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I recorded this episode with James two days after he completed the very first Winter Wainwrights Round which entails 325 miles across the 214 Wainwright Peaks which has a mind blowing 36,000 metres of ascent. He was met with snow swept hills and strong winds, the severe winter conditions made this an even bigger achievement for James and his crew. And if that wasn't enough as I release this episode James is back out tackling the same course only months after his winter round, and is currently smashing it so I thought I'd better get this episode released before he finishes the round for a second time. Click here to enter the Excel Sports Seven Sisters Race Click here to join The Mourne Mountain Adventures Guided Tours Click here to join The Inspirational Runner Facebook Page  

We have a great episode for you this week with local lad 'Ireland' Graeme Black who finally gets to realise a dream as he takes part in the 2022 Barkley Marathon. Graeme is no stranger to the Frozen Head Park in Tennessee as he’d raced there in the Barkley Fall Classic however this time he returns to compete along side some of the worlds most inform Ultra Runners in the main Barkley Marathon event. I’m not going to introduce the race as I’m guessing you all know it by now, but if not check out the race that eats its young on Youtube where you’ll find some great footage on the race and more importantly race director Lazarus Lake. Click here to enter the Excel Sports Seven Sisters Race Click here to join The Mourne Mountain Adventures Guided Tours Click here to join The Inspirational Runner Facebook Page

Yesterday I had the pleasure of breaking down the latest Backyard event with the winner of the 2022 Castle Ward back yard Keith Russel who was taken to 37 loops by up and coming ultra runner Cathal McParland. Some you might be aware that we have had Keith on the podcast previously firstly for his amazing story with Alana that starting his running journey only 5 years ago which you can hear on episode #115, we had him back again last August for episode #147 where Keith completed 63 loops in the back yard. Both those episode go into how and why Keith started, and episode #147 brakes down his training fuel and nutrition. This episode was purely a chat about how the race went at the front and the back of the event, there seems to be a sense of normality returning to the race scene so why not check out Atlas Runnings next back yard which takes place on the 27th August at Florence Court.   Click here to find out more information on the Art O'Neill Challenge Click here to enter the Excel Sports Seven Sisters Race Click here to join The Mourne Mountain Adventures Guided Tours Click here to join The Inspirational Runner Facebook Page

A super Art O’Neill special this week featuring Ellen Vitting who was first lady home in the Art O'Neill Challenge in a great time of 7:05:18 just a couple of minutes ahead of second place, and Alastair Higgins who won the overal race in a pretty incredible time of 5:53:33. For those who haven’t heard of The Art O'Neill Challenge it is a unique event, organised by, and solely for the benefit of, Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team. Its 60km route retraces the historic escape from Dublin Castle that happened on January 6th, 1592. That night, Art O'Neill, his brother Henry, and Red Hugh O'Donnell broke out of the Castle and made for Glenmalure, to safety. On a freezing night the three made their way on foot and without the benefit of winter coats, having had to leave them in their cells. Henry and Hugh both made it to safety but sadly Art, for whom the Challenge is named, succumbed to hypothermia along the way. This win adds to a long line of great results for both Athletes Ellen won the 2021 National Adventure Race Series in Ireland and has a second place finish the Excel Sports Seven Sisters Ultra Race, and Alastair has an incredible 4th place finish in Spartathlon. Click here to find out more information on the Art O'Neill Challenge Click here to enter the Excel Sports Seven Sisters Race Click here to join The Mourne Mountain Adventures Guided Tours Click here to join The Inspirational Runner Facebook Page  

It’s been a couple of weeks since the last episode was released but the wait was worth it as we have a 2hr feature with the round machine himself Ross Jenkin, who earlier this year completed all four of the UKs infamous Mountain Rounds within the same week. The well known English Bob Graham, The Welsh Paddy Buckley, The Scottish Charlie Ramsay and our local N.Ireland Round The Denis Rankin. The challenge involved 152 summits, with 387km (240 miles) of challenging terrain with 31,800m (104,331ft) of ascent, and Ross amazingly completed the four @ forty challenge in less than 7 days which it quite astounding numbers add to the show notes if you’d like to take a look. Ross who has been a beacon of light for those struggling with mental health and depression completed the challenge for CALM  (Campaign Against Living Miserably), I’ve added a link in the show notes if anyone would like to donate for this increasingly important charity. THE BIG 4 AT 40 – OVERVIEW OF KEY DETAILS   Paddy Buckley Round (North Wales)I Distance: 98K + 8,534 meters of climbing I Time: 25:36:09   Denis Ranking Round (Northern Ireland) I Distance: 90K + 6,500 meters of climbing I Time: 23:02:49   Charlie Ramsay Round (Scotland) I Distance: 93K + 8,700 meters of climbing I Time: 29:07:43   Bob Graham Round (England) I Distance: 106K + 8,233 meters of climbing I Time: 32:59:51   Click here to donate to CALM Ross Jenkin Fundraiser Click here to enter the Seven Sisters Skyline Discount Code INSPIRE10

This week we have a local club runner who I have been watching with almost misbelief over the last couple of years as he has gone from strength to strength. Gareth King from Tandragee County Armagh who back in Aug this year not only become the National 100km champion, but he smashed the Northern Ireland record by 22 minutes in time of 7:12:30 seconds which was 6:49 pace. Gareth has only been into the ultra scene over the last few years starting his Marathon Journey I believe in 2010 where he ran an impressive 3:34 first marathon, like many his first venture was for a local charity the Royal Belfast Hospital for sick Children who support Gareth’s son after he underwent special surgery for a serious birth defect called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Little did Gareth now that was the start of a journey which would be lead him to breaking the Northern Ireland 100km record. PB Profile Park Run - 15:53 10k - 36:19 Half - 80:20 Marathon - 2:33:35 50k - 3:01:48 100k - 7:12:30 Links to some epic adventures!! We Run Wild NI website check it out: https://werunwildni.com/index.html Seven Sisters Skyline Excel Sports: https://excelsports.events/event/seven-sisters-skyline/ Mourne Mountain Adventures: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MourneMountainHikes

Once again we have the pleasure of Noel Hanna on the podcast, some of you will remember Noel from episode #51 where we unpack his adventure on the 135 mile Bad Water race across death valley, and his succesful summit of K2 the Savage Mountain amongst other crazy endurance accompishments. In this episode we discuss his recent winter attempt on K2 where the team of Sherpa's historically made the first summit of the savage mountain, we also unpack his 10th summit on Everest which was an amazing achievement and one that not many world explorers carry on their CV. Great to have Noel back on the podcast, he's local to the Mourne Mountains where I spend most of my time these days. If your interested in speding a guided hike in the Mournes with myself please check out the attached facebook page and contact me via messenger. Mourne Mountain Adventures Link https://www.facebook.com/groups/MourneMountainHikes Seven Sisters Skyline Link (promo code Inspire10) Seven Sisters Skyline 2022 (njuko.net)

It's hard to know where to begin with Liz Canty, an immense rugby player who changed direction and ended up on rat jaw, what more can be said.... Liz really hasn't held back in any way or form, starting on the road and moving to the trails she has gone from strength to strength racing numerous 50k to 100 mile races and although realtively new to the sport she has already raced in some of trail runnings most iconic events such as Western State, The Barkley, CCC, and has had early success on races such as the Barkley Falls Classic the list goes on and on so just click the link below and check out her Ultrasign up list.... Liz Canty UltraSignup Link Here is link to the registration of the Seven Sisters for those interested in a 55k Classic across the Mountains of Donegal. Seven Sisters Skyline 15th May 2022  

Epic episode with Irish Backyard record holder Keith Russell who ran an amazing 63 loops back in May during the Atlas Running event in N.Ireland. Last week he competed in the 100k Anglo Celtic Plate gracing his first Irish International vest which was a very proud moment for the relatively new ultra runner. In this episode we break down how to isolate your weaknesses and focus on those areas that can pull you out of a long endurance event such as Last one Standing, Mindset, Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition, Weaknesses, the holisitic approach to a successful performance. Keith hasn’t been long in the sport and had a very touching introduction so if you haven’t heard Keith and Alana’s story make sure you check out episode #115.

What a treat we have for you this week with one of Ultra Runnings most interesting runners Vajin Armstrong, not only has he podiumed some of the worlds toughest races but he brings with him a different dimension into the sport.   A follower of the Indian Spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy creator of the Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence race in New York, Vajin lives a life of peace and harmony through his meditation practices which he uses to great benefit as he is able to transcend into a flow state whilst running. Vajin won the NZ Kepler challenge 3 consecutive years in a row and has achieved a 17:50 in the Western State, he has numerous running acalades but his mindset in running and life in general is what makes Vajin such an interesting person to listen to.

We have a very interesting guest this week, Dr. Rebecca Robinson. Sports and Exercise Medical Consultant who has represented GB in the marathon distance gracing a 2hr 36min pb, along with a 33min 09sec 10k, she is also an absolutely awesome mountain runner winning team gold with GB in 2015. In this episode we unpack RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) the effects it can have on the body, the signs, and the preventative actions you can take to be more aware of the condition to ensure you reach your optimal energy level when needed the most. Clinic link for CHHP REDS clinic with Rebecca. - @rjprobinson - [email protected]   Facebook Groups Mourne Mountain Adventures | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheInspirationalRunner 

I can’t believe we have been absent for almost four months I'd just like to thank everyone for their continued support, and who better to start off with than fellow club mate Slieve Gullion Runners Paddy Hamilton who at his first attempt in the world of ultra smashed the field to take first place in the 100km Race to the Stones. Paddy is more commonly seen pushing the front in 5ks and 10ks, and he took on the race to the stones to gain some valuable learning for his up and coming Marathon Des Sables. Crossing the line in first place in his first Ultra race demonstrates how much potential Paddy has and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Paddy as continues down the path of pain in the world of ultra running. Paddy is running the MDS to raise much need funds for the hospice, if you’d like to support Paddy why not click on the link in the show notes and give a small donation I’m sure all donations will be greatly received. Donation Link - Idonate.ie/TeamMorganRun Race to the Stones Paddy's Short Film - https://youtu.be/J8aSd5N7XYA Mourne Mountain Adventures Link - (11) Mourne Mountain Adventures | Facebook Insta Link - www.instagram.com/mourne.mountain.adventures