An Irishman Abroad

Meet The Squad - Week 1 Sonia's Cobh Training Plan Begins

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 )

Trump's Week 1 Rampage - Irishman In America

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 

Ceasefires, Wild Fires & The Hegseth Dumpster Fire - Irishman In America

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 

Pardon My Hegseth, The Hunter Biden Fallout & More

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 

The Road To Cobh Is Calling Your Name - Irishman Running Abroad

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 irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com 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 

He's Back - But At What Cost? - Irishman In America with Marion McKeone

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 

Get Coached By Sonia In 2025 - Irishman Running Abroad

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 irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com 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 tour dates and more info visit www.jigser.com 

Donald's Mental Decline & Harris Gloves Off - Irishman In America

Marion takes us out on the campaign trail this week where things got very weird very fast. We look back on a week of tough questions, town halls and challenging moments for both candidates. Rumours have swirled about Donald Trumps sudden mental decline this week. Could he be facing a Joe Biden-like decrease in capacity or is he just a bored entertainer becoming increasingly cranky with his old worn out material? Are the polls reliable or are they being conservative in their estimates? Marion takes out her crystal ball to answer the question, "What will he do if he loses?" Obviously, this time, he does not need to be shown from the building but will riots break out in swing states. One things is for sure the dialogue is changing or ramping up as the big day draws near. Hear some of the highlights in this week's episode and get in touch with your questions for Marion in the comments section or by emailing irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com & make sure to come over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabraod to hear the full conversation, support the show and more.
(Jarlath is off to America next week but not before he drops 3 more episodes for you. You can find him this weekend in Dundalk at the Spirit Store and next weekend at The Shubert Theatre in Boston. Tickets for all tour dates available at www.jigser.com/gigs )

Harris Lead Slips - Irishman In America with Marion McKeone

Latest polls show the Harris lead narrowing ever so slightly. Is the Trump rope a dope approach working at last. Marion looks at the new Bob Woodward book and the revelations around Putin and his free COIVD test hand out from Trump. Elon Musk and Obama appeared at rallies this week. We compare both performances and preview the new Apprentice movie. Was Netflix afraid of this film?

 

Hear full episode of this podcast every week on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad

How Do You Swing A State - Irishman In America

Marion asks what will move needle in the minds of American swing voters? The VP Debate definitely didn’t do it. Jack Smith damning 165 page filing on January 6th doesn’t seem to have done it? Could the impact of Israel’s attacks on Iran make the difference? If that impact is at the gas pump you can bet Americans will notice. This week on the podcast we look back at an intense week on the campaign trail. You can find the full episode and weekly episode of this podcast on www.patreon.com/irishmanabraod - let Marion be your guide for the final 30 days of the campaign and beyond.

 

You can see Jarlath’s new standup show “In Bits” right now by visiting www.jigser.com/gigs