In this episode of the Middle of the Pack Podcast, Padraig sits down with Simon Kelly of Plant Based AC for a wide-ranging conversation about running, health, nutrition and preparing for the Dublin Marathon.

Simon shares his journey back to running after his rugby days, what drew him towards a plant-based lifestyle and how going vegan became an important part of his approach to health and performance.

We also get into the practical side of marathon preparation — how Simon is structuring his training, building towards Dublin, managing the demands of running alongside everyday life, and how he plans to fuel his body for the big day.

There’s plenty of honest conversation about what it really takes to prepare for a marathon as an everyday runner, the lessons learned along the way, and why nutrition and recovery can be just as important as the miles themselves.

A great chat about running, lifestyle, consistency and the journey towards the Dublin Marathon — with plenty for any middle-of-the-pack runner to take away.

MOTP Merch -

https://unbound.ie/search?q=Motp

Every pace has a place.

Episode 56 of The Middle of the Pack features Mossy O'Mahony discussing his running journey—from parkruns to his first Dublin Marathon—his training routine, coaching support, gear choices, fueling strategy, and plans for this year’s race.

As Dublin approaches, Mossy shares setbacks (including a blister that forced a DNF), race-day lessons, shoe and nutrition preferences, and how he balances shift work and coaching youth teams with marathon preparation.

Episode 55 features Charlie "Chaz" Lillis discussing his switch from GAA to running after knee surgery, his rapid progress from 5K to marathon, and his goals for the Dublin Marathon. He also talks about the Malin-to-Mizen fundraising walk for CUH for family friend "Tubbs", training and fueling strategies, shoe choices, and sharing the journey on social media. A real inspiring guy with a passion for sport, health & fitness and having a good time. "Don't forget to listen...Good luck"

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/

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.

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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.