Why you should try a new event this year: advice from coach Paddy Birch

We’re kicking off 2023 by revisiting one of our favourite episodes with coach and marathoner Paddy Birch. Paddy is an Irish ex-pat who didn’t start running until he moved to Toronto a decade ago. But in that time he transformed himself from a mid-pack recreational runner into an elite marathoner. He also coaches with the Toronto-based team Pace and Mind.

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During the pandemic, Paddy decided to mix things up and test himself over some shorter distances. As we start a new year, his experiences and words of advice seem particularly apt. In this episode Paddy dives into the physical, psychological and emotional benefits of exploring new events.