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Sportsworld Running Club

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Home Blog Page 73

Joe Haugh

This week we have an interview with Joe Haugh. Joe is relatively new to the club but has taken a very active role after just 18 months. Playing a major role in this years 5 mile being the highlight.

When did you join Sportsworld?
18 months ago.

What is your favourite club session?
Fartlek ( minute on minute off)

What is your favorite race distance?
1/2 marathon and above.

What is your target for the next year?
none set yet..

What international events have you ran?
Berlin half marathon, Boston 100th Marathon 1996.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?
Got back in after injury to knee, have been doing years on and off.

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
Around 1.37 in Waterford, but looking to improve on that over the next six months.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
Depends, but roughly 20 miles at the moment.

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

What made you join a Running Club?
Improve running technique..

What was your first day at the Club like?
Cant remember.

Why is running important to you?
One thing in my life that is important to me, but gives me balance.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
Cycle on and off, looking to do gym work to improve strength.

Senior National Track Championships 2015 1500M

The national track championships take place this weekend August 8th / 9th in Santry, Despite there only being one runner from the club taking part there was plenty of supporters from the club. Many thanks to everyone for coming out.

I was running in the 1500M heat 1. I had known from previous years that nationals are a big step up from the Graded series. You are up against the best runners in the country, many of whom are at least 5 years younger than you and allot faster. Despite being up against it, racing in the nationals is a fantastic experience.

As with championships racing the race you have to register well in advance and then check-in at least an hour before. In Santry this all happens in the indoor warmup area. Once you collect your number and check-in you are free to watch the other races until 40 minutes before your scheduled start time. For those last few minutes you’re in the call room. The tension is palpable, all the top guys know each other and it’s easy to get intimidated. Alberto Salazar once said “I had as many doubts as anyone else. Standing on the starting line, we’re all cowards” and it’s true.

When the race is ready for the off we were lead out to the track. I was in heat 1 of 2. Thee first 5 qualify automatically and the the 5 fast runners up. It’s amazing how different everything looks from inside the fence that surrounds the eight lanes, it inevitably gives you goose bumps, a great experience.

The 1500M starts over on the back straight. After 5 minutes of technical issues and a bit more posturing we were ready for the off. In any middle distance race it’s important to know where you want to be at every stage of the race. I had 64 second laps in my race plan today, That means going through with 3 laps to go in 48 seconds, today it was 51. A combination of slow championship racing and a strong wind scuppered those best laid plans. I always used to struggle at the 1500m never getting the times I wanted.

This year I’ve gone from 4:14 down to 4:05. I ran 4:05 on a sunny calm evening in Santry so it was always going to be tough to match that with today’s conditions. The won thing I did learn this year is that you have to push from the start. In hindsight I should have moved a bit further up into the main group on lap 2. The pace was too slowing to a jog, going through 800M in 2:16. In a graded I wouldn’t have thought twice but the way the race was unfolding it didn’t make sense.

Down the back straight the pace started to pick up and with the big guns able to finish those last 700M in close to 90 seconds it was always going to be a struggle. As the race started to wind up with 400M to go I thought I was still in contention to sneak one of those runners up spots but the ever increasing pace was a too much. An attempt to go around a few lads with 350M to go fell flat when I ended up in lane 3, not making any ground.

By the time there was 200m to go I was starting to really struggle. It is true that speed kills. In running, it kills anyone who does not have enough of it.I ended up with a slower than hoped for 4:10:05, better than what I started the year with but not quite what I had hoped for before the race. My only frustration at the end was knowing that if I had just gone out and tried to run my own race in 65 second laps, I’d be in tomorrow’s final. There’s always next year. I probably freaked myself out a little by seeing that I was 3 years older than anyone else and 10 years older than many. Despite that that this has been my best year yet. So it’s the end of a great track season. 3 PB’s but still chasing that sub 9 3K and sub 2 800M.

Season often end in one of four ways: complete burnout, injury, a mediocre goal race, or a huge PB! Regardless it is time provide to take a bit of time and do some active recovery. It can be tempting to put the nose to the grind and ignore that the body needs some rest. After a long run tomorrow I’ll be hitting the gym for the next 10 days and taking a few days holiday. The beauty of active rest is that when it comes time to starting a new base building phase, I wont have to start from where I started last Spring. It also allows some time to reflect on what to do better next time out.

An enjoyable day with the highlight being a fantastic finish by Mark Christie in the 10K.

I’d encourage everyone to go out and watch Karol in the 5K tomorrow at 12PM.

Sandra Gowran

It’s been my pleasure this week to chat with Sandra Gowran. Newer club members won’t know how accomplished Sandra has been in her running career. With some international standard personal bests, Sandra is surely one of the top runners ever in the club An inspiration to many that run with her.

When did you join Sportsworld?

I joined the club sometime around the turn of the century! I think it was in 2001. I had just finished a part-time Masters whilst working full-time and the weight had piled on, I decided that as I’d recently turned 30 I needed to get in shape, so that was my motivation in joining.

Where do you work?

I worked for an NGO called GLEN – Gay and Lesbian Equality Network. We advocate for full equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people – my work is primarily in the education field (I’m a second level teacher by background), but I also had a big part over the years in the advancement of rights in relation to relationships and parenting. The pinnacle of which was the marriage referendum earlier this year.

What is your favourite club session?

I have so many of them, but I think it would have to be xc training sessions in the Phoenix Park in the winter, the summer track sessions are a very close second though, even though I’m better suited to the longer intervals.

What is your favorite race distance?

Longer suits me better and so I think it would have to be the half-marathon. I only have one full marathon to my name and I would like to try for a
decent time over that distance, but I fear time is running out for me on that one as the years fly by.

What is your favorite meal before a big race?

When I was competing I was very particular about my food, 10 years ago there wasn’t the saturation of recovery/fueling supplements that there is today and so it was all very basic plain unprocessed food. My breakfast before a race would always have been 2 weetabix with warm milk and coffee. If it was a long race I’d probably also have a ripe banana.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

My favorite xc country course from my competing days is Belvedere House which coincidentally happens to be in my hometown of Mullingar. I love training in the Phoenix Park, but probably my all time favourite race is the 13km Ridge Run in Club La Santa, Lanzarote.

What is your target for the next year?

I’d love to get back into good racing shape and target the Masters xc and track next year.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

My best memories of being part of Sportsworld are around team events, the best one being the year that we narrowly missed winning team gold in the National Clubs xc, a silver medal was great to get that day, but we all really worked hard as a team that year and we came so close, so it was bitter sweet.

What international events have you ran?

Stormount International XC; Bristol Half-Marathon 2004 (Irish mixed team); Sligo International Track Meet (Sligo 2004); Dublin International T&F (2004); European Clubs 15km Road (Team) – Italy, 2004.

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

My life at the moment doesn’t involve a lot of free time but I love playing any kind of sports really and love just kicking a ball around with the kids in a park.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

I ran off and on when I was in school and in my twenties. I had a short spell in my mid – late 20’s when I ran more regularly and completed a
few half marathons and my only marathon, but really my running adventure didn’t begin until my thirties when I joined Sportworld. When I decided
to shed the weight the adventure really took off.

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

When I look at my PB’s now I wonder how the hell I did it. When you reach a PB you always think you’ll better it and I always did think I would, life, circumstance and a re-shifting of priorities meant that I never did. Now I can appreciate some of my achievements more. I’m probably most proud of my half-marathon PB which I achieved in an Irish vest in Bristol in 2004, I ran 78.27 that day about 2 weeks after winning a silver in the National
Half-Marathon, the Bristol time shaved 7 seconds off my 2nd place time that day. I’m also very proud of my 10km time of 35.47 also posted in 2004 in
the National 10km Road champioships in Sligo.

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

Now I like to run as often as my home/work schedule permits. At present I’m getting out about 5 times a week, I tend to follow the pattern of the club training, interval sessions and a long run on a sunday supplemented by a couple of easy runs during the week.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running 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 the most out of yourself. When you train with others there’s always someone for you to aim to beat. Racing as part of a team can be as exciting as any team event. I agree with those that say that running is perhaps the purest of physical pursuits, there is never
anywhere to hide and you can only run to the extent you’ve prepared and trained for. I’m looking forward to running more as a master and getting hooked on that team spirit again.

What made you join a Running Club?

I like structure, routine and competition – running is one of the best hobbies you can take up, anywhere I go I pack my runners and explore new places in my running shoes.

What was your first day at the Club like?

I was quite shy and felt like everyone knew each other. Emily took a look at me and told me to walk and jog a top lap – I was disgusted – I’d show her!

Why is running important to you?

I’m at my happiest, most content and healtiest when I’m running. When I run it feels like what my body was meant to do. Of course not all days feel like this, but its a bit like a runners high, once you’ve experience it once you’re constantly chasing that high again.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?

I’d love to see more people running in the championship races, there’s so many races on the running calendar now that its easy to go from one road race to the other and forget about the club aspect of racing. In my opinion championship running (at whatever level) is where it’s at – it’s the GAA/Croke Park of athletics. I think people miss the fact that much of it is not about individual performance but is actually about team racing and representing your club. I’d love to see the women’s teams in the Club in the ascendancy again!

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

Emily Dowling has always been an inspiration to me – her work ethic is something that I’ve always been impressed with, not to mention her dedication to the sport. Phil Kilgannon is someone who has always impressed me in life and in running, he’s been in the club knocking out great performances since I was running at my best, it’s pretty amazing that he’s still running at such a high level. I love to see people really into their running and doing everything possible to improve. I’d also have to mention people like Sean Byrne also who have run for decades and especially getting back to participating in races after major heart surgery. A bit like the marathon I think it’s the distance and longevity that inspires me most.

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

I work out in the gym infrequently and bike to work everyday and other than that race around after 2 young children!

Rock n’Roll/National Half Marathon

Report by James Brady

Thanks to Gareth Murran for the photos

The Rock n’Roll Marathon 2015 again kicked off at 8.30 in the morning. A fact that must affect the contingent of club runners from around the country hoping to compete in the national half. At least it was a bank holiday Sunday! The rain managed to hold off for a start of approximately 5000 runners.

The race starts near the Point Theatre (Three Area for the cool kids) and makes its way along the Liffey , past Heuston Station, through the museum of modern art and eventually making its way into Chapelizod. This is the first year I actually thought some of the bands were decent, maybe I was going slow enough to appreciate the music this time round! As the run went on the crowds got a little bigger which always makes things a little easier. Mile 6-8 makes its way along Conyngham Road where there was actually a nice breeze instead of those last 100 metre breeze we seem to get at the track in Tallaght.

Coming into the Phoenix Park it was great to hear Myles giving us a cheer on from across the road. Thanks Myles, all support is welcome! So back on very familiar territory for the last 5 miles. There is a slow uphill drag along Chesterfield Avenue and I felt all of every bit of it. It was again great to see Paddy and Joe and a while later more Sportsworld stewards giving loads of encouragement when you definitely most needed it; right before the climb up the hill at St. Marys.

With a mile to go you top of the last of the hills and suddenly hear a band singing “oh oh, we’re half way there, oh oh…” and all I could think of why didn’t he change the lyrics to “oh oh, you’re almost there, oh oh…”. Half way! Come on. Definitely a little delirium setting in here.

There is a decent finish to the race and this year the finishing area was pretty impressive, as was the massive bags of Keogh’s crisps and free Erdinger! Oddly my time was 1.30 minutes slower than 2013 but finished 44 places higher.

It goes to show how many club runners have dropped out of this event in the past two years. Overall it’s actually a nice event just don’t expect a personnel best or some steady pacing! Well done to all the Sportsworld runners and thanks again to the stewards.

Full Results: Rock N Roll Website National Half Marathon Championship Results: Athletics Ireland Results

Sportsworld Results:

James Brady 1.23.49
Kiernan Foley 1.29.41
Noreen Brouder 1.33.03
Jose Chapa 1.35.25
Naoise Waldron 1.43.56
KIllian McMorrow 1.45.33
Emma Barry 1.55.18
Madeleine Byrne 1.55.43
Ed Collins 2.02.06
Yvonne Cummins 2.12.29
Paula Dooley 2.19.26

Sportsworlds Stephen Willoughby on pacing duty last Saturday

The Man in the Window – A Bank Holiday Shuffle through Dun Laoghaire

Report by Conor Kenny

Photos by Dave Clarke & Justin McKeever

A well fed middle aged man came to his first floor bay window to take in his morning view across the sea to Howth. His off pink fluffy bathrobe struggled to keep his decency but sleepy eyes suddenly realised 1250 runners were under his nose. Like the end of a murder mystery drama, the curtains closed violently, he was gone.

If you are of a certain generation, Bagatelle’s ‘Summer in Dublin’ will immediately catapult you back to your carefree youth. “I jumped on a Bus to Dun Laoghaire….” Set the tone. It was the perfect antidote to agitated nerves.

The sun made a guest appearance and a wind zipped in from Dublin Bay laced with some warm Mediterranean air. For a brief hour or two, it was a lovely summer in Dublin.

Dun Laoghaire is an important town in Dublin’s history. The decision to build a harbour in what was until 1817 a small fishing village came about as entry into the River Liffey was becoming more and more difficult, with ships having to wait days before they could berth and off load their cargo. The amount of shipwrecks was also becoming unacceptable, literally hundreds per year being wrecked off the coast of Blackrock and Monkstown with thousands of lives lost, which eventually led to the setting up of the lifeboat station in 1803. It’s also full of memories of emigration, The Mail Boat, boating, storms and beautiful east and west pier walks. Perhaps one of its most iconic institutions however, are the now derelict ‘Public Baths’ the polite term for a public swimming pool. Today, many years later, I can easily drift back in time to the laughter of children, somersaults and an overpowering smell of disinfectant. They were happy days and it was time to add another chapter into this well spring of thoughts.

Without much fuss we were off. 2 kilometres takes you by the three Dun Laoghaire Yacht Clubs, The Irish, The National and The George. Each push their chests out to claim the coveted ‘exclusive’ crown. Before that, you pass the famous Teddy’s Ice Cream Parlour but it’s not quite what you’re focused on.

A sharp left hand bend takes you up a wrenching 400 metres link road hill. It’s a rather rude interruption to a fine terrace of beautiful Victorian houses. Sharp left and brief respite with another 400 metres downhill.

The majestic Monkstown Church, founded in 1250 and nearby Monkstown Castle, sits astride two roads. Turn left and you drop back down to the sea. Turn right, you climb. We turned right.

Up to a roundabout, turn left and, in the words of John McEnroe another “You cannot be serious” hill emerges. Each hill tougher than its predecessor.

The once friendly warm bay breeze was taunting us. If ever ‘in your face’ had meaning, this was it.

Turn left and “you cannot be serious” immediately lost its polished tone to become “For …. Sake”. Still, a little gantry ushered you through 5K and still the hills were coming.

At 6K it evened out. Heads dropped and many walked. A long mile went straight towards Killiney. Maybe we were going to go up that too, why not?!

Forgiveness. At 7K we turned sharp left, our climbing done. All you had to do know was roll down to the sea. If only. Zig Zag. Up down, in out this course was biting hard. Hang in we told ourselves. Into Glasthule, close to James Joyce’s Martello Tower and home to the original Bloomsday festivities. Only 1K to go.

That 1K was torture. The headwind seemed to have mustered itself into a gale and Teddy’s Ice Cream loomed again. I looked at the huge “Ice Cream Here” sign and found myself wanting to burn it down and replace it with “I Scream Here”. Silently, I did.

400 to go and little rises seem huge. You bite your lip and just get in under the gantry so you can end the pain. Lucy Darcy congratulates you but you can’t respond. You just want to lie down.

It doesn’t take long before the runners paradox kicks in. “How did you find that?” asks a runner. You look as fresh as you can and with absolute disinterest utter those immortal words “Ah grand, yourself?”

To O’Neill’s Bar on Main Street and a happy reunion of supporters and runners plus the obligatory breakfast which makes it all worthwhile.

Phil Kilgannon ran a stunning 3^rd overall. Amongst my fellow foot soldiers, Anna Carrigan was 4^th in her age group and ran a great PB. Nuala O’Connor, Mum to the beautiful Etta, made this her comeback race and ran a fantastic race in a fantastic time.

Huge thanks go to our support team who really did help us (or me, at least) survive this tough race. Dave Clarke who seemed to be at every bend always had the right words. Justin and family for being so cheerful and cleverly positioned at the foot of Mount Everest (okay, ‘the 4^th hill!). Killian & Enda who were out fresh from Rock N’Roll and injury to size up the opposition and eat big breakfasts too and Stephen Willoughby also fresh from pacing the Rock N’Roll athletes to Sub 1:45 PB’s.

Thank you, as runners, you know how much that support helps.

We said Goodbye, went our separate ways and drove out the course. No trace of runners, officials or suffering. It was over for another year as if it never happened.

As Van Morrison sang “There’ll be days like this” and Bagatelle, with their “I remember that summer in Dublin ….” were right.

** (Absolute apologies if I missed someone, this is all I know about who was there)

Kilcommon 10k

Report By Will Greensmyth

The one and only time I did this race previously I basked in the reflective glory of first place and the beautiful Irish summer evening sunshine. This year was somewhat different. The standard of runner was higher so that a mulliker like me was never going to be amongst the prizes, the weather was horrendous and the course was unbelievably even hillier than two years ago. Even still, an enjoyable evening was had.

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For the unknowing, Kilcommon is a small village in the middle of Tipperary, located on the road from Thurles to Newport. Us Limerickians know the stretch of road well, as it is often travelled on the way back from Munster hurling championship games in Semple Stadium, emotions often fluctuating between ecstasy and sheer unending bitterness, anger, agony, selfloathing, regret and…did I mention agony?

Kilcommon itself is nestled in the hills that form part of the Slieve Felim range, and the imposing Mother Mountain forms an impressive vista as you enter the village. Not so impressive when you’re running towards it. More on the course anon.

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The race HQ was located in Sean Treacys GAA club. Sean Treacy of course was Ireland’s version of Gavrilo Princip. Together with Dan Breen, and a few others, Treacy and his colleagues fired the first shots of the War of Independence in Solohead, also in Tipp, in 1919. Treacy would be dead within a year, shot and killed on Talbot Street in Dublin, at the age of 25.

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Although this race is as tough as an IMRA run, it is genuinely great fun. There’s a low key atmosphere and a sense of community that is great to see. The race is effectively the opening for the annual Kilcommon festival. Like many villages and towns in Ireland, these festivals show off the best of these places and highlight a side of our country that often gets overlooked. While I would like to think the highlight for the locals was seeing sodden malnourished athletes running their roads, I’d say the bigger draw was Declan Nerney.

The course itself is a grueller. After a lap of the impressive gravel track around the GAA pitch, it’s straight into a 2k climb up the hill to the village. At this stage, the race winner had already opened up a sizeable gap and there was a group of about six of us forlornly watching him glide off into the distance. A sharp right hand turn in the village and we were running out another road, and up another long hoor of a hill for another 2k. After 4k, the course diverted from my last experience and instead of hurtling downhill towards the main road, we turned in the opposite direction for another 2k of, yes you guessed it, hills up towards Mother Mountain. This whole area forms part of the Kilcommon Pilgrim Loop. Back in the pre-Christian times, these trails were walked by the locals as a journey of homage to the goddess Eilbhe. Tipperary people are, of course, far more enlightened nowadays.

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The road at this stage, was less a road and more a boithrin, complete with grass down the middle of the way. A long way from the bouncy Tallaght track and the relay fun, boyo. It was eerie though, alone with one’s thoughts and the gazes of slightly perturbed cattle who were probably ruminating on the daftness of the human population. If cattle are prone to such deep thoughts.

We turned back thru the village and thankfully the last km was downhill back to the gaa club. I was trying valiantly to catch a couple of lads ahead of me but whatever ground I was making up on the flat sections they powered away from me on the hills. Finishing soaked to the skin and covered in mud and gutter, in 7th place and 38’50” – No garland for that, but a good slog and sure there’s worse ways to break up the drive from Dublin to Limerick City.

Dublin Athletics Graded Meet 8

Report By Tara Rhatigan

Thanks to Denis McCaul , Anna Delaney & Valerie Power for all the brilliant photos. Full album here: Photo Gallery

We had a fantastic turn out at the last in the series of the Dublin Graded Track Meets for 2015.

First up in the 800m C race were Justin Mc Keever and Will Greensmith who took off with 200m to go and held on to take the victory.

In the 800m A race Gareth Murran finished in a time of 2.03

David Saunders had a fantastic run and finished in 3rd position in the 200m C race.

The highlight of the night for Team Sportsworld was the club relay event.

We had the most teams out of any club with 6 teams competing each comprising of 3 guys and 1 girl.

There were 4 legs of different distances to be covered by each team 800m, 400m, 1200m and 1600m.

This was a new experience for a lot of people who took part and hats off to Andrea, Anna, Noreen and anyone else who had never even ran on a track before tonight!!

A big thank you to all the supporters who also turned up to cheer us on and a special thank you to Miles for organizing the teams and making sure everyone knew what to do.

Well done to all who took part, order of runners 800m/400m/1200m/1600m:

Team A:
Derek Saville
Tara Rhatigan
Gareth Murran (C)
Karol Cronin

Team B:
Andrea McNamara
David Saunders
Will Greensmith (C)
Conor McCarty

Team C:
Paul O’Connell
Anna Corrigan
James Brady
Michael Cunningham (C)

Team D:
Martin Keenan (C)
Sandra Gowran
Justin McKeever
Conor Keating

Team E:
Dave Clarke (C)
Noreen Brouder
Eoin O’Brien
Joe Byrne

Team F:
Packie Enright (C)
Aileen Melody
Diarmuid O’Sullivan
Trevor Sweeney

Sportsworld Results:

Thanks to Denis McCaul , Anna Delaney & Valerie Power for all the brilliant photos. Full album here: Photo Gallery

Gareth Murran

Meet the runner is with Gareth Murran. Formally Gareth refused to do any kind of running that did not involve running around a track, but he has recently taken to cross country as a Master and ran the 2018 Dublin Marathon in 2.37. The fastest time that year for anyone ar the running club.

When did you join Sportsworld?
I joined in early 2009 after doing the 2008 Dublin marathon. I was playing tag rugby in Terenure and someone suggested I was fast and should try running.

Where do you work?
I work out in the city for a company called Zevo Health. We make apps like for mental health, nutrition and exercise. The business is based in Ireland but we have an international team and a development group in India. I’m a product manager by profession and have been working in that field for 10 years. My previous experience is in travel and e-commerce.

What is your favourite club session?
Track on a Saturday morning. The faster the better. I find it much easier than longer stuff. I also love the smooth surface and never feel tired after it’s over.

What is your favourite race distance?
I used to say I love the 800M as it’s a great mix of speed and endurance. It was my goal when I joined the club to break 2 minutes for 800M but I could never get below 2.02. I decided in 2016 to step up to 1500M and have been relatively successful with National and Regional medals. My heart is still in the 800M. My top athlete David Rudisha ran the best race I have seen at London 2012 in the 800M. Recently I have stepped up to the Marathon.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?
I’m a picky eater so just some easily digestible carbs and some electrolytes. I do take 200mg of caffeine before a race that is 5K or less. I started experimenting with my salt levels also.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?
I’m lucky enough to travel regularly. In the past year running highlights have been the Brooklyn Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Boston Common, The Trump Golf Course in LA, Rocky Mountain National Park, Zion National Park, Montreal, Toronto, Iceland, India and along the Thames in London to name but a few. I look forward so much to the Lanzarote 4-day running challenge each November with the club. This past year, 2018 was the best yet, great weather, fabulous company and I was running well. The last race was the highlight. One of those days you don’t have too often where you surprise yourself and it seems effortless. I’d have to mention the park run in Bere Island here also which is epic.

What is your target for the next year?
My main goal is the Berlin Marathon 2019 and to run at 2.29. I think I can go sub 2.30 but this will be my first time taking on the distance with serious training (100 mile weeks). I’m running a half marathon in July and plan to run low 70’s. I’m not giving up on the track though and although my PB’s at 800M (2.02) and 1500M (4.04) may be in the past, my PB at the mile is weak at 4.29 so I’d like to break that in the upcoming summer races. I had a chance to break my 10K in a recent race but I went out at a stupid pace and lost the head after 6K. I reckon I can get 32.XX on the clock and a 15.2X 5K this year. You have to believe in yourself, that you can do it.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?
Leading my 800M heat at the end of the first lap of the nationals in Santry. Mark English Irish international who has run 1:45 is sitting in behind me.

What international events have you run?
Quite a few bits a recent highlight as the great race in Malibu. Voted in the top 5 half marathons in all of the US. The race starts off in Paramount Ranch. The 1950s, Western Town was created for television shows, such as The Cisco Kid. The race also passed along the famous Mulholland drive and scenic Agoura Hills. I did not look at the course profile before the race started. The hills killed me. Two-thirds of the way in I was passed by about 5 runners, including the first woman and my pace slowed to a 4.00KM crawl. My pride was saved by finding out later that the leading lady came 3rd in the recent LA marathon. I battled home the last 10K and finished in 1:23. Another bucket list race through some of the most beautiful scenery in Southern California. I realized after this race that LA is a car city as there are so many hills. It’s the 10%+ that will put hair on your chest.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?
There isn’t a huge amount of spare time between work and training at the moment. The U.S. Navy SEALs have a saying: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” If you can be comfortable being uncomfortable, you’ll be prepared to handle whatever situation comes along in your own life. The marathon training can be a grind some days and it’s important to build the discipline. In 2018 I did an Instagram project where you post a photo you took every day for a year. It has re-ignited my love of photography and I’ve met some new people from it.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I was playing tag rugby in August 2008 and one of the guys said I was fast. I trained for 10 weeks. Although I almost walked the last mile I ran 2:53:51. this was my first marathon. 2018 was my second.

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
My best PB is 4:04 in the 1500M. It was a perfect race. Emily was there and she said go out and run 64-second laps,s o that’s what did. It was the first time I featured in an A graded race coming second. That was in 2015 which is still my standout year.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
I run 9-10 times a week. I’m averaging 70-80+ miles a week now but want to hit 100+. I’ve built up slowly. I prefer to run twice in a day rather than do long miles, so I can keep the pace moving. I listen to music as I find it distracts me, especially when I’m running slow or fatigued.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
Having a good bunch of guys to push you keeps you motivated and getting better. Winning athlete of the year was great. I’m not the most chatty person and can be quite serious before a session or race but I do enjoy the company and craic once the serious business is over with.

What was your first day at the Club like?
I remember doing Hills and Sprints and trying to take Phil Killgannon on the first hill. It was a dumb ass move to make.

Why is running important to you?
Takes the stress out of life and keeps me healthy. It’s those days when you’re not in great form and you can just get out and run.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
I’m not mad on running on unevenly slippery surfaces so I would love to see a trail around Bushy Park. In recent years we haven’t been able to run on the path quite as much. Because of that I probably prefer winter training as it focuses mostly on road running.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Paul Duffy was probably the hardest trainer I saw in the club so I’d probably say Paul for his dedication. Running 2:29 for the marathon was some achievement. Emily and Myles of course for their support and dedication. Michael Cunningham deserves a mention because of all the work he puts in behind the scenes. I hear he makes nice cakes and smoothies as well.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I used to do a bit of spinning a few times a week but I stopped. With all the running I’ve gotten lazy and it’s just stretching and Pilates sessions twice a week. I have a box full of rollers, massage balls, and other such torture devices.

Silver lining for Martin Keenan in the Tullamore clouds

National Track Masters race report – by Justin McKeever

Having recently discovered the pain joy of track running, and also having matured to the M40 category, I thought I’d have a crack at the National Track Masters in Tullamore, having already really enjoyed the Saturday track sessions with Emily and Myles and the 3 graded meets over the last few weeks. After a damp drive out the N4 though the lashing rain, I got checked in for the 5000m, got changed, warmed up in damp conditions. The timetabe can be a moving target, depending numbers of competitors and heats etc, so I kept one eye on staying warm and the other on what races were running, to make sure I was actually at the startline when the call came.

The gun went off for the first of 12.5 laps and elbows were needed as 20 lads all aimed for the fastest line round the first bend. My plan was to tuck in with a nice group and see how things settled down, but immediately this was harder than planned as the leaders tore off in the distance. The pace felt quick to me from the start with the first lap in about 77secs and me positioned in about 18th place. Gaps were already opening up as the leaders stretched out and some strong encouragement from Eoin, Ann and Martin on the sideline forced me to move up a couple of places. I felt ok as I passed 1k in about 3:17, and 3k in 10:11, but by this stage I couldn’t hold on to the lad in front and a gap opened up which left me exposed into the wind on the backstraight. There was a good gap behind me now so it was all I could do to just dig in and hold to the finish, absolutely wrecked but happy with a new pb in 17:24.

Then for the main act of the day, the sun broke through the clouds and Martin Keenan stepped up in the 1500m M45/ M50 race, fresh from a pb of 4:38 in Santry in the last graded meet and in search of another medal to go with his national indoors bronze from earlier this year. Martin ran a good safe first lap, tucked in around 10th place, but then his experience showed as he worked his way up through the group to stay on the shoulders of the leaders by the start of the last lap.

He held on strongly and finished in 5th within a couple of seconds of the leaders. As the race was a M45 and M50 combined, an agonising wait ensued for the results of the M45 positions. Finally it was confirmed the Martin finished 2nd in the M45 race, earning a shiny silver national medal to go with his shiny new pb of 4:37 – huge congratulations to Martin!!

These track events have been a great experience for me and once you get to understand the logistics of the day, it really is a very welcoming and inclusive for all ages and abilities. There was huge turnout in Tullamore by all clubs and I was privileged to see some fantastic performances over the afternoon which proves that age is no barrier for healthy competition!

I’d recommend everyone to have a go – you never know, you might even enjoy it! A big thanks to Eoin, Martin and Anne for the vocal support, especially given the poor weather, much appreciated!

Full Results: National Masters T&F

Full Gallery Here: Gallery

Racing in the Rain – The Liberties 6K Fun Run

Report By Anna Carrigan

Thanks to Paddy Lynch, Joe Haugh and Will Greensmyth for the race photos.

For me, the evening’s fun started on the N3. I was making my way into town in good time (for a change) for the race when I noticed a taxi driver trying to get my attention with some demonstrative hand signals. It took me a few seconds to register that he was telling me I had a flat tyre! I couldn’t believe it, of all the evenings and I had a service booked for the next day !! I pulled into a garage a couple of hundred yards up the road to see how bad things were, and found the tyre about two thirds deflated. My heart sank.

If I was to make the race, my only option was to try pumping up the tyre and keep everything crossed that it would hold until I got into town. Got it pumped up, stopped at the next garage a couple miles on, and lo and behold the air pressure was holding. I’d make it into town on time, crisis averted.

The registration point for the race was in the Great Hall of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Built in the 17th century, its architecture is typical of this classical period, with its grand scale, high ceiling and magnificent windows. A stunning room and the perfect location to accommodate the 728 race participants !

Race warm up started about 15 mins before the scheduled race start time of 19:45, compliments of the St James Hospital Physiotherapists. People were reluctant to move out into the rain, but slowly we got ourselves out and warmed up and into the spirit of things. Warm up done, we were then called to the start line and after some brief speeches we were off !

The club was well represented with Karol, Gavin, Gareth, Eoin, Will, Stephen, Eileen and Audrey, to name but a few.

I started the race with Eileen, Audrey and Stephen. Our main goal was to enjoy the race! Ok, we had a few time goals too, but we were keeping them close to our chest ! For me, anything under 30 mins and I would be very pleased.

Despite the rain, race conditions were good – no wind, not too hot and the rain was soft and refreshing rather than torrential.

The race route took us around by the Museum of Modern Art and out the gate onto Bow Bridge and onwards to Bow Lane. I was glad to be getting the main hill out of the way at the start of the race. For the first kilometre or so, the four of us managed to stay together, but by the time we were half way down Thomas St, we started to stretch out, and Stephen and Eileen started to sail away off into the distance.

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I was feeling the early pace at this point and needed to settle down into a pace that I could sustain, hoping it wasn’t too slow. It was hard to judge. I had no watch and lots of people seemed to be passing me out ! I just needed to focus on keeping it going.

From Thomas St, we turned right onto Francis St, where we had a few cheers from well wishers standing outside pubs. It was then another right onto the Coombe, when I heard someone from the sidelines say that we were 2.5 kilometres in – only another 3.5 to go ! I was still recovering from the fast start and it felt like a very long way !

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Another kilometre on through Pimlico and I heard someone call out my name ! Looked around and it was Joe braving the rain and cheering us all on! That helped inject a bit of renewed life back into the legs and on we went around Bellevue School St.

The route then took us down James walk at the back of St. James hospital, over the canal bridge and onto the South Circular Road. I had picked up a competitive race buddy by this point, and were both working hard at passing each other out. Whatever keeps you going ! Then finally we turned right and it was up the hill to the beat of the drums to Richmond Tower, the west gate entrance to the RHK.

As I went through the gate, I could just about see the clock in the distance, but couldn’t quite make out if it was in the twenties or thirties. I dug as deep as I could and started to sprint, the numbers crystallised and unbelievably it still said 27. I couldn’t feel my legs but I kept going and finally I was over the line !
Soaked, Exhausted but absolutely Thrilled !

Congratulations and well done to all of the Sportsworld particpants, all of whom clocked up great times.
From a club perspective, Karol was the first man over the line in a time of 18:56, 6th place finish overall.
Eileen was the first lady home in a time of 26:15, and 18th female overall.

Overall it was a lovely run (and fast course) through the heart of the Liberties, with plenty of support along the route. The race was well organised, with a wonderful start/end location, which not only boasted great architecture but also great loo facilities with no queues, a welcome bonus ! And for anyone with tired legs, there were complimentary leg massages ! It’s one I would recommend !

Full results: Precision Timing