#56 - Rachael Smyth On: Competing in Running, Zwift and Cycling, Duathlons and more

We promised we would have guests after last week's Q&A show and we definitely deliver on that today. In today's episode of the podcast, Eric and Seán talk to Rachael Smyth, an avid runner who holds a brand new record of having the fastest 5k from any of the guests ever on this podcast. As well as running, Rachael talks about her new love for cycling, Swift and goals for the future.Rachael talks about how she got into running [3:30]Eric asks about Rachael's 5k PB and competing at a very high level [5:15]The mental battle to keep going and pushing yourself at a demanding pace and breaking mental barriers [8:00]Rachael talks about competing at a college level for Maynooth before suffering an injury while running that made her stop[13:00]How Rachael fell in love with cycling and the challenges it brings [15:20]Experiences with Zwift - virtual cycling and joining an E-Team [17:10]How virtual cycling compares with cycling on the road and why virtual cycling could be considered harder [21:10]Preparing for duathlons, competing in a series last year before COVID and Rachael's approach to her training [26:40]Rachael talks about changing her reasons for wanting to run/cycle and how running always makes you feel like you could have done more [31:30]Rachael talks about her future goals, including wanting to do a 70.3 Ironman [34:00]Rachael's advice for people that want to get into running, cycling or triathlons [38:10]And don't forget, you can join our running group on Facebook, for FREE, by clicking the link below:https://www.facebook.com/groups/anygivenrundayThe Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HEREGet the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE with the exclusive AGR Bobble Hat!! 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.