From the old to the new. This week we chat to Aggie Buckley who despite only being in the club for a little over a year has represented the club at many races, races in Lanzarote and achieved a string of PB’s. Despite a recent injury she is now back training.
When did you join Sportsworld?
May 2014 after having completed Limerick Marathon in Sub 4 wanted to see what joining a club could do for times.
Where do you work?
KPMG Chartered Accountants
What is your favourite club session?
Sunday’s long runs but really starting to enjoy the speed sessions as well
What is your favorite race distance?
10 mile/ half marathon
What is your favorite meal before a big race?
porridge/overnight oats or else pro-oats. I find these fuel me up the best for a tough race.
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
At home it would have to be Phoenix park especially during the winter months. Although I really enjoyed training in Lanzorote also
What is your target for the next year?
Complete a marathon in sub 3:30 whether in Ireland or international. Also want to get half marathon time down and compete in as many Cross country races as possible.
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
Taking part in Dunshaughlin 10k in 2014, which was my first club race and I was extremely nervous but the encouragement on course form other club runners and the finish line was amazing. Many more of these to come.
What international events have you ran?
Fairly new to the running scene so the only international even I have done was Lanzorote in 2014
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
When I do have some free time I like to read, chill with friends and taking it easy.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
The only reason I started running was cause someone dared me that I couldn’t do a 5k followed by being told that after 6 months she will get sick of it and give up. Was determined to prove them wrong! A long way to go yet but will get there. Now running means so much more to me and fitness is a big part of my life these days.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
2014 was a fantastic year with a wide range of Pb’s. The main one being a sub 3:45 marathon. Will be looking to bring this down further on next marathon. Sub 1:40 half marathon after 1st half marathon of 2:15. 5 minute pb achieved over over 10k distance in 2014 being my best time of 43 min and 21 minute 5k again this was only achieved after joining the club.
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
Once I’m back running properly post injury I would typically be running 4 times a week averaging around 30 miles especially where I have no long distance races planned. However this would increase when I’m back racing long distances.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
The encouragement and inspiration from other members is amazing, not to mind the friendships you make with your club mates. Competing as part of a team is fantastic and being there for each other through the good times and the tough times
What made you join a Running Club?
As i was saying earlier, I had just completed Limerick Marathon 2 weeks before and couldn’t see myself getting much better times by just training alone. Within months of joining the Pb’s were flowing in. I hope many more of these are to come.
What was your first day at the Club like?
I remember coming down being really shy and staying quiet in the corner. Then that all changed when I started with a session and I found out how lovely and friendly everyone was. Although I didn’t know anyone on day one everyone was so encouraging which was the main reason I decided to stay.
Why is running important to you?
Running is very important as I genuinely love it! It is such a great stress reliever and no matter how crap your day is going/has been just a few miles can change your whole perspective no matter the weather. There is no such thing as a bad run! It has taught me that you can do anything you set your mind to and a great sense of achievement. I think it’s fair to say that I am at my happiest when I’m running
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
I would love to see more people tacking the Saturday morning training sessions and indeed representing our club at cross country races. It means so much more when there is a large group in a team compared to my first cross country race with just 2 of us.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Since joining the club there has been a number of people who are an inspiration to me and have driven me to work harder for results with some in particular needing to be mentioned. Emily and miles have always been a great encouragement and an inspiration especially with the fantastic results that Emily has achieved throughout her running career. Aileen Melody had been an amazing support at all times and through the tough times also. She has always been there and we have been running buddies ever since. Paddy is great encouragement and is at as many races as he can to support.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I have recently started Pilates. In addition to this I try to do some strength training and pool work. .
