Audrey McHale McDonnell

Deciding to join up after the wettest ever Braveheart Run. Audrey has been a keen participant in road races, cross country and marathons in the red and white over the past seven years. She is a regular at Europes most westerly Parkrun in her native Erris. 

1. When did you start running?
I decided to run the Women’s Mini Marathon in 2005. I could run no problem on a treadmill in a gym, but I found running outside so much more challenging. I stuck with it and got bitten by the bug from then on.

2. How did you end up joining the club?
I did the Braveheart race in 2013. It was an atrocious evening with rain.
 I was really impressed with how well organised the race was, so I joined the following September. Best thing I ever did. I’ve made some great friends since I joined the club.

3. Favourite race (excluding the Trim 10 miler and the Braveheart)
I’m a fan of local races. I like the Royal Canal 5km as it’s only down the road from us in The Hill of Down. I ran it with my daughter last year. It’s an enjoyable easy-going race. The Fr. Murphy 10km. It’s mostly flat and I won a county medal there a couple of years ago.

4. What do you crave after a run?
A good strong coffee and toast/rice cakes with peanut butter.

5. Pre-race meal
Porridge, with seeds, sugar and coffee (strong of course).

6. Miles or KM
Miles always.

7. Any race superstitions
-I like when there’s a 9 or 7 in my race number. It probably has something to do with the fact that my race number for my first marathon in 2016 had both numbers.
-I like to wear a red headband (battered and ancient) when I race. It makes me feel lucky.
(I’m full of “piseogs”. I think it’s a west of Ireland thing).

8. Track, road or XC?
Road as it’s what I run/race on the most. Admittedly I love getting stuck into a bit of XC though. I love the challenge of it. It’s tough but toughens you up and sets you up nicely for road races.

9. Why do you run?
I love how it makes me feel. I use it to destress and declutter my mind. To keep fit and socialise with others from the club.

10. Best running memory?
Seeing my husband (Trevor) and my daughter (Lucy) during the marathon of 2016. It was even more memorable when I saw they had a banana for me when they were at Fortfield Road, as I was running on empty by then. It saved me. Of course, crossing the finish line that day was an unreal memory. I’ll never forget it.

11. What do you miss most from a running perspective during lockdown?
I miss having the craic and banter with my running buddies. The motivation of pushing yourself when in a group. It gets monotonous on your own after a while. . .

12. Most memorable race that you didn’t compete in
It was The Hardman full distance triathlon in Killarney. Trevor did it in 2015. It’s a gruelling race and seeing him finish safely was very emotional. I was so glad when it was all over. . .

13. Who is your running hero?
 It would have to be Sinead Diver. She’s from Belmullet, Co. Mayo like myself. The fact that she has achieved so much and started so late in life is awe-inspiring and fascinating. There are plenty in the club that I admire as well, that have achieved so much, while juggling work, family life etc. They are my real heroes to be honest!!!

14. Spilt or tight shorts
Either for training, but definitely tight for race day.

15.   What do you listen to during a run?
I used to listen to music years ago, but I haven’t done so in a while. So now it’s the sounds of the lovely little lambs in the fields around Longwood that’s keeping me entertained as I pound the roads around there!!!