From Iron Maiden to Ironman

Part 1 of 2: Omagh Triathlon Club members reflect on the Club’s participation over the years in Full Distance Triathlons, culminating with an amazing 18 triathletes taking on Ironman Copenhagen on 17/08/25! Statistical and tactical analysis, race preparations and training updates are all discussed with contributions from Gerard Turbitt, Lucy McDermott, Damian O’Hagan, Sean Gillespie and Shane McGa...

Stephen Chisholm was, at one time, a 19.5 stone rugby bruiser competing at a high level. Whilst his teammates seen him as happy and confident, on the inside Stephen wasn’t happy with himself so he decided to make some changes. Stephen lost weight and changed position on the field until a nasty injury put off the pitch for good. Stephen found triathlon and escalated his training reaching red carpet...

Ambrose Duggan discusses his Ironman Journey with Micky, reflecting on lessons learned from early DNFs, the importance of consistency and smart training. As the Westmeath Ironman heads off to hopefully complete his 10th 140.6, Ambrose talks about his love for the brand, the finish lines, the merch and the lifestyle that now defines him. Follow The journey or reach out to Ambrose for advice or coac...

Micky catches up with @mrexplosivejoseph to see if he tamed the 140.6 Welsh Dragon; @karlefarquhar fondly remembers his 52 triathlons in 52 weeks! We find out if @bareathletecoaching completed her 2 day desert ultra event in Morroco, and the episode ends with an update on @one_blokes_journey with Ian Moffit. You might want to listen to this epic feature length episode in 4 sittings!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼...

Micky reflects on the highs and lows before, during and after Ironman Lanzarote, a course and an event that lived up to the hype! Ironman number 2 is in the bag! Micky’s Book and training plan: https://amzn.eu/d/iYwNapW

Chris Gilroy talks passionately about his VO2 Max testing business and how this scientific data can be used to bring your athletic performance to the next level. From Rock Guitarist to mountain Ultra Runner, Chris has an applied knowledge and understanding when it comes to training the mind and body for strength, speed and endurance. A fascinating and informative discussion, well worth considering...

Sports Psychologist Benny McDevitt joins Micky 3 weeks out from Ironman Lanzarote to help him harness the power of visualisation and equip him with other psychological strategies to overcome obstacles to reach that coveted finish line. To take your sporting performance r to the next level get in touch with Benny: https://www.instagram.com/benny.fit_ https://www.facebook.com/benny.mcdevitt Micky’s...

Chloe McCombe is already smashing 2025 with back to back international podiums including World Cup Gold! Irish world number 3 has raced all over the world and represented her country in the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024. Chloe is a visually impaired athlete but has never let this stop her from excelling in sport. A great sport, a great athlete and a great inspiration! F...

With 33 days to go to Ironman Lanzarote, Micky reflects on his training so far, what is left to do and his hopes and plans for the big day in Puerto del Carmen on May 17th.

When Lucy Owen was diagnosed with a rare type of Leukaemia that will never leave her she decided that she would stand up and take control of her life and that’s exactly what she did. With a revived warrior spirit, Lucy is a formidable force whose iron mindset has seen her complete everything she has put her mind to. Marathons, OCR, Ultra, Ironman. A great sport and strong lady who continues to ris...

Paralympic partners Judith MacCombe and Eimear Nicholls talk through their phenomenal triathlon journey culminating in 2024 when they raced at the Paris Paralympics, the European Championships and World Championships! You think triathlon is hard enough - try doing it tethered to another athlete! These ladies are on route to becoming the best in the world in their field 🤘🏼 www.instagram.com/judit...

Adam Ward has taken the local Irish triathlon scene by storm in the last 2 years, claiming podiums at Sprint, Olympic and 70.3 distances! Adam has transferred his experience, skill and strengths from his youth and U23 cycling success, added in running and swimming and is now competing in triathlon at the highest level locally. Adam trains hard and races harder as he strives to become the best tria...

Keith Murphy looks back on his unbelievable journey from Leukaemia to Ironman! When life throws curveballs Keith Murphy is unstoppable - a shining example of positivity, resilience and sheer determination to keep on fighting. Keith’s mind-blowing struggles over the years puts our little moans into perspective in this epic episode of a man’s will to overcome adversity. https://www.justgiving.com/pa...

Mick Fox discusses his journey from a schoolboy runner to chasing down dream times in the marathon 30 years later. Mick reflects on times gone by when life got in the way and the running took a back seat, leading to unhealthy habits and a weight gain of 30kg! Resilience, determination, discipline and a will to change saw Mick get back on track to become one of the best marathon runners in his age...

Gemma Skeath completed her first ever 140.6 Ironman in Lanzarote in 2024 after overcoming a significant spinal injury that required months and months of intense rehab and physio. Finishing 4th in her AG also gave Gemma a golden ticket to the World Championships in Nice! A hard working, bubbly, energetic and enthusiastic athlete, Gemma epitomises the fairytale that triathlon can bring to our lives....

Ann-Marie McGlynn reflects on a glorious running career from picking up her first underage X Country medal at 13 to defending her Dublin Marathon Title for 2 years on the hop in 2024 and backing that up with an All-Ireland XC Victory! A journey from racetracks across Ireland and UK to running roads across Europe draped in the Green of Ireland. Ann-Marie is the epitome of consistency, a master of m...

Micky and Dessie chat and laugh their way through Dessie’s inspirational journey from motorsports, canoeing and skiing to running, cycling and triathlon! Hilarious memories from the 70s, and times gone by, up to the present where Dessie and his family bond together through their shared love of the outdoors. Pour yourself a cuppa, crack open the chocolate digestives, sit back and enjoy … Micky’s bo...

In a festive edition, released on Xmas eve ‘24, Oliver Harkin recounts the stand out moments in his “12 Irons of Christmas”. Top tips, funny tales, weird, wonderful and unexpected injuries are all covered in this quick fire recap of over 10 years of long distance competition. A great sport and a great guy, Oliver can be contacted for triathlon coaching here: https://www.instagram.com/primedcoachin...

Micky opens up to Sports Psychologist Benny McDevitt and explores aspects of his mindset, his fears of slipping back into old ways and pondering the power of visualisation and imposter syndrome. An explorative insight into the consultative approach and application of sports psychology. Benny is available for individual and group consults to support you or your team/club maximise their potential. h...

Gerard Coyle talks about his transformative journey from being overweight at 21 stone to finishing Ironman Barcelona! Fed up watching from the sidelines, Gerard opted for a surgery that would assist with weight loss to enable him to get active. Walking, became running, followed then by cycling, and swimming eventually added the final ingredient for him to contemplate triathlon - the rest is histor...

Niall Heaney talks to Micky about how he got into running when his footballing days came to an end. His running adventures have seen Niall complete many marathons, ultras and endurance events over the years while raising money for worthy charities and providing a positive role model for his children to emulate. Great memories of “Ireland’s Fittest Family” and recollections about the Seven Sisters...

Lorcan Healy looks back on his glory days of triathlon, mixing with the big boys and shaking things up amongst the pros, culminating in a prestigious European Podium place at 70.3! Lorcan never shied away from competition and in his own words “the harder the better”! Lorcan continues to push his own limits at trail and ultra running as well as smashing hilly gravel bike events for fun. A great guy...

Ian Moffit looks back on his journey that has taken him through many tough times over the years. Ian has overcome loss and grief, battled and beaten depression, addiction and obesity and completed Ironman Barcelona on his first season in triathlon! A great example of resilience and positive forward thinking continues to burn a fire in Ian that is sure to see him conquer many more epic challenges t...

Ber Carton recounts her journey that took her from a genuine fear of open water swimming to competing in Ironman World Championships. Ber talks openly about survivors guilt following a cycling tragedy that took the life of her friend on the road and how she got herself back in the saddle. From events in the blistering desert heat to the chilly Atlantic shores of Ireland, nothing can stop Ber’s wil...

Mark Farquhar shares his journey from 19 stone rugby player to lean Ironman veteran! Mark recalls the early days of obstacle racing and his tentative first steps into triathlon as an absolute beginner barely able to swim to completing multiple full distance triathlons and qualifying for world championships both at 140.6 and 70.3!A remarkable and inspiring journey that has equipped him with ample e...