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Michelle just volunteered as the Athenry AC Club Secretary and good luck to her with that role. She regularly attends the three club training sessions and is down to run the Paris Marathon in April this year.
I am from Athenry. I’m a graphic designer, I have the printing shop, Envision Design Studio on Northgate St, Athenry, above the hair salon. I have been open there since June 2011. I do all sorts, business cards, fliers, brochures, posters etc. Running takes up a lot of my free time outside work but I do enjoy watching sports, cinema, traveling & a good night out.
1.How long have you been an Athenry AC member?
Since 2017, I started doing Fit 4 Life first then joined the senior club.
2.Briefly, what started you running?
I just wanted to get fitter & feel better really, met lots of new people in the process!
3.What shoes do you train/race in?
I wear Asics, they seem to suit me best.
4.What piece of running gear/apparel is your most prized possession?
My watch. It’s great for keeping pace, especially during races. I’d be lost without it.
5.What is your favourite event/race of the year?
I enjoy the 5k series. 5k’s are difficult, very fast pace, but it’s good craic trying to beat your time each week.
6.What event/race that you haven’t done would you most like to compete in?
I’d love to do the Boston marathon. I have a lot of family over there so there would be plenty of support!
7.What performance/race do you take most pride in?
Was delighted with how my Dublin marathon went last year, so much better than the one before that! Have Kenneth & Martin to thank for that, they helped me pace it all the way.
8.Is there any performance/race that you would rather forget?
My first Dublin marathon… that’s enough about that…
9. Where is your favourite place to train?
The Esker loop, has a mix of everything, flat, hills & even a few potholes!
10.What type of training is your “favourite” (Speed, Tempo, Short, Long Run, Slow)?
Probably tempo, it’s steady throughout. That’s the idea behind it anyway.
11. Do you prefer solo or group training?
Definitely group training. The company can help you forget about the pains & aches when they start!
12. What’s the funniest/strangest thing you’ve seen or heard on a run?
I remember a sign I saw during the Dublin marathon, it said “Never trust a fart”.
13. If you were to give one piece of advice to a newcomer to running what would it be?
Don’t put to much pressure on yourself. Do the best you can on every run & you will get better every time. Stick with it!
14. What injury has caused you the most problems since you started running?
I have been very lucky really. Had a bit of trouble with my knee a few years ago but thankfully a few physio sessions sorted it out.
15. Do you cross train? If yes what type?
Jane Ann’s abs and arms class. Trying to strengthen my arms a core a bit more, I think it’s working!
16. What is your most embarrassing running-related incident?
Haven’t had any…
17. Which club member would you most like to beat in a sprint to the line?
Aidan Madden. I think he’d take it well!
18. Do you have a favourite current or past athlete that inspires you?
Paul Hession, local lad we’ve all heard of. Had a great running career.
19. Which PB would you most like to break this year?
I’d love to beat my Dublin time from last year, either in Paris in April or in Dublin in October, I’ve got two chances.
20. Can you share the following PBs with us?
Distance Time Where When
5km 22.58 Athenry 2022 5k series
8km 38.02 Bullaun June 2022
10 km 52.04 Athenry Dec 2018
Half Marathon 1.52.38 Galway Bay Oct 2022
Full Marathon 4.11.03 Dublin Oct 2022