Meet our Athletes A sports fan in a very broad sense of the word, spectating, taking part and working behind the scenes. Enthusiastic club member who has found her tribe with us. She claims to have had too many years in sport but we say there are plenty more to come for Mairéad McMorrow.

1.When did you start running ?

I started at local community games level as a child, competed in schools cross country etc.& through college but only started running consistently as an adult when I joined Trim A.C

2. When did you join Trim AC?

I joined Trim A.C in 2009, my good friend Helen Power brought me along to a meet & train session where I had the good fortune to meet Ann and Ciaran Tobin and the rest as they say is history.

3.Why do you run ?

I run because I like the way it makes me feel (afterwards!!!). I believe physical exercise is an essential part of our lives, as important as eating and sleeping, it feeds into our mental well being also. Running is my chosen form of exercise as I love being outdoors, I love nature and what better way to see the change from one season to another than running around the beautiful town of Trim

. 4.Favourite event, race or competition ?

Because you haven’t said not to include it I’m going to say Braveheart, hands down. It’s the start of the summer, the atmosphere is always fantastic whether competing or helping out, it shows Trim A.C working at its best in the fantastic location of the porch fields.

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

No not really

6. Favourite type of training. ?

Probably interval training, short and sweet or not so sweet!

7.Who is your athletics hero ?

Catherina McKiernan, she made running the roads of Cavan an acceptable thing to do!!

8. What is your best memory from the sport ?

I ran the 2017 Lough Sheelin 10k a few months after my Dad passed away which was a very tough time in my life, he spent many happy hours on the golf course at Crover House where the race finished, it was just special to me and I even managed a prize which is, as everyone who knows me as a runner not a regular occurrence!

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

Does watching on T.V count?? If so watching Sonia O’Sullivan take silver in Sydney in 2000 is one that I’ll always remember, it’s one that stands out for me The 2019 Dublin Marathon was also special as John’s sister Olivia ran it in aid of the NRH foundation and Niamh was there to cheer her on.

10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction ?

I love the feeling after I’ve had a good training session or good paced run, I like feeling physically tired as opposed to mentally tired. I never regret going for a run, ever.

11. How important is group training to you ?

Group training is what it’s all about for me as a member of Trim A.C. The group sessions push me out of my comfort zone and provide just that bit of competition between peers that makes you want to improve and do the best you can. The bit of craic and banter is great also.

12. Has the sport influenced life in general ?

Yes I would say it has influenced my life and the life of my family in a very positive way. We all enjoy sport and running is part of family life even more so now in the current circumstances. It teaches us self discipline and gives us an outlet to test ourselves and push on!

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

Before an event usually a banana and a fig roll or two! Never really feel like eating after an event

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

Knowing that tomorrow could just be the same! Also my first marathon in Cork was a very wet and windy day so you always have to keep in mind that your next race day could just be like the one today!

15. What advice would you give a new member ?

Find your “tribe”, find the group that best suits where you are at right now, the group caters for all abilities and levels , don’t be intimidated by others that appear to be faster or stronger than you, we all started just like you