An Irishman Abroad

Running is simple. Finding the right gear is not. Let the legend Sonia O’Sullivan help you with the essentials you’ll need to take your running up a level. From the home gym to the sock game, this episode has it all and a free training plan from the GOAT herself. It’s less than 3 weeks to Sonia’s 10 Mile Road Race in Cobh and the training is ramping up. We get the week 7 plan fully explained and hear from her handpicked squad on the subjects of injury, compression leggings, superstition, shoe rotation, gels and storage. Week 7 Training Plan (Be sure to adjust this to your paces and training level) Mon - Recovery Day Tues - Easy long run 60-80 mins. Include 6x 100m strides This can be uphill if you can, doesn’t need to be a steep hill. Wed - Cross train or 30-45 mins easy run Thurs - 10-15 mins jog warm-up 10-12 x 1 min @ 5-10 km pace 1 min easy jog 10-15 mins easy jog warm down Fri - Day off or cross train 40-60 mins easy Sat - 30-45 mins easy run Sun - Long run 90 mins steady pace throughout. Include 15-20 m

Did Democrats just do Donald Trump the biggest favour ever by helping avoid a government shut down? Marion McKeone has another theory. This week as a St Patrick's Weekend Special we are giving you the entire unabridged episode of Irishman in America. It seems only right given that this is the week when every American feels Irish and our Taoiseach visited the Oval Office. With everyone asking "how did he do", a few things have been missed - including the used car lot on the front lawn. In the meantime Ukraine is being pummelled and very few are paying attention. We get Marion's take on the latest peace talks and two brilliant book recommendations for your long weekend. Don't switch off, stay awake. Join us as a member to hear the full podcast each week. Just click here and you can sign up with no obligation for less than the price of a fancy sandwich. www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad  Join Jarlath live in America and Canada next month www.jigser.com/gigs - he's bringing his new standup show to New York, Boston,

As the newly crowned European Indoor Champion Sarah Healy admitted this week, running is mostly a mental challenge. That's as true for the elites battling each other at the highest level, as it is for us mortals battling to just get out the door and stick to the plan. In #week6 of the Road To Cobh Sonia O'Sullivan helps us with those nagging thoughts that prevent us from doing our best or running at all. We hear from her hand picked squad and look back on Healy's incredible win over the weekend. Is there a way to trick our minds into running when we don't feel like it? What should our mantra be when the going gets tough? Sonia has the answers. The Road To Cobh Irishman Running Abroad squad are proudly sponsored by Whoop! We want you to have one on us. WHOOP is a wearable health & fitness coach that provides you with feedback and actionable insights into your sleep, recovery, training, stress, and overall health, and empowers you to be the best version of yourself. The whole squad including Sonia is wearin

Right now a week can feel like a month in US politics. Donald Trump's booting of the Ukrainian President from the White House precipitated a dramatic series of domino events and only one person can sift through it, US correspondent and regular contributor to NPR, the BBC and RTE, Marion McKeone. There's a lot to pick through after a near trade war is averted, a state of the union address like no other, transgender mice, the Oscars and the suggestion that egg prices will go down in price if everyone starts rearing their own chickens. Find the full ad free hour long version of this week's episode on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad - support our show and gain access to hundreds of hours of interviews with the greatest Irish people ever to have lived. Jarlath's tour hits the USA and Canada next month and travels all around Ireland and UK in the coming months. Book your seat here www.jigser.com/gigs 

Everyone remembers the notorious O'Sullivan kick. That change of speed, ace up the sleeve that Sonia's rivals couldn't cope with. Well today on the show, for the very first time, the GOAT talks about how we can all build that kind of endurance, speed and mental toughness. We get right into the psychology of the kick and how we can actually train our brains to believe there is a reserve battery waiting to kick in on the last lap of whatever race we find ourselves in. Only Sonia has the answers and only her hand picked squad have the questions we all need answered. In this extra large patreon exclusive episode you get the lot including her explanation of that throw away chocolate comment from last week. If you want to go fast, this is the episode for you. Here is the plan for week 5 or the ten mile training plan Sonia has devised for us. Make sure to adjust it to your fitness level. For me that means the easy days are anything between 8km and 14km, and the long run for me is roughly 23km. How are you getting on

Powered by the WHOOP 4.0  wearable fitness coach, Ireland’s athletics queen Sonia O’Sullivan opens up her private notebooks from years of training to discuss how best to fuel our bodies for running. From water intake to balancing pre run carbs, this episode has everything you always wanted to ask but never could. Comedian Jarlath Regan has gathered questions from Sonia’s training squad. Today she answers them. Week 4 of her comprehensive 10 mile training plan starts this Monday and it’s not too late to join in. The Road To Cobh Irishman Running Abroad squad are proudly sponsored by Whoop! We want you to have one on us. WHOOP is a wearable health & fitness coach that provides you with feedback and actionable insights into your sleep, recovery, training, stress, and overall health, and empowers you to be the best version of yourself. The whole squad including Sonia is wearing one. Why not see for yourself what Whoop can do for you and your health/fitness. Have a 30 day free trial on us! ◦ https://join.whoop

The betrayal of Ukraine is how many observers have described it. The unthinkable swing behind Russia and North Korea has spun the world out and left leaders reeling. Today Marion examines the many layers of cowardice underneath this move and what might happen next. It’s another breathless episode of Irishman In America where we try to understand the many bizarre decisions this administration has made in the last 10 days. Including but not limited to mass firing of Federal workers via the email debacle, the banning of AP from the White House and the firing of General Brown. Is Donald mentally able for the job? He certainly is struggling with complex ideas. Marion digs into the Elon Musk popularity index and the fall of Tesla sales. To hear the full extended cut and Marion’s reflections on how Ireland will cope at the White House this St Patrick’s Day head over to www.Patreon.com/irishmanabroad   Jarlath is coming to America and Australia with his standup world tour. See the new tour dates and get early access

Training to take on and enjoy hills sounds impossible when you say it. Sonia O’Sullivan is here to tell you it is doable with some very simple principles. In this fun conversation with comedian Jarlath Regan she breaks down everything you need to know to become a stronger hill runner. This episode is the third in the series preparing listeners to take on the challenge of the very hilly 10 mile road race in Sonia’s hometown of Cobh. We hear from some of the listeners she has selected. How has their training been going and what are their questions about hills? Find out even more in the full extended cut over on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad   Sonia’s 10 Mile Training Plan For Week 3 Mon: Rest Tues: Easy 45-60mins Wed: Rest / Cross Train 45mins Thurs: 60mins (Finish fast at threshold pace for the last 10-15mins) Fri: Day Off or Easy 40/60mins Sat: Easy Run 30-45mins or Cross train at the same effort Sun: Long run 60-80mins walk if you need to - don’t run away from the hills! The Road To Cobh Irishman Running Ab

Running faster for longer requires one thing - aerobic base fitness. Irish athletics legend opens up about how to build it no matter what your running level. Her simple and straight forward, no nonsense advice is the guiding light for her hand picked training squad of listeners taking on the hills of Cobh on April 6th, 2025 in the Ballymore Cobh AC Sonia O’Sullivan 10 Mile Road Race. It’s not too late to join her wider training group. Each week her training plan will be posted with each episode and a deeper explanation can be found along with extra content on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad   Week 2’s training plan is below. Email the show if you have any questions irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com   Mon: Rest Day Tues: Easy 45mins to 1 hour Wed: Rest day or cross train for 30 to 45 mins Thurs: 40mins to 1 hour ( Adding in some strides 20 sec x 6) Fri: Day off / cross train Sat: Check fitness at local park run Sun: Long Run 50mins to 75mins The Road To Cobh Irishman Running Abroad are proudly sponsored by Whoop

Marion McKeone examines the latest news from America with the help of comedian Jarlath Regan. The image of Elon Musk and his booger eating child in the Oval Office is one that will last. How much of what he says can he actually do? The profound constitutional questions his cuts are raising will test US institutions. Are they up to it? From Gaza to Ukraine, mass deportations and Kendrick Lamar, there is no stone left unturned in this week’s episode. Pop over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad  to hear the full conversation ad free and start enjoying all of the Irishman Abroad podcast network. While it’s very hard to laugh, we have to try. Why not come and see Jarlath on tour in 2025! www.jigser.com/gigs 

The hardest part of any training plan is week one. Sonia O'Sullivan is going to help you take that first step on the days when you don't feel like it. The Cobh 10 takes place on April 6th 2025 and the GOAT herself is here to guide you week to week through a training plan she has devised. It's easy to follow and it's going to be a lot of fun - no matter what your current running capacity. Give it a go and come on the ride with us for Sonia's homecoming race with her original athletic club Ballymore Cobh AC. Over the last few months Sonia has been pulling her hair out trying to decide which listeners should join her squad for this training block. From hundreds of entries she has made her selection and today we get to hear from them for the first time. Thanks to our sponsor Whoop Sonia will be able to keep an eye on everyone's progress. Whoop have come on board for this limited series and provided each member of the group with a Whoop to help them track their training efforts, stress, recovery, sleep and overall

Steve Bannon calls it "flooding the zone". There's too many stories to chase, too many bananas ideas for the media to examine, question and cover. The temptation is to tap out. In this first month of whack-a-mole political and economic chaos Marion McKeone has been trying to figure out which stories deserve your attention and which stories are a distraction tactic. From the new tariffs on Canada to the new use of Guantanamo Bay, Jarlath works through the news of the week and Marion breaks the key points down as only she can. To hear a deeper discussion of the u-turned federal spending freeze, the Rep. Andy Ogles constitutional amendment designed to give Trump a third term, the Kennedy hearing and a big new development in the January 6th blanket pardons - come over to Patreon and start enjoying the extended cut of this podcast each week. www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad 

Are you struggling to understand what is happening in America this week? Washington Correspondent Marion McKeone breaks down the executive orders, pardons, name changes and salutes with the help of comedian Jarlath Regan. For a further, deeper look at how Elon Musk’s first week in the White House went, pop over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad - Email the show irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com or come see Jarlath’s new standup show live and in person www.jigser.com/gigs 

Marion McKeone chats to comedian Jarlath Regan about the week in US politics including Pete Hegarty’s car crash Senate interview. While the California wild fires rage the Biden administration seems to have secured a reprieve from the mass killing and bombings in Israel and Gaza. Can the peace last? Marion tells us what the Washington insiders are saying. What can we expect from the first hundred days of the new Trump administration? Marion predicts who will get fired first while Jarlath wonders will golf and health become an issue. In the double size Patreon episode we also hear about some of the contenders including A Complete Unknown. Can little Timmy swoop in and steal Adrian Brody’s thunder?   Visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad to access the full episode and hundreds of great interviews with the likes of Paul Mescal, Sharon Horgan and Ronan O’Gara. Email the show irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com  Come and see Jarlath live! www.jigser.com/gigs 

Marion McKeone examines the year that was 2024 and names her biggest winners and losers of the year. A year defined by war, violence, political turmoil and upheaval has produced more memorable moments than one podcast can fit. Jarlath and Marion do their level best to sift through them all and recap the news from the past two weeks. Happy holidays to all our listeners across the world. Here’s to a better 2025! Email the show, irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com or come see Jarlath’s new standup show “In Bits” on tour in 2025. www.jigser.com/gigs - To access the full episode and the entire catalogue of content go to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad 

Has President Biden done the one thing that could really upset Republicans into making his retirement hell? This week the pardoning Hunter Biden sent the GOP into a spiral while the skeletons emerged from the Hegseth closet. Marion McKeone sifts through the biggest news stories and the possible return of shy Ronnie Desantis! We also get her movie picks of the year and the new fragrance from the house of Trump. Email us on irishmanabraodpodcast@gmail.com  / Come see Jarlath's new standup show live www.jigser.com/gigs  or watch Jarlath's new standup special right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCqZ2zYXtNg 

Entries are open for the 2025 Ballymore Cobh AC Sonia O'Sullivan 10 Mile Road Race. In case you missed our last episode, this race will be the focus of the podcast from February 1st to April 6th. Sonia talks to me to today about the tricky process of sifting through all your entries for her squad. Since announcing the plan to pick 20 listeners to be coached by the GOAT herself for her home-coming dance race we have been inundated with your emails. It's fantastic to see but it is taking some time to find the exact right fit for the team. Rest assured you will know if you've made the squad by Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, Sonia gives me her top tips for staying on your fitness track over the holiday season. She also reflects on her weekend in Valencia and what Christmas used to look like back in her days at the top od world athletics. If you are not interested in being part of Sonia's personal team for the Cobh 10, why not just join the rest of the gang heading down. Spots are very limited so get on it now

The people have spoken. American has chosen its next President. Was this an "unwinnable" race for Harris? What does it reveal about America? Should pollsters just resign and go work in a supermarket somewhere in Wisconsin? Is there a celebrity in shining armour who can rescue the Democrats from themselves? How will this selection affect Ukraine and Gaza? Marion McKeone and Jarlath Regan reflect on what the hell just happened. Hear the full ad free episode and much more at www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad 

It’s squeaky bum time for America. Marion McKeone looks back on the past week of hateful rallies, botched messages and urgent pleas. What have been the biggest turning points in this incendiary election? And what does it take to move the needle in the final few days. Jarlath has had his feet on US soil this week as he tours his standup show through several states. What is he hearing on the ground and does it match up with what Marion has seen on the campaign trail?   Hear the full conversation and all the up-coming Irishman In America election podcast by visiting www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad - it takes a few clicks to sign up and there’s no obligation, cancel any time you like.   Come see Jarlath live on tour this coming year. www.jigser.com/gigs or email the show irishmanabraodpodcast@gmail.com

Unprecedented is a word that gets thrown around too much in relation to this election but when the military suddenly start getting involved in flagging one of the candidates as a fascist, that fits the bill. John Kelly’s comments and various pieces in the New York Times  this week would have sunk a candidate in any other era. Today it seems meaningless to Republicans who don’t mind supporting a self confessed fan of Hitler. Marion McKeone examines the latest developments form the campaign trail including Tucker Carlson’s spanking fantasy, Elon Musk’s election interference, threats against Jack Smith and the political scientist Matt McWilliams who predicted America’s gravitational pull towards an authoritarian leader back in 2015.   To get the full conversation and a heap of bonus content visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad or come see Jarlath on tour www.jigser.com/gigs   Email the show irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com