Padraig O’Herlihy

This month we have a chat with Fit4Life member Padraig O’Herlihy who joined the 0-5km group in October 2016 and has since become a stalwart member of the club. It is said that running is easier when you have a running buddy and the coaches at the 0-5km didn’t take long to spot the ‘bromance’ developing between Padraig and fellow participant Bernard as they upped their mileage. The pair have  gone on to represent the club at a number of 10-mile and half marathon races and now have their sights set on the Dublin marathon.

They both gave back to the club by helping to coach a new group of trainees for the 0-5 km in 2017 and inspire new members with their enthusiasm and positive can-do attitude.

Padraig, can you tell us a little about why you started running?
I started running back in October 2016 as part of the 0-5k group. I had little or no running experience before I started so I took up the program to get fitter really. I found the 9 week program really great as it began from literally walking to jogging and ultimately being able to run the 5k by week 9.

A huge thanks to Claire, Helen, Louise, Michelle and Barry for encouraging us and making the beginning so enjoyable.

What does being a member of Togher AC mean to you?
Togher AC’s welcoming friendly atmosphere has made me feel part of the club from day one. This is a major reason why I have continued to increase my running distances and also the number of events I have signed up to and competed in.

I have made loads of new friends, especially my running buddy Bernard Coleman. Some say a bromance started soon after we met up! . We both became dads a year after starting the couch to 5k so be warned anything can happen after doing the 5k folks 🙂

What is your proudest running moment to date?
That would have to be my first half marathon in Cork last year. It was such a great occasion and I’d like to extend a big thanks to Helen Walsh for sacrificing her own race time to pace me throughout the race to reach my goal.

So after a successful and very busy 2017, what are your main goals for this year?
My main goals are to keep improving my fitness and pacing myself better to improve my times. I also hope to sign up for a variety of races with different challenges. I plan to run the Cork and Charleville Half Marathons and possibly the Dublin Marathon this year or next year. The main thing for me is to keep enjoying my running.

What advice would you give to anyone wishing to join the club, either as a complete novice or an experienced runner?
It’s a wonderful club with a warm welcoming atmosphere. From day one, everyone I have met at the club has been so friendly and special mention has to go to Aidan Hartnett, the club secretary! There is a great range of events during the week from sessions on the track, road, circuits, or the odd trail run.  Everyone in the group is very friendly and easy to talk to and I  learn running hints and tips from them. I am so glad I joined the club would highly recommend it. It is great for the mind and body but there is also a social side to the club and a particular highlight last year was an impromptu sing-song at 3.30am outside crane lane!

Sunday mornings are my personal favourite, after a 10 mile run from  Blackrock Castle to Passage West we meet up at Blackrock market for coffee and a chat (and some inevitable teasing about the bromance!)