How did you get interested in athletics and when did you start training with Ennis Track?
I was a competitive youngster, and after my mum brought me to a race in the community games, Gerry Hayes I’m sure persuaded her to have me at the Fairgreen Mondays and Fridays. So I went along to training with my neighbours the Chessers, amongst a host of other people that I became friends with there!
What was your first race?
My first race for Ennis Track was an U12 cross-country race. I finished in the top 12 running barefoot and got a medal. I was delighted with myself and I still have the medal at home today!
What are your specialist distances and PBs?
My specialist event is the 800m and my PB to date is 1:51:54. I have also competed over 1500m, and taken on the 400metres for the Clare national league team on several occasions.
What’s your favourite training session and why?
I like doing anything fast on the track and to see that I’m hitting times. I don’t have a favourite as such but 2x2k of bends and straights. Then spike up at the end and do a 400m blow out is always stimulating. Also doing a long run with the group or when travelling running in new places is something I enjoy!
Have you any tips for recovery after a hard session?
For recovering after training I would always get a banana and chocolate milk in straight after training. Then a bigger meal in when I get home. Healthy of course 😉
What’s your favourite post-training food?
Pasta carbonara – especially if it’s there ready made for me 🙂
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was in the Intermediate Schools 800m.I knew going into the race that I would have to run faster than I ever had if I wanted to get a medal and I ran a 3-second PB to get a bronze.
What are your goals for this year and your overall career goals?
For the forthcoming season I need to improve over the 400metres early next year in order to help me better my 800m time early in the season. Overall career goals I can’t give them all away as there are so many. However the European u23’s are next summer and they have to be a target. I intend on winning gold for Ennis Track Club with my teammates in the road relays sooner rather than later and to continue to get the most out of myself as an 800m athlete.
Who do you most admire in athletics, and why?
For me I don’t have a stand out admirer in athletics. I did enjoy watching David Gillick do well on TV as a youngster. I’m a big sports fan and tennis player Novak Djokovic is a great player and personality!
Your favourite quote?
Hmmm I have a few but… [blockquote style=”style-1″]Forget about all the reasons why something may not work and think of one reason why it will.[/blockquote]
