Deborah O’Connor

This month’s interview and extended profile is with our Fit4Life Member and Little Athletics volunteer Deborah O’Connor (Deb). 

We hope Deb’s story of running will inspire those who have never run before and who put age or fitness level as barriers to getting started. In the three years since Deb joined our Togher AC community she has truly embraced the Fit4Life ethos of improving her fitness and achieving her running goals in a fun and sociable environment. Her determination and dedication are second to none and Deb is living proof of how consistent training, motivation and a strong support crew can lead to positive results. We hope you enjoy Deb’s story. 

When and why did you take up running?

Would you believe I only took up running when I turned 40?I was always hugely interested in sport and was an avid cyclist and mountain climber. I had been to Everest Base Camp and climbed Mount Kenya and had participated in lots of cycling events including the Tour de Munster. I also played tennis socially so sport was a big part of my life. 

In September 2018 my life changed quite dramatically as I had a bad cycling accident which resulted in a period in intensive care followed by a three-month rehabilitation stint in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire. While my cycling days were over, the staff knew I had a huge interest in sport and they taught me the basics of running. 

Some of my memories of that time were sketchy but I do remember my brother mentioning he had signed me up to do a leg of the 2019 Cork Marathon relay so I had a goal to work towards. I finished the relay on Patricks’ Street and will hopefully be crossing the finish line in the same spot in a few weeks’ time at the full marathon. 

When and why did you join Togher AC?

A Sunday walk in Gouganbarra led to me joining Togher AC! A year after my accident, I met Vicky O’Brien on the walk which had been organised by Cork Backpackers and we got chatting about running. At that point I had been persuaded to sign up for the 2020 Cork City Marathon, not really knowing what I had let myself in for. Vicky suggested coming along for a Thursday run and wrote a reminder for me to be at Harty’s Quay carpark at 6.15pm.  At the time I didn’t even know that I was joining a club run but it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I met Claire and Helen that first evening and they have really been my coaches and mentors ever since. During those first runs I was so anxious and doubted my ability to run but that has gradually faded thanks to their encouragement and support.  

What is your proudest running moment?

I’ve had a few running moments that stand out. The 2020 Dublin City Marathon was a virtual event that took place during the second national lockdown. While I had heard club members talk of the supporters lining the streets of Dublin, my first marathon experience was by myself running in loops around the streets of Ballincollig. I’ll never forget being joined by Bernard Coleman for the last ten miles and then seeing the familiar faces of club members and families who had come out to welcome me as I crossed the 26.2 finish line at my house.  I managed to complete that first marathon in four hours ten minutes and it is certainly a moment I will never forget! I am also proud that I did the marathon to raise funds for Down Syndrome Cork which is a cause close to my heart. One of my closest friends, has two children with Down Syndrome and I had previously fundraised through doing the Tour de Munster so I was delighted to be able to continue to fundraise through sport. 

I also have to mention the Cork Marathon in 2021 which was also a virtual marathon. It was just an amazing day with the number of people who came out to support me, both from the club  (a special shout out to Mary O’Halloran!) and from the Tour de Munster and Down Syndrome Cork. People ran with me, cheered me on, walked their own events in support, brought snacks for me and it was just a really wonderful sociable day, again for a great cause. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the club members and coaches, as well as Hal Higdon’s novice training plan!

What’s next for you?

Well it will be third time lucky for me this year with Cork City Marathon due to take place as a live event this year. I’m training lots and building up my mileage so am always looking for people to join me for a run. I’m so excited about running with others as it will be such a different experience to my other two events. I’m saying this will be my last marathon but there are some pretty persuasive people in the club so who knows?

Marathons involve a lot of training which I can commit to as I am not working at the moment so I enjoy the structure and routine of training. I have a lot of respect for people who manage to combine work with their training!

What is the best thing about being a member of the club?

The support and camaraderie. I love drills and track on Tuesdays and the run from Harty’s Quay on Thursdays. I volunteer with Little Athletics on Monday evenings and am pretty sure some of them will follow in the footsteps of Rob Heffernan – I am amazed by the talent of our little athletes and love being able to give a helping hand. I also love Sundays as we go for brunch in Blackrock Castle after a long run. Really though, if I have to choose one thing I would say it is the people in the club. It’s a lovely bunch who go out of their way to keep me motivated and encourage me to keep going when I want to give up and who gave me the belief that I could run when I didn’t believe it myself. 

How has running helped you?

I find running helps to take my mind off all the things I can’t do and to focus on what I can do and that I get better when I am consistent. It also gives me structure in terms of training and did I mention the friendship and camaraderie already?  

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

You are not too old. You are not too unfit. You ARE able. Just start small and trust yourself. You will build up your fitness. You will build up your speed so just give it a go and build up gradually. Also, it is always easier to run with others so get a support crew and you won’t feel the miles!

Who is your favourite sporting hero?

Well I have to take you to my childhood holidays in Waterville with this one! My brothers used to take me down to the local snooker hall which sparked an early interest in snooker. I still love watching it and Ronnie O’Sullivan is my sporting hero. 

Any final comments?

Just a callout to all members of the club who are looking for a running buddy – I’m always on the lookout for company on my long runs so if you wish to join for a couple of miles, please get in contact!