When did you join Sportsworld?
I joined the club in October 2015. I had made an attempt to join the week before but managed to get lost navigating from Rathgar to Bushy Park (it’s a long journey!) By the time I had steered the car around I met a sea of runners coming against me heading off to a session and I decided to chicken out until the following week.
Where do you work?
I work as an Optometrist in Dublin city.
What is your favourite club session?
My favourite session would have to be hills and sprints. The adrenaline rush coming down the hill after the struggle to make it to top is exhilarating. The fact that Emily and Myles can see you at all angles means that you train harder and reap the benefits as a result.
What is your favourite race distance?
I run a fair amount of 5Ks and short races but I have to say I really enjoyed the half marathon I did this year in Mullingar. It was such an achievement to cross the line after 21K that I can’t imagine the feeling one would have after completing a full marathon.
What is your favourite meal before a big race?
If it is a morning race then a carb loaded dinner the night before consisting of maybe brown rice, sweet potato and chicken. I now eat porridge on the morning of a race, following in the footsteps of the porridge loving crew I shared with in La Santa last year. And lots and lots of tea, I am a self-confessed tea addict!
My Favourite place to train is?
I love the summer sessions in Bushy Park especially when the sun is out, it is a fabulous place to run. I am from a small village in Roscommon called Dysart. I have mapped out a few routes close to home that take in some of the lovely scenery too. I seem to be the only runner on the roads and I am sure all the locals think I am mad pounding the pavement most weekends!
What’s your favourite race?
I would have to say the Women’s Mini Marathon. My Mum and I have a tradition of running it every year and going for a slap up meal afterwards! The event itself is extremely well organised and inspiring to see the crowds it attracts every year. There is a real sense of girl power.
What is your target for the next year?
To run lots but hopefully keep my niggling injuries at bay. I would like to do a 10 mile and improve on my 10K time too.
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
All of the memories from the La Santa trip this year. Competing the Lanzarote four day challenge was like none other. I would highly recommend this trip to all members.
Where’s the most interesting place you have run?
I try to fit in a run everywhere I go. It is a really good way to explore the region and now that I am on Strava it looks impressive too!
On a trip to New Zealand a few years ago, we visited the Franz Josef Glacier. The scenery was spectacular, what you could call running heaven. Running across The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a close second.
What do you like doing when you don’t run? (hobbies/past times)
I love to travel and go on holidays with family and friends. Eating out and wining and dining in new restaurants is always
exciting. I love clothes shopping and I engage in retail therapy weekly!
I have an interest in sport and I would watch anything tennis, Gaa, rugby, show jumping. There is nothing like a day out in Croke
Park at a football final. I am still waiting for the Rossies to do something great.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I ran as a child and a teen for community games, but didn’t train at all. I just showed up on the day and ran in my bear feet around a pitch somewhere in Roscommon. I didn’t really enjoy it, it was just something you did because you had to!
In my twenties I picked up running again just as a means of exercise and as a social thing.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest?
I wish I had more PBs…..and better ones.
5km- 18.09 (Rathfarnham ’17)
10km- 39.23 (2017)
Half Marathon- 1.25.49 (Mullingar ’18)
I have yet to do a marathon and a 10 mile. Hopefully within the next
year or two.
What is your biggest non-running related achievement?
Oh that’s a tricky one. I did win a county gold medal for handwriting when I was twelve. It is safe to say my penmanship has diminished radically since!
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
This can range from 30 to 50K depending on injury and spare time. Ideally I would like to hit the 50K mark each week. I am happy if I complete a good sprint session weekly with the club.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
It’s a great place to meet people and it’s safe to say I’ve made friends for life with many of the members.
My running ability has improved greatly since joining and for this I am very thankful.
What was your first day at the Club like?
I joined the club on a Tuesday back in October 2015 not long after moving from Cork to Dublin. The first session was hills and sprints. Myles immediately paired me up with Louise Jackman as it was Louise’s first session too.
To this date we still engage in a good catch up at most sessions.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Emily and Myles are the real stars of the club.
They drive everyone on and give invaluable advice to each member on an individual basis. Emily’s enthusiasm for cross country running would inspire anyone to run fast! The struggle to make it to the finish line is worth it.
It ceases to amaze me how Myles can memorise the names of new members from the very start. His bellowing voice can be heard above all others at training and races and drives us all on to run hard.
Adélie has such a positive outlook on life and her ability to motivate us all at training is fantastic (you go guys!!!! in a French accent). I have to admit I loved the sense of comradery shared between all of the girls on the cross country team this season.
There are so many members/friends in the club who are always good to give advice and encouragement when they see fit. It’s great that everyone is so helpful and giving of their time.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I have played lots of different sports over the years. I was a keen badminton player and played camogie and football up to this year. I hope to do football again this summer. I had a horse for years and loved horse riding. I competed in a few tetrathlon events at the time. I love team sports and will hopefully get going with a few again this year
You must be logged in to post a comment.