This week we have Phil Daly, a keen tennis player and fan who made it to all 4 grand slams in 2008. Phils completed the Lanzarote Channage with the club last year as well as racing in Edinburgh and Milan!
When did you join Sportsworld?
First night that I came down was in July 2015. It was the summer BBQ night so it was a great introduction!
Where do you work?
I work as a Business Consultant in a Software Development Company in Leopardstown
What is your favourite club session?
In the Spring/Summer I think for me that is the track sessions Saturday morning in Tallaght. They are though but good fun and you know at the end of the session there is that lovely coffee as a reward. It was also great way of getting to know people.
In the Winter I prefer to run when it is bright, but I was nervous of going along to the long run in the Phoenix Park on Sunday Mornings. However, my fears were unfounded as you can run whatever distance you prefer and there is always someone running at your pace. It is such a beautiful place to run and again there is chat and coffee afterwards.
What is your favourite race distance?
Hmm I am still trying to work that out! I think probably the shorter distances. 5K, 5 Mile and 10K.
What is your favourite meal before a big race?
This depends on the time of the race. If it is a morning race I would not eat too much, a little cereal and maybe a banana, and definitely a coffee. If it is later in the day, I might have poached egg with avocado on a bagel.
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
The Track and any run in the Phoenix Park
What is your target for the next year?
Probably to try and get a bit faster, but I think I need to work on endurance also!
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
I would have to say the Lanzarote trip. It was just fantastic and especially that there were about 47 or so people from the Club there. I actually managed to complete all the races which was for me a great achievement. When I was in the middle of each race I would be saying that’s it I am not running the next race, but of course I forget about the hard work and turned up at the start line every day.
It was great fun and the support from all who didn’t run was fantastic. Everything about the trip was great including the weather which I am told can be a bit hit and miss in November.
What international events have you ran?
Before I ran with sportsworld I did do two international half marathons with some friends. I did a half marathon in Edinburgh in 2010, and a half marathon in Milan in 2012. Really nice to fit in a weekend away as well as a run. Of course I cannot forget the Lanzarote Challenge this year as mention above.
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
I love to travel and do spend a lot of time organise the next trip away! Before I joined the running club I played Tennis and still have a keen interest in the game, so I tend to watch a lot of matches on TV and travel to tennis tournaments. Back in 2008 I went to the all four Grand Slam Tournaments. My other big hobby is shopping…..I love to shop.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I played Basketball when I was younger and part of the training was running. I was never in a running club but did a few races on and off over the years. I really only committed to running when I joined Sportsworld in 2015
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
I think my biggest achievement for completing the four-day race challenge in Lanzarote.
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
Hmm….I am not as good in the winter as the summer. Probably 20/25 miles if I do the run in the phoenix park. If I don’t get that run done it is a little less.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
The encouragement you receive from the other club members is fantastic. Sometimes you need a bit of motivation and you really get this from the other member. The social aspect of being in a running club is great also.
What made you join a Running Club?
I was away on holidays with Sandra Kelly and we talked about joining a running club. Sandra did all the investigation and got in touch with Sportsworld and we came down on BBQ Tuesday. There was no way we couldn’t join after that introduction.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Emily and Myles are so enthusiastic that they really inspire you to do better. The commitment they show is fantastic.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
Not really now. I still enjoy a game of tennis but this is not the weather for that as I look out at the pouring rain.
