Middle of the Pack Podcast

@middleofthepackpodcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Middle of the Pack Podcast, Celebrating Everyday Runners and your go-to source for all things running! Padraig shares His & His guests running journeys, revealing the ups and downs of training, racing, and balancing life as middle-of-the-pack non-elite runners. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, this podcast offers practical tips, honest gear reviews, and engaging conversations with fellow runners chasing progress, not perfection.

  1. Take me to the ALTAR — Building a Better Fuel With Conor O'Keeffe

    2D AGO

    Take me to the ALTAR — Building a Better Fuel With Conor O'Keeffe

    Episode 29 features Conor O'Keeffe, founder of Altar Nutrition, sharing his running journey from boxing to ultra-distance challenges — including running 32 marathons in 32 days — and how persistent gut issues inspired him to create a better endurance fuel. Conor explains how he developed "speed dust," how to build carbohydrate tolerance, practical pre-fuel and race-day strategies, and uses cases like carb loading and on-course fueling for marathons, ultras, and field sports. Listeners will get actionable tips on pacing nutrition, increasing carbohydrate intake safely, and where to find Altar Nutrition for more guidance.

    37 min
  2. From Parkruns to Cork County Finals: Enda Kiernan’s Story

    FEB 11

    From Parkruns to Cork County Finals: Enda Kiernan’s Story

    In episode 28 of the Middle of the Pack podcast, guest Enda Kiernan shares his running journey from school athletics and Mullingar Harriers to helping launch the first Parkrun outside Dublin in Macroom. He discusses the people who influenced him, his commitment to volunteering, and how running shaped his coaching and role with Cork under‑20s and club football. Enda also talks practical topics like warm‑ups, speed work, nutrition (including Speed Dust/Alter Nutrition), and the strong crossover between athletics and Gaelic football. The episode highlights the value of community, mentorship and giving back to sport.

    29 min
  3. NegativeSplit: Building an Irish Running Brand

    FEB 4

    NegativeSplit: Building an Irish Running Brand

    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).

    30 min
  4. Running a Marathon in Wellies: Laura’s Muddy Mission for Charity 'Unique'

    JAN 28

    Running a Marathon in Wellies: Laura’s Muddy Mission for Charity 'Unique'

    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

    31 min
  5. From Youghal to NYC: Ann O’Neill’s 79-Marathon Journey

    JAN 21

    From Youghal to NYC: Ann O’Neill’s 79-Marathon Journey

    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.

    31 min
  6. From Dyspraxia to Marathons: Conor Friel’s Running Journey

    JAN 14

    From Dyspraxia to Marathons: Conor Friel’s 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.

    29 min
  7. The Cranky Coach: Run Smarter with Kieran McKeown

    JAN 7

    The Cranky Coach: Run Smarter with Kieran McKeown

    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.

    30 min
  8. 2025 in the Rearview: Quiet Victories & Running On

    12/31/2025

    2025 in the Rearview: Quiet Victories & Running On

    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...

    30 min
See All (29)

About

The Middle of the Pack Podcast, Celebrating Everyday Runners and your go-to source for all things running! Padraig shares His & His guests running journeys, revealing the ups and downs of training, racing, and balancing life as middle-of-the-pack non-elite runners. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, this podcast offers practical tips, honest gear reviews, and engaging conversations with fellow runners chasing progress, not perfection.

Information

  • Creator
    @middleofthepackpodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Middle of the Pack Podcast

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