Your Race or Mine

18th - From “I Can’t Believe This Is My Life” to “I Can’t Believe This Is My Life”

One sentence, 5 years, completely different meaning. What does it mean to become a “real runner”? And why do so many of us still feel like imposters, even when the evidence says otherwise? In this deeply honest and uplifting conversation, Mairead Hogan joins Your Race or Mine to talk about discovering running in her forties at a difficult moment in her life, finding confidence through community, and building a life around friendship, movement and joy. Mairéad shares the story of nervously walking into Dunboyne Running Club for the first time, believing she wasn’t a “real runner” — before going on to win national medals across distances from 5K to marathon. But this episode is about far more than medals or PBs. We talk about: * The unique suffering and beauty of cross-country racing, * Balancing training with work and motherhood, * Marathon mentality and post-race wheelchair requests, * Why club running creates such powerful bonds, * Injury fears, imposter syndrome and longevity, * and the importance of doing something for yourself. Mairéad speaks with huge warmth, humour and vulnerability about how running transformed not just her fitness, but her confidence, identity and happiness. This is a conversation about learning that it’s never too late to surprise yourself, and how one sentence, spoken 5 years apart in a different context, can have such a different and powerful meaning. If you or anyone you know has a story that should be told, email: YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com For Cross XC referenced, view from 3:34 https://youtu.be/5nHfRJVxL80

17th - All in: Addiction, Running & the Search for Peace

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 [https://www.pieta.ie/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] — 24/7 Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444. * Teac Tom [https://www.thethomashayestrust.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] — 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

16th - From Elite to Everyday: The Paul Robinson Story

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

15th - Equal But Not The Same: Women, Fitness & Real Life

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

14th - What Happens Behind the Finish Line: The Story of Pop Up Races with founder Brian Conroy

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.