Carol and Ger

When/How/Why did you take up running?

Carol: I dabbled in some athletics when I was younger but the usual happened and I gave it up as a teenager. I got back into when they started the Cork Half Marathon and Relays. I began to have friendly rivalry with my little sister and we did a few family relays and a couple of half’s together.  When she got married she gave me an entry to the Frankfurt marathon as a thank you present. I know, it was such a nice gift lol. 

Ger: I ran with my local club in Cobh as a juvenile my family were involved with the club down there, once I hit adult life I fell away but came back to it with some friends when they asked me to do the relay in the cork marathon a few years ago. They all bailed, and I ended up doing the half that year and now I’m just hooked. That was 2018. 

When and why did you join Togher AC?

Ger: I joined in April 2022; I think I’d taken my training as far as I could and had been recommended Togher AC by a work mate who was training with Togher while based down here. I was told it was a great place to train but also, they had a good social aspect to it. All correct. 

Carol: I joined Togher AC back in 2022, after the Cork half marathon, I wanted to learn more about running so I followed Ger to the track one night and haven’t look back since.

What are your preferred distances?

Carol: I like the longer distance like the Half and Full Marathons.

Ger: My preferred distance is the half marathon.

PBs?

Carol:
3.56.40 for a marathon
1.45.45 for a half marathon
48.52 for a 10km
22.25 for a 5km

Ger:
Marathon – 3.06 – Dublin 2022
Half marathon – 1.24.46 – Charleville 2022 
10 mile – 60.51 – Dungarvan 2023
5km – 17.44 – Duhallow 2022

Proudest Moment?

Ger: It has to be the Seville Marathon; (3.07) I had been training for 3.15 but a few weeks before my training was going really strong, so I decided to take a lash off of 3 hours. I was very close up to mile 22 but cramp set in. I was still extremely happy with that time. It was my 2nd marathon but I count it as my first as I did my first about 6 months after I started running in 2018 and had no clue what I was doing.

Who are your coaches?

Ger: Tony Kelleher and Aidan Hartnett, fantastic coaches. Always there for you and the whole group. You couldn’t ask for better commitment from your coaches; they give it their all. The whole group are stronger together for having them part of the club. 

I picked up an injury last March so the rest of the year was pretty much trying to get back to fitness. I feel that I’m almost there, so next year’s goals will be the ones I had set for myself this year. 

Carol: Claire Dunne is our fantastic coach for the fit for life gang. She is always pushing me and motivating me to push myself. She also has some great tips. I also do Helen Walsh’s fab Body Pump class on a Wednesday. The music is always full blast and there is such a great atmosphere. These two ladies are such a great asset to club. If you need advice on anything you can got these two fantastic and inspiring ladies. 

Goals for the next 12 months?

Ger: Sub 3 Marathon (Seville February 2024). Sub 1.20 in the half marathon. Sub 60 in the 10 mile. 

Carol: I kinda decided to follow the Tigers out to Seville for the Marathon this coming Feb. I am not going to go for a time but to enjoy and see how things go. I would like to see how I can bring down my time for my half marathon but most importantly want to keep enjoy running and having fun at training and races with my fellow Fit for Life group. 

Most Memorable Race?

Carol: I suppose it has be that first Marathon in Frankfurt 2018. I ran with my sister. We both didn’t realise what we had signed up for. I will never forget crossing the finishing line and the tears began to fall. I couldn’t believe I actually ran a marathon as I would watch them on tv and go I could never to that. I could barely walk after and the steps coming off the plane the next day weren’t so nice either. It did teach me a lot and I said I would never do one again however never say never as I have completed 3 more since and have improved each time. It was also Ger and my first marathon together.

Ger: The Dungarvan 10 this year. It was just a great run, I felt strong and good throughout the whole race. Probably the most controlled race at that kind of mileage I’ve ever done. After I was actually sorry that I didn’t try for the sub 60 on this day. Sometimes it just comes together and this was one of those days, even the conditions were perfect. 

What do you like most about Togher AC?

Carol: I love how everyone cheers each other on and how everyone is welcome. For the long runs, I remember going to Blackrock for the first time and didn’t get out of the car as I said I would not be good enough. I went back to the track a few more times and eventually went back for the long run. It was the best decision as it was most enjoyable run. Everyone was full of chats. It’s great that you can go and your pace and there’s always someone there with you. 

Ger: What’s not to like, fantastic people, coaches and committee members always putting the club first and all on a voluntary basis from little athletics right up to seniors and masters. The long runs and the chats on Sundays to our coffee and treats after to the social nights out we have. We’re all deadly serious about running but we all know how to have the crack also, this is just as important as any pbs. 

What would you say to someone that is thinking of taking up running?

Carol: Just do it. You can start off slow and work your way up. Set yourself a goal or a race and use that as a target. Don’t worry about times or anything like that. You will  meet people along the way that will encourage you. Just a word of caution thought, your Saturday nights by involving might involve early nights and getting the runners out instead of the high heels as you have that long run on a Sunday Morning but it’s all worth it for the friends and fun you make out there on the road and track.

Ger: I’d say get a decent pair of runners and get out there. Join a club if you can, it’s seems intimidating but it’s totally worth it. It took me a couple of years to pluck up the courage to turn up at the track, but it was worth it. Don’t mind the times or the pbs, the social aspect and the mental health aspect out of getting out for a run, no matter how short or long is totally worth it. New friends and endless races and trips away are a big part of it. Be warned; it will take over your life… 

Sporting Hero?

Ger: Growing up in Cobh I was spoilt for choice, I got to see Sonia O’Sullivan coming up through the ranks in my local club. I also got to see Roy Keane play for Cobh Ramblers as a teenager. I just love his drive and determination and how he made everyone around him better. A true leader on the pitch. Never thought anything was out of his reach and would stand up for his team mates no matter what but as we know also not afraid to call them out. 

Carol: Jessica Ennis and the Women’s Irish Soccer Team for inspiring the future generation of soccer players like my niece.

Food, Drink, Movie?

Carol: I really like chicken wings with loads of blue cheese dip on the sauce. 

My drink of choice would be a nice glass of white wine and tasting a few different cocktails on a night out. I love watching musicals and can get carried away with the singing and dancing. 

Ger: Hmm food would have to be – a decent carbonara or a steak sambo.
Drink – I love the selection IPA’s you can get these days, especially here in Cork, so many well- established beers brewed and sold here in the rebel county. 
Movie – the original Highlander with Paul Lambert and Seam Connery with the killer soundtrack from Queen and Freddie Mercury, legendary.