinead discusses starting with couch-to-5K, marathon training and fueling strategies, coping with grief while running, and why running is about wellbeing and belonging rather than pace or podiums.

On this episode of Middle of the Pack, Karen Twomey recounts her journey from junior success and repeated stress fractures to rediscovering running in 2023, training for marathons, and the injury that forced her to withdraw from Dublin.
Karen shares the diagnosis of a stress fracture, her recovery plan, a renewed focus on 10Ks and half marathons, and honest reflections on nutrition and supporting young athletes—ending the episode with a positive, practical plan for coming back stronger.
Join Padraig & Karen for a chat about all things Running ( Highs & Lows)

Laura Fleming, a runner and emergency nurse, recounts her experiences working in the medical tents at races and will be  at the Dublin marathon 2025. She describes how hot weather, under-fuelling and dehydration can quickly make runners very ill, and why half-marathons sometimes produce more medical cases than full marathons.
This episode covers common race issues—heatstroke, low blood sugar, muscle breakdown, falls from discarded bottles—and practical precautions: hydrate, take electrolytes, fuel properly, write emergency contacts on your bib, and be mindful of shoe choice and training in warmer conditions.
Laura also shares personal running habits (morning runs, shoe rotation, recovery stretches) and the emotional side of helping runners at the finish line, offering empathy-driven advice for safer racing.

Host Padraig and guest Gareth Franklin talk candidly about his running journey — from lockdown walks and Couch to 5K, through parkruns and marathons, to the goal of breaking five hours. They cover training, pacing, fueling strategies, race day atmospheres, and the mental challenges of middle-of-the-pack running.
Gareth shares tips on hydration, gels, shoe choices, and club running, plus his upcoming races and personal targets. 

Episode 6 features Karen Twomey — teacher, personal trainer, TikToker and devoted runner — sharing her return to the sport, race experiences (Blarney, Charleville) and how running shaped her life and career choices.
She discusses founding an inclusive run club with interval sessions, gear and shoe preferences, the benefits running has for mental health, and the supportive running community that keeps her motivated.
Join Padraig & Karen as they Chat all things running....