This week we have a chat with Natalia O’Grady who has been running with the club for 6 years now and has a speedy 1:31 half marathon to her name.
When did you join?
August 2009
Where do you work?
Campari
What is your favourite club session?
Hills and sprints and 100/200m sprints on the track
What is your favorite race distance?
3k xc
What is your favorite meal before a big race?
Pasta with seafood
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
I like Bushy Park sessions. Re: competing I don’t care about location as much as time. I like evening races.
What is your target for the next year?
Start competing again
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
My very first 10k with SW somewhere in Wexport, first team gold medal
What international events have you ran?
Lanzarote running challenge, 5k in Maryland, USA
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
my other sport- related passion is mountain climbing. I also like reading biographies.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I joined SW after doing my first Mini Marathon in 2009
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
Coming 6th in Leinster Intermediate and winning two team gold medals in one race
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
25 miles (4 runs a week)
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
I like how we all get on so well regardless the age or fitness level.
What made you join a Running Club?
I wanted more structure to my training
What was your first day at the Club like?
After the warm up I couldn’t believe we are not done yet. The memory of that first training that stands out is how supportive and encouraging people were.
Why is running important to you?
It brings order to my life. I become aware of it in particular when I am injured or sick how together with running all my good habits are gone (nutrition, organising my day, getting things done etc
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
I would like to see more specialised one off workshops
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Emily Dowling – for being supportive no matter what level you are at, Carol Lynch for being so consistent and self- determined, several runners who don’t give up despite recurring injuries.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
Circuit training, Pilates
