An insightful Q&A with everyday runner Anthony Walsh who found the sport after playing GAA for years. This is part of the National Campaign to Get Ireland Running with Athletics Ireland and Intersport Elverys. Have a read through Anthony’s experiences and tips from his running journey so far.

Name :  Anthony Walsh

One liner on who you are:

A running addict who took to the sport on the back of finishing up my GAA career!

How and why did you get into running?

I finished playing GAA and decided I needed a new way to stay fit and healthy. The simplicity and accessibility of running made it the ideal fit for my lifestyle. It also allows me to continue to take part in sport competitively but at my own level.

How often do you run?

I started off just doing a couple of days a week but at the moment I’m lucky enough to get out 5 days. It’s something I really enjoy and it just becomes a habit over time.

What’s your favourite place to run?

There are so many different routes and trails available to us as runner, by my local park is somewhere that I never get tired of!

What keeps you motivated?

All the good people I train with in the club.

What’s your favourite post-run treat?

Pizza!

What can you not run without?

Comfortable running gear! You’ll find what suits you best as you go along. It’s very much trial and error. I find Brooks and Asics clothing suits me in that the fabric tends to be a bit more breathable and softer on the skin.

What advice can you offer someone just starting out?

Start slow take it day by day building up the pace and distance. There’s nothing wrong with starting out with a walk – jog, we all started somewhere. Most importunately enjoy it!

Watch Anthony discuss his running experiences in more detail below. There is a run in #allofus

 

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Quick Q&A with everyday runner Mary Walsh who has a genuine passion for running. This is part of the National Campaign to Get Ireland Running with Athletics Ireland and Intersport Elverys. Have a read through Mary’s experiences and tips from her running journey so far.

One liner on who you are:

I am Mary Walsh 45 year old Restaurateur/Runner

How and why did you get into running?

My brother introduced me to my local athletics club when I expressed an interest in running a marathon after having my kids. I fell in love with it and have been running ever since.

How often do you run?

I run 5/6 times per week. I started running for the health benefits but it quickly became a hobby I love, so I like to get out as often as I can. I don’t worry too much if I miss a few days. Some of the runs would be short, but I still feel the benefits when I’m done.

What’s your favourite place to run?

Along Clontarf seafront or in my hometown of Waterford on the rolling hills of Passage East.

What keeps you motivated?

Running goals or targets, may it be a Marathon or trying for a personal best in my local Parkrun.

What’s your favourite post-run treat?

I love a coffee and gluten free flapjack.

What can you not run without?

I was told when I started on my running journey to make sure to invest in a good pair of running shoes and they weren’t wrong. I currently run in Brooks Ghost 11 and can’t be without them!

What advice can you offer someone just starting out?

Just lace up your shoes go out the door run to the corner at first then a little bit further every time. Don’t put off a run because of weather or not feeling bothered you will never regret a run once it over. Always stretch after your run no matter how long or short it may be.

Watch Mary discuss her experiences in more detail below. There is a run in #allofus.

 

 

Shop all things running HERE 

 

Intersport Elverys, together with two of their leading running brands ASICS and Brooks, challenged two well-known athletes from rugby and GAA to an early morning race on Dublin’s Grafton Street to highlight firstly how accessible running is and equally how beneficial it is. Intersport Elverys recently partnered with Athletics Ireland on a campaign to promote health and fitness of the population as a whole, by encouraging those currently not active to get started and become part of the over 300,000 strong running community in Ireland.

Brand ambassador and rugby star, Bundee Aki said; “You wouldn’t usually see me running without a ball but anyone can run. If you’re not involved in a team sport, joining a running club is a great alternative. Having club mates will help keep you motivated and smiling!”

GAA All Star Philly McMahon said: “I’m always happy to help promote fitness and running and hope that this campaign will inspire people to get active. Just 5 minutes of running can clear your head, not to mention the physical benefits.”

The campaign, supported by Athletics Ireland, features a series of online articles and in store promotions offering tips and advice for those looking to start running, run more or run with others. For further information about the Get Ireland Running Campaign or to find out who won the race, checkout the video below or visit Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE. #BundeePhilly

Brooks’ purpose is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear designed to keep runners running longer, farther and faster. This purpose is supported by Brooks’ Run Happy philosophy, a quest to celebrate and champion the sport of running and all runners everywhere.

ASICS, an acronym derived from the Latin phrase, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano – a sound mind in a sound body. Staying true to the philosophy by which it was founded, every ASICS innovation, every concept, every idea is intended to create the best product for today’s athlete.

Visit www.elverysblog.ie for more information or follow us on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

There is a run in #allofus.