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

In this episode, we’re joined by Colin Thomas — an avid runner, deeply respected coach, and someone who has spent a lifetime immersed in the sport he loves. Colin has coached and advised runners of every level, from complete beginners to elite Kenyan athletes, and his perspective on running is as grounded as it is inspiring.

Colin shares what sets Kenyan runners apart beyond raw talent — their mindset, simplicity, motivation, and deep connection to running and themselves. Drawing on over 10 years of travelling to Kenya, he reflects on what he’s learned from coaching there, how it’s shaped his own philosophy, and why many of the most powerful lessons are surprisingly transferable to everyday runners.

We talk about consistency over complexity, the value of loving the process, and how running can give far more than it takes when approached the right way. Colin also opens up about how fortunate he feels to make a living from the sport that’s given him purpose, perspective, and community.

This is a thoughtful, uplifting conversation for runners of all abilities — whether you’re chasing your first 5k, a marathon goal, or simply a deeper appreciation for why you run.

Read Colin's book on all things Kenya

Running on the red dust: A firsthand insight into the creation of the world's best athletes from Kenya: Amazon.co.uk: Thomas, Colin: 9798740401096: Books

If you have a story to tell contact:

YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com

What if one run could change everything?

After recently moving to a new town and feeling disconnected, my guest Camila Melo was looking for more than just fitness. When she couldn’t find a running club that worked for her, she took a brave step and created her own—built on core beliefs: everyone belongs and no one finishes last.

What began as a small group has grown into a powerful community of over 400 runners, united not just by miles, but by friendship, accountability, laughter, and shared experience. In this episode, she opens up about how running became a gateway to connection, how community changed her life, and how showing up for others taught her more than she ever expected—about herself and about people.

This is a story about courage, belonging, and the quiet power of running together. A reminder that running doesn’t just move our bodies—it can build communities and change lives.

If you have a story you'd like to tell email:

YourRaceOrMineIreland@gmail.com

@kmfcoachingireland

If you love running but crave a new edge, this episode is for you. We’re joined by Kieran Lillis, former Laois intercounty football captain, who shares how stepping away from intercounty football in 2024 led him to the intense, hybrid challenge of HYROX.

Kieran explains what HYROX is for anyone hearing about it for the first time—and why it’s proving so addictive for endurance athletes. Combining running with functional strength, it demands fitness, pacing, and mental toughness in equal measure.

As a high-performance coach, Kieran understands training—but HYROX has pushed him into unfamiliar territory, testing his resilience and forcing him to adapt. We explore how runners can benefit from this kind of challenge, what it teaches about suffering well, and why Kieran keeps coming back despite being pushed to his absolute limits.

A must-listen for runners curious about hybrid racing, performance mindset, and finding a new challenge when one chapter ends.

In this episode, I sit down with health and nutrition coach Yvonne Hudson, who shares her powerful journey from a 24-year corporate career to building a purpose-driven business on her own terms.

Yvonne is passionate about nutrition, running, and realistic habit change—and she’s refreshingly honest about what actually works. We talk incremental gains, food variety, planning, and accountability, and why small, consistent actions matter far more than quick fixes.

Her perspective on food goes beyond fuel or restriction; she sees it as an investment in long-term health, performance, and quality of life. This conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone looking to make sustainable changes without perfection or pressure.

A thoughtful, motivating episode for runners, busy professionals, and anyone ready to rethink their relationship with food and health.

Show notes:

Smart Carb Loading for Marathon Day: Evidence Based Strategies to Maximise Glycogen & Performance | Optimise Your Health

Behind every run is a “why” and a story waiting to be told.

I can help you tell it.

Email: YourRaceOrMine@gmail.com

D.M. @kmfcoachingireland

Call: 083 486 7090

Please follow to be notified of the latest episodes