On this morning's Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio 1, Tubridy provided listeners with an update on his training, enlisting the help of Kellie Harrington, as he prepares to participate in this year's Operation Transformation 5K run.
Telling listeners that he got "slightly caught out" by his friends on OT, who asked him to take part in the annual event, Ryan explained that running in not usually in his wheelhouse.
"I haven't run since I was about 11 or 12, and probably from somebody," he joked, "but since then it hasn't happened. So, I managed to get the hell out running for the first time ever. It is a very alien concept, but it has been good, and I have practiced several times."
"In fairness to her, and I hope she doesn't mind me saying, but my mate, as she is now, Kellie Harrington came out for the first one and we did a quick 5K run, which I never thought I would be able to do in my life."
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Running alongside Ryan, Kellie was quick to talk him through the steps, telling him when to slow down, how to steady his pace, reminding him to relax his shoulders, and to breathe through any stitches.
"If you're going to have somebody by your side as a mentor, she was amazing," he said. "I've done it, ever since, a few times now and I'm really enjoying it."
Another great motivator for keeping a pace has been music. Although Tubridy says he likes a good podcast on his walks, he has come to realise that high-energy music will help him cross the finish line.
Taking in suggestions from listeners to expand his 'retro running' playlist, he said that many runners gravitate towards Bruce Springsteen and Queen.
The Operation Transformation 5k takes place on Saturday, February 18 at 9:30am in the Phoenix Park. You must register to take part - click here for more info.
