Just six years ago Dayle Johnston arrived to one of our meet and train sessions.Within weeks she was takiing part in the summer road races around the county organised by Na Fianna, Bohermeen , Navan and Dunshaughlin. 

1.When did you start running

I started running when I was 25, during my PhD studies. It was a great way to de-stress, improve my fitness, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people.

 

2. When did you join Trim AC ?

I joined Trim AC in April 2014, when I started running. This was one of the best decisions that I made. It was lovely to run in the beautiful porch fields and meet so many lovely, friendly people. It encouraged me to try to run faster and cover longer distances… I guess it instilled in me a more competitive spirit regarding running! I also discovered the joy of running with a group of runners of similar ability and improving our fitness and speed together. Ciaran’s training sessions were always so good, tailored towards all our running abilities and challenging for everyone. I really miss them now!!

 

3.Why do you run ?

I run to stay fit and healthy, and because running makes me feel so much happier and better in general, more able to cope with the stresses of life. I also run because I enjoy the social aspect of running; group training sessions and long runs with friends, and of course the coffee and cake afterwards!! It’s also very enjoyable when you spend weeks/months training and then you get a pb in a race.. the feeling of accomplishment is great!

 

4.Favourite event, race or competition ?

My favourite race would be the Trim 10 mile! It’s a great (flattish) race and it’s great to have all your friends in the club supporting you. Outside our club races, my favourite race is the Roscommon 10 mile. It’s organised very well, has a lovely course and it is very enjoyable, and I got my 10 mile pb there!

 

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

Queue for the toilets at least twice!! Drink some lucozade sport!

 

6. Favourite type of training. ?

Training in the Porchfields during the summer, I really enjoy the club tempo runs there. Also, I love doing long runs in the Phoenix Park!

 

7.Who is your athletics hero ?

Sonia O’Sullivan, I remember watching her in the Olympics on the TV in primary school!

 

8. What is your best memory from the sport ?

My best memory is probably crossing the finish line of the Dublin marathon in 2016 with Sinead! Felt so great to have actually finished it after all of our training and was so nice to run it all with Sinead, even though she had to put up with me complaining once we got to miles 19/20!

 

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

The London marathon, maybe someday!

 

10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction ?

The feeling of accomplishment after finishing a hard training session or a race or enjoying a nice easy run while chatting with friends. I really enjoy the social aspect of running and the push to run better that comes from training with other people. I really miss that now during lockdown!

 

11. How important is group training to you ?

Group training is very important to me. It’s probably the main reason that I enjoy running. I love meeting up with everybody and running with people of a similar ability. I need group training to give me a focus on the planned session and to push me to run harder, and to have others to share the joys and the pain of the session!

 

12. Has the sport influenced life in general ?

Absolutely, I am much healthier and fitter than I was before I started running, I am better able to cope with stress, and I generally feel happier and more energetic!

 

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

Before a race, I like to have a scone with raspberry jam and then a banana. After a race, probably cake and biscuits!!

 

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

I just have a routine, so if I have a run planned I will do it whatever the weather. It’s Ireland, and it’s known to rain here! So, if I only ran when it wasn’t wet or windy, I wouldn’t be able to run very often! Once I get outside and get into my run, I never regret it, even if I am soaked afterwards!

 

15. What advice would you give a new member ?

Great decision to join the club! Keep coming to the training sessions, run with people of a similar ability and enjoy it!