Great attitude to sport and to life.

This girl has a bright future.

AVA COSTELLO

 

 

1.When did you start running ?

I started running when I was about 10 but I was doing more cartwheels than running back then.

2. When did you join Trim AC ?

I joined when I was 10 but joined pats group about 5ish years ago.

3.Why do you run ?

I run because I love it. Some people will never understand what it feels like after a good run, a pb, winning a race. But of course everyone has bad runs but bad runs are what make the good runs great. When you run you feel apart of something like the club is one big family.

4.Favourite event, race or competition (other than a Trim AC event)?

All Ireland’s cross country is always an amazing but humbling experience going against the best in the country in my age group.

5.Do you listen to music, podcasts or the natural world while running ?

Most runs I just listen to nature but on long runs my mam and I listen to music.

6. Favourite type of training. ?

Definitely long runs or a really hard session where you’re on the ground afterwards. Loved doing 1k repeats on the beach last year in Spain.

7.Who is your athletics hero ?

My coach Pat Comey is my biggest hero he always works so hard for other people and has your best interests at heart and he has achieved so much in his running career. Also my other coach Elaine who may not be an athlete but she is just as committed. I’ve other heroes who run in the club too, these people are always working hard and inspire me every day like Sean Murphy, Michael Counsel, Helen halligan, Ellen Vitting and all the people in the club who give me so much encouragement at races. And of course my mam who influenced me to start running.

8. What is your best memory from the sport ?

Last year in the Ratoath 5k I fell about 100m from the finish line but I just jumped back up and still won the race. That was cool. And my mam didn’t even notice until she saw I was covered in blood. After I was treated in the ambulance. I ran the last 6k of the half marathon with Pat. My legs were a little sore but it was worth it. Or Streets of Athboy 5k as it was my first road race last year and I did not expect I’d get a time of 19:12.

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

DCM this year as I loved cheering on all the trim runners. I ran 10km of it with pat and the thrill I got from it was incredible. I would’ve finished the whole thing If I was allowed. Or Trim 10 mile, seeing everyone’s faces as they crossed the line and how even the faster runners still go and cheer their club mates on when they finish. I can’t wait to run it hopefully next year.

10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction ?

Finishing a hard training session that you didn’t know you’d be able to do but crushing it anyway. Or on a Sunday morning when you’ve ran half way to Blanchardstown before people are out of bed.

11. How important is group training to you ?

It’s so important. Group training helps me reach my full potential and we all push each other on. Ive made so many amazing friends through group training.

12. Has the sport influenced life in general ?

Definitely. Running has taught me to have a routine. I get up early, eat healthy go to bed early for running. Running has made me more disciplined.

13 .What do you feel is your best sporting attribute?

I’m always told how dedicated I am. I’m always striving to be better. In training I’m the type of person who runs right around the poles or right to the finishing point. If you want to be great I don’t believe there are any short cuts. I think that inspires others in the group to do the same.

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

I know it’ll make me stronger and the majority of my races are cross country so more than likely I’ll experience those two things on race day. No pain no gain

15. What advice would you give a new member ?

Enjoy it. Running is hard but so so rewarding. Be patient with your training you won’t see results straight away but if you keep working hard, your results will come.