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Sean Donegan

This week we have Sean Donegan who works in the music industry, prefers vinyl, has comfortably broken 90min for a half marathon and has the remarkable ability to run a full marathon without getting a single hair out of place!

When did you join Sportsworld?
November 2012

Where do you work?
I work in town, for a non-profit that represents songwriters, composers & music publishers. My job is to sort out music licences with broadcasters, advertisers and online services.

What is your favourite club session?
I enjoy the Mount Carmel lap sessions in Winter – hard fast laps with a small hill at the start and a nice decline at the end (and places to hide if struggling) and the Bushy Park Fartlek in the summer – it really works the reflexes dodging kids, dogs, crossfit groups and random footballs, travelling at high speed through the trails.

What is your favorite race distance?
Probably the 10 mile – it’s long enough to be a decent challenge without needing a long recovery. The Frank Duffy 10 mile every August is my favourite race of the year.

What is your favorite meal before a big race?
This is a hot topic for me at the moment as I am experimenting with my pre-race meals to try avoid the regular stitches I get towards the end of short distance races. Right now I try to eat as little as possible, maybe a little toast.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?
I am a big fan of the Dublin Mountains, you will often find me on meandering long runs around Three Rock, Masseys, Tibradden, Cruagh and the Waterworks.

What is your target for the next year?
I have a 2-year plan in mind to train for a Sub 3 marathon in 2018. I also want to get stuck into the IMRA Summer mountain races of a Wednesday evening.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?
The support you get competing is fantastic. I recall the Dublin Marathon in 2013, almost at every point I started to struggle, someone would shout out..”Go on Sportsworld”….Myles in particularly seemed to be at every key point on the course….Phoenix Park…Dolphin’s Barn….Ballsbridge…. all had Myles (or at least a convincing Myles look-a-like) telling me to catch the guy in front of me. Great stuff.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?
Arguing with people about football, explaining why vinyl sounds better than digital music files, or slagging off bands I use to like but are now too popular.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I’ve always been fond of hiking and going on long walks listening to music…one day on a long walk up the mountains I found myself halfway to Glendalough without realising it and so resolved that running these routes would be much more time efficient!

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
5k – 19:17
10k – 39:52
5m – 31:45
10m – 66.45
Half marathon – 1:28
Marathon – 3:15

Biggest achievement & most treasured memory will always be my first marathon – Connemara in 2012. I’d only been running regularly a few months and thought there was no way I could complete a marathon. However, by following a training plan combined with doing the clubs Thursday tempo sessions, I did enough work to ensure I was ready.

If anyone knows the Connemara course, you will be aware of the “Hell of the West”, a real nasty incline (read mountain) at Mile 23 / 24. I’ll never forget the rush I got once I eventually got to top, with 2 “easy” miles downhill left to enjoy, taking in the scenery and the accomplishment. A definitive “Runners High” moment.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
When marathon training I max out about 55 miles a week and during the rest of the year its about 30 miles a week. I reckon I need to move up to about 70 miles a week to give myself a good shot at a sub 3.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
As someone who has a competitive streak the best thing for me is trying to keep up with the faster folk in group sessions, which then spurs me on to improve my own training & races….For example, in the irish ¾ Marathon last October I ran well and really thought I was about to be the first Sportsworld athlete home, when with 2 miles to go one of the faster lads (who shall rename nameless, the scamp) sauntered by me casually while I was busting a gut…He is now on my hitlist in training….(although I never get near him…one day….)

What made you join a Running Club?
I happened to be running a lot on my own around Bushy Park in the Summer of 2012 and noticed the organised sessions going on and thought, hey, that looks fun. Took me a few months to get the courage to come down though.

What was your first day at the Club like?
It was in the middle of winter and I turned up with a friend hilariously overdressed……hat, gloves, leggings, shorts over the leggings, big soccer socks, long sleeve shirt, Nike air max runners, jacket, big red face and a phone on my arm with a stupid app shouting out mile splits which I couldn’t figure out how to turn off. By the time we got down to Mount Carmel I was sweating buckets.

After that experience I’ve found there is a direct correlation between how overdressed an unfamiliar face is arriving down to the Club and how new they are to running, so I always try and say hello and put them at ease.

Why is running important to you?
Running is my way to clear the head and de-stress. It’s a big part of my life and I couldn’t imagine not running regularly. On non- session days, I often try to run into work first thing in the morning which really sets you up well for the day, or else an easy jog last thing at night to wind down. I do a small bit of travel with work and always pack the gear with me. It’s a great way to explore a new city.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
Yes, less faster folk so I can feel better….(joking…)..I’ve noticed a really big improvement on the communications/information side of things over the last 18 months compared to when I first joined, so well done to the Committee members who’ve organised that.

As someone who can’t get down to the sessions every week, I wouldn’t mind if the Tuesday/Thursday sessions were posted on the website/weekly email in advance which would help plan to make sure I make the key sessions, but apart from that I’ve no complaints. The club is run really well and there is great sense of community amongst the members.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
The guy from the Irish 3/4 Marathon. (See answer above). He knows who he is. Also Myles; my biggest fear is to turn a corner at a race to have Myles spot me heaving at the side of the road in a heap. Nearly happened in the recent Raheny 5 mile.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I’m doing a runner’s specific weekly core/ strength session at the moment. I’m hoping this will help my posture & strength to close out races stronger.

Debra Wicklow Mountains Trail Half Marathon

Race Report by Bronwyn Murphy-White

Race photos by Keith Mulvey from the race Facebook page.

Arriving in Brockagh Resources Centre, the starting and finishing point for many trail runs in Laragh, registration was swift and easy. Toilet queues were short as they’ve added extra toilets. Every runner’s dream, many toilets.

Realising it’s nearly 9:50am, I headed straight out to the bus to sit and daydream whether I should really have signed up for the 10km rather than the half as my training over the last year has been sporadic due to injury, wedding, holidays and other various excuses…. That opportunity came briefly when a race organiser came onto the bus looking for a person who wanted to switch to the 10km – I missed my chance.

Race reporter Bronwyn discovering its not a road race

It seemed others had the same thought; there was a slight air of nervous tension amongst the runners, perhaps due to the miserable rain and the ever decreasing temperature on the bus thermostat as it crept up the mountain road. It’s best not to pay attention to how far the bus is driving you away from the centre, a half marathon is long!!

The safety briefing at the start line was thankfully short as we were freezing and eager to get going. They mentioned that the route was being diverted from the ‘swamp’, though as I waded through several swamps along the way I wondered had I mis-heard.

At least 7 Sportsworld members representing the club were present, with our Sportsworld singlets (ahem) buried beneath the 3 layers we had been advised to wear as it was to be very cold. The steep 1 mile hill immediately after the start line put the cold out of our minds and our muscles. I had my jacket, neck warmer and ear warmer all off me within 30 seconds!

The uphill was swiftly followed by a very much appreciated 1 mile downhill and then the fun began at mile 3. We were advised by the stewards to avoid the stepping stones and just run through the rivers and knee deep puddles. One woman was overheard proclaiming her surprise that ‘both her feet were wet’, both my entire legs were wet so I think she got off lightly.

There was good camaraderie all along the way, this is something I really like about trail runs. People were really enjoying themselves.

The terrain was slippy and rocky and down-hilly and up-hilly. There were sections where you had to walk, for safety or because there was only single file space. These were good moments to catch your breath. As it had been raining it was quite treacherous in places and on the downhill you could find your speed pick up quite suddenly. I decided to play it safe and take it easy, I had a bad fall the last time I did this run and didn’t fancy another cut knee and a few weeks off running.

I found that the miles just melted away as the course was really interesting, the scenery is beautiful but you really have to keep your eye on the ground a good bit. I enjoyed the surroundings on the sections of road and flat trail. Spoiler alert: there’s a horrible, horrible hill about 2 miles from the end. A never ending snaking incline, just around the time that your muscles are beginning to seize up and your runners feel like they’ve finally turned into cement from all the wet and muck. When you finally get to the top, you’re not really sure if you are or if there’s another nasty surprise waiting around the corner.

Luckily the last mile is downhill and as you descend into the back part of the Brockagh Centre grounds you can hear the fantastic sound of the cheering crowd from around the last corner. The ‘Thank You’ posters placed just before the finish line were very touching and you are reminded why so many people gathered to run and raise money for such a worthy cause. I would highly recommend the Debra Ireland Wicklow Trail Half Marathon, I’m glad I didn’t hop off the bus to do the 10km.

Sportsworld results

19th Michael Cunningham Male 1:48:48
Lucia Prihodova Female 2:24:07
Denise Kilkenny Female 2:24:32
Ronan Murray Male 2:24:33
Eileen Rowland Female 2:27:55
Bronwyn Murphy White Female 2:42:15

National Masters Indoors Championship 2017

Report, photos and support by Ann Marie Keenan!

Two fine performances at the national masters today at the athlete indoor track  by sports world athletes!

First up was Gareth in the 1500 meters who ran comfortably and sat at the back of the group for a few laps.

He proceeded to pick up pace and began to surge into position to battle for a medal. He demonstrated  tremendous  pace and persistence. It was an exciting last couple of laps to watch from perspective of spectator and supporter. His speedy pace and confidence got him into contention. Could he hold this as he was chased from behind . Magnificently Gareth crossed the line in 3rd place .

Fantastic run indeed and what a great performance!

 

Next up was Martin in the over 45 age group and hoping for a repeat of lasts weeks performance at the Leinster championships . Could he run the same time , was it possible for another PB?.

Martin ran his laps consistently and strong and crossed the line in 6th place and the same time as last week. So he gave all of himself and more in today’s race.

Both athletes achieved a lot to day and are very happy. Nationals are tough and only the bravest will face the challenge. So well done to both of them. Great to see the colours of Sportsworld once again out competing in nationals!!!

Seville Marathon 2017

I recently completed the Seville Marathon on February 20th. Myself and the great distance have a painful history. I had completed three up until this point and hit the infamous wall spectacularly in each and every one. I was very tempted to call it a day and stick to the shorter stuff but I’m nothing if not stubborn.

So with Dublin coming a bit too soon fitness wise I decided Seville would be ideal given it’s a nice flat course in a city I really wanted to visit.

I completed a 16 week training programme and got lucky with a mild winter. I felt fit and ready.
My target, as had been the case for my previous efforts, was sub 3 hours.
I ran a very disciplined, controlled race and didn’t get carried away. The distance is to be respected and things can go south suddenly and spectacularly. Thankfully I felt strong throughout and although mentally braced for it, I didn’t have to endure much suffering. However at mile 25 panic set it as I could feel my left hamstring spasm and tighten. Like lightening before a thunderstrike, this is normally followed by a full on cramp.
That is exactly what happened. I was stopped in my tracks with not much wiggle room on my sub three at the side of the road trying to stretch out the leg. I got going again but after a few hundred metres it went again. Another stop and stretch. Full on panic mode: ‘don’t f@#king do this to me’! I managed to get going.
That mile was a 7:30 but luckily I’d banked some time and managed to get to the finish line without further incident. After a lap of the track, I looked up at the clock in the Olympic Stadium in Seville, double checked my watch and felt elation and relief with the 2:59:27.
Really in this sport, that wonderful high from a PB you were desperate for, only happens a handful of times over years of running. These moments are a reminder of why we do it. I was thrilled and savoured the moment by sitting to the side, and watching the emotional reactions of finishers as they embraced loved ones who have shared their journey. I witnessed tears of despair and joy in equal measure all around me.
And a lovely act of kindness from a random spanish runner who noticed I was physically in bits, arrived over to where I sat with a heat poncho, water and a medal which he put around my neck. We couldn’t communicate with words, but if ever a moment  captured the unique beauty and spirit of this event, that was it.
I loved the whole experience.  The race was extremely well organised and the city is beautiful. Highly recommend it to all of you.

Wicklow Hospice Half Marathon

Report by Siobhan Clarke

Lots of chat in advance of the Wicklow Hospice Half-Marathon about race strategy, and negative splits and all those good things that good runners apparently think about. I don’t, but I do love to chat!

Then we were driving to the race, aiming for 9:00ish registration for a 10:00 start. The drive was hilly. And the weather was windy. End of all strategies!

Avondale Forest Park is a lovely venue, though I did find the course very hilly. And the wind always seemed to be against you, especially going up-hill! Immediately after the start, there’s an up-hill, and that set the tone for the 231 half-marathoners. The course is a double-loop, so every hill had a practice run! A good part of it is in the forest, which is scenic and sheltered, so that was nice. Great to bump into Eoin at the start of the race, so that meant there were three Sportsworld folk (Eoin, Padraic and me).

Not a great day for PBs, though I came 2nd (out of 9) in my race category – just don’t ask me what that is! It was good training though, and looking forward to next time.

Sportsworld Results

10k
Leanne HANRAHAN 00:54:32

Half Marathon
Padraic MORAN 01:44:42
Siobhan CLARKE 01:56:02 PB!
Eoin O’BRIEN 01:56:48

 

Conor McCarthy

This week we have Conor who has been flying over the past 12 months, breaking 60min for 10miles and running  16.37 for 5k. He has just finished another successful cross country campaign being one our of the top performers which bodes well for next season!

When did you join Sportsworld?

On a bright June evening in the year of our Lord, 2014.

Where do you work?

HSBC Bank. I’ve ran for them on a few occasions at business houses meets mainly. Karol Cronin once ran under my colleague’s name in the Grand Thornton 5k. People couldn’t get over the time – 15.15 or thereabouts. My colleague assumed legendary status from there onwards, thanks to Karol!!

What is your favourite club session?

Hills and Sprints are always a good blow-out. I like the momentum you can build up in that type of a session. I’d chalk that down as my favourite.  I like the track sessions as well for the same reason. Outside of interval training, tempo sessions are key and when you find your rhythm in those, they’re enjoyable as well.

What is your favorite race distance?

Although I feel I suffer a bit over the longer distances, I’ve always preferred 10 miles to 10K for some reason. I’d go with the 10 mile races.

What is your favorite meal before a big race?

Depends on what time of the day the race is on. If it’s a morning race, then Chicken Stir-Fry & Sweet Potato would prob feature on the plate the night before. If it’s an afternoon/evening, race then something light that morning such as Porridge & Berries or Avocado and Peanut Butter on Toast. I’d be looking to consume enough complex carbs, vitamins, minerals and protein, regardless of race time.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

Training-wise, although it’s tough, Myles’ Field of Dreams (or ‘Screams’ depending on your perspective) is always very beneficial for cross-country. When competing, Raheny, Ballycotton, the Rathfarnam 5 come to mind. At the opposite end of the scale, the cross-country venues would spring to mind!

Away from the bright lights of Sportworld, I enjoy training the Parkruns if I am away for the weekend. I like the Parkrun in my hometown of Wexford as it’s situated on the grounds of a castle. It loops three times around a lake, so it’s a scenic one. Also in Wexford, there’s a good 10K loop around Curracloe beach and through Raven Forest. A good place to mix up the terrain from the usual road/grass running surfaces. When it’s a calm sunny day (which isn’t too infrequent in the sunny south-east), there isn’t a better place to run, in my opinion.

What is your target for the next year?

First and foremost, to continue to develop at training and find the optimal weekly training schedule that works for me. To find the consistency with my weekly mileage, number of temp and interval sessions is something that I’ve been looking to address recently. In terms of race-times, the following would be my key targets:

5 miles: break 28 mins.
10 miles: break 59.
10K: Break 35 (I broke it before but have ran 35 something the last few times)
5K: Low 16.

Other than the above, I’m yet to get some track races under my belt so I want to get stuck into a few of those as well.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

The camaraderie at the cross-country races is usually good. Whenever we have lots of numbers running, such as in Tuam two years ago, it makes for a nice day out and there’s usually a good atmosphere among the crowd travelling to it. I’ll go with Tuam coz it was my first real cross-county outing.

What international events have you ran?

I raced over in Lanzarote with the club last year and it was a fantastic experience to run in an event like that. To run four races in four days is normally unthinkable but you’re geared up for it and everyone is in the same boat as the majority run the challenge, rather than just one or two races. I really enjoyed all of the races and relished the team aspect to it. Luckily we were still in the mix for silver/bronze on the last day, which gave us a real sense of purpose going into the half marathon on the final day. It was nice to get something out it as we came away with bronze in the men’s category.

I’d recommend the Lanzarote trip to anybody who has never been and is thinking of going.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

I think it was June 2012 when a pal of mine asked me to join his relay team for the Cork Marathon. I think I’d been tipping away at a couple of races at that point and was starting to take an interest in running around that time. We were all scheduled to run approx. 10K each and I set off from the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork to run my leg of the journey. I was instantly drawn in by the buzz of the marathon – the fellow runners, the goodwill of the crowd etc. I handed over the baton to my mate after 10k but I never stopped running until the finish line of the marathon as I just wanted to see how far I could go.

Think I ran around 19 miles that day without any training, which is something I would never do nowadays but that’s my stand-out memory of really taking to running. The legs were in bits for days afterwards but that didn’t put me off!

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

Last year was a decent year on the PB front; I ran 16.37 in the Rathfarnam 5K, got my 5 mile time down to low 28 (I’m determined to get that sub-28 ASAP!), broke the hour for 10 miles and got some improved times on the cross-country field.

I’m determined to get some more PB’s this year and to hopefully hit the times I think I’m capable of.  That’s the name of the game, I suppose!

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

The mileage depends on whether or not I’ve a race but usually it’s around 50K. I will probably need to increase that to improve my times and incorporate a variety of sessions which I’m probably not doing at the moment. The aim is to step it up to 50-60 miles, gradually – to avoid injury.

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

The structured training, advise, coaching and guidance you get from the club. Emily, Myles and a number of other people are terrific with their time and tutorship.

What made you join a Running Club?

A friend at work mentioned it me first and piqued my interest. When my good friend, Wes Harrison said to me at the gym that he had joined a club in Terenure and recommended it to me. I showed up one evening and sure the rest as they say is history.

What was your first day at the Club like?

I remember not having a clue what was going on. There was a speed session of some sort and I remember it hurt the next day! Paddy Lynch was very helpful to me and the other newcomers.

Why is running important to you? For the (much needed!!) focus and discipline it requires and also the sense of freedom it affords. Running a race abroad is also a great incentive to get away and visit new places.

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

A lot of people do so. Obviously you’ll hear Myles bellowing at you on the cross-country field and that usually drives you on a bit alright!

The main point I would make is that everyone has their group/level and usually looks to their peers to be pushed and challenged in their training sessions. For me, I’ve benefited from training with the lads like Karol, Gareth, Kev and so on.

It’s important that each group is enhanced by newcomers or people who have returned from living abroad such as Phil – whom has been very helpful towards me as has anyone I have trained with really. Hopefully we get Gavin back at some point as he’s a class runner and someone of his calibre enhances the quality of our training sessions.

It’s great to see new talent coming through at the club and long may it continue.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis? I’m an advocate of doing Pilates/Yoga, Strength and Conditioning and even Aqua Aerobics for recovery. I do at least one of the above every single week to stay fit, recover from running or to assist with injury-avoidance.

National Masters Cross Country 2017

Race report, photos AND support by Joe Byrne!

National Masters Cross Country Championships. 12th February 2017

Put the winter spikes away, get the sun factor out. With the championship cross country season now consigned to history, can spring/summer be far away?

The final day of the season was to be the harshest one yet, with a biting, raw, easterly wind blowing across the grounds of Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) Sportsgrounds.

A tough uncompromising course (and that was just from a spectators point of view) over undulating terrain tested 24 of our best Women and Men athletes. The only forgiving factor was the lack of rain over the winter months that meant the course didn’t cut as had been the norm at this event in recent years. Anyway true to form our runners excelled themselves over the 4k & 7k distances, as they have done all year.

Sunday morning began with a long spin down the M9 to WIT. With both a 10 mile and 20 minute start from the main Sportsworld possee at Bushy Park, Martin Keenan (driving) and I made it to the Applegreen coffee stop at Gowran just behind the main group!!

Thankfully Martin runs a lot quicker for Sportsworld than he drives behind the wheel!

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Fast forward to 1.30pm and it was time for the Sportsworld Ladies to defend their National title won in Dundalk last year. Superb running over the 1 short and 2 long lap course from the start, from Catherine Bambrick up front closely followed by Ruth Kelly, Noreen Brouder, Stephanie Bergin and Lucy Darcy (chief organiser and participant) with Anna Delaney, Ann Dalton, Natalia O Grady, Sandra Gowran and Val Power not far behind meant an accumulation of 145 points and good enough for 3rd place out of 19 teams and National Bronze medals, only 10 points behind eventual winners Youghal A.C. A very credible defence of the title indeed! In addition Catherine also won County Silver on the Dublin team. Well done Catherine.

National Masters Bronze Medal Team!

In the Womens O’50 race Eileen Rowland, Aileen Melody, Ellen Lavin and Audrai O Driscoll all combined to claim 7th club overall in the country. Well done Ladies!!!

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2pm came and over 200 men started their 7k assault.

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1 short lap and 4 long ones later Karol Cronin in his inaugural masters cross country race crossed the line in 21st place overall earning himself a county silver medal for Dublin team. Great stuff Karol, that bout of flu is well behind you now!

Silver medal on the Dublin Team!

Hot on his heels were Gareth Murran, Michael Cunningham (yes he took a break from Terenure 5 mile organisation), Martin (Lewis Hamilton)Keenan, Anthony Gillen (flying the flag for the O’50s and only missing county gold by 7 seconds), Denis McCaul, John Dwyer (cleanest shoes award), Alan Hynes, Jose Chapa and Aidan Curren.

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Well done lads. 11th place claimed out of the 17 teams with some of the best runners in the country.


Take a bow one and all at the end of a tough days racing. Special mention to Coaches Emily, Myles, Captain Paul and supporters Nick, Michael and Joe for the words of encouragement. With apologies to anyone I failed to acknowledge or photograph.

As for the sun factor, well perhaps we should get rid of the thermals, gloves and beanies before we can start thinking about applying it. Seriously though folks, can Tallaght Athletic Track be far away now?

Tallaght Track Yesterday

Postscript to above: Martin driving home on his own Sunday evening is rumoured to have overtaken a tractor just past junction 7 of the M9. I am informed he did make work on time Monday morning!!

Sportsworld Results

Womens 4K (3rd place team!)
12th Catherine Bambrick (Team Bronze Medal and Dublin Team Silver Medal!)
19th Ruth Kelly (Team Bronze Medal!)
48th Noreen Brouder (Team Bronze Medal!)
66th Stephanie Bergin (Team Bronze Medal!)
71st Lucy Darcy
94th Anna Delaney
100th Ann Dalton
142nd Natalia O Grady
146th Sandra Gowran
159th Val Power
167th Eileen Rowland
168th Aileen Melody
173rd Ellen Lavin
183rd Audrai O Driscoll

Mens 7K (11th place team)
21st Karol Cronin (Silver medal on Dublin Team!)
50th Gareth Murran
88th Michael Cunningham
127th Martin keenan
130th Anthony Gillen
139th Denis McCaul
146th John Dwyer
179th Alan Hynes
186th Jose Chapa
194th Aidan Curren

Meet and Train Race 4 Balheary Fields Swords

Race Report by Laurence Delair

Thanks to Phil Daly for the photos.

The fourth and last instalment of the Meet and Train Winter League took place on Sunday 5th. The Sportsworld runners and supporters converged towards the Balheary Fields, in Swords for the occasion.

For those of you who have never set foot there, I could hardly recommend it as a picturesque destination. No, it is a utilitarian, fit-for-purpose sort of a place. Nothing wrong with that. It is rather long and narrow, made up of a couple of pitches, and it is bordered on 3 sides by clumps of trees, and immediately surrounded by a maze of busy-ish roads. However, on that cold and crisp morning, with the grass still covered in frost, the perfectly blue sky and the warm rays of sunshine, the Balheary Fields looked positively glorious.

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After our customary warm-up and strides – during which I suspect we all ended up with soaking wet socks and suitably frozen feet – the 20 or so of us gathered at the start line along with another 100 runners.

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The excitement and the nervousness were palpable, or so is my impression each time we are about to go. Some of the Sportsworld girls were galvanising the others by saying “Think of the brunch afterwards” (more on this further down). There was a false start of sorts, on account of a whistle being blown on the football pitch next to us. And then we were finally off.

Due to a training regime that I must confess is “minimalist”, I tend to stay at the back of the field from beginning to end. On a side note, I have come to the conclusion that minimalism is best suited to Art, and that it does not work so well for running, nor for most sports I suspect. But I digress… Here was the task at hand: two laps and a bit (which is always the hardest bit) of a perfectly flat course around the pitches above-mentioned, with a section on one side where the path took us behind the clumps of trees and followed a tiny river. That came as a welcome diversion if you ask me.

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The underfoot conditions were close to ideal, a little soft but not too much. The pace at the front was ruthless as far as I could see from my vantage point. All I can say is that we all finished in one piece, Maria Jones being the first one in for the Sportsworld crew taking the third place!

There were all-round excellent performances.

After the cool down (which I inadvertently skipped), we all enjoyed the tea/coffee, biscuits and cakes offered by our host, Fingallians Athletic Club, and a bit of a chat. As this was the last of our Meet and Train race, the “après race” did not end up there. Naoise De Bhaldraithe had kindly booked a group of us for a brunch in the Gourmet Food Parlour, conveniently located a short walking distance away. So we had a further excuse to enjoy good food and excellent company. What more could you ask for?

OVERALL LEAGUE RESULTS

CLUB Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 TOTAL

GOLD DIVISION
Sportsworld A INC 44 54 43 141
Clonliffe A 39 68 71 68 175
Crusaders A INC 84 98 58 240
Crusaders B INC 85 171 90 346
Trim A 73 106 187 INC 366
Dunboyne A 50 177 151 INC 378

SILVER DIVISION
Esker A 126 182 161 102 389
Bros Pearse A 189 120 134 INC 443
Fingallians A 136 194 INC 127 457
Clonliffe B 144 196 202 INC 542
Blackrock AC 196 199 164 INC 559
Crusaders C 192 INC 227 172 591
Lucan A 145 198 288 INC 631

BRONZE DIVISION
Dunboyne B 237 250 271 INC 758
Fingallians B 258 279 350 246 783
Sportsworld D 333 389 406 252 974
Donore B 296 398 420 INC 1114
Esker B INC 387 389 246 1022
Trim B 289 INC 397 INC INC
Lucan C 394 514 INC INC INC
Fingallians C 358 419 INC INC INC
Sportsworld C INC 226 273 INC INC
Tallaght A INC 129 INC INC INC
Donore D INC 283 INC INC INC
Donore C 296 INC INC INC INC
Fingallians D 380 INC INC INC INC
Bros Pearse B INC 393 INC INC INC
Tallaght B INC 414 INC INC INC
Lucan B 419 INC INC INC INC
Sportsworld B INC INC 270 INC INC
Sportsworld E INC INC INC INC INC
Crusaders D INC INC INC 229 INC
Donore A INC INC INC INC INC

INC: Incomplete team

Phil Daly

This week we have Phil Daly, a keen tennis player and fan who made it to all 4 grand slams in 2008. Phils completed the Lanzarote Channage with the club last year as well as racing in Edinburgh and Milan!

When did you join Sportsworld?

First night that I came down was in July 2015.  It was the summer BBQ night so it was a great introduction!

Where do you work?

I work as a Business Consultant in a Software Development Company in Leopardstown

What is your favourite club session?

In the Spring/Summer I think for me that is the track sessions Saturday morning in Tallaght. They are though but good fun and you know at the end of the session there is that lovely coffee as a reward. It was also great way of getting to know people.

In the Winter I prefer to run when it is bright, but I was nervous of going along to the long run in the Phoenix Park on Sunday Mornings. However, my fears were unfounded as you can run whatever distance you prefer and there is always someone running at your pace. It is such a beautiful place to run and again there is chat and coffee afterwards.

What is your favourite race distance?

Hmm I am still trying to work that out! I think probably the shorter distances. 5K, 5 Mile and 10K.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?

This depends on the time of the race. If it is a morning race I would not eat too much, a little cereal and maybe a banana, and definitely a coffee. If it is later in the day, I might have poached egg with avocado on a bagel.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

The Track and any run in the Phoenix Park

What is your target for the next year?

Probably to try and get a bit faster, but I think I need to work on endurance also!

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

I would have to say the Lanzarote trip. It was just fantastic and especially that there were about 47 or so people from the Club there. I actually managed to complete all the races which was for me a great achievement. When I was in the middle of each race I would be saying that’s it I am not running the next race, but of course I forget about the hard work and turned up at the start line every day.

It was great fun and the support from all who didn’t run was fantastic. Everything about the trip was great including the weather which I am told can be a bit hit and miss in November.

What international events have you ran?     

Before I ran with sportsworld I did do two international half marathons with some friends.  I did a half marathon in Edinburgh in 2010, and a half marathon in Milan in 2012.        Really nice to fit in a weekend away as well as a run. Of course I cannot forget the Lanzarote Challenge this year as mention above.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?

I love to travel and do spend a lot of time organise the next trip away! Before I joined the running club I played Tennis and still have a keen interest in the game, so I tend to watch a lot of matches on TV and travel to tennis tournaments. Back in 2008 I went to the all four Grand Slam Tournaments. My other big hobby is shopping…..I love to shop.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

I played Basketball when I was younger and part of the training was running. I was never in a running club but did a few races on and off over the years.  I really only committed to running when I joined Sportsworld in 2015

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

I think my biggest achievement for completing the four-day race challenge in Lanzarote.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

Hmm….I am not as good in the winter as the summer. Probably 20/25 miles if I do the run in the phoenix park. If I don’t get that run done it is a little less.

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

The encouragement you receive from the other club members is fantastic. Sometimes you need a bit of motivation and you really get this from the other member. The social aspect of being in a running club is great also.

What made you join a Running Club?

I was away on holidays with Sandra Kelly and we talked about joining a running club. Sandra did all the investigation and got in touch with Sportsworld and we came down on BBQ Tuesday. There was no way we couldn’t join after that introduction.

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

Emily and Myles are so enthusiastic that they really inspire you to do better. The commitment they show is fantastic.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?

Not really now. I still enjoy a game of tennis but this is not the weather for that as I look out at the pouring rain.

Trim 10 Mile 2017

Report by Emma Barry

So race day arrived and i had arranged to meet Catherine Gilmore, Madeleine Byrne and Stephen Willoughby in Terenure to travel down. The morning itself was very cold but thankfully no wind really to speak of and a promise of a dry was day ahead!

Once we got there we found regeneration easy enough and collected a very nice long sleeve shirt.

Once we began our warm up and drills we  soon found it had warmed up a lot and was perfect racing conditions!

The race course itself was same as last year, typical twist and turns of nice country roads.

We meet a few others from Sportsworld at the finish line and we all went for coffee after.

Overall a nice day was had by all and a few PBs were had….

Sportsworld Results

Stephen Willoughby: 1.10:32 PB!
Eileen Rowland:1:17:11
Eoin O’Brien: 1:18:35
Emma Barry: 1:19:52 PB!
Catherine Gilmore: 1:23:58
Audrey O’Driscoll: 1:28:50
Rosie Mulhern: 1:29:17
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