MEET OUR ATHLETES.......MARY CARR

A great link to the schools through her job. Mary has set up a really good crew of supportive and interested parents to assist with the primary age group in the club. As well as that Mary does what she originally joined the club to do...She runs !!! ..... and is also running a lockdown league to motivate adults.
 

1.When did you start running?

I started in 2009 to try and look good in my wedding dress, so basically for vanity!

2. How did you join the club?

I can’t even remember, I think I showed up one evening outside the Garda station and my mother in law told me to keep eye out for someone called Ciarán Tobin.

3. Why do you run?

I think I now run out of habit, I like routine and it’s just part of my week, like emptying the dishwasher, or feeding the kids, it just has to be done. I don’t think I love it the way others say they do, but I can’t not do it now. Weird!

4. Favourite Race (not a Trim AC event)

The Bohermeen half marathon, it’s a still local, great crowds, I know the course, home and done by lunchtime, great atmosphere!

5. Food I crave after a run:

I’m not really hungry immediately after a race, but then that evening after a big race I’ll eat a huge dinner.

6. Pre race meal:

Porridge with some sugar. Berocca and banana.

7. Miles or km:

Miles.

8. Any race superstition?

No

 9. Track road or XC ?

Road, preferably flat.

10. Best running memory?

2019 Dublin Marathon, love seeing my family at different spots along marathon route, especially at Castleknock, it’s handy for everyone, so I saw my mam, sister, Sean and kids, sis in laws, all within couple of km, I just felt happy and grateful!

11. What do you miss most from running perspective during lockdown?

Long runs with the early morning Saturday gang. It’s like therapy.

12. What’s the most memorable race you didn’t compete in?

Dublin marathon 2014 with Laura Cotter, Anita and Mairead McMorrow, having coffees, jogging along canal to get to finish, eating Danish pastries and cheering everyone on!

13. Who’s your running hero?

I love Sinead Diver and Jo Pavey because they’re over 40, have kids and still at top of their game, training hard and loving it.

14. How important is group trading to you?

Very, I’ve discovered I’ve a tiny bit of competitiveness and even though I’m never going to win races or represent Ireland, I’m happy if I can keep up with my group, catch someone I’ve my eye on...usually another determined mammy! The group keeps me trying and wanting to be a little bit better.

15. What advice would you give a new member?

I would say, be able to run a lap of Newtown before you join, but don’t worry about speed there’s all sorts of speeds and people with different targets. Join in the spring or summer. Keep an eye for a lad called Ciarán Tobin