#44 - Philip Doyle - Juggling the NHS & Olympics: The World’s Most Extreme Schedule
Olympic medalist and NHS doctor Philip Doyle joins the Abnormal podcast to share the unbelievable story of how he balanced saving lives with chasing Olympic glory.Starting rowing in university, Philip went on to represent Ireland at two Olympic Games—while also working gruelling 114-hour hospital weeks, sneaking in rowing sessions at 2AM during night shifts. In this raw and powerful conversation, he opens up about pressure, burnout, building mental resilience, and the mindset needed to push beyond limits.From working in emergency medicine to standing on an Olympic podium, Philip breaks down the habits, mindset, and philosophy that kept him going when most people would quit. He also shares his “four-legged stool” framework for balance, and the unusual motivation that fuels his training (hint: it involves Ben & Jerry’s).If you're interested in high performance, elite sport, overcoming excuses, or simply want to hear one of the most inspiring stories of discipline and consistency, this episode is for you.Timestamps0:00 – Intro2:00 – Balancing medicine & Olympic training10:00 – Removing barriers & getting things done17:00 – When life crumbles & what to do about it34:00 – Mental toughness & the “monkey on your back”45:00 – Behind the scenes of winning an Olympic medal58:00 – Life after the Olympics & moving the goalposts1:04:00 – Advice for anyone chasing an “abnormal” goal
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#43 - Andrew Glaze - How the #1 Runner on Strava Balances 100 Miles a Week with Firefighting
Andrew Glaze is a full-time firefighter, ultramarathon runner, and one of the most consistent endurance athletes on the planet, with a streak of running 100+ miles per week for over 280 consecutive weeks.In this raw, powerful conversation, Andrew shares how running helped him overcome trauma, cope with PTSD, and find peace through pain. We talk about the mindset it takes to run for hours on end, balancing family with extremes, and how movement became his therapy.Whether you’re a runner, a first responder, or just someone looking for a reason to keep going, this one will stick with you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Andrew Glaze's Journey03:00 The 281-Week Streak: Consistency and Mindset05:46 Overcoming Obstacles: Injury and Recovery Strategies09:07 The Impact of COVID-19 on Running and Mental Health12:12 Recovery Protocols: What Works for Andrew15:06 Personal Philosophy on Training and Time Management18:03 Running as a Lifesaver: Andrew's Transformation21:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Runners23:59 The Turning Point: From Struggles to Strength30:04 The Power of Movement: Exercise as Medicine33:35 Mental Health and Ultra Running: Finding Peace in Pain40:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Lessons from Life and Running50:00 Building Resilience: Overcoming Mental Barriers57:07 Spreading Positivity: The Ripple Effect of KindnessFREE Goal Setting Framework: https://www.petelaverick.com/product-page/the-abnormal-discipline-code-your-no-bs-blueprint-to-crushing-goals
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#42 - James Kelly - What is 'Zone 2' Training? And Why 99% Of People Will NEVER Use It Properly
In this episode of Abnormal, I welcome back elite athlete James Kelly to discuss the evolving world of Hyrox, the potential for it to become an Olympic sport, and the intricacies of training for both Hyrox and marathons. We delve into the importance of understanding training loads, the significance of zone 2 training, and the 80-20 rule in fitness. JK shares insights on coaching beginners, the balance between motivation and accountability, and reflects on his recent experiences at the World Championships. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hyrox and Elite Training05:53 Training Loads and Marathon Preparation11:47 Understanding Zone Two Training21:04 The 80-20 Rule in Training26:52 Blueprint for Training a Beginner for Hyrox33:35 Balancing Running and Strength Training40:14 Understanding Motivation and Consistency51:32 Reflections on the World Championships58:30 Post-Competition Recovery and Future Goals
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#41 - Alex Cuthbert - The Real Life of a British & Irish Lion
In this episode of Abnormal, I sit down with Wales and British & Irish Lions winger Alex Cuthbert, one of rugby’s most explosive and experienced players.From the high-pressure moments of Lions tours to the personal challenges of injury, criticism, and mental health, Alex opens up like never before.We explore what it takes to stay at the top, how he rebuilt confidence after hitting rock bottom, and why he still plays with passion and perspective today.This is a raw, powerful insight into the real life behind elite performance, not just for rugby fans, but for anyone chasing growth through adversity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Abnormal and Alex Cuthbert02:36 Memories of the British and Irish Lions Tour09:22 The Off-Field Experience of a Lions Tour15:16 The Pressure of Selection and Being Dropped22:40 Lessons Learned from Setbacks25:38 Post-Lions Career and Managing Expectations29:57 Overcoming Confidence Issues and Social Media Impact32:03 Transforming Mindset: From Negativity to Positivity34:01 The Role of Mental Coaching in Sports36:51 Experiencing the Pressure of Professional Sports40:17 Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Comebacks45:44 Navigating Life After Rugby: A New Chapter47:39 Building a Media Career: Insights and Experiences51:27 The Future of Media and Sports in Wales55:16 Creating a Positive Media Environment57:32 Legacy: How Do You Want to Be Remembered?58:56 Advice for Pursuing Abnormal Paths
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#40 - Noam Yaron - The Man Swimming 180km to Save the Ocean
In this episode of Abnormal, I sit down with Swiss endurance swimmer and ocean activist Noam Yaron, who’s attempting the longest open-water swim in a wetsuit — a grueling 180km journey from Calvi to Monaco.We dive into his 5 day non-stop swim, hallucinations, swimming while asleep, and encounters with sharks, jellyfish, and whales — all in the name of marine preservation.Noam shares why he believes sport can spark global change, how he handles failure, and why the fight to protect the Mediterranean Sea matters to all of us.This is more than a story about endurance, it’s a lesson in resilience, purpose, and how one “normal guy” is doing something abnormally bold to change the world.🌊 Support Noam’s mission and become a co-owner of the swim at: calvi-monaco.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Noam Yaron and His Mission10:49 The Challenge of the 180km Swim21:55 Innovative Techniques for Endurance Swimming30:06 Changing the Rules of Open Water Swimming33:30 Environmental Awareness Through Sports36:14 Triathlon for Biodiversity38:11 Mental Challenges in Extreme Sports39:04 Team Dynamics in Open Water Swimming41:21 Connection with Marine Life45:28 Raising Awareness for Ocean Conservation47:21 Collaborative Philanthropy for Environmental Causes50:57 Building a Community for Change52:19 Sustainable Practices for Ocean Health57:25 Individual Impact vs. Corporate Responsibility01:01:24 Finding Balance in Environmental Advocacy01:09:36 Trusting Yourself in Unconventional Paths
The podcast for normal people who want to do abnormal things.Hey, I am Pete Laverick, an Ex-professional athlete living a pretty normal life in Hong Kong. I talk to people who many of us view as 'abnormal', or having achieved abnormal things. I want to know if these 'abnormal' people are that much different from the rest of us, what was it that made them go from being normal people, living normal lives, to wanting to do something completely different and make that first step outside of their comfort zone.
Brasil