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

What does it really take to stand behind the finish line?

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Conroy, co-founder of Pop Up Races, to explore the journey behind one of Ireland’s most recognisable race timing companies.

Brian shares how he went from working as a chartered accountant to building a business rooted in the running community — what that transition felt like, the risks involved, and how an idea slowly grew into something much bigger.

We talk about the reality behind race day — the early starts, the pressure, the moving parts — and what it takes to deliver events for thousands of runners across the country.

But this conversation is just as much about Brian the runner. Coming to running later in life after a background in rugby, he reflects on the races that shaped him, the progression from his first 10K to marathons and Ironman, and what the sport has given him beyond the finish line.

It’s a story about change, resilience, and perspective — and what you learn when you spend enough time watching people cross the line.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Noel McCarron reflects on a life shaped not just by running, but by the people and communities it brought him to.

At the heart of this episode is Noel’s involvement with the Special Olympics and his role in bringing the World Games to Ireland in 2003. He shares the story behind what it took to make that happen, offering a rare glimpse into the dedication, challenges, and belief that drove it forward—and it demonstrates his understanding of inclusion and connection, particularly with people with disabilities.

We also explore a different side of running through Noel’s involvement with the Brew Jogg running group and the friendships and sense of belonging it has given him in later life. As he reflects on turning 70 and marking that milestone in his own unique way, the conversation opens into something wider—about identity, purpose, and what it means to stay connected to the sport across a lifetime.

Thoughtful and deeply human, this episode is less about results and more about meaning—about the miles, the moments, and everything in between

Please follow this podcast and share with those who might be interested.

If you or someone you know has a story that should be told, email YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we sit down with Noel McCarron to explore an incredible running journey that began in the most unexpected way. Growing up in Letterkenny with little interest in sport, Noel’s path changed when an inspirational teacher from Tennessee arrived at his school and sparked something that would shape the rest of his life.

From those early days, Noel went on to achieve remarkable success—progressing from a complete beginner to winning U23 national medals and earning a scholarship to the United States. He reflects on his development as a runner in a different era, sharing insights into the training, competition, and culture of the sport then compared to today.

We also explore his early competitive years over shorter distances, the challenges and breakthroughs along the way, and the personal highs and lows that shaped both his running and his life.

This episode closes at a pivotal moment, as Noel steps into a new chapter—becoming a father—setting the stage for Part 2, where the story continues with his stellar work with Special Olympics Ireland and other marginalised people in society, and personal reflections on a event-filled life that shows no sign of slowing down

If you or someone you know has a story that should be told, email: YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com

Chris Drysdale is a 2:35 marathon runner. Experienced. Disciplined. Used to pushing through discomfort and coming out stronger.

But last year in Berlin, something was different.

Coming into the race unwell, he made the decision to start anyway. What followed wasn’t a personal best or a breakthrough performance — it was a battle simply to finish. A day when the body didn’t cooperate. A day when toughness met its limits.

In this episode of Your Race or Mine, we talk about what happens when the thing that has always carried you forward suddenly pushes back. We explore ambition, identity, stubbornness, resilience — and the fine line between strength and self-sabotage.

What does it mean when the body says no?
What does finishing mean when it costs you more than you expected?
And how do you rebuild your relationship with running after a day like that?

This is a conversation about perspective, maturity, and learning to listen — even when everything in you wants to keep pushing.

Because sometimes the most important race isn’t against the clock… it’s against yourself.

When Cheryl Auret started running for the first time, she wasn’t chasing medals or finish lines—she was chasing a different life.

At 53, living in Co. Offaly, Cheryl’s running journey began not on a track, but on a treadmill in her shed, and a decision to change. Supported by her family and a community who believed in her before she fully believed in herself, she lost over 70lbs and gained something far greater — confidence, control, and freedom.

In February 2025, she took another brave step to start, showing up, even when it felt hard. Slowly, she became what she once thought she wasn’t — a runner.

Joining her local athletic club transformed everything. No labels. No judgment. Just belonging. Since then, she’s crossed 5K finish lines, improved her parkrun times, completed multiple mini-marathons, and set personal bests that once felt impossible.

But Cheryl’s biggest victories aren’t measured in minutes.

They’re measured in stronger mental health, pain-free movement, better sleep, more energy, deeper confidence — and the quiet pride of becoming someone she’s proud to be.

With the Dublin City Half Marathon and the possibility of future marathons in her sights, Cheryl’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late, never too far gone, and never too small a start.

This is a conversation about courage, community, and what can happen when you simply decide to begin.

If you have a story to share, contact me on YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com