I’ve spoken enough about my personal efforts and experience ~ the story is told.

However one story that hasn’t been told on this channel is this -

We were a team of 16. For 9 months we toiled and strove for more from ourselves to prepare bodies and minds for the amazing challenge of the @mdslegendary. All 16 crossed the finish line. A incredible result for @ironmindinstitute

To put this in context, when I did the race in 2016 only 50% of my tent finished the race. The race’s standard DNF rate is 15 - 20%.

Much more importantly, we shared an extraordinary experience together. This is what it is all about really - stepping into the void and fighting, struggling and suffering to achieve something remarkably difficult together.

I’ve been on a lot of expeditions and this was a special group to share an experience with. Connections made for life.

Next stop - just the little matter of attempting to run around the island of Ireland.

Much to be done…. Chop Wood, Carry Water.

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If I had to choose a word to describe the stage it would be - Uncomfortable.

It rained.

I limped.

It sandstorm-ed.

I hallucinated.

I slept while I walked. I slept in a bush.

I chose my response. I smiled.

An epic day (and a bit). I spent the vast majority of it in a place I enjoy - on my own; in my own head. There was stuff to get some clarity on. The long reflective periods of silence were healthily broken by moments with Kevin from Cumbria, the 2 Pauls (@pfarr1980 & @paulbyas ), James at CP 7 and Gary from our @ironmindinstitute team.

Despite the discomfort, there was little “1st level thinking”. You know - the focus that arises as a consequence of the physical stress: “How long is left?”, “How far until the next checkpoint?” etc, etc …. outcome orientation. I’ve practiced the 4 Controllables Method for close on a decade and mind - body connection has become my default state - even in duress.

Discomfort is the price of evolution. Therefore the capacity to endure discomfort is truly important if you desire to do more with your life. The longer we can endure the feeling of discomfort, the more time we give ourselves to organise our psychology and change our state - a true superpower.

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It's important to me that I am honest with myself. For years I wasn't.

My dishonesty inflicted plenty of pain on me and others close to me.

Honesty, I find, has the opposite effect and counterintuitively, the more brutal and confronting the information uncovered, the deeper its properties to bring goodness into the world.

The truth is enlightening and empowering despite its often ugly facade.

Although the act of being honest with myself is often an internal wrestle, I've fought hard and engrained a meaningful practice within. So if I am honest with myself - The night of Day 2 and morning of Day 3 was where I lost the internal battle to keep pushing myself.

I can have all sorts of reasonable excuses; discomfort, pain, injury, team to lead, etc but they are still excuses. The truth is - I let my mind and its admirable powers to recruit whatever it is that amplifies my fears, doubts and insecurities onto its team, win the battle.

Note: This is not the first battle of the mind I have lost and it will not be the last. What is ultimately important here is that I face the consequences with honesty, respond with integrity and try again with a wholeheartedness.

Follow the story of my dispatches from the desert here - https://lnkd.in/gSGDbpjB

Strength, courage & integrity,

Damian

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The question that had to be answered: “Is my foot really stopping me running and pushing myself more, or is it a convenient excuse not to try?”

I’m a father of two under 4. I started the Ironmind Institute 2 years ago and pour every ounce of energy into it daily. I train 2 - 3.5 hours each day to prepare my body to absorb the punishment of running 3,000km around Ireland in summer 2026.

Life is full. My physical & mental prep for the Marathon des Sables met my standards. My technical prep didn’t, but I justified that due to the demands of life. A solid history of expedition experience gave me some solace when the voice in my head got louder: “You need to get your fueling sorted.”

I knew the risks of neglecting technical prep but was quietly confident I’d be fine. “You’ve done it before. You know what’s coming. Where are the threats? Nowhere that can’t be sorted before we fly.”

Quietly confident or not—that mindset left holes for mistakes.

The Marathon des Sables organisers recommend wearing trainers at least one size bigger than usual. I bought a pair half a size bigger. Loved them. Breaking them in was painless. Training went great. From memory, that’s what I did in 2016.

Midway through Day 2, I had doubts.

My foot had swollen, hardly surprising—but I’d overlooked that my left foot is slightly longer than my right. Ten to twelve km into Day 2, the toes on my left foot were jammed into the front of my trainer. Running became uncomfortable. I was there to undo regrets from 2016 and push from start to finish. This was deflating.

To add to the challenge—I was leading 15 individuals who had trained under me and the Ironmind Institute for the last 9 months.

“Do I push to run and risk blowing up with the team under my leadership? Or do I dial back, walk, and manage the issue? Or… are these just excuses to protect myself from the truth?”

You can tune into the latest @deep_roots_podcast episode to hear the full story from Day 2 of the @mdslegendary

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As I lined up to start my second Marathon des Sables, I wasn’t sure on how I would start. In previous days, my, until that point, clear intent had been disturbed due to some achilles tendon issues.

A driving reason behind why I was standing here, staring down 250km across the Sahara desert was to settle some regrets from 2016. Therefore, focus and clarity of approach had not been an issue until inexplicably, the ache in my achillies ramped up as the shadow of the race loomed over us.

As AC/DC’s Highway to Hell boomed through our little corner of the Sahara, I was with slight surprise when I started running out the gate.

By the time I reached Checkpoint 1 I was a very happy man. This was the exact start I wanted. Aggressive, present, courageous.

All in all a stage 1 I’m very happy with, however, the reaction of my body to the output and demanding conditions has left what is ahead quite the daunting prospect.

Tune into today’s episode of @deep_roots_podcast to hear the full story of Day 1, including my secret delight when John and Conor from our @ironmindinstitute team passed me between CP 2 & 3, my old Saharan nemesis humbling me again, and my rating for standards and efforts for the day.

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Day 194 of Damian Browne’s prep for the Million Euro Lap—a 3,000-kilometer run around Ireland’s coast to raise €1 million for charity. It’s Saturday, January 18, 11:34 AM, and Damian’s savoring a rare, peaceful morning—two coffees deep, kids at the zoo with his fiancée, work simmering. Then, snap: a stiff, throbbing Achilles crashes the calm. Week four of cycle four, a push phase, has been stellar—8+ RQS scores across four sessions, new strength PBs, and a gutsy 2,000-meter interval run last night. But that aggression’s cost creeps in: a heel flare-up that’s now threatening tomorrow’s heavy sled pulls.

Fresh off a 30-minute treadmill high last week, Damian’s chasing consistency despite sleep deficits (three to six hours nightly) and a body still unconditioned for running’s grind. Last night’s late gym stint—five 400-meter intervals at rising pace—felt triumphant until the Achilles stiffened post-rep five. Now, he’s weighing heavy eccentric fixes today against the sanctity of a rest day, all while battling work overwhelm and a noisy gym debate. Tune in for a raw wrestle with pain, patience, and the relentless focus on what moves the needle: quality work.

In This Episode:

✔️ Peace pierced: A serene Saturday derailed by a tender Achilles flare

✔️ Interval aggression: 5x400-meter runs (2,000 meters total) push pace and position

✔️ Week four wins: 8+ RQS scores, PBs in trap bar walks, and deficit deadlifts

✔️ Sleep strain: 3.5–6 hours nightly test recovery amid a brutal push

✔️ Work vs. body: Prioritizing quality training over shiny distractions like ice baths

Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

Chop wood, carry water

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Day 184 of Damian Browne’s prep for the Million Euro Lap—a 3,000-kilometer run around Ireland’s coast to raise €1 million for charity. Tonight, at 9:30 PM, after a long, stressful day and scant sleep, Damian hits the treadmill with a nagging Achilles stiffness that’s haunted him since returning to Australia. What starts as a cautious test—90 seconds of biting pain—turns into a 30-minute run at 9 km/h, his longest nonstop effort since cycle three’s 28-minute peak. Relief floods in: no flare-up, no setback. But shame lurks too—an inner voice sneers, “You’re celebrating 30 minutes when you can’t even run an hour?”

Three weeks of heel stiffness had stalled his running, a glaring red flag with the Mount & De Bla three months away and Ireland’s coast in 16. Patience, a virtue Damian prizes, clashed with his urge to push, but heavy eccentric work—sled pulls and calf drills—unlocked progress. Tonight’s run, born from a “fuck it” gamble after a five-out-of-10 warmup, proves his body’s adapting. Yet, that cruel inner critic, mocking his pace against Iron Mind’s 5K benchmark, fuels a deeper fight. Tune in for a raw clash of triumph and doubt, and the stubborn grit keeping him in the ring.

In This Episode:

✔️ 30-minute milestone: 9 km/h nonstop—longest run since cycle three, no Achilles flare

✔️ Heel hurdle: Three weeks of stiffness tackled with heavy eccentrics and patience

✔️ Inner critic unleashed: Shame vs. excitement—can’t hit 40 minutes or Iron Mind’s 5K

✔️ Risk and reward: Scant sleep (4.5 hours) and stress test his injury-prone edge

✔️ Fight within: Battling the “conniving fucker” of doubt to stay on the path

Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

Chop wood, carry water

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 Nine weeks since his last recording, life’s thrown a whirlwind his way: a five-week family trip to Ireland, patchy training, a breakthrough 40-minute run, and a near-disaster coaching a team through the Galway Mountains. Picture this: Damian, hauling 29 kilos up a brutal peak, catches the group only to hear, “Have you seen Paul?” Cue the panic—Paul’s vanished, the clock’s ticking, and sunset’s closing in.

✔️ Running breakthrough: 40 minutes on Ireland’s dark roads—28 straight, then 12 more

✔️ Ireland chaos: No gym, late drives, and family-work juggling dent training quality

✔️ Mountain scare: Paul goes missing on an 8-hour loaded hike; Damian hauls 29 kilos to regroup

✔️ Back setback: Hack Squat clack halts a two-week training gap, but rehab cuts it to five days

Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

Chop wood, carry water

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Day 100 of Damian Browne’s prep for the Million Euro Lap—a 3,000-kilometer run around Ireland’s coast to raise €1 million for charity. This week, Damian hits a game-changer: his longest run without stopping in 100 days. Late at the gym, past 11 PM, he hops on the treadmill to “play around” and ends up floating through 12 minutes straight, then adds another 10. After weeks of breakdowns and fear, this 22-minute pain-free run—totaling 50 minutes for the week—marks a leap from cycle two’s eight-minute stints. What’s behind it? New loaded mobility drills, dialed-in core work, and a stubborn resolve to push frequency.

Damian’s testing a second running session every nine days, battling the ghosts of past injuries while chasing progress. Tonight’s unplanned breakthrough—fueled by glute ham raises, weighted Cossack squats, and banded ab exercises—unlocks his hips and steadies his stride. From feeling “great” to marveling “sweet child of mine,” Damian digs into why this works: subtle tractioning, patient positioning, and a stronger, more connected core. Tune in for a raw look at his training evolution and the mindset that turns late-night experiments into triumphs.

In This Episode:

✔️ Running milestone: 12 minutes straight, then 10 more—longest run in 100 days

✔️ Loaded mobility magic: Glute ham tractioning and 12-kilo Cossacks free up Damian’s hips

✔️ Fear in the rearview: Second run every nine days despite past breakdowns

✔️ Core connection: Banded ab wheel isometrics and max decline sit-ups anchor his stride

✔️ Volume surge: 50 minutes of running this week, up from 8 in cycle two

💡 Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

Chop wood, carry water:

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Day 95 of Damian Browne’s journey to conquer a 3,000-kilometer run around Ireland’s coast for the Million Euro Lap, aiming to raise €1 million for charity. Fresh off a trip to Ireland, Damian’s back in the grind—cycle three, day three—battling the aftermath of COVID, jet lag, and a nine-day training hiatus. What started as a triumphant return quickly turned into a war against fatigue, fever, and a body screaming for rest. But Damian’s not here to fold.

Day one kicked off cycle three with a bang, only for day two to deliver a brutal reality check: coughing, stiffness, and a positive COVID test. Undeterred, he hit the gym for a “light and hot” session—bear crawls and glute ham raises that torched his body and soul. Halfway through, he nearly tapped out, but clawed through the essentials. By day three, an upper body strength session scored an 8.8 RQS, and he’s feeling “a hundred times better.” This episode is a gritty testament to resilience, the healing power of sweat, and the will to keep pushing when the odds stack up.

In This Episode:

✔️ COVID comeback: How Damian turned sickness and jet lag into fuel for cycle three

✔️ Light and hot magic: Bear crawls and glute hammers with minimal rest—simple, brutal, effective

✔️ Strength unleashed: Smashing cycle two targets in just three days of cycle three

✔️ Running reset: Upping the running frequency with a cautious eye on recovery

✔️ Road ahead: Tackling gym disruptions with trips to Sydney and Ireland looming

💡 Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

Chop wood, carry water:

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Day 81 of preparing for the Million Euro Lap—a 3,000-kilometer run around Ireland’s coast to raise €1 million for charity. Today, Damian Browne faces the final session of cycle two, a run he’s been dodging all week. Fear of another breakdown—rooted in 80 days of nagging Achilles and calf issues—has him reluctant to push. But with a hike in Ireland looming in two days, he laces up and goes for it.

What unfolds is a gritty victory: 40 minutes of running, split into two-minute sprints (up to 13 km/h, his fastest since injury) and longer five-minute efforts at a quicker pace than last week. That’s nine minutes more volume than the previous session, with every variable—speed, duration, intensity—cranked up. The Achilles holds, the body responds, and the mind wrestles with doubt but emerges intact. Tune in for a raw take on overcoming fear, inching toward mastery, and the quiet power of persistence.

In This Episode:

✔️ Fear’s shadow: How past breakdowns fuel reluctance to run—and how Damian faces it

✔️ Run recap: 40 minutes total—two-minute sprints at 13 km/h, five-minute efforts, 9 minutes more than last week

✔️ Achilles watch: Paper-mache mornings vs. a solid session—what’s real, what’s phantom?

✔️ Strength & lean gains: Visible body comp shifts and a plan for more mobility in cycle three

💡 Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

✔️ Chopping wood, carrying water: The mantra of progress through steady, unglamorous effort

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Day 79 of preparing to run 3,000 kilometers around Ireland’s coast—the Million Euro Lap to raise €1 million for charity. Today, Damian Browne is mid-battle: not just with a brutal bike session, but with his own mind. Recorded amidst the chaos of rescuing his 1-year-old from a mud kitchen, this episode is podcasting at its rawest—an unfiltered dive into a day where performance goals clashed with fatigue, and the mental fight didn’t go his way.

Week four of cycle two brought an “almighty” bike session: 20x20-second power endurance sprints (250 meters each) followed by a planned 10x800-meter block. Damian’s chasing higher watts, faster speeds, and more volume—pushing from 170 meters in week one to 250 today. But after heavy legs yesterday, his nervous system faltered. A max speed attempt on rep three missed the mark (1:16.8 vs. a 1:15.8 goal), and the next 17 reps became a slog. Halfway through, he pulled the plug. Tune in for a candid reckoning with failure, the allure of excuses, and the bittersweet lessons of losing the fight.

In This Episode:

✔️ Bike beast mode: 20x20-second sprints at 250 meters—chasing max speed and power output

✔️ Fatigue strikes: Heavy legs and a sluggish nervous system derail the session

✔️ The mental crucible: Wrestling with reasonable excuses—and choosing to stop

✔️ Performance vs. purpose: Why finishing matters more than perfect numbers

✔️ Lessons in loss: How failing the fight fuels growth, self-mastery, and resilience

💡 Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

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Day 78 of preparing to run 3,000 kilometers around Ireland’s coast—a monumental challenge dubbed the Million Euro Lap to raise €1 million for charity. Today, Damian Browne is buzzing with momentum, four weeks into cycle two of his training. From 5:00 AM gym crowds in Australia to big jumps in strength and distance, this dispatch is a testament to grit, adaptation, and the power of routine.

Week four is all about pushing the numbers—time on feet, load, speed—and Damian’s delivering. With running volumes climbing and strength sessions intensifying, he’s hitting RQS scores in the low 8s (averaging 8.3), a sign of peak form. But a familiar foe lurks: a niggle in his Achilles-calf region forces a recalibration. Sled pulls, biking, and heavy leg work take center stage as he navigates the balance between progress and preservation. Tune in for a raw reflection on thriving under pressure, the magic of seven-hour sleep, and why resistance fuels the journey.

In This Episode:

✔️ 5:00 AM gym warriors: The surprising crowd inspiring Damian’s early morning grind

✔️ Cycle two, week four: Pushing distance, speed, and strength with sled pulls and heavy leg sessions

✔️ Achilles alert: Managing a sudden niggle with smart adjustments—biking over running

✔️ Sleep as a superpower: How 7+ hours a night is boosting recovery and performance

✔️ Hip breakthrough: Glute ham raises refine alignment, easing knee pain and elevating form

For the Deep Roots Audience

This episode is for those who live for the grind—adventurers, seekers, and anyone chasing a bigger purpose. Damian’s relentless drive and unfiltered honesty will resonate with anyone who’s faced setbacks and kept swinging. Whether you’re plotting your own epic challenge or just striving for more, this is your call to dig deep and stay the course.

💡 Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

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Day 65 of preparing body and mind to run 3,000 kilometers around the coast of Ireland—equivalent to 71 marathons back-to-back.

Today’s dispatch captures Damian Browne at 4:40 AM, bleary-eyed in his car, wrestling with doubt and fatigue before heading to the gym. What unfolds is a raw, unfiltered look at the grind of endurance training: a morning of running intervals, a body teetering on the edge of injury, and a mind battling to stay disciplined.

This episode marks week one of a new training cycle, with Damian pushing 40% more running volume than the previous week while carefully managing Achilles discomfort. The shift to early morning sessions is paying off—better recovery, sharper focus—but the real story lies in the mental game. Resistance, Damian reflects, isn’t a barrier; it’s a signal of fertile ground for building resilience. Tune in for an honest account of progress, setbacks, and the quiet victories that keep this monumental challenge alive.

In This Episode:

✔️ Early mornings, new habits: Why training at dawn is reshaping recovery and discipline

✔️ Running intervals breakdown: 31 minutes of treadmill work—5x2 min, 7x3 min—at a faster pace than last week

✔️ Achilles tightrope: Navigating lingering discomfort and the fear of overdoing it

✔️ Strength tweaks: Adding glute ham raises (GHR) and sit-ups to align hips and spine for better running form

✔️ The mental edge: Turning resistance into fuel for growth amidst doubt and uncertainty

For the Deep Roots Audience

This episode is for the relentless—those who chase authenticity, test their limits, and find purpose in the struggle. Damian’s journey speaks to adventurers, dreamers, and anyone striving to carve meaning from the chaos of daily life. His vulnerability and grit will ignite your own drive to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.

💡 Take Action: Want to fuel Damian’s mission to conquer Ireland’s coast? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to support his journey and stay updated on this epic endeavor.

Produced by Niall Killeney Taylor of baLORE Media https://www.baloremedia.co.uk/

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Day 63 of preparing body and mind to run 3,000 kilometers around the coast of Ireland—equivalent to 71 marathons in a row. Today’s dispatch dives into the ongoing battle between a body forged through years of professional sport and the relentless demands of endurance training.

A major shift has been made: training now happens first thing in the morning. The change aims to improve recovery, increase sleep duration, and optimize performance. With a new nine-day training cycle in place, today’s session—"Light & Hot"—focused on high-rep, low-rest lower body work to drive blood flow and build resilience.

Despite lingering Achilles discomfort, there’s a sense of momentum. Doubt, pressure, and uncertainty remain ever-present, but so does the commitment to the process. Tune in for an honest reflection on training progress, physical limitations, and the mental game required to push forward.

In This Episode:

✔️ Adjusting to early morning training sessions for better recovery

✔️ The impact of sleep on endurance training and injury prevention

✔️ Breakdown of the "Light & Hot" lower body session: sled crawls, glute ham raises, and Omni Press reps

✔️ Managing Achilles discomfort and navigating injury concerns

✔️ The mental battle—doubt, resilience, and the pursuit of high performance

For the Deep Roots Audience

This episode speaks directly to listeners who crave authenticity and adventure, who strive to push their boundaries in pursuit of something greater. Whether you're an adventurer, a dreamer, or simply someone seeking purpose in daily life, Damian’s reflections will leave you inspired to take action.

💡 Take Action: Ready to support Damian’s next purpose-driven mission? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to learn how you can contribute and follow his journey.

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Day 57 of preparing to run 3,000 kilometers around Ireland, and tonight’s session was a test of discipline, fatigue, and resilience. Finishing training at nearly midnight wasn’t about proving toughness—it was about sharing the reality of what it takes to pursue an ambitious, daunting goal.

This journey isn’t just about endurance; it’s about the sacrifices, the behind-the-scenes struggles, and the mental battles that come with training at this level. After years of extreme challenges—from rowing an ocean to attempting Everest—I’ve never fully shared the daily grind that builds the foundation for these feats. That’s what this series is about: the unfiltered, raw reality of preparation.

For the Deep Roots Audience

This episode speaks directly to listeners who crave authenticity and adventure, who strive to push their boundaries in pursuit of something greater. Whether you're an adventurer, a dreamer, or simply someone seeking purpose in daily life, Damian’s reflections will leave you inspired to take action.

💡 Take Action: Ready to support Damian’s next purpose-driven mission? Visit https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/ to learn how you can contribute and follow his journey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 55 of preparing to run 3,000 kilometers around Ireland, and it was a night of small but meaningful victories. After four consecutive training sessions, I completed a treadmill workout—nine intervals of two minutes each—without breaking down. That was five more intervals than just nine days ago, and even a few at a faster pace. Incremental improvements, but improvements nonetheless.

Support the Journey: If you’ve been inspired by this episode, consider supporting the journey by sharing the podcast, following along on social media, or getting involved in the project. Every bit of encouragement helps fuel the miles ahead.

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Day 52 of training for the 3,000-kilometer run around Ireland has been a frustrating one. The second training cycle started strong, with week one feeling motivational and high-quality. However, a family break disrupted momentum and attempts to fit in training before the trip fell short.

The goal remains: to steadily progress, avoid overtraining, and regain belief in the mission. With patience and consistency, improvements will come. The challenge is balancing ambition with restraint, learning from past mistakes, and trusting the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Training disruptions can lead to significant mental frustration.
• Balancing personal life with an intense training schedule is a constant challenge.
• Injuries and setbacks test resilience, but adapting and pushing forward is key.
• Progress is built on patience, stacking positive sessions, and learning from past experiences.

Support the Journey: If you’ve been inspired by this episode, consider supporting the journey by sharing the podcast, following along on social media, or getting involved in the project. Every bit of encouragement helps fuel the miles ahead.

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 Day 39 of preparing to run around Ireland, and doubt is creeping in. In this episode, Damian shares his raw and unfiltered thoughts while standing outside a shop at Inch Beach, County Kerry, amidst the rain and wind. He reflects on the mental and physical challenges of preparing for such an immense undertaking, the unexpected hurdles, and the shift in strategy that has led him to focus solely on running instead of incorporating cycling into the challenge.

Despite the setbacks, this episode is a testament to endurance—not just physical but mental and emotional. The journey ahead is uncertain, but as he reminds us, true resilience comes from pushing through doubt and continuing forward, no matter the resistance.

Topics Covered:

• The shift from a triathlon-style challenge to a singular endurance feat
• The mental battle of self-doubt and overcoming internal resistance
• Physical setbacks, including Achilles issues and overall body deconditioning
• The weight of sponsorship discussions and the fear of not making it to the start line
• The power of endurance and pushing through uncertainty

Key Quote: “Endure further into the doubt. Endure further into the negativity. Because things have turned around in the past, and they can again.”

Support the Journey: If you’ve been inspired by this episode, consider supporting the journey by sharing the podcast, following along on social media, or getting involved in the project. Every bit of encouragement helps fuel the miles ahead.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the reality of training when life gets in the way. Today was a mixed bag—an energising start followed by the unexpected challenge of fading energy. I reflect on the importance of listening to your body, adapting when necessary, and the mindset shift required to maintain momentum when things don’t go as planned.

What Listeners Will Discover:

Why not every session will feel like a win—and why that’s okay. The Adaptability Factor: How to adjust workouts based on energy levels without losing sight of the bigger goal. Mental Toughness in Action: A raw look at the internal dialogue when pushing through fatigue and self-doubt.

Key Moments of Growth

⏱️ [00:04:25] The Warm-Up Buzz: A strong start sets the stage for an unpredictable session.

⏱️ [00:12:10] Energy Dip: Navigating the moment when the body says no, but the mind says go.

⏱️ [00:19:35] Adapting Without Guilt: How to pivot and still walk away with a sense of accomplishment.

For the Deep Roots Audience:

This episode is for anyone who has had to push through setbacks—whether in sport, business, or life. Damian’s journey is an ongoing testament to resilience, adaptation, and sheer determination. When the road gets tough, you can either crumble or find a way forward.

💡 Take Action: Stay updated on Damian’s journey by following https://www.instagram.com/deep_roots_podcast/. Want to support the Million Euro Lap? Find out how you can get involved.

Every setback is a test. This is how Damian chooses to face his.

Keep striving for more from yourself

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