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

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

This episode captures the emotion and community of Cork City Marathon weekend — from the yellow tributes to Ellen Cassidy, to pacers, volunteers and runners sharing finish-line stories across the 10K, half and full. It’s a celebration of why people run: connection, support and the moments that matter more than times.

#WWECD

Email MOTPIRE@gmail.com

Episode 43 of the Middle of the Pack podcast explores the panic, superstition and strange rituals that hit runners during taper week before a race.

Padraig offers practical reassurance—trust your training, avoid over-checking injuries, stick to simple carb and hydration habits—and celebrates the courage of everyday runners. A light-hearted guide to staying calm and enjoying race day.

Email MOTPIRE@gmail.com