Alicja Pilarska and Seanie Clifford: Running 4400 Streets of Dublin, Wild Atlantic Way & 275 Mountains of Ireland

This week on the Any Given Runday podcast, we welcome Alicja Pilarska (@alicja_chasing_rabbits on Instagram) and Seanie Clifford (@runseanierun) as they share their incredible ultra-running adventures across Ireland. In the last three years, Alicja has crewed and coached Sean through running all 275 Irish mountains in a record-setting 21 days, running the 2700km length of the Wild Atlantic Way in 29 days, and, just this past August,  the 4400 streets of Dublin in 25 days. Hear some of the stories behind these three insane adventures and much more!

00:00 — Meet Alicja Pilarska and Sean Clifford
02:03 — Alicja’s path from school running to ultras and coaching
03:29 — Sean’s journey from road running to ultras
05:54 — How the 275 Irish Mountains challenge began
08:18 — Taking on the mountains in brutal weather
09:14 — A frightening wait with no phone signal
11:59 — Why the first days become a training camp
14:31 — The work behind the scenes: support, coaching, and logistics
18:38 — Planning efficient routes between mountains
21:30 — A wrong turn on a steep Connemara route
22:47 — The deadline to finish 275 mountains
24:42 — The previous record and the 21-day goal
25:34 — Finishing in Kerry and racing the clock
27:54 — Starting the Wild Atlantic Way challenge
29:47 — How a tough first day shaped the journey
31:31 — Mindfulness and the west coast scenery
33:22 — A family loss and a change in perspective
35:42 — The people met along the Wild Atlantic Way
36:53 — Connecting the Dublin streets challenge to homelessness
43:46 — Planning Dublin streets and sleeping in the van
45:37 — Mapping the streets, one section at a time
48:24 — Fatigue and sleeping out in the city
51:42 — Meeting outreach workers and seeing the reality of rough sleeping
54:25 — How the challenge changed Sean’s perspective on homelessness
56:21 — Eat Sleep Trail Run (@eatsleeptrailrun) retreats in southern France
58:52 — Helping retreat guests believe in themselves
63:47 — The emotional crash after a major effort

You can follow us on Instagram:
@anygivenrundaypodcast

The Ultrapure 5K Running Bundle is a must have for your running routine. Shop HERE

Get 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.

ALTAR 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