#327: Positive Pacers: Building A Running Community with Dara O'Connor & Rob Merrigan

This week on the Any Given Runday Podcast, we welcome Dara O'Connor (@oconnordara) and Robert Merrigan (@robert_merrigan) from Positive Pacers (@positive_pacers on Instagram)The guys talk about their running background, how they got into running and building Positive Pacers Running Community16:00 Introduction to Positive Pacers18:52 Dara's Journey into Running21:53 Transitioning from Team Sports to Running24:56 The Role of Coaching in Running27:53 Rob's Background and Military Influence30:50 Building Community through Running33:51 The Growth of Positive Pacers36:36 The Impact of Running on Mental Health43:37 The Importance of Community Support45:11 Family Dynamics and Shared Activities48:07 The Role of Discipline in Recovery51:07 Celebrating Achievements and Family Bonds53:45 Building a Supportive Running Community56:29 The Growth of Positive Paces64:47 Encouraging New Members to Join69:05 Preparing for Upcoming EventsYou can 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.