Q. Where are you from?

I’m from the US: I grew up in Goleta, California, a small town on the coast, but most recently I had been living in Boston, Massachusetts.

Q. How long have you been a St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club member?

I joined Finbarr’s in 2017 when my husband, Lance, and I moved to Cork the first time. I was a member for the year I lived here and rejoined when I moved back to Cork in June 2023.

Q. What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?

I’m focused on the 5k at the moment, and also plan to do some track racing, with a focus on the 800, this outdoor season.

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you don’t have a race that week?

Rest Mon, easy run Tues, track speed Wed evenings, easy run Thur, tempo track on Fri, ParkRun Saturday, and longer run Sunday; on my easy runs, I throw in a few 30 second strides; I also make sure to get some hills into some of my slower or long runs. I also do strength training twice a week and a lot of mobility and PT type exercises throughout the week. And I have been taking time to regularly do some form of mental training.

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you do have a race that week?

Pretty similar to a regular training week but without as much speed work, and I cut back on what I’m doing for strength work. So I would maybe do half the workout on Wed, and not as fast as I would on a regular week. I also make sure to do 3-5 30 second strides in all my runs to remind my body what running fast feels like and keep my legs snappy.

Q. Do you have a specific goal for the season?

I’m on a quest to break 20 minutes in the 5k, after years focusing on longer distances like the marathon. My current PR is 21:10, set last August. I’d be thrilled to reach my goal this year. I’d also love to PR in the 800, which I started running a few years ago. I’ve run a 2:53 and know I’ve got more speed in me.

Q. What is your favourite athletics event?

My favorite events currently are the ones I’m training for, the 5k and 800. They are both interesting challenges mentally and physically. And I love racing and training for events that are short enough that I can race them frequently. I love racing, so focusing on these shorter events gives me the opportunity to do that more often.

Q. What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?

I actually have two: the first time I finished the Boston Marathon, in the 2018 storm year. I will never forget turning onto the finishing stretch on Boylston Street and the incredible crowds. Running the 90km Comrades Marathon in under 10 hours last year is also a huge highlight for me. The course is really hilly and it’s such a long way to run, and also it’s just a magical event. That event will always hold a special place in my heart.

Q. Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members ?

Run your easy runs easy and run your speed workouts at the prescribed speed. It’s important to remember what the day’s training is supposed to be about and stick with it. I remind myself: training is training, racing is racing.
Also, spend some time on mental preparation: belief in your abilities is an important part of reaching your goals.

Q. Any other comments ?

I’ll add that I enjoy the support of Finbarr’s and am thankful for all the people who work to keep the club running so well. It’s truly a pleasure to show up in all weather on track nights and have such a terrific crew to train with and excellent coaches to run the workouts. And being a part of Finbarr’s at races is always great fun.

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Thank you Cherie and the very best with the sub 20. We are all rooting for you 🌟.

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