Personal Development Workshop for Runners of all levels

Discover the Joy of Running – From the Inside Out

Join John Paul O’Brien for a special workshop in the magnificent surroundings of the Irish National Stud & Gardens, where nature, running, and personal development come together to nourish body, mind, heart and soul.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking your first steps, this workshop offers a refreshing new approach to running—one that emphasises inner growth, emotional wellbeing and personal empowerment.

Much like yoga or meditation, running is a powerful practice for self-discovery, healing and transformation. Running is about more than pace, distance, or performance—it is also about presence, connection, and joy. Running, in its purest form, is therapeutic.

While we often measure success in running with numbers—PBs, mileage, splits, smartwatch data—these metrics can sometimes distract from the deeper experience and benefits. Beyond our personal best time lies our personal best self. Every run and race offers a rich, personal tapestry of sensations, emotions, memories, inspirations and insights. In this workshop, we’ll reframe running as a holistic experience and help you connect to and celebrate your personal best self.

What to Expect

Inspired by Roberto Assagioli’s belief that we reach our potential when we harmonise body, mind, feelings and spirit, this workshop will explore each of these dimensions through the joy of running:

• Body – Mindfulness and meditation
• Mind – Visualisation and imagery
• Emotions – Regulation and expression
• Spirit – “Flow” experience and presence

In the light-filled Osborne Lounge overlooking the lake, we will discover each of these practices. We will then embody the practices out on the run through the stunning grounds of our national stud and St. Fiachra’s garden. We will return indoors to reflect on our experiences and share any insights gifted from the run.

Whether you're exploring running or personal development for the first time or looking to deepen your existing practice, you'll leave this workshop with tools to enhance every run—from greater self-awareness and self-acceptance to a renewed joy in movement.

Meet Your Facilitator

John Paul O’Brien has a lifelong love of running, enthusiastically joining his local athletics club aged six. He later specialised as a middle-distance track athlete, while undertaking a degree in Sport & Exercise Science in the University of Limerick. These days, John Paul runs for health, wellbeing and personal exploration. He is a fully accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist in private practice, as well as group facilitator, lecturer and clinical supervisor. In this unique workshop, he brings together his two great passions—running and personal development—to offer a one-of-a-kind experience.

Bonus: Make a Day of It

Your ticket includes full access to the Irish National Stud & Gardens, an optional guided tour, and the immersive Irish Racehorse Experience. There is an interactive Kids Zone with playground, fairy trail and picnic facilities. If you have time for a bite to eat, enjoy healthy, wholesome food in the Japanese Gardens restaurant.

Afterwards, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy at nearby Kildare Village, home to discounted sports stores such as Asics, Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Puma, Lacoste, The North Face and more.

Let your next run do more than move your body—let it move your whole being.

We’d love to see you there.