Prof. Barry Smyth - Running with Data

Today’s guest is no stranger to extremes. Meet Daragh Morgan — adventure athlete, endurance junkie, and open sea swimmer with a serious love for the wild waters around Ireland.From triathlons to 100km ultra runs, Daragh’s racked up an awe-inspiring list of challenges: swimming Galway Bay not once, but three times, running from Mizen to Malin — 625 kilometers on foot — and cycling hundreds of kilometers across the country. And that’s just scratching the surface.But in Summer 2025, he’s taking it to a whole new level. Daragh will attempt the first-ever tidal-assisted stage swim around the entire island of Ireland — a never-before-done feat that could land him in the Guinness World Records.Fueled by a daily dip in the Atlantic and a mission to protect Ireland’s oceans, Daragh’s story is about grit, purpose, and the power of water to move us — literally and figuratively.  The Project is called Swim Ére and you can find more information on www.swimeire.ie

In June 2023, Jason Williamson set a record by running the length of Ireland on 'The Ireland Way' in just 14 days, 9 hours, 26 minutes, and 23 seconds.Originally from Australia, Jason now lives in Co. Cork, Ireland. He was a cross-country runner in school, but life took him away from running. In his 40s, he decided to reconnect with his passion and push his limits.As he approaches his 50th birthday in September 2025, Jason is preparing for his biggest challenge yet—running a 4,000km ultra-marathon across Australia.Join us as we explore Jason's inspiring journey of resilience and transformation. Stay tuned!  Contact:[email protected] / Threads @jasonwilliamsonultraLinkedin

Sorcha Loughnane's progress has been remarkable over the last few years. Since her first Marathon she has gone on to represent Ireland in the 50Km European Championships finishing 6th in a time of 3:26:46. She has won the 50Km National Championship title twice and currently holds the Irish National 50Km Record with a time of 3:18:04. This time is also a World Age Group Best performance for O45. She bettered the previous Record of 3:20:33 which Sorcha already held.She has won a few long distance Trail Races outright and recently finished 2nd in the Maurice Mullins Ultra to earn a place on the Irish Team competing in the European Off Road Running Championships 2024 in Annecy, France.Sorcha is also a talented Marathon Runner and finished 3rd in the Irish National Championships 2023.I could go on but would prefer if you'd have a listen and let Sorcha tell you the rest.Outlier: a statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sampleSorcha Loughnane - The Anglo Celtic Plate

In this episode I'm joined by Barry Loftus, a recent finisher of the Marathon des Sables, a 250Km Stage Race in the Sahara Desert. The MdS is a race that has always been popular with runners from Ireland and it's one that I get asked a lot of questions about. My knowledge of the race is fading and I used this opportunity to ask questions that help with anyone planning to take on this or any other similar event. We talk about the training, the kit selection, what to expect when over there and how to prepare for your return. Barry has also recently published a book that documents his journey to the start line and then his experience in the Desert. Instagram @strandfitness.ie Buy the Book. Velcro Service for Desert Gaiters Trans Sahara Marathon Episode Hoka Speedgoat

Laois boasts some of the most scenic hiking and running trails in Ireland. It offers a diverse range of routes for all experience levels, making it a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In this episode of No Finish Line I'm joined once again by Ellie Berry of Tough Soles. Ellie has walked all of the Waymarked Trails of Ireland and she speaks fondly of her experiences in the Slieve Blooms and surrounding area. The scenic trails of County Laois are accessible all year round. Whether you are looking for an invigorating winter run or a calming summer stroll, Laois has a trail to suit your every needs. Visitors to the county can choose from a range of trails that cater to different preferences. The challenging Glendineoregan Loop takes runners through the Slieve Bloom Mountains, while walkers can enjoy the picturesque Glenbarrow Loop with its stunning views. However, Laois offers more than just hiking. Visitors can explore its many cycling options, from Mountain Bike Trails to designated road cycling loops. Its golf courses are also second to none, and there's a growing network of kayaking and canoe clubs opening throughout the county. And after a day on the trails, walkers can indulge in Laois's vibrant food scene. From gourmet restaurants to charming local coffee shops, there's a wealth of culinary delights to refuel with. Visitors will find a variety of exciting activities, beautiful views, historical riches, and friendly people – all just an hour away from Dublin. Visit laoistourism.ie to plan your next adventure.  You can also visit the The Slieve Blooms.

Carla Molinaro is a record breaking ultrarunner, adventurer and running coach. Carla has represented Great Britain at the 50Km & 100Km World Championships and in 2023 she won the IAU 50Km World Championships while also leading the Great Britain Women's Team to Team Gold. She has also earned two Gold Medal's at Comrades (the oldest and largest ultra marathon in the world) and set a World Record for running the length of Great Britain, a distance of 1,327km. Carla completed the distance in an incredible time of 12 days, 30 minutes and 14 seconds! In this interview we talk about the Ultra Running mindset and staying true to yourself. https://www.carlamolinaro.com/about A FEW ACHIEVEMENTS... 1st - 50 km World Championships (2023) 3rd - Comrades Marathon (2023) 3rd Two Oceans Ultra (2023) 1st - Gun Run 21km (2023) 1st - Redhill Marathon (2023) Course Record LEJOG World Record (2020) 1327km in 12 days 30 mins and 14 secs 1st + Course Record Capital to Country Ultra (2020) 69km Gold Medal 9th Comrades Ultra Marathon (2018) 90km To be contined ............ #ultrarunning #hoka #worldchampion

Wayne Spies is an Australian International Ultrarunner. He is famed for his serial participation in South Africa’s iconic Comrades Marathon. What's more, for a man who never showed much athletic talent during his formative years, his achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that he broke three-time champion and Olympian Vladimir Kotov's 11-year-old Masters record of 05:48:12 on his way to stopping the clock in 05:42:00. I caught up with Wayne at the IAU 50Km World Championships 2023 in Hyderabad, India. We had a very insightful talk about Ultra Running including the training, racing and most importantly the recovery. Wayne places a lot of emphasis on the recovery part of the training. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed the talking. If you enjoy this or any of the recent podcasts then please consider leaving a review or sharing. Thanks, John Instagram @johnoregan777

You may not have given much thought to your Marathon Recovery but in this episode we talk about why you should plan beyond that finishers medal. Matthew Collins is an Irish International Ultra Runner and seasoned Marathon Runner with over 40 quality Marathons completed with the past 10 years. He has gone from a 3:20 finish to his most recent sub 2:30 in the Dublin Marathon 2023. He shares the lessons he has learned while on this journey and he talks about how he managed with some planning and a changed mindset to eventually achieve his goal of running under 2 hours 30 mins. Matthew shares his thoughts on mindset and recovery both physical and mental. We hope you enjoy this episode.

Professional data analyst Prof Barry Smyth, has tapped into the deep reserves of marathon data available online. His findings identify the common pitfalls that derail so many recreational runners – and the best ways to avoid them. In this episode we discus some of his findings. This episode will be of benefit to runners of all distances Prof. Barry Smyth on Medium Twitter

Alex O'Shea has paced Marathons in Cork, Longford, Waterford, Wexford and London with times ranging from 3hrs to 3:30. Alex shares his experience and offers advice to anyone planning to run a Marathon. Alex has a Marathon PB of 2:34:23 and in 2018 he set himself a challenge of running 32 Marathons within 16 days. I've asked a few questions based on my own experience of Marathon Pacing which dates back to 2006 when I was asked to run with the Runners World Magazine Pacing Team for the London Marathon. I went on to Pace London every year until 2015 and was also one of the first Dublin Marathon Pacers. In 2022 I again Paced London (3:30) with a Sports Travel Agency from Los Angeles. #marathon #dublinmarathon #marathonpacing #ultrarunning