When did you join Sportsworld?
I joined initially in 2012/13 and then again in 2017….my son was born in 2014 and my daughter in 2016 so there was a three year gap when I didn’t train with the club at all.
Where do you work?
I work as a paediatric Occupational Therapist.
What is your favourite club session?
Hills and sprints, the session flies in and I always have a great buzz after it.
What is your favourite race distance?
5k, that’s probably because it’s the distance I have raced most often over the last few years.
I got into parkrun when getting back to running after having kids and have done over 100 now.
What is your favourite meal before a big race?
Tea and toast with banana.
My Favourite place to train
I’m from Donegal and lived in Mayo for a good few years so ideally somewhere along the Atlantic coast.
In Dublin, I’m happy in any of the lovely parks close by, Bushy, St Enda’s or Marlay.
What’s your favourite race?
Dublin Marathon. I’ve only run it once but the atmosphere was amazing, I love supporting at it too.
What is your target for the next year?
My main priority is to continue to be able to run regularly, injury free! Saying that, I’d like to think the possibility of still getting a PB in some distances isn’t behind me just yet. I thought this year might be the year I’d do a marathon again, I’ve only ever done two and both were in 2012. I had an entry for Dublin Marathon through the lotto system, maybe next year!
What international events have you ran?
Paris marathon.
Where’s the most interesting place you have run? /Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?
I lived in Japan for two years in my 20’s, I was just getting into running and I always got a buzz running there.
Tokyo marathon is on my bucket list!
What do you like doing when you don’t run? (hobbies/past times)
My time for hobbies outside is limited but I do love reading and I can’t wait to be able to go out for dinner again when the restaurants re-open.
I used to be in a kayak club and spent lots of gorgeous mid summers evenings out in Clew Bay but I haven’t done any kayaking for a long time!
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I wasn’t into any sport through school or college, it was in my 20’s that I very gradually got into running. I joined a group training for the women’s mini marathon about 13 or 14 years ago and it was only then that I got beyond running about 2k. After that I was truly hooked.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
5k: 19:57 (Jingle Bells 5k 2017)
10k: 43:54 (Fingal 10k 2017)
Half marathon: 1hr42 (Race Series half marathon 2019)
Marathon: 3hrs53 (Dublin Marathon 2012)
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
Unless I’m injured I will always run three times a week, four times if I can. My mileage recently has been about 25k a week.
What motivates you? Running or otherwise
My family.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
The energy on a group run is wonderful. The camaraderie during club sessions, especially on a winters evening, when you really don’t feel like training are great for spurring you on. I’ve really enjoyed the team aspect to the Meet and Train and cross country races.
What made you join a Running Club?
After training for my first women’s mini marathon I saw the huge benefits of having running mates. I joined a running club in Westport and then Sportsworld when I moved to Dublin.
Why is running important to you?
Running is my time to myself outside of work and family. I get huge mental and physical benefits from it. During times that I’ve been injured I’ve struggled to find any other form of exercise that compares to it.
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
At the minute, as we are beginning to ease out of the Covid-19 restrictions, I’m just looking forward to getting back to group training sessions.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
I really admire Emily and Myles, their enthusiasm and commitment is incredible. Also, on any given night at training the group I’m with always drives me on!
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
Pilates
Tell us something that no one in the club knows about you!?
My husband, who is also a runner, proposed to me as we were crossing the finish line of the Dublin marathon in 2012, the official show that I still beat him by a second!
