Marathon Methods – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode we dive into the mindset and required mindfulness for marathon running, exploring the connection between mind and body to ensure that we can get the best from ourselves, when it matters most.

In this episode we explore how the analysis of big data through artificial intelligence can provide real practical insights that inform marathon training and performance with Professor Barry Smyth. In short, Barry can tell you what you need to do to get that coveted finish time and he can also predict the impact of hitting that snooze button several dark mornings in a row.

In this episode we host Tudor Moldovan, a running phenom with an impressive track record and known for his dedication and passion for the sport. Tudor has been making waves in the Irish running community with some remarkable training records and race performances.

In 2023, Tudor clinched victory at the Waterford Viking Marathon, finishing in an impressive time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 55 seconds and, not stopping there, went on to win the Achill Half Marathon just six days later, showcasing his incredible endurance and speed.

Tudor’s training regimen is off the charts, often sharing his intense sessions on platforms like Strava, where he consistently pushes his limits and is currently clocking 260kms per week!

Looking ahead, Tudor has some exciting race plans. He’s gearing up for the Dublin Marathon next month where he aims to set a new personal best. We will dive into this, and more, over the course of the discussion.

In this Episode, we have a very special guest, Andy Blow, the master of hydration and founder of the sports performance company Precision Fuel and Hydration. Andy is an expert in sports science and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to hydration and fueling strategies for marathon runners.

Andy has worked with countless athletes, from weekend warriors to elite professionals, helping them achieve their best performance on race day. Being somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of those two categories, Andy and team have personally helped me grind out a PB or two.  

We dive deep into the world of hydration – discussing everything from the basics to advanced strategies and sharing some stories along the way.

Here are some resources which Andy mentions over the course of the discussion, well worth digging into!

1. How to measure sweat rate
2. How much dehydration can you tolerate?
3. Book a free Fueling and Hydration Strategy Video Consultation to get your race nutrition questions answered
4. Link to auto-apply a 15% discount on your first order of F&H: https://visit.pfandh.com/marathonmethods

In this episode we have John Gaule, of John Gaule Nutrition, who provides specialized coaching for marathon runners with tailored advice to ensure peak performance.

John holds a master’s degree in food, nutrition & health and excels in preparing runners nutritionally to endure the distance.

He’s an accomplished triathlete and marathon runner, and with this understanding of the demands of marathon training and racing provides effective strategies for optimal fuelling for a marathon build and to maximize race day performance.

In this episode we have James McIlroy, the elite race director of the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, a race that in 2023, earned the title of ‘world’s second fastest half marathon’, while also clocking the fastest ever times for men and women in both the UK and Ireland!

Today we take a dive into the course profile, why this race has PB written all over it, the strength and depth of the elite field, and why, on Sunday 25th of August, we may just have a new half marathon world record!

We are just over 3 weeks out from one of the most epic and iconic races in Ireland, or dare I say, in the world! The Dingle Marathon and Half Marathon take place in Dingle, Co. Kerry, on Saturday the 7th of September!

Today’s episode is the Dingle Marathon special and we’re diving into the heart of Ireland’s running scene as we chat with Ken Dunne, Director of Titan Sports, who orchestrates this iconic event set against the stunning backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way.

We explore many facets of this race, including the ins and outs ups and downs of the race route, what it takes to organise a marathon, and what to expect on race day. Lets get stuck in!

In Episode 2 we have Jason Kehoe, a renowned Neuromuscular Therapist and Running Coach from JK Sports and Therapy Clinic.

Jason is a champion runner, having clinched titles like ‘Irish Mountain Running Champion’ and ‘King of the Mountains’ in 2015 and 2017.

Having a deep understanding of the demands of competitive running adds to Jason’s ability to specialize in treating all types of soft tissue injuries.

Jason is committed to helping marathon runners stay happy, healthy, and pain-free and in this episode we dive into his expert insights on injury prevention, recovery techniques, and the dreaded dry needling!

In this episode we ask the questions, where do you get your marathon training plan, and how do you know its right for you? This episode features, Eoin Flynn, who holds a personal best time of 2 hours and 25 minutes and has placed third at the National Marathon Championships in Dublin.

Together, we take a dive into the different planning approaches to marathon training, the good, the bad, and the ugly, lets get stuck in!

In this episode we dive into David's significant contributions as a pacer, notably pacing the elite women’s field in 2023 and again in the 2024 Dublin Marathon to a course record. David talks us through how he managed the pressure of keeping a perfect pace with elite athletes breathing down his neck and doing so in style!