I was absolutely delighted to welcome John Lenihan to the podcast. John's story from growing up in rural Kerry which has been quoted as being Munsters "Sherwood Forest" to years later standing on top of the winners podium in 1991 in Switzerland winning the gold medal for Ireland in the Wold Mountain running championships is a story that needs to be made into a film.

John had an amazing athletic career where he ran on the track getting on the panel for the 1984 Irish Olympic Team, then onto road racing and then onto the mountains. His achievements have been nothing short of outstanding.

John won races all over Europe and also at home, winning the coveted annual Carauntoohill Mountain race on 19 separate occasions which is just mind blowing.

In his career John ran over 140,000 miles (equivalent to 6 x around the world) , he ran 170 million footsteps and burned through 280 pairs of running shoes :) A feat of athleticism which is so underrated.

Decorated Kerry Journalist Con Dennehy wrote a book about john which is published in 2015 called "Tough as Leather" The Story of Sporting Legend John Lenihan, and that is exactly what he is, a legend and please please listen to this story. It will change your life literally.

We go though his many highs but also some deep lows especially when he was forced to retire due to a hip injury and wasn't able to compete at that level again and do what he loved.

It is a raw and honest portrayal of an athlete who was so gifted and driven to succeed, it will give change your outlook not just on running but on life in general.

Thanks John for coming on and sharing your story with my listeners. You have inspired me from our conversation and I am sure it will inspire many others.

Enjoy guys Thanks Michael