Meet the Runner

My name is Arnold Diepman. This week’s ”Meet the runner” might as well be renamed as “Meet someone who runs”. Why? You will find out.

I joined the club in August 2020. The year Covid struck. From that infamous Thursday the 12th of March I was deprived off my 31km cycle-roundtrip-commute. It took me five months to realise that the commuting kilometres not made had an inverse proportional impact on the numbers displayed by the weighing scales. So action had to be taken – leading to my only personal best in running till then: joining a running club. Not just a running club but Sportsworld. Is there another club you get to know about by just a stroll in the park?

So any personal bests since? That is easy enough to answer. As someone born with two left feet – I guess this is something nobody in the club knew about me – and no eye-ball co-ordination – a further revelation – I was not destined for sport. So I gave myself a year from joining to ready my bones, muscles and tendons for my life as a runner. As life is full of temptation, I was just over 11 months on my way when I convinced myself that I was ready for my first race: The IMRA “Djouce -The Ayling Abyss”. Is there a more scary sounding race to choose as one’s first? A long story short, this race did not crown me with my first official PB in actual running. Instead it ended with my first official DNF. With hindsight that label was a little bit harsh. I should at least have been awarded with a FWH (“Finished With Handicap”) or FDH (“Finished Despite Handicap”): After a flying start up and down the Djouce – of which the picture testifies – I was forced – due to powers beyond my control – to bum slide down the Abyss. On its floor the first aiders were pleased to confirm that they had seen worse ankle sprains. So wrapped up with ice packs – ‘cold’ enough to make a nice cup of hot tea – I soldiered on to pass the finish line well beyond the ETA and received a hero’s welcome from club members who stayed waiting. The first aiders might have seen worse sprains but had never seen a broken leg, as broken it was.

So I was back to square one. It took me well over 7 months before I was running again whilst singing along the way as that is what I do when I do not run – broken leg or not. I sing in a choir, highbrow type of music. Not necessarily everybody’s cup of tea but soul touchingly beautiful non the less. 9 months in and there is temptation again. It is early November. The weekend after the Dublin 2022 marathon: Upstairs in the Phoenix Park visitor’s centre following the Sunday long run. Club members are reminiscing about the race; lonely training sessions forgotten, pain no longer felt, a rosy picture painted and … the trap is set. That evening I set my second personal best; I entered for the Dublin marathon 2023. I got the entry and here is hope: I want to finish this race running and without handicap. Can anything go wrong in the next 7 months? Touch wood.

This is my life so far as someone who runs. I do not consider myself a runner; I do not have a favourite race distance, meal before a big race, (national/international) race and do not chase personal bests. But as someone who runs I can say that the long slow runs on Sundays with all the trimmings are most enjoyable and that I have started building up an eclectic set of spots where I have fallen, none of them being a favourite. I can truly say running is getting into my blood and is there to stay. And if there is a personal best to be set, is there a better one to aspire to then the target set by Trevor and Judith? Keep running!

Full Name: Deirdre McGing

When did you join Sportsworld? April 2019

Where do you work? I work for Janssen Sciences Ireland as an Omnichannel Manager

What is your favourite club session? The Tuesday session in Bushy Park during the summer months.

What is your favourite race distance? Having tried almost every distance over the last couple of years, I think my favourite distance is the half marathon. The training isn’t quite as intense as the full marathon and the pace isn’t as fast as the shorter distances.  

What is your favourite meal before a big race? Keep it simple with a wholemeal bagel and maybe a banana.

My Favourite place to train: The Phoenix Park. I can hardly believe how little time I spent there before I took up running but now, I love to run there every Sunday. It doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter, rain or shine, it’s a great place to run. The coffee, scones and chats after the long run make the effort worthwhile. 

What’s your favourite race? I’m not sure that I have a favourite but the races that stand out for me are the Tom Brennan 5K, Irish Runner 10 Mile, and the Antrim Coast Half Marathon.

What is your target for the next year? I focused a lot of time and energy over the last couple of years on the marathon so with that in mind, I would like to get my 5K time closer to 21 minutes (or maybe even below). It’s a while since I ran a 5 mile race so it would be interesting to see if I could lower that as well in the summer. I hope that if I can get a good spring block of training in then I can target a couple of races in the summer. 

What international events have you ran? The highlight of my running “journey” to date has definitely been completing the Berlin Marathon in 2022. What a city and what an event – I would recommend it to anyone to try. Running through the Brandenburg Gate as I approached the finish line was a special moment and I hope to do it all again one day.  

I also took part in the Salzburg Half Marathon in 2022 with a great group from the club and we plan to run the Florence Half Marathon in April of this year. Who knew that half marathons were a great excuse for long weekend breaks? 

As a Parkrun fanatic, I take my barcode everywhere with me and have clocked up a few events overseas including in the UK, Austria, Australia and Japan. I even held a female course record in Osaka as I ended up being there on the very first running of an event. I’m not sure what it says about the standard, but I’ll take my records where I can. 

Where’s the most interesting place you have run? Probably Japan. Parkrun over there is very different – everyone is early (no mad scrambles to get to the start while the briefing is happening) and I have never encountered so many volunteers as I did at the events over there. 

Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been? (Doesn’t have to be running related).  Again, I would probably say Japan. It’s a truly unique country and fantastic place to spend a few weeks. As a Spanish student at undergraduate level, I spent a year living and working in Argentina which was an amazing experience as well. 

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

Honestly, I don’t have many activities outside of running at the moment. It seems to have taken over my life between the various groups that I am involved in. I do enjoy going to live events though (mainly sports) and I try to go to something every few weeks. While I love to incorporate running into my travels, I also love travelling to watch the professionals do their thing. I have been to a few major tennis and athletics events and will be heading over to Budapest in the summer for the World Athletics Championships. 

How/When did you start your adventure with running? May 2017 with Cabinteely Parkrun. I had signed up for the Women’s Mini Marathon with a group of friends and a few of us decided we didn’t want to walk the whole thing. We got word that if you submitted a time from Parkrun that you could move from the walker’s category to joggers, so I found myself rocking up to Cabinteely Parkrun with the aim of running it once and never again. I walked/ran my first parkrun in 32 minutes and while it was hard going, I wasn’t as deterred as I thought I might be. Sure enough, I thought “I’ll give it another go before the mini marathon” and then I kept it up after that. While I didn’t attend every week during the first few months, it didn’t take long before it became a weekly habit. I’ve now completed over 175 parkruns and volunteered 40 times.  

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

5K: 00:21:51 (Tom Brennan 5K 2023)

5 Mile: 00:39:41 (Raheny 5 Mile 2020)

10K: 00:44:44 (Women’s Mini Marathon 2022)

10 Mile: 1:17:58 (Irish Runner 2022)

Half Marathon: 1:42:54 (Wexford 2022)

Marathon: 3:47:02 (Berlin 2022)

Without a doubt, my biggest achievement is completing 3 marathons in just over 12 months between Oct 2021 and Oct 2022. Before I joined the club, I never thought I would complete a marathon. It was such a mad idea that I never gave it any thought but it’s amazing how you can be influenced by those around you and seeing the training and results of those that ran in 2019 inspired me to sign up.  

What is your biggest non-running related achievement? I completed a Masters in 2018 while also working full time. 

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage? 5 times a week usually. On a standard (non-marathon training) week, I usually cover 45-50km.

What motivates you? Running or otherwise. Having a clear goal. I love the discipline required for hitting targets, especially with the marathon which requires a lifestyle overhaul of sorts over a number of months. It’s hard work but truly rewarding to see the progress that one can make.  

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club? There is no doubt that being in a group pushes you on to greater levels – often without even realising it. 

Another benefit to joining the club is that it has opened my mind beyond the standard road races. During the summer of 2020 when all road races were cancelled, I was persuaded to give IMRA a go. While I only managed one race before further lockdown restrictions were imposed, the seeds of interest had been planted and I returned in 2021 for more. I’ve now completed __ events and am looking forward to the summer league starting up again soon.

If anyone is interested in mountain or trail running, I would really recommend joining IMRA (and the WhatsApp group). The events are low-cost, run by volunteers, incorporate stunning views and usually followed by pints – what more could you want?

What made you join a Running Club? After two years of rocking up to the Parkrun on a Saturday and doing absolutely no other running during the week my times had stalled at around 27 minutes which was fine, but I wondered if I could get more out of myself. I played badminton at the time which takes a break from leagues and cups during the summer months. As my Tuesday and Thursday nights were suddenly free, I thought I might as well try joining a running club instead and see could I improve my 5K times before the badminton resumed in the Autumn. I used to pass by Bushy Park on my commute from work so that’s why I opted for Sportsworld as I could hop off the bus, go to training, and then hop on the bus again and go home. Little did I know what was ahead of me! 

Why is running important to you? It keeps me fit and healthy and gives me a space to unwind and destress. Never was this clearer than during Covid when we couldn’t train together. It was a great outlet for me at a stressful time. All you need is a pair of runners and away you go! 

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

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better? The club is full of people who really inspire me and push me to run faster and better – almost too many to name! That said, there are a few who truly dedicate so much of their time and energy to the club and make it the wonderful place that it is – special shout-out goes to Emily, Myles, Paul and Michael. 

Also, as someone who really struggled to run 3 marathons in just over a year, I take my hat off to Irene who seems complete marathons every couple of weeks. I’m hoping she’ll share her secrets to success soon. 

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis? Gym twice a week. 

Full Name

Kimberley Kennedy

When did you join Sportsworld?

I think it was August 2021

Where do you work?

Canada Life Group, an insurance holding company with several European subsidiaries including Irish Life. I work in risk management.

What is your favourite club session?

I like them all except the Ballyboden lap.

What is your favourite race distance?

I’m not sure. I think when I’m fit I’m better at longer distances, 10 miles or half marathon, but 5km or 10km can be more fun.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?

I like morning races and just have my normal breakfast, muesli, yogurt, whatever fruit I have. I just eat a bit more before a longer race.

My favourite place to train

Anywhere sunny and green – parks, countryside. Phoenix Park is nice. I love running by the sea also.

What’s your favourite race?

I really enjoyed the Dungarvan 10-mile last year. I also loved the Berlin Half Marathon.

What is your target for the next year?

No targets. I set goals last year, got injured and didn’t achieve any of them. All I want now is to run consistently and enjoy it, I don’t care about races or times.

What international events have you ran?

Berlin Half Marathon in April 2022, a 10k in Salzburg with a group from the club in May 2022 and I did the Lanzarote Running Challenge in Club La Santa last November.

Where’s the most interesting place you have run?

I found the Club La Santa challenge experience pretty interesting. Apart from that I ran in Central Park in New York a few months back; I was amazed to see so many runners. I had to get off the main running route, it felt like I was in a race, so I found a route with hardly anyone then and it was funny to think I was in the middle of Manhattan with this space all to myself.  I like getting out running whenever I’m away, it’s a great way to see a place and get my bearings. I was in Toronto in December and did the same. I don’t think I’d have seen the place at all without those early morning runs as I was there for work.

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

I spent an interesting summer working as a waitress in a small village in Tirol in Austria as a 19-year-old, not knowing a soul when I arrived but leaving speaking German with an Austrian accent a few months later. I find lots of different places interesting, and also spent a year living in Oviedo in the north of Spain and 2 years in Augsburg in Germany.

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

With 9-year-old twins and a full-time job, time is limited. I like cycling and try to get out on my bike for a few hours at weekends. I like reading but can’t remember the last time I finished a book, I have about 6 on the go and can’t seem to finish any of them. I don’t watch much TV but am a fan of a German police series called Tatort and set aside 90 minutes on a Sunday evening religiously to get my fix of it.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

It started with the couch to 5k programme at the end of February 2021.  I wanted something to get me outside more during all the lockdowns and knew I needed to up my fitness – my then 7-year-old ran off one day and I was half killed trying to catch him. Apart from that, I had a very brief stint with Ring Old Parish running club (now part of West Waterford Athletics Club) at some point in my teens. I was only with the club a few weeks when we set off to a cross country event in Cork. I’ll never forget the horror of that race; I dropped out less than halfway through. The coach suggested running might not be my thing and that I try shotput. I decided to leave the club altogether and didn’t run again until 2021. It’s a shame, I quite like cross country these days.

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

I don’t have any amazing PBs. My best performance was probably the 1hr 41 minutes I ran at the Berlin Half. I’ve ran a few 5ks close to 22 minutes, it would be nice to get under 22 minutes at some stage, but really my biggest achievement is discovering I can run at all.

What is your biggest non-running related achievement?

I’m going to have to pass, I’m far too modest to answer such a question.

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

It’s low at the moment as I’ve had a few injuries, a persistent back issue and then a fall at Christmas that led to a few weeks completely off.  Hopefully this year I’ll be able to get back to running a bit more….building up slowly this time, I’ve learned my lesson.

What motivates you? Running or otherwise

I suppose in general feeling like I’m progressing, in running improving and getting a bit faster and fitter.

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

Great coaching and the camaraderie – all in it together running around a random muddy field in the middle of nowhere down the country in winter.

What made you join a Running Club?

I just saw the club house in Bushy one day when out jogging there (I don’t know how I’d never noticed it before) and decided to give it a try.

 Why is running important to you?

I just love being outside and being active and forgetting everything else when running.

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

Maybe running drills or tips on form, overall though the club and training sessions are fantastic.

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

There are lots of people who inspire me in the club, so many people putting in work to improve, while also offering support, and tips and experience.  Emily’s passion is very inspiring and her and Myles support and encouragement at races really makes a difference when it gets tough.

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

I hate driving and walk or cycle as much as possible. When injured last year I started doing more cycling, including the Great Dublin Bike Ride in September and a few longer spins to Maynooth and Blessington towards the end of last year.  I’ve signed up to do a 160km sportive in a few months, so I’ll be getting out for a few long spins in advance of that. I do a bit of strength training also.

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

I was once champion beer stein holder for two years in a row at a local beer festival competition. Whoever keeps the beers held out longest wins. I don’t have any pictures of me in action but found this online to show what it looks like. That lady in the picture would definitely beat me.

Full Name

Darina Hynes

When did you join Sportsworld?

26 Feb 2020!

Where do you work?

Work for a Contract Research Organisation (XenoTech LLC). My role involves managing preclinical drug development projects.

What is your favourite club session?

Hills and sprints

What is your favourite race distance?

5km.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?

Porridge with kiwi, peanut butter and raspberries plus lots of coffee!!

My favourite place to train –

Bushy park.

What’s your favourite race?

10km mini marathon.

What is your target for the next year?

Sub 50 mins for the mini marathon.

What international events have you ran?

None unfortunately but my dream is to run the Berlin marathon.

Where’s the most interesting place you have run?

Running along Lake Constance on the German side.

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

I lived in Japan for nearly 4 years and my favourite place to visit was Sapporo for the annual snow festival, the massive ice sculptures were amazing especially all lit up at night.

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

(hobbies/past times) Baking especially for the Sportsworld cake sale!!!

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

After my twin daughters were born, I initially did a few running classes before joining Sportsworld in 2020.

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

Rathfarnham 5K PB was 00:23:36.

150 parkruns, mainly at Tymon parkrun.

What is your biggest non-running related achievement?

Having my twin daughters.

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

I run 3-4 times a week. 2 club sessions, parkrun or track in the summer and maybe a Monday run. Weekly mileage: 30km.

What motivates you?

Running or otherwise. To keep fit and healthy.

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

Running with and meeting inspiring people from all generations.

What made you join a Running Club?

Clare Finnegan persuaded me to join and I haven’t looked back since. Thank you Clare, I don’t know what I would have done without you giving me that friendly encouragement.

Why is running important to you?

Screen free time and having races to aim for.

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

More stretching and cake sales!!

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

Emily’s passion for XC really inspires me and the Raheny XC was definitely a highlight in my running year to date. Myles really encourages you at the sessions and always remembers your name. Thank you both for all your dedication and encouragement to the club. I always remember Ann-Marie was one of the first people I met and really explained things to me at my first session including don’t forget your Hi-Vis!

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

Pilates and cycling my twins to school

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

On my first weekend in Japan, I had to sing “My Heart Will Go On” from the Titanic by Celine Dion, I wasn’t asked again!!!!

Full Name

Stephan Johannes Herman de Vries (second and third name after my grandfathers, give the pronunciation a go!)

When did you join Sportsworld?

I believe it was August 2021

Where do you work?

I work for Compass Ireland, overseeing and managing the food programme within Google. Very good fun and fast paced environment!

What is your favourite club session?

Great question, I do love the Tuesday evening intervals although I should do more of the Thursdays and Sunday long runs.

What is your favourite race distance?

Any race that you do well in. I do like a good 5k or 10k course, probably just because they don’t take that many Sunday long runs to be able to finish them. Really enjoyed the track meets over the summers too.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?

Pasta the night before (I’m told I am half Italian as a result of the big amounts of pasta I consume), porridge with honey, banana and crunchy peanut butter in the morning.

My Favourite place to train is Bushy park and the winter variety with Mt. Carmel, along the dodder or the old bank lap are great.

What’s your favourite race?

Tough question, I feel I haven’t done enough races to have an outright winner here. Any race that is flat(ish) is great.

What is your target for the next year?

Sub 40 min 10k, sub 90 half and around 3.15 marathon would be awesome.

What international events have you ran?

Do runs in The Netherlands count..? I ran the Paris Marathon last year.

Where’s the most interesting place you have run?

I used to love adventure races, running up and down Croak Patrick or Mount Errigal is an amazing experience for which you don’t have to travel far. Oh and running down Mt. Kilimanjaro (to descent as fast as possible for more oxygen) was great fun too.

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

I have been lucky in the sense that I have lived and traveled a good bit. South-Africa has to be one of the absolute highlights. The nature, views, wildness and animals are out of this world. Throw in their history and it is just admiring how happy and hospitable everyone is. Regrettably there are still many issues to resolve in the country. One thing that has always stuck with me is how disadvantaged people celebrate life, birthdays or occasions, just like anyone else and how open they were to share their traditions.

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

Nothing out of the ordinary, catching up with friends, traveling or going to a music gig. Oh and I love food, so anything involving food will do it for me. A good thriller book, sailing or skiing magazine before going to sleep. Unfortunately Ireland isn’t great for skiing and combining sailing with running and everything else is too much to do it regularly.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

I started after I graduated and started working in a hotel. At that point I realised that years of partying and eating left me with 0 fitness. I did a 2k lap and it took me a long, long time to recover, sprawled out across the floor. Slowly built it up and increased frequency a lot when I moved to Ireland before relapsing for a few years until I joined Sportsworld.

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

5k – 18.56 (BHAA Pfizer 2022), 10k – 41.40 (field of Athenry 2022), Bohermeen Half Marathon 1.36.20, Paris marathon 3.48.08.

What is your biggest non-running related achievement?

Marrying an Irish woman.

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

About 4 times a week, in the end of 2022 probably average around 30km a week so I would like to bring this up to a steady 40 to 50km.

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

What made you join a Running Club? The accountability that you feel that you should go to at least one or two sessions a week, no matter the weather. You always feel better though after the session. And of course in Sportsworld the camaraderie and chats around the sessions with like minded people.

Why is running important to you?

Last year I read ‘What I talk about when I talk about Running’, a pocket size book that summed it up nicely for me; It clears the head and eases the mind and although you may run with others but in the end you only compete against yourself and your own body’s limitations.

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

The return of ‘meet the runner is great’, I always enjoy reading them and we have so many new people in the club.

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

Emily & Myles who make every session seem like it’s their first time coaching. The amount of passion, joy and dedication is unbelievable. Everyone turning up at every session is inspiring and is what is so great about Sportsworld; it’s so inclusive for all pace levels. I hope to still be running like Trevor is now.

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

Some strength at home but not enough! On a recent ‘calm’ post xc run Michael and Lorna mentioned they are planking daily to increase core strength. So maybe this is something we should incorporate into a session and part of warm up we do a minute plank challenge building up over time. We’ll have to deduct points for Michael’s and Lorna’s headstart

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

I used to work at a lot of weddings as a waiter. This one time the train on the dress was quite long and I stepped on it while at the same time the bride took a step in the other direction… The dress ripped around the waist and all I’ll say, my boss had to call in a good few favours from local tailors who were all off over the weekend to get it fixed!