“At the end of the day, I stepped away and I took on this mindset of ‘I’m not just a runner’ and I wanted to do other shit whether it was in work or outside of work. I wanted to distance myself from this world. The biggest thing I’ve learned from meeting people away from the sport and having experiences removed from the sport of running is that I am a runner at my core and it’s OK to admit that running is something really special. To be able to call yourself a runner is amazing. To be able to have the chance to do it at a high level – maybe even do it as your job or represent your country – besides it being something you love so much and naturally have a disposition for is a gift that maybe you shouldn’t throw away. I learned that being away from the sport. When I was in the sport, I was super frustrated like ‘Fuck this. I’m hurt all the time. This is bullshit.’ The time where I “treated my body to death” any epiphanies that I might have had have pulled me back into the sport. Now, I can look at it and say I am a runner at my core and that’s pretty cool.”

Just a while ago, I was scrolling through Instagram and a poster for what looked like a concert festival came up but instead, it was for 'The Not Dead Yet Comeback Tour' and it was Ciarán ó Lionáird announcing his comeback to professional running. It looks serious. He’s working with agent and coach Stephen Haas in Flagstaff Arizona and he’s working out with Edward Cheserek. So I wanted to know more about this comeback. We decided to jump on a call where we discuss this, his disappointment in 2012, a series of injuries, time away from the sport, adjusting to the real world and what will ultimately make this all worth it even if there is no Olympics.

This one goes out to all the listeners who want to rekindle that flame in training and sharpen their mindset for a comeback.

Follow Ciarán and keep up with his comeback on Instagram. 

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Ciaran O'Lionaird And The Not Dead Yet Comeback Tour

A weekly podcast from CITIUSMAG.com hosted by Chris Chavez. Interviewing the stars of track and field every week. Whether it's athletes, coaches, agents, writers or other interesting figures from running culture, we sit down for a laid back chat on the latest happenings in the sport. Be sure to check out CITIUSMAG.com for all your latest running commentary.

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Ciaran O'Lionaird And The Not Dead Yet Comeback Tour

CITIUS MAG Podcast With Chris Chavez