#318 Eoin Keith: Barkley Marathons, 6 Day Running Records, Ultra Running in Ireland and much more!

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, ultra runner Eoin Keith (@eoinkeithultra on Instagram) shares his remarkable journey from a non-sporty childhood to becoming one of the most accomplished ultra runners in Ireland. He discusses his transition from marathon running to ultra distances, the challenges he faces during races, and the importance of enjoying the process. Eoin also delves into the unique experiences of the Barkley Marathons, the significance of navigation in ultra running, and how he balances different types of races, including running 900m loops for 6 days, the sleep deprivation, setting records for running the length of the country and his approach to training22:00 Introduction to Eoin Keith's Journey24:45 From Pitch and Putt to Ultra Running27:42 Discovering the Love for Long Distances30:39 Transitioning from Mountaineering to Running33:35 The Marathon Experience and Beyond36:43 The Ultra Running Revelation39:40 Facing Challenges in Ultra Running42:38 The Balance of Flat and Trail Ultra Running45:44 Preparing for Six-Day Races48:42 The Mental Game in Ultra Running52:47 Navigating Sleep Deprivation in Ultra Running55:50 Training for the Unknown: The Challenge of Sleep Deprivation58:28 Questioning Conventional Running Theories59:59 The Barkley Marathons: The Ultimate Test of Endurance64:41 The Rarity of Finishing the Barclay Marathons67:03 The Key to Completing Ultra Races69:10 Shifting Focus: Enjoying the Journey Over Competition72:51 Exploring Multi-Day Races: The Grand Canaria Experience75:44 The Art O'Neill Challenge: A Test of Navigation and EnduranceBe sure to check out Eoin's blog on:https://eoinkeith.wordpress.com/And follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrundaypodcastALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).altarfuel.com The Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to goShop HEREGet the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE If you've never had your VO₂ max or metabolism measured, there's a good chance you're training at the wrong intensity, missing valuable adaptations, or getting your race nutrition wrong.Health Matters replaces guesswork with data. With over 15 years of experience, they're one of Europe's most experienced performance testing providers.Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.