Why Not? Big Adventures with Mary O'Donnell

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Mary O'Donnell for a conversation that goes far beyond running. We kick things off with the obvious question: why on earth did she run the Dublin Marathon in a pair of jeans? What starts as a funny story quickly turns into a fascinating look at Mary's mindset and her willingness to take on challenges simply because... why not? From there, we dive into some of her most ambitious adventures, including walking 70km in a single day and taking on a 400km cycle. We explore what drives her to push her limits, how she approaches training for these huge endurance feats, and why embracing the unconventional has become part of who she is. Mary also opens up about the role social media has played in her journey both the opportunities it has created and the responsibility that comes with sharing her life online. In one of the episode's most honest moments, Mary speaks candidly about battling an eating disorder as a teenager. She reflects on how that experience shaped her relationship with exercise, food and body image and how it continues to influence the healthy, balanced approach she brings to her fitness goals today. It's a conversation filled with humour, honesty, resilience and perspective whether you're an endurance athlete, someone navigating your own fitness journey or simply looking for an inspiring story there's something here for you.