This month’s interview and profile is with Togher Tiger Thomas Heising.
When did you take up running?
I started in 2018 with Frontrunners Cork, Cork’s LGBTQ+ running group, and discovered that running wasn’t too bad of an activity. I did a Couch to 5K-programme with them and quickly developed a love for the competitiveness, mental health benefits and social qualities.
When and why did you join Togher AC?
Brian O’Connell manipulated convinced me to join Togher mid-2021, and I was immediately greeted by our two enthusiastic and amazing coaches Aidan Hartnett and Tony Kelleher. The other runners were super inclusive and supportive when I joined, and still are. I can be wary of certain settings, but this is such a wonderful constellation of friendly and open-minded people! Regularly, I find myself to be the only person of colour in many social contexts, but this characteristic has never been the butt of a joke during my membership period in the club.
What are your preferred distances?
10K races are ideal as there is perfect capacity to enjoy one’s surroundings along the route (Killarney 10K is the best!) without completely dying of exhaustion. However and admittedly, I am mostly disinterested in activities involving longer distances. Further, I love and hate 5Ks! I get so nervous before them, but the competitiveness often conquers that.
What are your PBs?
1 mile: 4:45
3K: 10:06
5K: 17:02
10K: 38:17
10 miles: 1:01:23
What is your proudest running moment?
As mentioned earlier, I don’t like ‘longer’ distances, but John Tracy 10 mile 2022 was a personal achievement! I hadn’t committed to training, but managed to get the final time below 62 minutes which was what I was hoping for, passing many from the group who had trained significantly more than me. The route was also quite scenic!
Who are your coaches?
Aidan Hartnett and Tony Kelleher! *hearts* *kisses*
What is your main running goal for the next 12 months?
Been injured recently, so just getting back into it. I still need to get that 5K to sub-17. After that, I want to get that 10K down in time as well.
What is your most memorable race/running moment and why?
There are cute little moments from various races and runs, but the ones that stick out the most are when I have had friendly chats along.
What do you like most about Togher AC?
The friendliness and support! A note is also, I like that people really seem to want you to succeed. I am a bit of a diva, and don’t really want anyone to make decisions on my behalf, but I so love that Tony and Aidan really cheer for you as a person and as an athlete! That makes me want to make them proud.
What would you say to someone thinking of taking up running?
Check if you like it or not, first, of course! If you like it, introspect and determine why you want to run: personal validation and competitiveness, external validation, social or community reasons or simply for physical and mental health benefits. There is room for it all in running, especially with Togher!
Who is your favourite sporting hero?
I think Serena and Venus Williams are incredible in so many ways. The battles they have fought in matches, the limelight and personal lives, and still managed to showcase immense strength and beauty.
What is your favourite food?
A dish from southern Africa called nshima with bean stew and relish.
What is your favourite drink?
Mocha with oat milk.
What is your favourite film?
The Hours (2002) or Everything, Everywhere All At Once (2022).