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The Long Haul
The Long Haul
Author: Steve O'Connor
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© Steve O'Connor
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This show is for anyone stuck in the grind, feeling the itch to break free — and for those already chasing discomfort through rucking, running, endurance challenges, and outdoor living.
We talk mindset, training, health, and how to live a life that’s less ordinary.
If you’ve ever thought, “There’s more in me than this,” — you’re in the right place.
Hosted by Steve O’Connor, military veteran, coach, and all-round resilience junkie — this podcast will push you to get off the sofa, out the door, and back in charge of your life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
63 Episodes
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In this episode of AllyCast, I sit down with Martin Holmes, a powerhouse in the world of ultra-endurance racing. Martin's journey into endurance events began later in life; he attempted the grueling Fan Dance Race in his 40s, clocking in over 5 hours on his first go. Since then, Martin’s relentless drive and commitment have propelled him to new heights, transforming him from a determined newcomer to a regular race winner. From ultra-marathons to weighted challenges, Martin shares his story, insights, and what drives him to push beyond his limits time and time again.Tune in for a fascinating conversation on resilience, dedication, and the mindset it takes to excel in endurance sports. Plus, hear how you can challenge yourself this coming March! Join us on 7th March 2025 for the AllyCast 4x4x48 challenge. Simply go to steveoconnorcoaching.co.uk, head to the event page, and sign up to take on this epic endurance feat. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something incredible – see you there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben is undertaking 7 Marathons in 7 days carrying 80 pounds taking in some of the toughest and tallest beaks in Britain 9th October Ben Nevis 10th October Scafell pike 11th October Yorkshire Three Peaks 12th October Snowdon 13th October Cadair idris 14th October shropshire hills 15th October Pen y fanIf you want to join Ben on any of these Legs contact him via the Gone tabbing Facebook page or drop a message to The Allycast Facebook page.Ben has amazing support from the following people and organisations Routes provided byBrian Tinker, Andrew Thompson, orange John Wilson of orange john mountainevents, John Beamson of Robust tours and Ken Jones of Avalanche endurance events. Bergens and challenge logo supplied by Pilgrim-journey.com Lowa boots supplied by Mkmortgages.com Promotion video shot by Lakota outdoors content creatorsYou can support Ben's fundraising for The Royal Marines CharityPigrim Bandits and SSAFA at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bentench-7marathons7days80lb-onthemountains?utm_term=vwDVpDYzV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Preparing for the paras 10, tips on kit, dead weight hydration and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Recorded live at the AEE Summer Fandance 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After leaving the British Army Darren worked in the fitness industry. After some challenges in his personal life he realised he missed the adventure and challenge that his military career had brought him. Darren then took on the Marathon de Sables (marathon of the sands) in 50 degree heat, This was the birth of Project Great Britain. Darren is looking to complete some the Great British Running challenges such as Running the entire 3 peaks route, The Bob Graham round and the spine race Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military children and young people.Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, the charity honours husband Corporal Lee Scott’s memory – both as a loyal soldier and a loving father – and provides a practical yet personal way for the public at large to show their appreciation for those brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Catch up on all things mindset, events and general tabbing/endurance chatter. With Iain and Steve Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Back in 2019 on my very first episode, I spoke to Karl Rushen. Karl created THE BLACKSHEEP as a legacy to the 100 peaks challenge, a challenge that was a journey of self-discovery following the tragic death of his brother Lloydy in Afghanistan whilst serving with UK Special Forces.In this brand new episode, we talk about bouncing back after 2 years of uncertainty over covid. Plus the much-awaited return of the Blacksheep Marathons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My journey into ultras has been one of self-discovery, I am a mid-pack runner who's in it for the adventure and to inspire others. In this Episode, Guest Host, Iain Paul, Interviews me on my whys hows and what drives me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A record-breaking ultramarathon runner who's represented Great Britain and achieves competitive results in some of the world's toughest races. A UK Athletics running coach, widely published journalist and author, public speaker, and parent. Damian holds the Fastest Known Time for running Coast to Coast and in 2020 took the FKT for the Pennine way a week after John Kelly broke the 35 year old record. John reclaimed the record in 2021, but Damian hasn't ruled out another clash of the titans on this route. He is a keen environmentalist and an ambassador for inov-8, Tomax Technology and Trees not tees Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Angela is a massive part of the GT community. She is an accomplished test week march competitor, Triathlete, Runner and Cyclist. In this podcast, we talk about the massive life changes COVID has brought about for her. The Inclusivity and accessibility of the Fandance and generally talk about life as an athlete Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sean Conway is an endurance adventurer, author and motivational speaker, who became the first person to cycle, swim, and run the length of Great Britain, from Land's End to John o'Groats. In 2016 he completed the world's longest triathlon, a 4,200 mile journey around the coast of Britain In this podcast we talk about mindset, motivation, stretch your limits and his next adventure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is Ben's second visit to the allycast, in his first episode you can hear his full story from Parkrun to Pen y fan. In this episode we talk about his latest challenge, tabbing 7 marathons in 7 days carrying 80 pounds to help two amazing charities. Support our paras and Pilgrim bandits Support our Paras and Pilgrim Bandits donation. Ben has also become the first person to be awarded the "Allycast Special operator award" in recognition of his efforts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nick Littlehales is an Elite Sport Sleep Coach & Managing Director. A former PGA Professional Golfer, International Sales & Marketing Director of a major sleep product manufacturer and Chairman of the UK Sleep Council. Nick has been at the forefront of projecting sleep recovery into the world of Elite Sport. Instigating conversation amongst leading sport and business professionals since 1998, he is an advocate of using recovery to advance performance.Nick is the leading elite sport sleep coach to the biggest names in the sporting world, including British Cycling and Team Sky’s recording-breaking cyclists, top Premiership and international football teams and players, Rugby Union and Rugby League, and Olympic and Paralympic athletes. He has thirty years’ experience in the world of sleep science and has spent sixteen years working with elite athletes. His proven approach to achieving the optimum night’s sleep is endorsed by leading professionals in sport and business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John is a larger than life character, who's non-nonsense message on the hills and in life is a breath of fresh air in the cotton wool world we now live in. He's a veteran of Afghanistan and now even has his own clothing line. www.robustours.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben has set himself some awesome challenges in 2020 and risen to them all. 2021 sees even more coming his way as he plans to complete 7 loaded marathons in 7 days and is on course to qualify for a world record attempt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Steve came into the the endurance fitness arena in his 40's but now grabs every challenge with both hands. He not only goes all out to complete it but looks for ways to make them more challenging. Like the rest of us he's an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. A true gladiator and all round genuine human being Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joe Cross is the man behind and starring in the award-winning documentary film “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,” which has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide and is largely responsible for introducing them to drink (and eat) something green. Through books, films, in-person meet-ups and online programs, Joe continues to inspire and motivate a global community of people. Joe has been working tirelessly to provide his community with the best way to stay healthy, whether that’s a new juicer, tasty recipes or convenient plant-based products Joe Cross is the man behind and starring in the award-winning documentary film “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,” which has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide and is largely responsible for introducing them to drink (and eat) something green. Through books, films, in-person meet-ups and online programs, Joe continues to inspire and motivate a global community of people. Joe has been working tirelessly to provide his community with the best way to stay healthy, whether that’s a new juicer, tasty recipes or convenient plant-based products Joe Cross is the man behind and starring in the award-winning documentary film “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,” which has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide and is largely responsible for introducing them to drink (and eat) something green. Through books, films, in-person meet-ups and online programs, Joe continues to inspire and motivate a global community of people. Joe has been working tirelessly to provide his community with the best way to stay healthy, whether that’s a new juicer, tasty recipes or convenient plant-based products Joe Cross is the man behind and starring in the award-winning documentary film “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,” which has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide and is largely responsible for introducing them to drink (and eat) something green. Through books, films, in-person meet-ups and online programs, Joe continues to inspire and motivate a global community of people. Joe has been working tirelessly to provide his community with the best way to stay healthy, whether that’s a new juicer, tasty recipes or convenient plant-based products Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Patrick grew up as a fearful child after witnessing a plane crash on TV, this set up a chain of events that prevented him from living a full life and missing out on many opportunities. Years later after a brush with death Patrick decided to harness this fear and turn it into the fuel that would lead to the extraordinary life he lives now. Patrick is an Olympian, aerobatic pilot, adventurer and author of an amazing book called Fear is Fuel, which charts how you can do the same in clear and simple language. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Claire Moreton has used the strength she found in adversity to tackle some of the toughest Tabbing challenges there is. In this episode we talk all thing Tabbing and training and also delve into the subject of Mental health and how to use adversity to fuel your goals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.






















