Originally from Fanore, Co Clare, I have been living in Athenry for the last few years and joined Athenry AC shortly after I moved here. I have been part of different running groups over the years. I have been running forever ! I love Athenry AC and especially love the Saturday morning runs.
1. How long have you been an Athenry AC member?
Not that long, maybe two years.
2. Briefly, what started you running?
When I stopped playing football in my 20’s, I started running to keep fit.
3. What shoes do you train/race in?
Always Kayano Asics, they seem to keep me injury free
4. What piece of running gear/apparel is your most prized possession?
Definitely not a watch because I don’t wear one. My runners are my prized possession, you must get these right.
5. What is your favourite event/race of the year?
Streets of Galway 8km. Lovely running through the city - and it's always well supported.
6. What event/race that you haven’t done would you most like to compete in?
London Marathon
7. What performance/race do you take most pride in?
Always my last race - great to be able to keep entering races
8. Is there any performance/race that you would rather forget?
There have been a few marathons where the last 10km have been a struggle but keep speaking encouraging words to yourself and you get through it.
9. Where is your favourite place to train?
Any of the loop routes around Athenry
10. What type of training is your “favourite”? (Speed,Tempo,Short,Long Run,Slow?)
Definitely long slow runs
11. Do you prefer solo or group training?
Group training - passes the time / kms quicker when people are chatting
12. What’s the funniest/strangest thing you’ve seen or heard on a run?
I still laugh when I remember 2 friends of mine tripping each other in the middle of a training run a few years ago - he is still giving out to her about it.
13. If you were to give one piece of advice to a newcomer to running what would it be?
Stick with it - it doesn’t happen overnight - resilience in a group of runners who encourage and push each other.
14. What injury has caused you the most problems since you started running?
6 weeks off last year with a hamstring injury that I got during a speed session.
15. Do you cross train? If yes, what type?
I do a small bit of gym work and cycle at weekends also.
16. What is your most embarrassing running related incident?
Not going there !
17. Which club member would you most like to beat in a sprint to the line?
Jim Leahy …. I always seem to be looking at his back when we run - he is a great runner and always ahead of me
18. Do you have a favourite current or past athlete that inspires you? ?
John Treacy - ran for Team Ireland, in 4 Olympic games. Won 2 Gold medals in World cross country Championships. Continued to promote Irish Athletics over many decades.
19. Which PB would you most like to break in the coming year?
I’m afraid my PBs are set in stone.
20. Can you share the following PBs with us?
Distance Time Where
5km 19.40 Boston
8km 39.50 Streets of Galway
10 mile 71.03 Longford
Half Marathon 1:36 Longford
Full Marathon 3:10 New York