Emilia Dan, Senior Group

When did you start running?
I always walked but eventually decided to walk/run in order to lose weight. I started to really enjoy it. My first race was the Great Ireland Run in 2008 – a few days before I went to the Phoenix Park to see if I could manage the 10K distance! Running changed my life. And becoming a member of Dunboyne AC changed it again. Within a year of joining the club, I took 5 minutes off my 10K time and I found a second family!

How important is it for you to be a member of Dunboyne AC?
Running and the club is a huge part of my life since I moved here from Romania. I love the support and advice I receive there, and I love being part of the community of the club. The advice and guidance I receive from my coaches and friends in the club are very important to me – I like to ask questions, to hear about other peoples’ experiences and I also like to encourage and support other runners.

What’s your best racing achievement?
Every race for me is an achievement. I love getting out to race for the club, whether it’s cross country or road and I’m happiest when I’m competing against talented girls, with them driving me to do better. I give every race everything I’ve got and that for me is a big part of running. But simply running also is hugely satisfying for me, getting out for a 10 mile training run or a track session, looking after myself and eating well etc., and being fit and healthy.

Emilia’s time for the 10K went from 47:58 in her first ever race in 2008 to a PB for the 10K of 38.01. She has won numerous county and provincial medals, and she won gold in the national 10K in 2013. She is a prolific racer and a well-loved and hugely supportive club member. Emilia was recently appointed our inaugural Club Lady’s Captain and was awarded Dunboyne AC Athlete of the Year 2014.

Gerry Reilly, Senior Group

When did you start running?
I did the Dunboyne 4 Mile Race in March 2011 after a ‘very’ intensive three run training programme (yes, that’s three runs ever!) My best time from training was 45 minutes for the distance and in the race I finished at 38 minutes, seconds didn’t matter then. This remains one of my most satisfying running achievements – and it was my first ever race. I was so happy to beat my training time and to realise that I was capable of running: it was a huge achievement for me. The 4 Miler was a race I always wanted to do, but it took me a couple of years to work up to it.

A few months later I decided to take up running properly, as at 39 years old, and motorsport the only past sporting activity under my belt, I knew it was now or never. The big 40 loomed, the kids were getting faster, I was getting slower – action was needed! And after a few spontaneously scheduled runs around Dunboyne looking like a fish out of water, a few friends advised me to join the club – oh boy what a good decision that was! I joined in January 2012, and have never looked back since.

How important is it for you to be a member of Dunboyne AC?
I joined the club training with Fit4Life to build up my fitness and after a few months I began training with the Senior group. The best thing about Dunboyne Club is the support you get right from the word go, that’s from the terrific coaching (which speaks for itself by the amount of PBs achieved by the club runners in each race), to the fantastic group of runners willing to share their knowledge and experience with you, and to encourage you every step of the way. The club has given me a good level of fitness and better mental health, something I had not even considered when joining. So it’s terrific value for superb training advice, health and fitness and not to forget a great social scene! Fitness for life is cheap at the price of club membership.

What’s your best racing achievement?
I’ve been lucky enough so far to continue to improve with each race. Bohermeen has been the best Half for me so far: I knocked nearly three minutes off last year’s time to do 1:21:30 there earlier in March so that’s always a good race for me. Jingle Bells was my previous race and I managed to come in six hundredths of a second over 17 minutes! Next time it better be 16 something! For a 10k the Michael Manning in Dunshaughlin is my favourite which I did in 36:52 last year.

Gerry is renowned as the club member who can improve most on his standard weekly training regime of three runs! Training on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a long run at the weekend is all a busy work and family life permits, but it’s all he seems to need – and he’s still getting faster.

Angela Egan, Fit4Life

When did you start running?
I started running for the first time in January 2014. I had reached a crossroads in my life as I had pulled away from a busy work life, my children were grown and a significant birthday was closely looming. I had always felt that I was too busy to get involved in any sporting activities so my level of fitness was down to a snail’s pace. I was a true couch potato! It was time to make some changes so my plan was to join the C25K group – a really good decision. My goal was to succeed in completing the eight week training programme and run/walk the 5k before my birthday. With the help and support of the C25K coach I achieved my goal – what a fantastic feeling that was! I felt much fitter and therefore continued on into the Fit4Life group. Twelve months later at the Jingle Bells race I managed to take eight minutes off my 5k time!

How important is it for you to be a member of Dunboyne AC?
Being part of the club is what has kept me running. I love the friendship, the support and coaching and I really enjoy going to the training sessions. A big thanks to the coaches for giving up their time each week and for their encouragement. Having the club kit also gives you a sense of belonging and it is an honour to be able to wear it at different events. Going to an event and cheering on other club members or taking part in the run is something that I really enjoy – having that chat over a cup of tea afterwards is great. I now really feel that I belong as I am beginning to understand some of the lingo like what a PB is (personal best) which I have achieved, I have also had physiotherapy for a “Sport’s Injury” and I am now wearing the club kit.

What’s your best racing achievement?
Entering into races, such as the Dunboyne 4 mile, was a really big achievement for me. Another later achievement was winning a place in my age category which was something that I never thought possible for me. My first win was at the Castleknock 5k in July. I will never forget it. I was so shocked to hear my name being called out but even more shocked when I was joined by Eamonn Coughlan at the prize giving as he also won in the same age category for men. We won’t talk about the time difference! Every time I complete a run I feel a sense of achievement, regardless of time. I recently completed my first 10k which was a great leap for me, progressing from 5k to 10k.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]