In the spotlight with Kevin!
Where are you from?
Ballinhassig, a few miles outside Cork city, now living in Wilton. Haven’t strayed far lol.
How long are you a Club member?
Joined in 2019, had done a few marathons at that stage, but my marathon times were going the wrong direction so needed some guidance on where I was going wrong. Got a training plan from Liam D and took 15 mins off my marathon pb in Dublin that year.
What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?
Currently training for Lisbon Half marathon in March, and have Cork & Chicago marathons lined up for June/Oct. Did Dungarvan 10 miler and signed up for Mallow 10 miler too
Will do a few shorter (5k/5 mile etc) races too here and there.
What does a typical training week look like for you when you don’t have a race that week?
Usually do 5 days, a mix of faster/harder and easy/recovery. In my current plan Saturday is long run day but usually did my long run on Sundays before.
Current plan – Intervals Monday, recovery run Tues, Tempo session on Wed evening, rest day Thursday, recovery run on Friday and then long run on Saturday. Rest day on Sundays.
Also have extra drills and some S&C work in the current plan which is something I’ve been meaning to add in for ages.
What does a typical training week look like for you when you do have a race that week?
Depends on how long the race is, if its a short one on the weekend might rest on the Friday, if its a bit longer race will take it easy an extra day or 2 leading up to it. Marathon week will get out maybe twice for a couple of short easy runs.
Do you have a specific goal for the season?
Main one is hoping to get a Boston Qualifying time in Chicago in October, which is about 5 mins under my current PB but with the extra few mins needed to actually get an entry. Hopefully my times in other races will be creeping down in the meanwhile too.
What is your favourite athletics event?
I guess the marathon as that’s my main focus at the moment but for watching the track races are interesting for sheer explosive pace in the 100m, or seeing the tactical running in the longer events.
What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?
Hard to pick a single memory – finishing Cork half after a couple of years of injuries is up there, finishing first marathon in Cork 2016, taking 26 mins off Dublin marathon pb in 2022…
Finally breaking 4 hours after a few years trying felt like a big achievement but I guess current 3:25 pb is the biggest achievement so far.
Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members ?
Try to relax your body when running is one of the biggest things I’ve learned. Can still run fast but try not to tense up. Look at your running form too – I caused myself loads of problems early on because of poor form, did all my running with my knees which didn’t appreciate it, but now try to run more upright, engage my core and glutes instead and generally I’m staying injury free (knock on wood!!). You might save yourself energy and may actually go faster with a few little adjustments.
Any other comments ?
Glad I joined the club, a great crew, helpful approachable experienced coaches and a good atmosphere every week. Membership is incredible value for money too. Here’s to many more years to come!