When did you join Sportsworld?

January 2016.  The first person I met was Armagh man Damien Geraghty who was still getting used to living in the big schmoke so I took him under my wing for a while. The Corkness really rubbed off on him as he has since moved there with the family.

Where do you work?

I work for Oracle with the Sales strategy team. Based out in East Point.

What is your favourite club session?

The summer grass sessions in Bushy are a lot of fun and you improve your reflexes dodging children, pets and couples having picnics on obvious running routes but I’d vote for the Mount Carmel loop with sprints.

What is your favourite race distance?

Marathon. The build-up, the expos, the big race feel, the nervous energy, a large part of the city closed off, the crowds cheering you on and the satisfaction at the end. For me nothing else compares.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?

Porridge with blueberries, sultanas, honey and a banana (not too different from my regular breakfast)

My Favourite place to train

Bushy Park is great but the Phoenix Park Sunday run is hard to beat followed by coffee and soup/treats afterwards.

What’s your favourite race?

The Dublin marathon hands down (I’ve run it every year since 2011 for a reason). Great crowds, great course and great support.

Honourable mention for the Docklands 5km and the famous night out that follows…

What is your target for the next year?

Get my 5km time down under 20 mins (long overdue).

Would also love to run another of the major marathons (New York, Boston and Tokyo are left). A lottery entry is very difficult so will have to improve my marathon time.

What international events have you ran?

I lived in San Francisco from 2008 to 2012 and ran a few races around California during those years but other than that I’ve  raced in Arizona, Las Vegas (the inaugural night marathon back in 2011 run in December – fun event), Chicago, Paris, Berlin, London and of course the Lanzarote International Running Challenge in La Santa.

Where’s the most interesting place you have run?

Washington D.C. There is a 5km loop where you pass by the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, National Mall, and the Smithsonian leading all the way up to Capitol Hill where you may spot a politician or two. (I met Chuck Schumer out for his early morning walk). A great run full of historic sights.

Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?      (Doesn’t have to be running related)                           

Cody, Wyoming for the 4th of July in 2009. An American friend invited a group of us to his hometown (founded by Buffalo Bill) for the July 4th celebrations. Over a few days we went to the local Rodeo, saw the 4th parade with troops arriving home from Afghanistan, went horseback riding and camping with s’mores over a campfire, set off military grade fireworks, ate some elk medallions and rocky mountain oysters and finished with a tour of Yellowstone national park (spectacular). It was a great taste of Americana back when it was a nicer place to live. (A close second was the Burning Man festival later that year)

What do you like doing when you don’t run? (hobbies/past times)

I’d have a keen interest in music and attend a few gigs during the year.

Played piano for 7 years when I was younger and one of my big regrets was not keeping it up. I’ve been trying to get back in to it recently.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

In 2009, a colleague in SF asked me to go running with him over the Golden Gate Bridge one day and I took him up on the offer. It was a struggle but stuck with it for a month and continued to run. It definitely helped that San Francisco is a runner’s paradise.

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?

5km – 21:10

5 mile – 36:50

10km – 44:39

½ marathon – 1:39:48

Marathon – 3:39:09

Biggest achievement was running my first marathon in San Francisco back in 2010. A tough hilly course with amazing views and the sense of accomplishment you get when crossing that finish line is hard to beat.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?

The friendships you make and the network of like-minded people you meet. Having specialised coaching and a structured training plan also makes a difference.

What made you join a Running Club?

I had been training solo for a few years and needed a change so started looking for a running community/network to join. Noreen Brouder suggested a club in Bushy Park who she ran with. Thanks again Noreen!

Why is running important to you?

To maintain fitness and as an outlet to clear the head after work.  A run is also one of the best ways to explore new cities you visit.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?

Our two coaches, Emily and Myles. The passion they have for running is infectious and they always encourage everyone. We all appreciate the amount time they put in for training, race days and running trips.

It would be interesting to see their Meet the Runner submissions J

Tell us something that no one in the club knows about you!?

I was born in Canada and have dual Irish/Canadian citizenship. Spent 6 years in Toronto before moving to Cork.