This month’s interview and extended profile is with Fit4Life athlete Denis Hickey.
When/how/why did you take up running?
I actually honestly never liked running, I believed it was to hard. I much before hiking or walking. My sister encouraged me to start running it was a long and slow process and I was glad I continued. I took up running 3 years ago . My primary reason was to lose weight I must admit I did achieve my goal, it’s a great feeling.
When and why did you join Togher AC?
I joined Togher AC about a year and half ago. I was speaking to a work colleague and he was asking how the running was going, have I entered any races ? I wasn’t speaking confident in myself cause I didn’t know how to push myself forward to become a better runner. He suggested I should join a club. He spoke about his neighbour a father and son that joined a local club, a family community it’s open to all ages. I joined and I’m glad I did.
What is/ are your preferred distance/s?
After finishing a half marathon I wondered would I be able to manage a Marathon. Once your motivated anything is possible, don’t get me wrong the distance sounds out of reach. I do prefer long distance running. I’m planning to train for a Ultramarathon next year. I like a challenge.
What is / are your PB/s?
5km 24mins
10 miles 1hr 16mins
Half Marathon 1hr 43 mins
Marathon 4hr 10mins
What is your proudest running moment?
I probably should say my First Marathon but I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t say my first Half Marathon in Gap of Dunloe in Killarney. It was easy it was hard I loved every minute. A photo was taken of me reaching the top of Gap of Dunloe when I saw it was first I was proud of myself. I achieved a distance I didn’t know I could manage, a hill that felt like a mountain, it felt good.
Who are your coaches?
Claire Dunne
Helen Walsh
Michelle Nelson
What is your main running goal for the next 12 months?
I read ‘Consistently is Key’ .
I want to run a Ultramarathon in April 2024 in Connemara Galway. It will be my first but I know it won’t be my last. To prepare to achieve this goal I will continue to stay upbeat and positive, making sure I have the correct training plan, asking for advice from coaches at Togher AC. Pushing myself harder with drills and track work. Strenght training and trail running will help me stay focused towards my goal.
What is your most memorable race/running moment and why?
Cork City Marathon I had 16 weeks training plan allocated towards the race. Togher AC has excellent coaches available, I felt good knowing I had the right people I could depend upon that has previous experience. Its a great feeling taking part, especially with fellow members of the same club. When I just reached the half way distance a member from the club noticed my singlet and gave me a cold cloth for my head it was life saving I’m extremely grateful to her. I should mention it was the hottest day. Plus the club members cheering us along on race day it meant alot. You’d be surprised of what you can achieve once you give it a go.
What do you like most about Togher AC?
On a Tuesday evening you get the opportunity to experience Track and drill training. Claire Dunne provides a great atmosphere towards fitness. She pushes you towards a level you feel comfortable with. Once you get more involved in running you realise drill training and track is important, but having fun running is also important too. Theirs nothing complete without Strength Training Helen Walsh delivers a fantastic class a mixer of squats, lunges, push ups etc. Her excellent choice of track music is suited to each part of the session. Having Strength Training allows for the prevention of injures which makes you feel stronger especially on race day. Aswell as the benefits of loss of weight, flexibility and feeling stronger.
What would you say to someone thinking of taking up running?
Start of slowly walk and run there no shame, feel good in yourself. Rest and recovery Don’t overtrain, run with a friend, family member, run alone with uplifting music that pushes your forward. Don’t run every weekend, take a break recharge, enjoy the run. Personally for myself I enjoy running with a group a nice controlled slow pace where you can enjoy a conversation and a coffee afterwards. Running can deliver more than fitness, slow down relax listen to your breathing, foot placement. You’ll simple forget about negative thoughts and you’ll do the best possible think and concentrate on your run.