When did you join Sportsworld?
October 2016
Where do you work?
I work as an Engineer for Arup, an Engineering Consultancy.
What is your favourite club session?
My favourite session has to be Hills and Spints. I like the combination of the two and the session always seems to fly by. I also love the long run on a Sunday morning around the Waterworks. I think anything with hills is a favourite of mine. When you go up you must come down J
What is your favorite race distance?
Currently, my favourite distance would be 10 mile or half marathon. Longer distances seem to suit me better. I love the test of endurance that comes with long distance running. Some people may think the mental battle of long distance running is torture but once I cross the finish line and look back at how far I have come, the different stages and moods I have gone through in the race both physically and mentally there is a great sense of achievement.
What is your favourite meal before a big race?
This is probably going to be the easiest question to answer in this meet the runner questionnaire as I am fairly predictable before a race. I will have porridge, honey and raisins, followed by a slice of toast and jam. Never really changes.
My Favourite place to train is?
My all time favourite place to train is home (Killarney, Co. Kerry). I love going out for my 10 mile long run around Killarney National Park or getting out on the trail runs. There really is no place like home. When in Dublin, I love doing the 10 mile long run on a Sunday with the club either in the Phoenix Park or the Waterworks.
What’s your favourite race?
My favourite race to date would have to have been The Killarney Half Marathon. On home soil, beautiful scenery, well organised and was on my Birthday last year. What better way to celebrate your birthday J
What is your target for the next year?
I would like to get back training consistently, manage my weaknesses and get stronger to prevent injuries. I would love to improve my times for 10k, 10 mile and half marathon while continuing to enjoy running and staying injury free.
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
I think this is the most difficult question to answer in this questionnaire as over the last year and a half I have had many great memories with the club. Many people think running is an individual sport but Sportsworld really puts emphasis on the team aspect of the sport which makes it much more enjoyable and fun.
If I had to pick one memory I think it would have to be Lanzarote Running Challenge 2017. Being able to say I ran alongside an Olympian, after just coming back from injury, while in the sun having a great time with friends and finishing 3rd overall is really hard to put into words (amazing, wonderful, fantastic, shocking, remarkable, startling, incredible experience). It is defiantly up there with one of my best holidays I have ever been on. The event was so well organised and a great experience but the people around you make it and I couldn’t have had a more supportive bunch of people around me. Before, during and after all the races the advice, encouragement and the sense of team spirit was all amazing.
Nothing will ever be able to replace the memories and friends I have made over the last year and a half.
What international events have you ran?
I think I have just done three races abroad to date:
- Liverpool Rock n Roll Half Marathon 2017
- Lanzarote running challenge 2017
- Denver 10k 2017
What do you like doing when you don’t run? (hobbies/past times)
I love getting home to Killarney and meeting up with friends and family. I really enjoy anything outdoorsy whether it be rowing on the lakes of Killarney or hill / trail walking around the National Park. Once I am outdoors, I am happy.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I ran as a child in primary and secondary school but did not enjoy it, was not very good at it and gave it up in my teens. In June 2016 a group of us from work did the women’s mini marathon. From June to October 2016 I trained for the Killarney Adventure Race and in October of 2016 I joined Sportsworld running club and the rest is history.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
One of my biggest achievement in running was being part of the Sportsworld cross country team in 2016/2017. Winning team and individual medals in the Dublin, Leinster and National Novice and Intermediate Cross Country Championships. I will never forget these memories. I think the toughest race I have ever ran was the half marathon as part of the Lanzarote running challenge 2017. A very clever lady told me after this race that “you learn from races like these, you don’t learn from the easy ones” and this was definitely true on this particular occasion. The sense of achievement after this race was amazing.
Personal Best Times:
- 5k – Docklands 5km (2017) – 00:17:50
- 10 km – Vigin Media Night Run (2017) – 00:37:19
- 10 Mile – Ballycotton 10Mile (2017) – 01:01:53
- Half Marathon – Killarney Half Marathon (2017) – 01:19:58
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
Generally I would run 5 days a week. Two speed sessions (Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday) with the club. Sunday Long run and then would do another run or two somewhere in the middle. Typically my weekly mileage would be around 50-60km per week.
What motivates you?
The one thing which motivates me more than anything is making others proud. During a race when I am feeling tired, exhausted and wanting to stop I will think about the team and how I can make my family, friends, coaches and club proud.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
In Sportsworld there is a great sense of inclusion and team spirit which I think you only understand when you join the club. People think that running is quite solitary and at times there is nothing better than being out on a run alone with your thoughts, but being part of a running club is a brilliant way of getting results. Racing as part of a team can be as exciting as any team event. The quality of the training in Sportsworld is fantastic and I can really see an improvement in my running since joining the club. The likeminded people I have met and the friendships I have made through the club are absolutely invaluable to me. I have made great friends in Sportsworld that I know I will have forever.
What made you join a Running Club?
I had just competed in the Killarney Adventure Race. The week after the race I felt unmotivated to train and exercise. I needed a new goal and a new motivator so I joined the club and I would not change my decision for the world.
What was your first day at the Club like?
It was a dark Tuesday evening down along the dodder doing the Mount Carmel Loop but the dark miserable evening didn’t turn me off and I loved it right from the start. Everyone was so welcoming and what really struck me was that no matter what ability you were there was a group to fit into and no one is ever left behind. Emily showed me where to go and told me what to do on my first night in the club, two weeks later she was telling me what to do at the Leinster Intermediate Cross Country and she continues to be the boss today (when I do listen to her).
Why is running important to you?
Running has somehow crept in and taken over my life the last year and a half. I’m at my happiest and healthiest when I’m running. The confidence and independence I have gained due to running and the people (who I can now call friends) around me has been invaluable. When I run it feels like my body was meant to do this, of course there are days where this is not the case but it’s the runners high, once you have experienced it you are always chasing it. Anywhere I go I pack my runners and explore new places. There really is nothing like it.
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
I would like to see the club do more strength and conditioning work with trained professionals to educate us on how to effectively perform and incorporate strength and conditioning into our training programmes to prevent injury. It is easy to fall into our comfort zones and keep running without caring for our bodies properly. However if we could see the benefits of doing strength and conditioning and how it can improve our running performance I think it would make it easier to accept and incorporate into our training.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
A number of people for difference reasons inspire and drive me to run better but the dedication and enthusiasm that Emily and Myles have for the sport is amazing and drives me to run better every single time. Their achievements in the sport are inspirational and I have nothing but respect for the two of them. Their endless energy is infectious. They are always on hand to give advice and encouragement and are not afraid to say when you should be running faster.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I cycle to and from work daily and I try to incorporate strength and conditioning into my training twice a week. However this is easier said than done as I would rather be outside on my own two feet any day of the week.
