Bonjour mes amis,
On Sunday 27th Sept. some of Sportsworld’s senior international runners are taking part in the Paris- Versailles run – La Grande Classique. They will join 25,000 other runners in a 16km run from La Tour Eillel to Les Jardins du Chateau de Versailles. They will be serenaded along the banks of the Seine by over a dozen bands. Full details here: ParisVersailles
We wish them all ‘Bon Chance’
Trevor Lloyd
Report by Gareth Murran
Although bad weather always looks worse through a window you’d be forgiven for thinking that Saturday morning on the track in Tallaght was going to be a washout. As it happens the weather was fantastic and the most anticipated club race of the year attracted record numbers of a Saturday morning. It has been a great summer for the club up on the track in Tallaght and in the graded race series. This morning everyone got a chance to show off the speed they’d built up over the summer period. Almost 60 runners in club singlets was a great sight to be seen.
All credit must go to Myles and Emily who spent allot of time coaching over the summer and who canvassed hard to get the great turn out this morrning. The numbers on a Saturday morning have been increasing through the summer with many new comers like Catherine, Justin and Margaret taking part in many of the graded races. This race was originally going to take part in August but it was postponed to attract the highest numbers possible.
The 1500m has been called “the best event in Track and Field” (by me). Mostly because it’s an exciting combination of speed, endurance and smarts (and I am also a little bit biased). First up was the women’s race with national medal holder Aoife Brady taking the lead from the start. Aoife got off that line and established a good position early! Aoife showed she still had that killer race instinct pacing the race perfectly. Imagine that you are in Mario Kart and you have mushrooms that give you a temporary burst of speed- but you only have a few to use. Save some for your last 100m when you REALLY need it. Making a whole bunch of quick, short, aggressive moves will come back to bite you (probably literally in the butt when you get booty lock). Aoife showed how you need to push hard in a 1500M. It’s just 3.75 laps so 5K pace won’t cut it. Ruth Kelly was a good 2nd place with Stephanie Bergin in 3rd.
The men’s 1500M race was second on the card. Gareth Murran took the early lead with Karol Cronin. With Emily telling the lads that the pace was too slow at the 800M mark, Gareth increased the pace down the back straight. With 1 lap to go there was a 50 metre gap which increased a small bit over the final 400M. At this stage the finish is so close that you can taste it! But it’s key not to react too quickly, otherwise you might run out of gas in that last 150m. Maybe you know what this feels like? Hitting a cement wall. If the pace has been slow, you might be able to get away with starting to press the pace around 400m, but generally winding up around 300m-200m is safe. Learn what works for you. Use the final turn to slingshot out around other competitors and wait for the final 50-60 meters to kick it into an 100% all out sprint (using your golden Mario mushroom). Gareth came in 1st with Karol in 2nd place. Martin Kenan was a strong 3rd.
The final race was the big one. The mixed 4x400M . Most team captains had their most experienced runners on either the 1st or last leg. As the runners came around for the first handover Wesley and Kevin had put their teams into a great position. The eventual race winners were in a strong position. The 2 girls Sandra Kelly and Aoife Brady kept the team at the front with fast 400m times. It was up to Anthony Ryan to anchor the team with a strong last lap performance, bringing the team home in style, even with time to shut it dow down over the line Usain bolt style.
It was fantastic to see so many people out on a sunny September morning and all kids there (Lisa, Justin’s, Joe’s, Ciara’a) added to the atmosphere
There was fantastic support from everyone. Special thanks to Myles and the full team helping handling the numbers and timings. Ann, Anna, Sean, Paul, Brenda, Breda and anyone missed out.
Full results and age rank places to follow . Thanks
Full results:
Womens 1500m
1 Aoife Brady 5:18
2 Ruth Kelly 5:39
3 Stephanie Bergin 5:46
4 Catherine Mulleady 5:52
5 Margaret Crowley 5:56
6 Natalia O’Grady 6:03
7 Sandra Gowran 6:12
8 Naoise Waldron 6:15
9 Anna Corrigan 6:16
10 Aileen Melody 6:17
11 Sandra Kelly 6:24
12 Eileen Rowland 6:27
13 Maria Finnegan 6:36
14 Carmel Dolan 6:37
15 Audrey O’Driscoll 6:56
16 Phil Daly 7:23
Mens 1500m
1 Gareth Murran 4:23
2 Karol Cronin 4:32
3 Martin Keenan 4:45
4 Justin McKeever 4:46
5 Sedanan Magee 4:47
6 Karl Chatterton 4:47
7 Michael Cunningham 4:48
8 David Saunders 4:51
9 Kevin Curran 4:54
10 Dereck Saville 4:56
11 John Linnane 4:59
12 Wesley Harrison 5:00
13 Packie Enright 5:01
14 James Brady 5:02
15 Diarmuid O’Sullivan 5:02
16 Ronan Masterson 5:04
17 Emmet Worrell 5:05
18 Joe Byrne 5:08
19 Anthony Gillan 5:08
20 Noel Tobin 5:08
21 Conor Keating 5:11
22 Jim Browne 5:13
23 Cormack Garvey 5:14
24 Tim Telford 5:19
25 Jose Chapa 5:25
26 Aidan Curran 5:31
27 Eoin O’Brien 5:33
28 Nigel Elliott 5:36
29 Chris Quaid 5:38
30 Denis McCaul 5:42
31 Stephen Willoughby 5:43
32 Paul Cassidy 5:50
33 Dereck Long 5:51
34 Phillip Kerr 5:54
35 Conor Kenny 6:00
4x400m Relay Event
1 Kevin Curran – Sandra Kelly – Aoife Brady – Anthony Gillan – 4:38
2 Sedanan Magee – Ronan Masterson – Tim Telford – Naoise Waldron – 4:40
3 Justin Mc Keever – Sandra Gowran – Wesley Harrison – Jim Browne 4:41
4 Gareth Murran – Carmel Dolan – Shona Keane – Nigel Elliott – 4:41
5 Ruth Kelly – Conor Keating – Emmet Worrell – Stephen Willoughby – 4:42
6 Michael Cunningham – Maria Finnegan – Eoin O’Brien – Chris Quaid – 4:46
7 James Brady – Aidan Curran – Martin Keenan – Dereck Long – 4:48
8 Karl Chatterton – Natalia O’Grady – Conor Kenny – John Linnane – 4:48
9 Dereck Saville – Anna Corrigan – Paul Cassidy – Jose Chapa – 4:49
10 Karol Cronin – Phil Daly – Margaret Crowley – Cormack Garvey – 4:51
11 Denis Mc Caul – Stephanie Bergin – Eileen Rowland – Diarmuid O’Sullivan – 5:01
12 Packie Enright – Catherine Mulleady – Noel Tobin – Aileen Melody – 5:08
13 David Saunders – Audrey O’Driscoll – Joe Byrne – Philip Kerr 5:07
Race report by Carol Lynch.
Photos by Valerie Power and Conor Kenny.
On a cool September Saturday morning myself and Valerie were Chauffeur driven out to the beautiful Lakes of Blessington by Carmel for a 10k race.
It was a shock to the system when we alighted form the car as a cold breeze greeted us just to remind us that winter was on the way. As it turned out there were 15 other brave souls from sportsworld making our group 18 overall. Next came the science bit when Mr Kenny (Conor not Enda) artfully tossed some blades of grass in the air and assured us the wind would be in our backs.
With that good news it was time for a short warm up and then to proceed to the bridge for the start of the race. A sharp right turn after the bridge and we were on our way. It wasn’t too long before we were Kings of the hill as we passed the 7k mark. After that it was plain sailing down hill towards the finish.with everyone hoping for a PB.
There was ample supply of fruit+ muffins and a goodie bag after the finish.
Revived we retreated to the Avon Rí Hotel for tea and toast, a good day was had by all!
Full Sportsworld Results:
Gareth Murran 34:38
Ronan Masterson 38:00
Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin 39:17
Packie Enright 41:45
Eoin O’Brien 43:20
John Flaherty 43:51
Eileen Rowland 44:49
Naoise Waldron 45:27
Stephen Willoughby 45:27
Conor Kenny 46:19
Sandra Gowran 46:48
Dave Clarke 46:49
Maria Finnegan 48:55
Anna Carrigan 50:07
Audrai O’Driscoll 51:00
Caroline Lynch 51:26
Valerie Power 52:07
Emma Barry 52:13
Cover photo by Darragh Muldoon
Report by Karl Chatterton
Tuesday night saw the 4th annual Grant Thornton 5k corporate challenge take place in Dublin’s Docklands. This saw many Sportsworld athletes ditch their club singlets in favour of their company’s colours!
The pre race downpours did little to dampen the spirits of the nearly 5,000 runners who lined the quays ready for the challenge. As we gathered on the start line I was quickly joined by many familiar Sportsworld faces.
The race set off in frantic fashion with the lead group setting a very fast pace. Despite the earlier rain, running conditions were good. A flat race that brought us up and down the Quays made for happy runners crossing the line.
The overall winner was Connor Dooney with a time of 1449. The team winners were the Run Hub. Sportsworld featured well in the results which can be seen below:
Paul O’Connell 16:01
Gareth Murran 16:28
Conor McCarthy 16:52
Kevin Curan 16:53
Karl Chatterton 17:00
Will Greensmyth 17:17
James Brady 17:30
Shane Toman 17:51
Susan McDonnell 19:12
Eoin O’Brien 19:22
Paul Duffy 20:42
Full results here: Grant Thornton 5k
Report by Killian McMorrow
A leafy midsection, of quiet bohereens, is the feature of the ‘friendly marathon’. It is a fairly flat course but ‘open road’, requiring full attention to safety at all times. Last sunday there were 190 for the marathon, while another about 300 ran ultras, halfs and relays, with entrants from as far afield as Singapore.
Ann Higgins and her husband, Cathal, took on the 4 legs of the relay between the two of them and effortlessly ran 3:55.
Having received the considerable assistance of Enda McM.(mentoring), Depak Vala (pacing) and the Good Lord, the writer was more than happy to get in for lunch, in 4:07.
Freddy Sittuk had 8 minutes to spare over the 2nd man home, while Siobhan McHugh was first female in 3;23. We were honoured by the presence in the race of legends Dave Brady and Tony Mangan.
Full results: Longford Results
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
We have the pleasure of chatting with popular club man Packie Enright this week. Running with the club for over 10 years.
When did you join Sportsworld?
Twas May 2005, a decade ago. I had been involved in other sports before that, including hurling and then boxing. Mick Dowling was my boxing coach, and he was Sportsworld AC president at the time. To do some road work is important as a boxer, to increase aerobic fitness. Mick rounded up a few of us from the club to run the Terenure 5 (which back then was the Dublin 5m Classic, attracting international runners). My first race ever, I ran 28 mins to the surprise of many, and from then on it was definitive that running was the best sport for me.
What is your favourite club session?
Hmmm, difficult to pick a favourite. They can all be tough; even an easy run can be tough on some days. But I’ll give any of em a go. Generally I find that if I can do 12*400m with 1 min in less than 80, that’s a good starting point. I’ve been getting this comfortably for years. Then it’s a matter of extending that whereby you can do mile repeats in < 05:30. Then you’re going places. I’ve been struggling with this, currently my mile repeats are at 06:10. Stamina is definitely my Achilles heel!
What is your favorite race distance?
5k road race. It tests everything you’re made of as a distance runner, and should be used as a starting point before attempting to race anything longer. That’s my view anyway.
What is your favorite meal before a big race?
The less, the better! For me anyway. I like to eat normal dinner & desert the night before, but go handy on race day food-wise. I’d be conscious of over-eating on race day. Bread and water usually does the trick on race day. Simple stuff.
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
Don’t really have one! I just try and adapt to an environment on a given day as best as possible. You may have bad memories from some courses, and good memories from others, but that’s all in the past and you must adapt to the day that’s in it. Before arriving at a venue I try to gather as much information about the course the night before. On race day, I’ll do a warm up jog around the course if they’ll let me (for road & XC races). In doing so, you build up a mental picture of what lies ahead, and you build your race strategy from there.
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
There’s been quite a few in the decade I’ve been running. Anytime you’re away somewhere as a team with your clubmates is to be appreciated.
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
Catch up with family & friends. Organise something cool.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
At my best (a decade ago), my times were no different to of any of the rest of the lads in the club – 26 min 5m, 33 min 10k and 74 min Half M. The best medal I have is when we won a team silver from the National Half M in 2007 – I ran 78, Phil ran 72 and Eanna ran 70.
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
Over the past month it’s been 5/6 runs a wk. Some double days. 2/3 rest days. Long run is at 8/9m. About 30mpw all in.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
That you’re part of a team, which is like your family in ways. You can’t buy that. Family, community; that’s what life’s about.
What was your first day at the Club like?
I knew nobody, not even Emily. No one! Got instructed anyway in what to do. Like any new social situation, you gotta adapt. I found it easier than boxing (the sport I was coming from), and the people were nicer, friendlier and less driven or competitive.
Why is running important to you?
It’s got good holistic benefits about it. It’s a discipline. It’s an escape from dereliction and boredom. It gives you something to do with your evenings. I think most runners will tell you that they love exercise, and it’s a way of life. There’s nothing like feeling fit.
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
No. No need. I honestly believe that the club has everything and more for someone aspiring to be an Olympian. It’s all there. Don’t need anything else. We even have a clubhouse, dressing room and showers. Many don’t have that luxury – Cornafean AC, Ballymore Cobh AC or Villierstown certainly hadn’t. Having said that, there’s some very bright and innovative people who bring a wonderful energy with them, and are constantly looking to improve things in the club, be it in organising the Terenure 5, running the website or bringing other ideas in around the place to improve the atmosphere. The leaders of these groups are commendable.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Emily has played a massive role in my personal development, and still does so wk in wk out. But I’d have to pay credit to her husband Mick, from when I took up boxing at 23. Two massive figureheads for me, almost like parents in ways. I’d say they influence so many, and see so many different types come and go over the yrs. Not a bad thing to be able to say you set up boxing and athletics clubs all over south Dublin influencing people’s lives in a positive way and gave people somewhere to go to and something to aspire towards.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
Playing a bit of hurling this summer with my home parish. We’ve a win and a loss to our name, have one group game left, if we win that we’ll make the QF’s. It’s good to play with lads you grew up with, along with relative newcomers to the parish (I’m gone from the place 15 yrs).
Report by Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin
Thanks to Joe Haugh for the photos.
The Frank Duffy 10 Mile race took place in good conditions this weekend past. The weather was dry, still, and only a little warm for the third installment of the 2015 Dublin Marathon Race Series. There was a good energy amongst the people at the start line as people had a last few stretches, exchanged the times they wanted, and opinions on the course. As I switched on my watch for the race, I thought to myself did many people that morning know much about the man immortalised the race they were so excited about.
Frank Duffy would have been very happy to see the over 4000 people taking part in the 32nd running of the race that memorialises him on Saturday last. Originally from Galway, Frank was instrumental in the re-forming of Ireland’s oldest athletic club, the Civil Service Harriers & Athletic Club in the Phoenix Park, after the Civil War in 1925. He devoted his life to athletics and was known as a tough coach who trained many people through the years. Two of whom became olympians, Noel Carroll, and Des McGann. While he may not have spared the whip on his budding athletes, he certainly liked to practice what he preached. Notably celebrating his sixtieth birthday by running 60 miles in the Phoenix Park. As you do.
I wasn’t left with this thought as the race began promptly at 10am and the train of thousands of colours bobbed and flowed down the chesterfield avenue towards Guinness’s. Sportsworld was well represented on the day with dozens of participants taking part for a variety of goals; preparations for the Berlin and Dublin marathons, preparations for half marathons, and just a day out. Conditions stayed favourable as we wound around the course which is more forgiving than some of the other races in the park due to it making use of wide stretches of road that prevent bottling, and its avoidance of some of the more hilly stretches.
Talking with the clusters of Sportsword singlets on the Furze Road after the race it was apparent that everyone enjoyed the day with people generally exceeding their expectations and returning with a good time. Many personal best times in the distance were set, and everyone who was preparing for a race later in the year came in on the right side of time they hoped for. A good day. The next in the Race Series is the Dublin Half Marathon. Hopefully there will be more success and improvement to be reaped here again.
The Frank Duffy race also doubled as the Dublin 10 mile Road Race Championship where the club had a great medal haul! Congratulations to all!
Gold – F50 Eileen Rowland 74.35
Gold – F65 Carol Lynch 82.45
Gold – Team F50 Eileen Rowlan, Carol Lynch, Audrai O’Driscoll
Silver – M40 Conor Curran 55.42
Silver – F45 Orla O’Flynn 72.40
Bronze – Team M50 Noel Tobin, Stephen Willoghby, Enda McMorrow
The chip time for a selection of Sportsworld’s runners is as follows (Apologies if I haven’t included you):
Conor Curran 00:55:42
Justin McKeever 00:59:19
Kevin Curran 00:59:40
Trevor Sweeney 00:59:44
Michael Cunningham 01:00:53
James Brady 01:01:45
Karl Chatterton 01:05:32
Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin 01:05:37
Noel Tobin 01:07:52
Emmet Wardell 01:10:10
Joseph Haugh 01:10:27
Sean Donegan 01:10:57
Tadgh Taillefer 01:10:59
Eoin O’Brien 01:11:02
Stephen Willoughby 01:11:50
Orla O’Flynn 01:12:40
Mark Heffernan 01:12:52
Andrea McNamara 01:13:49
Eileen Rowland 01:14:35
Naoise Waldron 01:16:24
Dave Clarke 01:19:08
Enda McMorrow 01:20:18
Madeleine Byrne 01:21:13
Catherine Gilmore 01:21:51
Christopher Quaid 01:22:04
Ray Carpenter 01:22:30
Carol Lynch 01:22:45
Grainne Dilleen 01:23:28
Katie Nugent 01:23:49
Maria Finnegan 01:24:54
Audrai O’Driscoll 01:27:53
Well done to all who took part and supported on the day.
Margaret Crowley is up this week. Margaret travelled all the way from County Cork to join Sportsworld. She has been a fantastic addition to the women’s team since joining the club less than 12 months ago. Running a speedy 68 seconds over 400m in the Dublin Graded series. Margaret is sure to get even better over the next year.
When did you join Sportsworld?
August 2014
Where do you work?
I recently started a new role as a Quality Operations Specialist for Endo Ventures Ltd. located in Ballsbridge. I am resposible for ensuring the quality of several branded and generic pharmaceutical products that are manufactured by Operating Companies of Endo International plc as well as Contract Manufacturing Organisations. I have also worked for Novartis. Many of you may use Voltarol Gel which is Manufactured by Novartis. I would have regularly worked on the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient for this product.
What is your favourite club session?
Without doubt, Saturday morning track training sessions.
What is your favorite race distance?
5km but I have recently started doing 400m on the track and I am starting to enjoy it.
What is your favorite meal before a big race?
This usually would be a bowl of porridge and a slice of homemade brown bread with peanut butter
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
I most prefer the track training sessions in Tallaght
What is your target for the next year?
A good novice cross country season for the remainder of 2015 followed by some PB’s in next years graded track events
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
Doing the cross country Meet and Train event in Busy Park. It was great to be able to race where we train on a weekly basis. The club organised a great race and there was plenty of support from the club throughout the race.
What international events have you ran?
I have not ran any international events yet.
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
I like to meet up with friends, go for the odd hike in the Wicklow mountains and I love to sit down and relax when I am not rushing around the place.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I did my first ever 5k in July 2012. I was working for Novartis in Ringaskiddy, Cork at the time and they held an annual 5 km run. I entered the 5km run with two friends. At this stage I had never ran more than 10 minutes on a treadmill. We had great plans on following a couch to 5km plan but we never followed that through and did not train for the race at all. We did it in 32 minutes. It was an achievement that we managed to jog all 5 km and not have to stop. We were delighted with ourselves.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
I got a PB of 68.7 sec recently for the 400m, This was my first year competing in the track events and I am very happy with that time. I am already looking forward to next years track events.
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
I always try to attend the club training sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I hope to start doing a long slow run on Sundays also.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
Definitely the team environment, There have been several evenings where I have gone down to the club house for training feeling tired and drained wondering how I am going to be able to do any bit of running. As soon as I start talking to people and do a warm up, I don’t even realise that I have been running because I have been chatting away to friends. The club definitely masks the pain and boredom of running alone.
What made you join a Running Club?
I saw everyone training one evening when i was jogging in Bushy Park and just decided to join in.
What was your first day at the Club like?
It was very enjoyable. Everyone made me feel very welcome. I got talking to Sandra Gowan throughout my first session. She told me alot about the club. We are both good friends now. We would often run close to each other during the training sessions and always try to push each other to go faster.
Why is running important to you?
I enjoy being outdoors and running is a great way to get outside. Since I am still improving my times on a regular basis, it gives a challenge to do better.
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
Ideally it would be great if more people got involved in the novice cross country races. It was my first time taking part in them last year and the races are so much more enjoyable when there is a good group from the club running in them. I was not by any means an experienced runner when I first ran in them and I was surprised how well I did. I would encourage all runners who run the road races to try the novice cross country events.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
There is always so much support in the club that it would be impossible to say just one person. Emily and Myles are great coaches and always encourage me to run faster. Paddy is always at races supporting everyone. The people I train with on a regular basis are always motivating me to run faster. Recently everyone in the club has started to cheer each other on in the sprint sessions, so the good atmosphere motivates us all to run better.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I go to Mick Dowling’s class once a week in the KCR for strength and conditioning. I also do Yoga at home to stretch out after the speed sessions.
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