This Wednesday we have James Brady, an integral member of the club in recent years, a self proclaimed chatterbox and a 2hr 49min marathoner!
To see the Meet the Runner archive: Click here
When did you join Sportsworld?
I joined Sportsworld in June 2011. I had moved to Dublin in February of that year, living on Fortfield Rd. I saw a sign for the Terenure 5 Mile race on a telephone pole outside the house one day and decided to run it. I was on the race committee two years later!
Where do you work?
I work in Lucena Clinic in Rathgar as a Community Mental Health Nurse. I work in a day hospital for adolescents with mental health difficulties. I’ve just finished a part time post grad. in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which I’m hoping to do a little more with outside of my normal work day.
What is your favourite club session?
Hmm…Probably the track sessions. I have no speed so I really benefit from those sessions. It normally means the weather is decent as it’s a good time of the year. It’s a short session and you’re done and dusted nice and early to eat a Pickles sandwich, coffee and scone.
What is your favorite race distance?
My least worst race distance is probably the marathon! But I really like the half marathon and a good mountain race. I’m so slow over anything other than a half that its torture!
What is your favorite meal before a big race?
Oh, sure this is why we run. The night before maybe a mild chicken curry and rice. The morning of, something easy to digest. Maybe Frosties if I’m feeling really bold. Or else just white toast and jam. Not too much of anything though. Oh, expect for coffee, lots of coffee.
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
Definitely either the track in Tallaght or the Phoenix Park. I love the Phoenix Park, you can get coffee and cake straight after your long run. Sure what’s not to love about that.
Probably my favourite race is the Wicklow Way Relay. It is a really great team event and you get to run through the best & most beautiful county in Ireland 😉 Or ‘Run The Rock’ which is my local race every year and finishes outside the door of the bar at the Brooklodge hotel in Aughrim.
What is your target for the next year?
Hmm…Well, I was hoping Raheny 5 mile but I’ve been a bit sick of late. So maybe another 5 miler somewhere and a good half marathon. Maybe Charleville in September, its nice and flat! And a PB at my local race.
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
I think probably running down Fortfield Rd. for my first marathon and seeing all the people from the club out cheering us on.
What international events have you ran?
I ran the Boston marathon in 2014 with my sister, it was the year after the bombing and there were a million spectators out watching. Fairly amazing. Apart from that just a few smaller races in France were my sister lives.
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
Hmmm….I probably eat quite a lot. And have a few sneaky pints. I love watching some rugby or heading home to my family in Wicklow. I like my movies and I like to read too. And watching ‘Homes Under The Hammer’…..
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
It was May/June 2011 after I had seen a sign for the ‘Terenure 5 Mile’ outside my house and decided to run in it. It was my first race since I was about 10 years old. I couldn’t believe the amount of aul lads that passed me out! I thought I better do something about that and came down to the club. Now I’m getting a bit auld!
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement was a 2.49 marathon in 2013. I’m pretty sure I’ve told anyone who would listen about that, probably even complete strangers. I was really happy to get a sub 30 minute 5 miler. And the 3rd place team finish with the club in the Wicklow Way Relay.
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
It really depends on the time of year. My mileage always goes up over the summer. So maybe averaging 30 miles per week during the winter and 50 during the summer.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
Eh, Im a bit of a chatter so having people to chat with to distract you on a long run is great. The speed work is something I’d find very difficult to do by myself. And probably getting to meet lots of people from all different walks of life. There are some really great people in the club.
What was your first day at the Club like?
My first day I met Paddy and a guy called John who I haven’t really seen in years! That’s actually about all I can remember! No traumatic incidents to report!
Why is running important to you?
I think its great for my mental health. Its obviously brilliant for your physical health and it also means I can get away with eating more scones! Oh, and it’s a good excuse not to go on the beer, “sorry lads, I’ve a long run in the morning!”.
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
I think maybe getting into the hills during the spring or summer once or twice would make a nice change. And maybe a few more races with a night or two away?
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
I think Lucy has had a massive influence on me. She always giving me advice and pushing me on and is a great inspiration. Damian Kelly has always been a good person to chat with about training and hill running. Ed McEntee is someone who has given lots of good advice about the marathon and Michael Cunningham is a bit of an unsung hero in my opinion!
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis
I try to get to the gym regularly. It doesn’t really happen though! I’m hoping to maybe cycle a little more often this year. Defintely something I’ve noticed is that a lot of the good runners in the club seem to cycle almost everywhere!
To see the Meet the Runner archive: Click here
