Full Name
James Dawson
When did you join Sportsworld?
I officially joined Sportsworld in May 19 after the Terenure 5 mile event. I still remember trying to keep up with Brian who was the 35-minute pacer on the day. I’m happy to say I nearly took 3 minutes off that time when I competed in the Raheny 5 mile in January!
Where do you work?
I work in Uniphar as a Financial Accountant (bean counter)
What is your favourite club session?
When I started running in the summer of 2019, Bushy Park was such a great setting for all the various sessions. Although over the winter, I thoroughly enjoyed the long runs in Phoenix Park. Except when Ger got us lost half way through the route one morning (sorry Ger!)
What is your favourite race distance?
Tough to answer at the moment but I would say I have enjoyed the 10km races more than other race distances.
It’s a good test to see how long you can push yourself to the limit.
Although I would like to test myself at the track events (200m / 400m) if there are any left after this pandemic.
What is your favourite meal before a big race?
Usually the night before a race, I would have some chicken, quinoa and black beans. In the morning I don’t tend to have much, maybe a banana with some beetroot juice.
What’s your favourite race?
Of all the races so far, I would say the Docklands 5k was my favourite race. I was new to the club, so it was a great race to meet other Sportsworlders. The race itself was a bit of a disappointment as I was hoping to break sub 20 for the first time but that was quickly forgotten once I stepped into The Ferryman!
Outside of races with Sportsworld, The Galway Bay 10km was a fantastic event. Sure who wouldn’t want to be blown about on the scenic Nimmo pier!
What is your target for the next year?
My targets have sort of been put to one side with everything that is going on but I would be thrilled if I broke 19 minutes in a 5k and sub 40 in a 10k in 2020.
Also, all going well with marathon training and staying injury free I would try and set myself a target of 3:15.
What international events have you ran?
No major international events but I did a parkrun in a small town called Port Macquarie in Eastern Australia.
What do you like doing when you don’t run? (hobbies/past times)
Previously, I played a lot of football between 5 a side and 11 a side. I played for a team called Spartak Dynamo (not a Russian team surprisingly) based in Marley Park. However, at the moment it’s mostly running, swimming and I’m in the middle of golf lessons to get a few trips out of work in the summer (free round of golf, great value for a Cavan man)
I’ve recently purchased an acoustic guitar from Sadanands great music store so I’m teaching myself a few tunes. Anyone getting married soon PM me for quotes.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I got into running properly back in late 2015 after I did the Frank Duffy 10 mile. In April 2016, I registered for the DM. It’s safe to say trying to juggle football with Marathon training was a huge mistake.
After that it was mostly parkruns. I originally came down to the club in the summer of 2018 to reignite my running career. However, I decided to give football another season. After getting frustrated with google maps trying to find away grounds I decided to hang up the boots and swap them for cross country spikes instead. It was about this time in the pic below when I knew I had screwed up my first XC race. It was certainly a baptism of fire but I’ve enjoyed the few races since (I think)
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
5km – 19:41
10km – 41:57
21km – 1:30:54
42km – 4:20 something when I was very naïve with my marathon training!
I bagged myself a new 20-minute PB in the recent Bohermeen half marathon. It was my first half marathon since 2017 and I was absolutely thrilled to see the tough winter sessions pay off.
What is your biggest non-running related achievement?
I would say becoming a fully qualified ACA accountant. Between all the commuting down from Cavan to Dublin for lectures and finding the energy to study after work. It was definitely worth it in the end.
My parents put in so much hard graft over the years on our dairy farm to provide the funds for my education, so I owe them a lot in terms of this.
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
On a normal week I do 50 – 60 km but that has dropped down considerably over the past few weeks!
What motivates you? Running or otherwise
I always want a new PB in every event I enter now. I think I’ve set new PBs in every competitive race since I joined the club which is all down to the coaching of Emily and Myles. I know I can keep improving and that is helping me to keep pushing and work even harder.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
Definitely meeting new people. Everyone was very welcoming when I joined and I’ve got to know the majority of people over the past year. The bake off was also very appreciated.
Why is running important to you?
The health benefits I’ve seen since joining the club have been massive. My energy throughout the day is always at a high level, I never feel the need for a cheeky snooze after work! I always feel active and that’s been a huge thing for me.
Also, my mental health has also benefited greatly. I’ve read articles that running helps your mind and body and I couldn’t disagree with that at all. It’s up there with the best things I’ve decided to take up during my life.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Without Myles and Emily there shouting (I mean encouraging) I probably would of gave up a long time ago. I always look back to the XC in Avondale which was completely out of my zone in terms of pace, when Myles on the sideline keeping me motivated while I was fighting not to come last. I’ve learnt it’s not all about winning (although that is nice)
The commitment they show to travel all around the country to support us is nothing short of incredible and I owe all my PBs to them.
Tell us something that no one in the club knows about you!?
I was Ulster U21 champion in table tennis and played county in the wonderful sport of pool.
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