Shoe Secrets & Paris Marathon Magic with Ian O'Brien

Middle of the Pack Mailbag — Heart, Gut, Mind & Race-Day Secrets

Episode 49 of the Middle of the Pack podcast — a mailbag special answering listener questions about why the show exists, marathon training tips (with a focus on gut and nutrition), race-day mistakes, and favorite gear. Padraig shares practical advice on fuelling long runs, evening-race strategies, the challenges of producing a weekly podcast, and encouragement for runners of all levels to keep showing up. EMAIL MOTPIRE@GMAIL.COM

Why Those Shorts Matter: Karen Twomey’s Guide to Women’s Running Gear

In episode 48 of The Middle of the Pack, Karen Twomey talks running shorts, pacing the Cork City Marathon 10K, and her personal race superstitions. She shares favorite shorts (Lululemon Wonder Trains, Nike Swift), advice on sizing to avoid ride-up, storage options like pockets and belts, and quick fixes for chafing and phone carry. This episode mixes practical gear tips with Karen’s pacing highlights and personal stories, giving listeners useful recommendations for training and race day comfort.   KIPRUN HYDRATION FLASK-CARRYING RUNNING BELT - BLACK Tight shorts - Lululemon Wunder-Train with pockets   Baggy shorts with tight under layer - Nike Swift Dri-Fit   Baggy Shorts with no tight under layer - Lululemon Shake It Out High Rise Short, Lululemon Hotty-Hot Shorts or Nike Running Tempo Dri-Fit   USA Pro Seamless Longline Cycling Shorts Womens superstition race shorts   Advice - I always size up and get the longer length options!

Shoe Secrets & Paris Marathon Magic with Ian O'Brien

Episode 47 of The Middle of the Pack features Ian O'Brien recounting his Paris Marathon experience, how he manages his running shoes (including buying and selling on Vinted), and answering listener questions about must-have shoes, carbon plates, toe problems, and versatile trainers. Ian shares his top shoe picks, race stories, and practical tips for fitting, sizing, and choosing the right running footwear.   Email MOTPIRE@gmail.com

Running Through Life: Mary Sweeney on Community, Resilience and Kindness

Episode 46 of The Middle of the Pack features Mary Sweeney reflecting on a lifetime of running — from childhood sprints to dozens of marathons, parkrun camaraderie, and running through illness and loss. Mary shares personal stories about training, fueling, shoes, and the deep sense of community that keeps her coming back to the road. This short, honest chat highlights running as both sport and therapy, celebrating resilience, kindness, and the simple joys of post-run coffee, cakes and shared memories.

From Parkrun to 120km: Laura Garrigan’s 24-Hour 5K Challenge

Episode 45 of the Middle of the Pack podcast features Laura Garrigan sharing her running journey — from starting at parkrun in 2023 to completing 10Ks, a sub-4hr Dublin Marathon, the Trasna relay and a 24-hour fundraiser where she runs 5K every hour for the Samaritans. Laura discusses training, fueling, shoe rotation and community support, and listeners can follow her progress and donate via her Instagram @laws_fitness. Email motpire@gmail.com