They say running can become an addiction — but sometimes it becomes the thing that saves you from far more destructive ones.

My guest Cathal Quinn knows both sides of that reality.

For much of his life, Cathal battled inner demons that eventually brought him to the very edge. This conversation is an honest and deeply personal account of addiction, vulnerability, self-destruction, and the long road back when everything felt lost.

Cathal describes himself as someone who is always “all in” — a mindset that brought success in some areas of life, but also threatened to consume him completely.

What followed was a journey of rebuilding: physically, mentally and emotionally. Running became part of that recovery, alongside a determination to confront the darkest parts of himself with honesty and courage.

This is a raw, powerful and ultimately uplifting conversation about resilience, accountability, purpose and finding hope when you think there’s none left.

If you are affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, please reach out for support:

• Pieta — 24/7 Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
• Teac Tom — Community mental health and suicide prevention support services.

If you or anyone you know has a running story that should be told, contact:

YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Paul Robinson speaks for the first time since stepping away from elite athletics.

From running around Kilcock at just four years old, to running a mile in the South Pole, and everything in-between, Paul’s journey into running was built on passion, discipline, and consistency.

By 15, things became serious — setting him on a path toward becoming one of Ireland’s top middle-distance athletes.

In this episode, Paul reflects on what it truly takes to reach and stay at the elite level — the structure, the pressure, the sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of performance.

He shares the highs of competing on the international stage, but also the realities that come with it.

Most importantly, this conversation goes beyond the track. Paul opens up about what it felt like to step away from elite running, the loss of identity that can come with it, and the challenge of transitioning into “normal” life after years defined by the sport.

This is a story about more than running. It’s about purpose, identity, and what comes next when the thing that shaped you changes.

If you or someone you know has a running story that should be told, contact me at:

YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com

@KMFCoachingIreland

We often talk about equality in sports—and rightly so. But when it comes to running, fitness, and health, men and women don't face the same challenges.

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Ward from LWF Physiotherapy for a really honest and important conversation about what that actually means in real life.

We explore the importance of pelvic health, strength training, and taking a holistic approach to lifestyle—not just for performance, but for long-term health, confidence, and quality of life. We talk about what happens when these things are overlooked and the impact that can have physically, emotionally, and mentally for women.

We also dive into the barriers women face in sport, the lack of adequate postnatal care and information, and why so many women are left trying to figure things out on their own.

But it's not all frustration; there's real positivity too. Women are becoming more vocal, more informed, and less willing to accept things "as they've always been."

We also talk about how men can better support the women in their lives and why understanding—not just equality—is key.

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder of how crucial it is to seek out the right information and to take ownership of your health in a way that works for you.

Because when it comes to fitness and running, we might be equal, but we're not the same.

www.lwfphysio.ie

If you or someone you know has a running story that should be told, contact:

YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com

@KMFCoachingIreland