Episodes
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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 with your training? Let us know [email protected]
Sonia’s 10 Mile Training Plan For Week 5
M - Rest, Recover
T - 50-60 mins easy run, include some hills if you can
W - Rest Day or Cross Train
Cycle / Swim / Gym whatever you like
Th - Warm up 10 mins 4 × 100m Strides
10-12 × 1 min fast (90% effort)
1 min jog between each fast min
10 mins easy cool down
Fri - Day off or Bike / Gym / Swim 40-60 mins
Sat - Easy 30-45 mins, if you come across a hill run up it 5 times for 30 seconds, easy walk/jog back down
Sunday - Up to 90 mins long run, very easy
(Get the full plan and explanation at www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad plus a further 40 mins in this episode)
Don't forget that the The Road To Cobh Irishman Running Abroad are proudly sponsored by Whoop! 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.com/ie/en/IrishmanAbroad/
New Balance have provided the whole squad with shoes and training apparel. Thanks to New Balance - why not check out their range at a New Balance store or stockist today.
Catch me on tour across the world in 2025 with the new standup show “In Bits” www.jigser.com/gigs - we just added dates in Chicago, Wexford and Dublin.
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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.com/ie/en/IrishmanAbroad/
Your training plan from Sonia for this week is as follows:
Mon: Rest Day
Tues: Easy Run 30-50mins
Wed: Stay active / cross train 30-45mins
Thurs: Session Day: (15mins running warmup followed by 4x100m at 80%) 4-6 repeats of 3mins running at your threshold/10mile pace. 1 min jog walk in between. (Afterwards 15mins cool down)
Fri: Rest day
Sat: Easy run 30mins or cross training
Sun: Long run of 80 - 90mins with the last 15-20mins at a noticeably quicker pace.
Pop over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad to hear an ad free extended version of the shower each week. This week Sonia goes back in time to the 1992 Olympics and attempts to answer some of the trickier nutrition questions on the race day difficulties you’ve been having.
Jarlath is coming to America and Australia. See his standup show In Bits live www.jigser.com/gigs
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Episodes manquant?
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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 Abroad are proudly sponsored by Whoop! 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.com/ie/en/IrishmanAbroad/
New Balance have provided the whole squad with shoes and training apparel. Thanks to New Balance - why not check out their range at a New Balance store or stockist today.
Catch Jarlath on tour across the world in 2025 with his new standup show “In Bits” www.jigser.com/gigs
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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 [email protected]
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! 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.com/ie/en/IrishmanAbroad/
New Balance have provided the whole squad with shoes and training apparel. Thanks New Balance - why not check out their range at a New Balance store or stockist today.
Don’t forget the 2025 edition of the Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10 is on Sunday the 6th of April this year and it’s not too late to sign up.
They've got live music played by local musicians along the course, much sought after merchandise, medals galore, plus loads of goodies from sponsors SPAR and EUROSPAR. And of course, there is the finisher's mug for all who cross the line, lovingly designed by Ballymore Cobh AC artist-in-residence, Ruth Phelan.
All race bibs are posted out in advance, so you can just park up (or grab the train from Cork) and rock up at the start line. It's fully chip timed too, so just jump into whatever corral feels right for you.
At €29.95, it's pretty good bang for your buck!
Entries are via Eventmaster or via the Cobh 10 Facebook page.
https://eventmaster.ie/event/6Zz3hEpT5G/AEG5TzGS6
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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 fitness. The data will be invaluable in helping them stay fresh, avoid over training and injury in the next 10 weeks. If you would like to try Whoop for free on us simply go to join.whoop.com/IrishmanAbroad
Today Sonia explains why the first week calls for restraint and good time management. Finding the sweet spots in your normal routine where you can truly enjoy the runs is the key. Here's what week 1's plan looks like. You should start this next Monday February 10th.
Week 1 - Sonia's Training Plan #RoadtToCobh 2025
Mon. - Rest Day
Tues. - 40-60mins Easy Running/Walking As Needed
Wed. - Rest Day
Thurs. 40-60mins Easy Running
Fri.- Rest Day
Sat. - 30-45mins Run/Walk or Cross Training
Sun. - 50-75 mins (Most important run of the week. Where you start with this will depend on your current fitness level.)
Special thanks to our kit provider New Balance. They will provide training and race day gear for the whole squad in the coming weeks. Why not head down to one of their outlets or the Rub Hub and start experiencing what the team will be wearing on race day.
(For bonus content, deeper training insights from Sonia and special updates sign up on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad)
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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 while there is still space. We are busy preparing the up-coming season and lots more for you. Hopefully see you at a comedy show between now and then. Email [email protected] to contact us at any time. Visit https://eventmaster.ie/event/6Zz3hEpT5G to sign up for the Cobh 10 or come see Jarlath live www.jigser.com/gigs
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Would you like to be coached by Sonia O'Sullivan? As Jarlath Regan can tell you, it is life changing. Today on the podcast Sonia and Jar sit down to reflect on the crazy 4 year journey of this podcast and the new direction it is taking with it in 2025. The podcast is focusing the series on various hand picked races throughout the year and inviting you to join a squad coached by the GOAT herself. The first of which will be Sonia's very own race: The Cobh 10 Miler in April 2025. Now is your chance to be considered for the squad. Submit your story and entry to [email protected] today. Squad members will receive a tailor-made weekly program from Sonia, free entry to the race, of course the stunning Irishman Running Abroad singlet and of course, the chance to meet and run with Sonia in her home town.
Listen to the episode to hear all about the big new plan for the coming year. Both Sonia and Jarlath are really excited to take the show in this direction and you can enjoy a heap of extra content including the Sonia's previous training plans for 5km, half and full marathons by joining up on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad
Jarlath heading for Boston on Friday. Follow him on Strava or drop us a line if you'd like to join him at the Boston Parkrun there on Saturday morning. For more info and tour dates visit www.jigser.com
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Not too long ago Sonia was crossing the finish line to win her first ever marathon in Dublin. Now with only a couple of weeks to go to the 2024 edition of the race, the GOAT looks back and tries to bust some myths surrounding the fabled race. Having died on heartbreak hill last year Jarlath pitches in a few of his own observations and tips. When there's too much information and even more hot takes, it can be hard to gain clarity on what absolutely needs to be done before race day. Thankfully Sonia is here to help. Click here to access Sonia's training plans and XL episode of the podcast www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad or email us on [email protected]
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Has your progressed stalled? Are your race times flattening out? A training plateau is common and very normal even for elite athletes. Fresh off the plane from her latest trip abroad for the Sisterly retreat in Portugal, Sonia O’Sullivan advises comedian Jarlath Regan on the best way to mix things up. Changing our approach to keep our training challenging and fun is the key. Sonia has the knowledge you need to get to that PB and keep the craic in your running. An extended version of this episode is available on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad - this week Jarlath gets Sonia’s best running book recommendations and together they bust a few masters training myths. [email protected]
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Sonia O’Sullivan provides her Ten Commandments for achieving your best long run with the help of comedian Jarlath Regan. The greatest Irish track athlete of all time explains the importance of a longer run and how to get the most out of it. First we hear about her travels with her athletes at the top track meets around Europe. Why not become a member this week and gain access to exclusive content and bonus episode. www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad or come see Jarlath live www.jigser.com/gigs
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Motivation is not a constant. How do we grow it, regain it and survive its loss. Sonia O'Sullivan talks to comedian Jarlath Regan about the one thing your smart watch can't measure. There's no magical science to staying up but we can lean into certain habits when the going gets tough and the bed feels comfy. For an even deeper dive into this topic and every topic, come over to Patreon to become a member. Members get hours of bonus content and other benefits each week. www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad To contact the show email [email protected] - Jarlath's tour has been extended yet again. www.jigser.com/gigs
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Sonia O'Sullivan sits down with Jarlath Regan to discuss the highest highs and the lowest lows of the Paris Olympics. She was trackside to watch her daughter Sophie take part in her first games and working for RTE covering the rest of the events. Ireland broke new ground and the team captured the nation's heart but what were her standout moments without the green tinted glasses? Jarlath heads to Galway to take part in the 38th Streets Of Galway 8km road race and we get athletics journalist Cathal Dennehy on the line to take an even closer look at this stellar 18 days of sport. Contact the show - email [email protected] or pop over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad to become a member and hear the full episode each week. For live shows and more information visit www.jigser.com today.
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Jarlath Regan is joined by athletics writer and commentator Cathal Dennehy to get a preview of the track and field events at the Paris Olympics. He gives his predictions, medal hopes, dark horses and much much more. Sonia O'Sullivan is deep in the preparations with her daughter Sophie so Jarlath is flying solo this week. It gives him the chance to visit Darndale's 200th Parkrun. He meets some of our listeners and tests his legs after weeks of injury setbacks.Enjoy members benefits including extra podcasts, content and series www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad www.jigse.com/gigs for tour dates and more.
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What should every runner have in their grocery cart every week without fail? If temptation is an issue for you, having Sonia’s shopping list to keep you on the straight and narrow, it might be the difference between a diet PB and a DNF. This week she opens her cupboards and lets us see what’s inside. What foods will always work for a runner trying to fuel while on holidays or on business. Sonia has been getting this side of training right for years. Let her share her tips, tricks and dietary life hacks with you in the one of a kind episode. Email [email protected] For more chat, craic and access to the full list of groceries recon’s Sonia just click here www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad
For tour dates and more info www.jigser.com/gigs
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The Irish National Athletics Championships are here, it's drizzling outside and Sonia O'Sullivan is back in the country. It must be summer! Jarlath Regan and Sonia O'Sullivan look back on the biggest weekend at Morten Stadium, the rise and rise of Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Mark English's dominance, the crowds, the craic and Sophie O'Sullivan's journey to a national championship. We also get Sonia's top tips on how to avoid a summer holiday slump in your training, the best sessions to increase your motivation to run and her memories from Barcelona 1992.For the full XL episode just click here www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad or come see Jarlath live on tour www.jigser.com/irishmanabroad
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Running your fastest 5km isn’t all about running more. As Sonia explains in today’s episode, it has just as much to do with what you do when you’re not running. Without proper recovery methods nobody gets faster. Jarlath quizzes the GOAT on what works best, drops into a Vinny Mulvey 5km Camp to get his opinion and asks Cathal Dennehy what a recovery run looked like when he visited Kipchoge’s home in Kenya. We also look back at the European championships in Rome and ahead to the Paris Olympics. Hear the full conversation and get Sonia’s weekly training plans over on Patreon. Email the show? [email protected]
See Jarlath live. He is on tour right now! View dates here.
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You asks Sonia O’Sullivan answers. The mailbag is open and no topic is left uncovered. How to train for a mile, how to recover, how to breathe, how to negotiate peri menopause, how to run back to back marathons, the best supplement right now and does she ever think about that Olympic gold that got away. Download the full episode on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and use Sonia’s discount code SONIA20 at https://sisterlylab.com to get a discount on their great range of products.
Email the show [email protected]
Or come see Jar live www.jigser.com/gigs
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Sitting down for prolonged periods is bad for everyone especially runners. For a lot of us it is unavoidable and likely to cause an injury like the one Jarlath suffered before the London Marathon. This week with the help of Sonia and Vinny Mulvey, he invested in some simple exercises to offset the impact of all that sitting making podcasts! These simple techniques could help you improve your form, avoid injury and get strong fast. Vinny Mulvey goes a bit deeper over on Patreon in the extended cut of the podcast. We find out what marginal gains can be found in making small changes to your lifestyle. www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad
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Whatever your target over the 5 kilometre distance, Sonia has the advice to get you there. Today we start the process of helping Jarlath and the listeners get their 5k experience to where they want it to be. What’s the key to setting the right goal? Why won’t one particular thing get you there? Now is the time to join in and have fun getting faster. Sonia and Jar chat through the common mistakes and keys to week one of this process. Inspired by the Irish relay success of Cillin Greene, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr, Sophie Becker, Phil Healy, and Sharlene Mawdsley in qualifying for the Paris Olympics Games, Sonia talks about passing through baton, her own team memories and more. We even get some coffee advice as Jar reveals how shoddy his bean game is versus Sonia. You’ll need the extra advice contained in the XL version of this episode over on www.patreon.com/irishmanaborad - Email the show [email protected]
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Run the 2024 TCS London City Marathon alongside Jarlath Regan, Sonia O'Sullivan, Vinny Mulvey and 50,000 amazing humans raising more than 1 billion pounds for charities and causes. Hear all the sounds of this massive event and let Jarlath take you inside the turmoil that unfolds at 38km. This year he was running for Kidney Care UK. If you can, please support him and the work this amazing charity does each year to help people suffering with kidney disease and related illnesses https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jarlath-regan You can also come and see Jarlath in person. He is on tour all over the UK, Ireland and America www.jigser.com/gigs
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