Meet our Athletes.....From the Candystripes of Derry City to the Candy Stripes of TRIM AC. Road relays, cross country, track league, mountain runs and half ironman have the shoes and a "can do" mindset.

1.When did you start running ?

Very casually I think after my 1st child Evan was born, Then again after Kate was born. I loved sports day as a child !!!!

2. When did you join Trim AC ?

Ohhh good question. I can’t remember life before Trim AC. I’m thinking around 2010. I had been running on my own around Athboy and remember seeing a group of Hi viz flying around Trim on my way to Pilates for a few weeks and thought I really have to find out where they meet. Never looked back!!

3.Why do you run ?

It clears my head, total de-stresser! I love the social aspect and have made amazing friends through running. ( I did move to Trim to don those candy stripes ). I love the fact that we run with so many people from all walks of life!

4.Favourite event, race or competition

Glenalough Fighting Blindness. It puts manners or you and reminds you how lucky we are to be able to run it and see the beauty around us.

5. Have you any pre event routine apart from your warmup ?

Toilet, toilet and 1 more for luck!!

6. Favourite type of training. ?

Short intervals / speed work

7.Who is your athletics hero ?

I don’t really have to look outside the club – I really admire David Hawcroft and Pat Comey to name a few. They still race with such gusto, and always looking for newer, harder, more left of centre challenges. Amazing. They have a wealth of experience and passionately share it with the younger (and not so young ) members of the club. Always giving!

8. What is your best memory from the sport ?

Finishing my 1st marathon in Dublin 2012 with my Kate (then 5) at my side! Close 2nd - Derry marathon with my hubbie Rog and brother John - on my home turf - amazing atmosphere.

9. What is the best race or athletics competition you ever watched but did not take part in ?

Ironman Barcelona - watching Rog come down the red carpet - tears, screams, goosebumps and so very proud - nearly made me sign up!

10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction ?

Everyone can do it - all shapes, all sizes, all ages, all abilities and disabilities. Seeing improvements – no matter how small!

11. How important is group training to you ?

It is everything!! Running on your own can be very boring! Friendly competition and comradery is great.

12. Has the sport influenced you in life in general?

Yes it has made me aim for things I thought were not possible or beyond me. Also made me appreciate the importance of Vaseline!!

13 . Have you a favourite meal before or after events ?

Black banana before a race and I love a nice sambo after a race and a hot cup of tae.

!4. What motivates you to go training on a wet and windy day ?

I actually love running in the rain - my fav really - the wind not so!! Smugness of fighting the elements when you could take easy option out and sit on the sofa !

15. What advice would you give a new member ?

Training with a group opens a whole new world of opportunity. There is a place for everyone - you will find yours but keep an eye on the person ahead of you and keep moving forward. Never give up.