In this episode of the Any Given Run Day podcast, mountain and trail runner Zak Hanna (@zakhanna on Instagram) shares his journey from cycling to becoming a competitive mountain runner at the highest level. He discusses his experiences in various international competitions, the challenges of downhill running, and the importance of mindset and training in harsh conditions.

Zak reflects on his achievements, including his fifth-place finish in the World Mountain Running Championships, and emphasises the significance of enjoying the journey as an athlete. He also shares insights on training strategies, injury prevention, and his future goals.

07:00 Introduction to Zak Hanna & The Journey to Trail Running
11:34 Transition from Cycling to Running
16:07 First Experiences in Competitive Running
19:03 The Challenge of Downhill Running
25:07 Mindset in Extreme Sports
26:11 Training Consistency in Winter
28:11 Running with a Canine Companion
31:59 The Joy of Running with Dogs
32:34 Training Locations: From Kenya to Italy
35:16 Becoming 5th in the World in Thailand
41:59 Celebrating Achievements and Future Goals
46:19 Training Strategies and Injury Prevention
51:20 Upcoming Races and more

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@anygivenrundaypodcast

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In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Paul Pollock (@ppmarathon on Instagram) shares his journey from a junior runner to becoming an Olympian and elite marathoner. He discusses the challenges of injuries, the transition from shorter distances to marathons, winning the National Championships in 2012 and the impact of training with elite athletes. Paul also delves into his unique approach to training, including the role of cycling in his preparation, and reflects on his experiences at the World Championships, the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and training in the NN Running Team alongside some of the top runners in the world. As a coach, he emphasises the importance of individualised training and building a strong foundation for marathon success.

18:00 We welcome Paul Pollock to the AGR podcast
22:03 Injuries and Comebacks: The Road to the Marathon
24:25 Transitioning from 5k to the Marathon Distance and winning the national Championships
36:14 World Championships and Olympic Dreams
42:38 Training with the Elite: Insights from the NN Running Team
44:27 The Impact of Cycling on Marathon Training
54:14 Navigating Injuries: The Achilles Experience
57:29 Tokyo 2020: A Unique Olympic Experience
63:12 Coaching Philosophy: Individualised Training for Success

You can follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast

You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store

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The second half of 2025 brought a different kind of energy to Any Given Runday from race-day nerves and strategies, post marathon blues and pitfalls, big challenges, and honest conversations about what really goes into endurance sport.

From first time marathoners to elite athletes, to caffeine, strength work, climbing the tallest peaks in the world, and ballsy strategies to endurance challenges, this episode captures some the lessons and the craic on the podcast from July through December.

Whether you’re deep in winter training, recovering from a big year, or already eyeing your next start line, this Best Of is a reminder that progress doesn’t come from one perfect session, it comes from showing up, learning, and staying curious.

Thanks again for making 2025 our biggest year yet. This one’s for the runners, the thinkers, and the ones still figuring it out.

2:01 Anne & Jamie on what to expect on Dublin Marathon morning

5:49 The Fantastic 4, with Cliodhna on signing up for her first ever marathon

10:46 Rob Dwyer, who does lane swimming on a Monday

11:15 Niamh Culhane on caffeine and performance: benefits, timing, and pitfalls

18:50 Learning about The Speed Project and the lads’ ballsy approach to it

25:55 Sarah Kelly on why women’s training is different and how research lagged behind on purpose

34:10 Mick Fox’s Dublin Marathon approach from our first-ever YouTube Live episode

38:55 Kevin English with post marathon advice most runners ignore

45:51 Will Boyle on the turning point that started his running journey

55:37 Enda Kilgallon breaks down the strength exercises runners should actually be doing

63:24 Andy Nolan on why Denali was the hardest peak he’s climbed so far

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkout

PerformNutrition.com

This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online store

Ultrapurelabs.ie