From Iron Maiden to Ironman

Sean Conway, of Fear the Turtle Triathlon Coaching, looks back over his epic triathlon charity challenges over the years. Sean has recently escaped from Alcatraz and dodged the sharks in San Francisco Bay but was certainly in a few A&E Departments before he found triathlon! 32 sprint triathlons in a row, the longest triathlon in Ireland and a marathon swim effort all discussed in this action-packe...

Micky reviews the 2026 Sheephaven 70.3 with age group winners (Oliver Harkin and Joe Hand) and podium finishers (Conor Maguire and Helen Perry). We get great insight into the top racers perspective on this epic event and discuss the mystical lure of the Donegal hills that brings us back to test our mettle year after year! Sponsored by: www.veloyelo.com www.feartheturtletricoaching.com www.vitalize...

Paulo Ross looks back on his journey to the Ironman red carpet in Austria! Cross Fit, Paddle-boarding the Channel and conquering the Seven Peaks Challenge have all stood Paulo in good stead to take on the 140.6 of swim, bike and run. This might be the first full distance triathlon of many as Paulo embraces stronger self confidence, physical strength and mental resilience. Follow Paulo’s journey: w...

Micky talks to first timer Marty Loughran who completed Lanza as his first 140.6; we find out how Lars Ronning managed on his quest to qualify for Kona and Chris Wild hits the podium on his 20th attempt at his beloved “home” event. Video version on YouTube. Sponsored by: www.veloyelo.com www.feartheturtletricoaching.com www.vitalizeomagh.com Conway Cycles Omagh: 07435 768015

We catch up on 2 previous guests to see how they got on in future events discussed in the past. Finbarr McCann recalls the journey to the Omagh Half Marathon and is eyeing up para-triathlon and we chat with Gary Rea about his epic adventure in the Sahara Desert and the gruelling Marathon Des Sables! Sponsored by: www.veloyelo.com www.feartheturtletricoaching.com www.vitalizeomagh.com Conway Cycles...

Coach Steve Moody shares his journey from schoolboy rugby player to seasoned triathlete. Steve’s love for triathlon and his subsequent calling to coaching is evident with this passionate, energetic and enthusiastic discussion with Micky. To access Coach Steve’s catalogue of triathlon resources check out his website and YouTube Channel: https://www.smartendurancesolutions.com YouTube @CoachSteveMoo...

Following a freak accident that ultimately resulted in a below the knee amputation, Nicola Doran found herself drawn to sea to escape her pain and to feel free. Nicola found her therapy, her strength and redefined herself as a World Record breaking ice swimmer. A powerful testimony to the importance of mindset and overcoming life changing obstacles, Nicola has shown herself, her son and the World...

After covering the entire length of Ireland on foot, Fergal O’Donnell looks back at the triathlons, the marathons, the ultras, the double Ironman and the tens of thousands he has raised for charity, that all cemented his belief and pushed his curiosity to smash every endurance event he has tackled to date. Amazing and inspirational listening! Follow Fergal’s journey at: https://www.instagram.com/f...

Endurance Stu is the inspirational Instagram reincarnation of Stuart Helm that celebrates resilience, determination, grit and just showing up no matter what. But things weren’t always this way for Stuart as he discusses the journey from boozing with the boys to conquering Ironman’s full distance triathlon. A zero to hero story that demonstrates to us all that if you want something bad enough you w...

Lyndsey Blair is many things - a Mum of 3, a multiple Ironman finisher, previous Team GB age group Triathlete and an Endurance Ocean Swimmer, but her most impressive attribute is her mindset. Self belief, discipline, pushing boundaries and inspiring her family and friends, Lyndsey discusses her experiences of long distance Triathlon, X-Tri, Channel swims, Arch to Arc and much more in an action-pac...

A chancy bet on a golfing trip sparked an unlikely journey into the world of endurance events for Belfast Boy, Gary Rea. Gary shares his journey through several Ironman events and how this has installed a self belief and resilience to prepare for the iconic Marthon Des Sables 2026! Gary, at 62, is out to inspire others and reminds us all that age is just a number! A witty and light-hearted discuss...

Becky Varnouse recounts how signing up for a charity 10km started a journey that would result in her completing x2 full distance Ironman triathlons in Barcelona and Portugal. Micky and Becky consider the advantages of a triathlon coach, the mental health benefits of Tri-training and the magical feeling of both the start line and the finish line of Ironman. Becky’s infectious enthusiasm is well wor...

April Yoho recounts her journey into triathlon and discusses the inspiring people and challenging circumstances that pushes her forward. Having completed multiple Half Distance triathlons and 5 full Ironmans, April is no stranger to endurance. Women’s health, dealing with bereavement, mental fortitude and encountering bears on the cycle are all covered in this action-packed episode! April’s blog:...

Andrew McCormick looks back on the journey that took him to Ironman Frankfurt and on to Ironman Wales, where an chat about an old yellow delivery van sparked a business idea that became Velo Yelo. Velo Yelo are a logistics company that will pick up your fully assembled bike anywhere in Ireland or UK and transport it to and from events all over Europe taking all the stress and worry out of your tri...

Micky Doherty shares his powerful, moving and emotional journey from the dark days of the Troubles in Derry, his suffering with bullying, mental health and addictions to a new found confidence and self belief in the world of fitness and triathlon! Now that Micky is on point and has taken the power back, there is nothing he cannot achieve and he has Ironman in his sights! Follow his journey on Inst...

A quick look back over the year with a few extracts from some of the guests of 2025. Check out https://vitalizeomagh.com/ for those vitamin boosters and infusions as mentioned, and thanks to them for sponsoring the podcast in 2025. See you all in 2026…. 🤘🏼

Gerard Turbitt is the man to beat in Ireland in the 70+ age group category! There isn’t a multi sport National Title or gold medal that Gerard hasn’t won! Gerard has represented Ireland many times and has qualified and competed in Ironman 70.3 and 140.6 in Kona. Top tips, great memories and the importance of consistency expertly covered during this relaxed and open discussion.

Danish athlete Lars Ronning shares his 20 year endurance journey documenting his triathlons, ultra marathons and extreme events across the world. Completing Ironman Lanzarote on his 40th birthday to completing a 400km Trail ultra on his 60th with some brutal tests of endurance and resilience in between! Lars exemplifies the epitome of preparation, dogged determination and proves without doubt that...

Kieran reignites Micky’s scuba memories as he recounts his journey into endurance sport. From obstacle course racing, to marathons, ultras to triathlons, Ironman to 3 in a row - all steps along the way to completing 5 full distance triathlons in 5 consecutive days! A great sport, great craic and a great listen! I don’t think this is the last we’ll hear of Kieran…

Paul McCormac exemplifies the power of determination, discipline and resilience in his pursuit of life experiences! Kung Fu, karate, kick boxing, mountain running, marathons and triathlon are no match for Paul’s will to live life to the fullest. A family man, a physio , a fighter, a coach and a campaigner for justice, there is no stopping this powerhouse! To follow the journey or to book an appoin...

Keith Williams speaks openly and honestly about a time when he was not content within himself and so he made a decision to make some changes. Signing up to an Ironman event was the catalyst that saw Keith redefine himself physically and mentally and push him to finish 11 full distance triathlons and complete multiple ultra marathons. This guy even went swimming on a skateboard- you couldn’t make i...

Stevie McKenna recounts the thrills (and too many spills) from his cycling years, before finding running, swimming and eventually triathlon, leading him to the red carpet at Ironman Copenhagen earlier this year! An inspiring account of resilience and dogged determination from whom we can all learn lessons.

Fresh off the back of his fantastic Ironman World Championship performance, OTC’s Conor Maguire reflects on his journey to becoming the NI & Ulster record holder for long distance triathlon. Conor recounts the podiums, the rivalries and teasing that he uses to fuel his drive for perfection. From going on a 5km run with Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden to racing against them at the Ironman Worl...

Chris Wild shares his experiences of over 20 years of Ironman racing! Micky gets to know the guy under the black cowboy hat that turns up every year to take on the mighty Ironman Lanzarote. Chris reflects on his epic triathlon career, discussing crashes, rock concerts and World Championship Qualifications. This guy went from Ironman to Iron Maiden!!! Buckle up and enjoy the journey! 🤘🏼 Follow Ch...

Omagh Triathlon Club finished Ironman Copenhagen in 5th place thanks to the individual performances of 16 triathletes that crossed the coveted red carpet on the 17th August! Jude Harkin, Padraig McDermott, Stevie McKenna and the new NI record holder, Conor Maguire, reflect on their Danish delight - Carlsberg don’t do triathlon clubs but if they did it would be OTC!