The Inspirational Runner Podcast

Podcast #68 Connaire McVeigh Rehab, Rivalry, Podiums and The Hill & Dales Race Series

A superb episode of courage, rivalry, progression, and hope, Connaire McVeigh a Newcastle AC runner who has reclaimed his life at 39 years of age, 3 years on he is smashing times that most of us could only dream of with a 17min 5k and 35 min 10k pbs he is a man on form.

 

In this episode we look into why his performances are so good, is it his sibling rivalry with his brother Brian (more on that later), is it muscle memory from years past, is it his determination to move forward in the fear of moving back, or is it just pure ignorance.

 

We also break down the Hill & Dales series and introduce some exceptional local runners, a few of which have already been on the podcast.

 

An awesome podcast, and although its quite a local theme I hope that everyone no matter where in the world is listening can take away some courage that you can improve, it’s not easy, we know that, but taking that first step no matter how hard, or slow it is, will eventually lead you to a better place in life.

 

Just like to thank Connaire for having the courage to share his story its quite admirable, But before we go I’d just like to throw it out there......

 

Who would like to see that race between Brian and Connaire to the top of Donard, it could be the next Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier, or if you like Rocky vs Apollo......I would even give £20 to charity so see that race, but then again maybe Connaire doesn’t have it in him to challenge wee Brian, just sayin........hope you enjoyed this weeks episode.

Podcast #67 Drew Fowler 'The Rocky Road to a Sub 3hr Marathon'

This is a great story on what it takes to succeed, I think its important to understand that those out in front have had to work hard to get there and Drew articulates that struggle well through this episode.

Failure is a big part of success, take the lesson and keep moving forward, those that achieve are those that don't give up.

Have to apologise as this episode wasn't edited due to time constraints, but hope you take some learning from it and enjoy.

Podcast #66 Uganda Marathon Running for Education & Sustainability

The Uganda Marathon is unique, it brings together runners from all over the world and bonds them with stories of hope and gratitude. It truly is an amazing experience that supports sustainable growth for the children of Uganda, if you really want to have an amazing running experience then I think you would struggle to find something more special than the Uganda Marathon, it truly is 'An adventure like no other'

https://ugandamarathon.com/register/   

 

https://www.facebook.com/UgandaMarathon/

Podcast #65 Patrick Crossan 200m & 400m Masters Track Champion Managing Parkinsons Through Sport

Patrick Crossan is a track runner from Belfast County Antrim who has competed throughout his life at the 200m, 400m & 400m hurdles, scoring exceptional times racing against some of Ireland's best, he came into his own when he reached Masters age taking many 1st podiums with a golden year in 2014 V50.

It was this year that Patrick was diagnosed with Parkinson's and yet his still managed to qualify and compete in the worlds Masters in Malaga in Sept 2018, in this podcast Patrick talks about how sport has helped him to manage his condition so that he can lead a fulfilled life.

2014 V50

200 25.66 1st Scottish Masters' Championships 
200 25.94 1st Athletics Ireland Masters' Championships 
400 57.45 1st Scottish Athletics Masters' Championships 
400 57.47 1st Scottish Masters' Championships 
400 58.05 1st Athletics Ireland Masters' Championships

 

Podcast#64 Joanne Graham Running Your First Marathon Belfast 2019

A working mum with 3 kids, She only started to run in 2015 and managed to progress to a 1:32 half marathon taking second podium in the Newrycity half marathon, in 2018 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and in this episode we go into what its like to run your first marathon on a long Belfast course 2019.

An amazing story of strength, determination and focus, I always believe that you should never say never when the choice to do something is in your hands, stay strong guys keep the training up, as not only is it influencing those around you but its also making your body strong to take you through times of hardship.

Podcast #63 Pat Shields Running Gave me the Strength to Beat Breast Cancer

This women is just awesome a Murlough club runner from County Down who at the age of 49 makes a change in direction and recolours her life through running.

 

She was just enjoying knocking out her own personal pbs when she received the numbing news that no one really wants to hear, you have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I have no doubt that her strength and fitness built up during her marathon journey has helped her to overcome her diagnosis along with being surrounded be a strong support group.

 

It’s something we don’t realise, that through running we are building both a stronger body and mind that will help us to be in a better position to deal with life’s more challenging moments.

 

This is a great free flowing chat about marathon running in general, Be happy, stay healthy, stand strong and know that even the weakest can get back up, there is nothing that we can’t achieve with a bit of self belief and positivity.

Podcast #62 Billy Reed Takes on The Barkley Marathon 2019

We have a great episode for you this week Billy Reed from Ballyclare County Antrim talks us through his experience of the Barkley 100, which is arguably the hardest 100milish ultra event in the world with only 15 finishers since its creation in 1986.

 

The Barkley course was designed by the infamous Lazarus Lake who also created Bigs backyard ultra known locally as the last one standing, Laz was inspired upon hearing about the 1977 escape of James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., from nearby Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. Ray covered only 8 miles after running 55 hours in the woods and Laz who was a great runner in his time said he could have done at least 100 miles and so the Barkley Marathon was born.

 

Billy and I had to record this episode twice due to the noise pollution from the first recording so thank you Billy for taking the time to do it again, I’ve added some of the original conversation to the end of this episode if your interested in hearing some of Billy’s other exploits just listen on.

 

It’s a difficult enough podcast as you can't really give too much away about the race so all things considering I think we done a good job on bringing the enormity of the race to podcast, I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Billy will always carry great memories of a special race and hopefully it will inspire someone else from Ireland to take on the challenge.

Podcast #61 Maghaberry High Security Prison Improves Inmates Wellbeing Through Couch to 5k

I was delighted to be invited into Maghaberry prison which is Northern Ireland’s high security facility to record a podcast with the staff and inmates who were taking part in a couch to 5k within the prison walls.

I took part in the 5k myself which was a great experience which consisted of 6 loops inside the prison, and had an opportunity to get to talk several people before and after the event.

You couldn’t help but get a strong sense that something really good was happening here, there is no doubt in my mind that this helps with engagement, relationship building, mental health and rehabilitation.

Most of you know the freedom that our sport brings us, in prison your body and mind can struggle being in a confined space, you have to question if this creates a path to a better life, but giving the inmates purpose and possibility might just create that slight change in direction which could lead to a totally different destination in life.

I was quite intrigued with the journey that everyone was taking during the challenge, we had staff helping inmates, inmates helping staff, and numerous personal journeys going on, I felt humbled by the experience and hope that many more prisons adopt a similar approach.

Hope you enjoy this interesting episode as much as I did....

Podcast #60 Laura Wylie Determination to Succeed, Injury, Friends and the European Championships

I have to say I don't think I've ever met anyone with as much determination as Laura, to rise to the top of your game in a very short period of time to have a horrendous training accident which left your sporting career in shatters to rise again and be selected to represent your country in the ETU Triathlon European Championships.

In this episode Laura discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how important it is to maintain a positive mindset no matter what your situation....keep focused on the things you can do, and good things will happen.

Podcast #59 Mark McKinstry Beginner to British and Ireland XC Masters Champion

Mark has too many wins to mention recently taking the Jimmy 10k title, The British and Irish Masters XC title, The Northern Ireland Seniors title, an amazing 30:48 in the Seeley Cup and a sub 15 in the recent Armagh 5k.

But that's only part of the story Mark only really took up running in 2012 when he thought it might be a good idea to run a marathon, he lost four stone and moved up through the ranks in a very short period of time to become one of Ireland's best club and International runners, in this podcast we hear how consistency is the key, truly is a great listen.