| Date of Birth: | February 3, 1970 |
| Events: |
1500m (4:11.03 Personal Best)
3000m (8:56.00 Personal Best)
5000m (15:12.81 Personal Best)
10000m (32.11.01 Personal Best)
|
| Major Achievements: |
Athletic Hall of Fame, Western Kentucky University (inducted 2007)
|
| Coach: | John Evans |
| Occupation: | Athlete; Women’s Distance Coach, University Wisconsin Stevens Point; Personal Fitness Consultant; Massage Therapist |
| Other Sports Participated in as a Youngster: | Camogie (Irish sport similar to field hockey), Basketball |
| Years of Running Experience: | 31 |
| Goals for 2008: | Run a marathon and get the Olympic Standard |
| Greatest Achievements: | 2000 Irish Olympic Team (5000m and 10000m) |
| Favorite Race Venue: | New Balance Maine Distance Festival. I won the 5000 meters three times at this event and won female athlete of the meet in 2000. The atmosphere there was electric and the crowd support unbelievable. Heusden-Zolder in Belgium would be a close second. |
| Favorite Race Event: | 5000 meters on the track |
| Favorite Training Venue: | Alford Arm Greenway in Tallahassee Florida. 850 acres of grass fields and woods with excellent footing. Suitable for almost any kind of workout. |
| Favorite Training Session: | 5x800/300 (800 @ 3km pace, then 100 jog, then a hard 300 @ 800-1500 pace; 400 jog between sets) This is my best strength builder for track 5000s. It is a very hard workout, usually start of track workouts for year with 800 @ 2:30-35 by end of season @2:16-2:20 pace; Early on I run the 300s @54-56 by summer 46-48 pace. It’s hard but worth all the work when finished |
| Least Favorite Training Session: | I hate to do mile repeats- they are boring. |
| Favorite NB running shoe: | W753. I love the cushion and I use it for all training runs. During the winter use I also wear it for tempo runs and longer speed work on the grass. |
| Piece of Kit you would never be Without: | New Balance black split running shorts, wear them almost everyday, so comfortable perfect fit. |
| Favorite Meal, Night Before the Race: | Salad and fish, anything but pasta. |
| Favorite Pre-Race Meal: | Oatmeal with boiling water if staying in hotel. When at home I make my oatmeal with soy milk or rice milk |
| Favorite Post-Season Holiday Venue: | The cashew chicken wrap from One Fresh Stir Fry, in Tallahassee |
| Why Do You Run? | I love running in beautiful parks and trails, I love feeling fit and fast and it's a great way to reduce stress in my life. |
| Tips for New Runners: | Start slowly and build up your distances gradually. Don't pay attention to mileage or pace. Instead, focus on running (and alternating with walking if necessary) for a set amount of time. If possible, try to keep it fun by running in interesting places with interesting people. I also find this good advice for experienced runners coming back from a long break or injury. |
