When did you start running and why?
About two-and-a-half years ago at the age of 25. Growing up I experienced mild rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia until my early 20s which restricted my confidence and ability to take part in sports. Thankfully I was fortunate enough to grow out of these conditions and I decided to take up running for general fitness and now I've been running nearly every day for the last two years.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Despite all the races I've taken part in over the last two-and-a-half years such as the Dublin Race Series, Women's Mini Marathon, Kildare Half Marathon, BHAA races to name a few and the PB's I have achieved, my biggest achievement is running itself and sticking to it.
What's the one thing you'd change about running?
Nothing. I love every aspect of it, even the pain and anguish of a hard interval session or giving your all towards the finishing line of a race.
Where's your regular run route?
I run with my local running club Lakeshore Striders in Blessington, Co Wicklow. Our regular Saturday morning long run takes us out past the Blessington Lake towards the village of Kilbride and back. I generally run between 10 to 13 miles on a Saturday depending on what I am training for. I alternate my running routes during the week.
What's your regular training schedule?
I run five times a week which includes an interval session, tempo runs, a long steady run at the weekend and an easy pace run. I cross train on a spinning bike or cross trainer once a week and try to fit in two core work-out sessions also.
What are you training for?
I've just started my training plan for the Dublin City Marathon which will be my first marathon.
What do you wear on your feet?
I alternate between Asics Gel GT 2160 and Mizuno Wave Inspire.
Any niggly injuries?
On long runs my IT band gives me trouble but I try to make good use of the foam roller to deal with these niggles. I also attend a local Amatsu practitioner who realigns and rebalances my body.
What's on your iPod when running?
A mixture of everything and anything of an upbeat nature. I also like to just listen to the radio.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
Getting sick after reaching the finish line of a race. Very attractive!
What's your favourite running book?
I'm reading Hypnosis for Running: Training Your Mind To Maximise Your Running Performance by Adam Eason and I'm finding it really useful.
What's your favourite running tip?
When taking part in a race it's important to visualise the end of your run, see yourself crossing the finish line with the clock above at the time you want to see achieved.
Edel Byrne is health promotion officer at the Irish Heart Foundation specialising in walking and physical activity, and is national co-ordinator of the Slí na Sláinte walkways.
