My Running Life: Clidhna McElroy

When did you start running and why?
I started running 17 years ago for fitness, but I stopped and started over the years. That's the great thing about running, you can always come back to it.


What has been your biggest achievement?
I ran the Singapore marathon when I lived there five years ago. And I did a triathlon last month for the first time.


What's the one thing you'd change about running?
I couldn't think of an answer to this and then my niece, who also runs, reminded me that stitches are a killer. So it would have to be no more stitches.


Where's your regular run route?
I'm very lucky as I live near the sea in Bray so I can run the prom or up the mountains or out the cliff walk.

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What's your regular training schedule
I'm running only once or twice a week at the moment as I have a toddler so it's hard to get out, but I also do a home fitness DVD at least three times a week.


What are you training for?
At the moment I'm training for the 10km Irish Kidney Association fun run called Run for a Life which is on September 15th. My baby suffers from kidney failure and is on dialysis three days a week so it's a cause very close to my heart.


What do you wear on your feet?
Asics; I tried different brands but found them too heavy and made me go over on my ankles.


Have you any niggly injuries?
Since having my son, my lower back isn't great but I make sure to do weights as well running to strengthen my core.


What's on your iPod when running?
Nothing any more as I really enjoy the complete time out now. I used to listen to Black Eyed Peas as they really get you moving.


What's your most embarrassing running moment?
About three miles from the end of the Singapore marathon, I started to cry while I was running as I just couldn't get my head around having to do another three miles.


What's your favourite running book?
I haven't ever read a running book but I do like fitness magazines.


Have you ever been chased by an animal?
Yes, on the cliff walk dogs would be curious and try to jump up, but nothing worrying.


What's your favourite running tip?
I read a great quote once that said, "try to find excuses to go for a run more than excuses not to". Also, I think that if you book a fun run like runforalife.ie, it really is a great motivator to train.


The Irish Kidney Association's Run for a Life, sponsored by Astellas, is a family fun run open to people of all levels of fitness and will take place at Park West Business Park, Dublin 12, on Sunday, September 15th, at noon.


For registration and further details log on to: runforalife.ie.
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