#325 John McDonnell: From Stroke To Sub 3 Hour, How Running Saved His Life episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 13, 2026 · 1H 22M

#325 John McDonnell: From Stroke To Sub 3 Hour, How Running Saved His Life

from Any Given Runday · host Any Given Runday

In this episode, we welcome marathon runner and coach John McDonnell (@jmruncoach on Instagram), who shares his incredible journey from getting into running, his journey to the Boston marathon, health struggles to sub-3 hour marathon runner, overcoming a life-threatening stroke and heart surgery along the way.14:00 We welcome John McDonnell18:30 The Transformation: From Overweight to Marathon Runner23:36 The Emotional Impact of Running: Family and Tragedy28:33 Chasing the Boston Marathon: The Quest for Qualification33:39 The Mental Game: Overcoming Challenges in Marathon Training38:27 Breaking Barriers: The Sub-3 Hour Marathon Goal43:17 Life After Boston: New Goals and Aspirations48:20 The Unexpected Fall: A Personal Journey Begins52:14 The Stroke: A Life-Altering Experience56:13 Recovery and Realizations: The Aftermath of a Stroke60:29 Back to Running: Overcoming Physical and Mental Barriers68:17 Training Smarter: Lessons Learned in Running and LifeYou can learn more about John and his coaching at:https://jmruncoach.com/https://achieverunningclub.com/As well as purchasing his book on Amazon:https://www.amazon.ie/Heart-Running-How-Saved-LifeYou can follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrudaypodcast___________________________________________________________________In the intro of this podcast, we also talk about Forever 19. Learn more by following their Instagram Page @aidansforever19 and https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/tomowens1ALTAR 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.

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In this episode, we welcome marathon runner and coach John McDonnell (@jmruncoach on Instagram), who shares his incredible journey from getting into running, his journey to the Boston marathon, health struggles to sub-3 hour marathon runner, overcoming a life-threatening stroke and heart surgery along the way. 14:00 We welcome John McDonnell 18:30 The Transformation: From Overweight to Marathon Runner 23:36 The Emotional Impact of Running: Family and Tragedy 28:33 Chasing the Boston Marathon...

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#325 John McDonnell: From Stroke To Sub 3 Hour, How Running Saved His Life

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