Who's your role model?

--amadeus--

What it says on the tin. Mostly about running but can be anyone, anything! Person you know, someone from here, someone famous.

So who is your role model? Who do you look at and think "I want to be like them, I want to achieve what they have achieved" Who inspires you?

HardyEustace

--amadeus-- wrote: »

What it says on the tin. Mostly about running but can be anyone, anything! Person you know, someone from here, someone famous.

So who is your role model? Who do you look at and think "I want to be like them, I want to achieve what they have achieved" Who inspires you?

You had me at HelloWho(lo), it's you amadeus, only ever you!

<cue violin music>

Sub430

Oh as if you don't know, you big legend.

Seriously though I've no real interest in running as a fan so it would be the posters here who would inspire me most. Personal current favourite is Tunguska, his current log is a must read, he is going against a lot of what I have a read on here and is getting results.

For advice, it would have to be tergat.

Pisco Sour

As a Track & Field fanatic, my idol would be Sonia O'Sullivan. Watching all those video clips of all her races on youtube from down the years got me into running in February 2008. I felt a great amount of pride in being Irish when seeing her absolutely demolish the world's best.

--amadeus--

HardyEustace wrote: »

You had me at HelloWho(lo), it's you amadeus, only ever you!

<cue violin music>

Sub430 wrote: »

Oh as if you don't know, you big legend.

Seriously though I've no real interest in running as a fan so it would be the posters here who would inspire me most. Personal current favourite is Tunguska, his current log is a must read, he is going against a lot of what I have a read on here and is getting results.

For advice, it would have to be tergat.

I know, I know, men want to be me, women want to be with me... I get that a lot

Re-reading that opening post it does sound like I'm fishing; I wasn't, honest! I had been mooching through the logs and a poster had commented how the times in one log were where they wanted to be and it got me thinking. Personally I couldn't pick someone from here as there are so many who's dedication and commitment or talent leave me gobsmacked.

misty floyd

Terry Henry (plays GAA for a local club and France).

I can't think of one right now but for now I'll go with Brian O'Driscoll. He has such a good attitude. He's a nice guy and a fantastic player and leader...not that I know much about Rubgy.

I know Tunguska for the last 11 years or so. If not for him I'd be a very fat man and not into running or any exercise. So maybe Tunguska on a training level. On every other level.......forget it, he's a boll^x

hunnymonster

Too many to mention from RL but from boardsies, HardWorker and Mick Rice for me. They give so much to the sport and appear to enjoy it too. Perfect balance.

TheRoadRunner

Michael O'Leary and Ben Dunne

RacoonQueen

Sporting - One Mr. John Charles, imagine me using a Leeds player :pac: Incredible player from an era when footaball was about the love of the game and not fame and money. A man who worked his way up from the ground and became one of greatest players of all time, upon retirement went through the mill with illnesses and family problems. I met him shortly before his death and what a legend he really, really was.

[soppy time]Non sporting - my aunt who passed away earlier this year, she is the reason I do what I do and has been my inspiration since day one, it all is and always has been for her. [/soppy time]

I'm not very good at emotion and stuff so I'll leave it at that. :pac:

DangerMouse27

Seb Coe and Steve Ovett...and honestly..those sloggers in gyms and on the road,never fails to inspire when i see someone running away at their own personal goal.

thirstywork

Current crop of irish athletes i respect David Campbell.
Talented Junior(have seen alot better talented athletes)but he believed in his talent which is the most important thing.
Decides to sell his car and pack his bags heading to Australia to meet up with Nick Bideau and commit himself to the sport.
Has ran huge pb's over 800m(1.45.59)4th on the all time Irish list and 1500m(3.39.49)
won the Cork city sports 1500m
had some great battles with Chammney after over coming some injuries.
This coming track season im expecting fire works at the Europeans.
he was the 8th fastest European over 800m this year.

eliwallach

Eamonn Coughlan.

Thought I was him during my formative years .

helpisontheway

As a coach for me its Brid Golden from Ferrybank AC.I probably wouldnt be coaching and definetly wouldnt be where i am now as a coach only for her!

tunguska

misty floyd wrote: »

Terry Henry (plays GAA for a local club and France).

I can't think of one right now but for now I'll go with Brian O'Driscoll. He has such a good attitude. He's a nice guy and a fantastic player and leader...not that I know much about Rubgy.

I know Tunguska for the last 11 years or so. If not for him I'd be a very fat man and not into running or any exercise. So maybe Tunguska on a training level. On every other level.......forget it, he's a boll^x

Cheers dude. Although for the second half of that comment you have just been removed from the christmas card list.

My hero is a tie between David Purley and Nando Parrado. And for those who dont know who David Purley is......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e10ylnr8Vgk&feature=related

myflipflops

Back in my competitive days as a junior, Peter Matthews and Seamus Power were great guys to look up to as a young distance runner.

They probably were the guys i would have considered as role models.

TheRoomWrecker

For me its internationally its Dathan Ritzenhein, has suffered so many injuries but keeps coming back stronger, moved coach, family etc, after a dissapointing London marathon and has been blazing it up since, running
12:56.27 for 5k
27:22.28 for 10k (6th place in the WC)
and 60:00flat for the half (3rd place world half champs)

On an Irish front it has to be Keith Kelly for me, a absolute beast of a runner, racer, and a gent. with all his injury problems he has such a passion and love for athletics and a upbeat positive attiude, check out his blog

link: kelrock.blogspot.com

CaoimheX

--amadeus-- wrote: »

What it says on the tin. Mostly about running but can be anyone, anything! Person you know, someone from here, someone famous.

So who is your role model? Who do you look at and think "I want to be like them, I want to achieve what they have achieved" Who inspires you?

The fact you didn't offer your own favorite and your previous posts in other topics would suggest to me that it could be yourself you admire the most.

If I were to pick someone from boards, someone like wounded knee springs to mind. Reason- he gets on with it in the background without talking about his endeavours or talking himself up. An honest trait which is admirable in my book.

--amadeus--

CaoimheX wrote: »

The fact you didn't offer your own favorite and your previous posts in other topics would suggest to me that it could be yourself you admire the most.

If I were to pick someone from boards, someone like wounded knee springs to mind. Reason- he gets on with it in the background without talking about his endeavours or talking himself up. An honest trait which is admirable in my book.

Wow, saucer of milk for table 1!

I didn't list my own role models because I wanted to start an open conversation and I didn't want to post a "me me me" thread. It is however very reassuring to me that you have seen the inner brilliance that I try so hard to shield the world from.

But since you are obviously interested in hearing who off here I admire (be warned it's actually a long list)

Tunney - yes he's grumpy. But he's a bloody good athlete, insanely committed and knows more about triathlon / running than probably 95% of the posters on here

MCOS - another person who is a nice fella, modest, committed and talented.

Woddle - for just doing it. Wears his heart on his sleeve but a doer rather than a talker

HM - To go from where she was to where she is (and I don't mean from Dublin to Cork) is phenomenal

SJ - Another who has overcome a lot and whose commitment and attitude I envy

DP - Someone who seems to have life sorted, priorities in place and knows what really matters

Then there are the fast guys - Tungska, RF, Stupid_Private, all the 2:30 - 2:50 marathon people really. Simply because they are where I want to be.

And teh other end of the scale - the people further down the field. Mentoring the DCM thread was a brilliant, brilliant experience. I learnt a huge amount from the likes of meno, OI, RK, sub 430, Bally8 and GG. Having the determination to go out and do 16, 18 and 20 mile runs at 9:30 or 10 min/mile pace (and maybe slower), going out on marathon day not sure if you'll make it to the end and knowing (in some cases) that 4:30 or 5:00 of hard work lay in store and going out anyway takes a very different kind of commitment and effort. I'm not sure I could do it. And I always respect people who do things I don't think I could.

I could carry on - in fact there are very few regular posters on this forum who I don't admire. As a group they are welcoming, knowledgeable, determined and committed. And non-judgemental. Which are all admirable traits.

TL;DR?

We all rock

sideswipe

John or edward, I can't decide.

Hard Worker

hunnymonster wrote: »

Too many to mention from RL but from boardsies, HardWorker and Mick Rice for me. They give so much to the sport and appear to enjoy it too. Perfect balance.

It's a pleasure to be mentioned in the same sentence as Mick Rice.
I met hunnymonster this year for the first time. Apart from being a lovely person, I would love to have the hunger for sport / training that she has.
Another person I would respect greatly would be the Race Director of the Dublin Marathon. I think anyone who knows him would agree that he is a brilliant event director, a very personable person, a decent athlete in his day and someone who doesn't appear to have any enemies.
This year was also Twiggy's year. No, not the skinny one from the 60's. He's the Scottish bloke who was player of the year here. He has been such an inspiration to the kids in Tallaght, who now wear Rovers jerseys instead of Manure or Liverpool ones. I can honestly say that I have NEVER seen anyone enjoy their sport as much as this chap.

tunguska

Hard Worker wrote: »

It's a pleasure to be mentioned in the same sentence as Mick Rice.
I met hunnymonster this year for the first time. Apart from being a lovely person, I would love to have the hunger for sport / training that she has.
Another person I would respect greatly would be the Race Director of the Dublin Marathon. I think anyone who knows him would agree that he is a brilliant event director, a very personable person, a decent athlete in his day and someone who doesn't appear to have any enemies.
This year was also Twiggy's year. No, not the skinny one from the 60's. He's the Scottish bloke who was player of the year here. He has been such an inspiration to the kids in Tallaght, who now wear Rovers jerseys instead of Manure or Liverpool ones. I can honestly say that I have NEVER seen anyone enjoy their sport as much as this chap.

Good stuff Hardworker. Although I do take exception to the Liverpool comment:).

jinka

tiger woods it is..

great taste in ladies and pretty good from the bunker!

jimmylive

(COTB)Lookin Smooth and Snazzy!:p

ricflair

jimmylive wrote: »

(COTB)Lookin Smooth and Snazzy!:p

He's mine also great athlete who is now involved in grassroots athletics. There is no better feeling going to training on a tuesday night with the chairman keeping a close eye on us although sometimes its hard to tell when hes wearing the shades. Also Enda Fitzpatrick a sub four minute miler my uni coach who always looks after us and treats us with respect and equallity no matter who or what you are. If only more legends like these men were involved in grassroots athletics the athletics world would be in a better place. Also Steve Cram and Seb Coe who always bet my beloved chairman

colblimp

--amadeus-- wrote: »

What it says on the tin. Mostly about running but can be anyone, anything! Person you know, someone from here, someone famous.

So who is your role model? Who do you look at and think "I want to be like them, I want to achieve what they have achieved" Who inspires you?

That's very David Brent! :rolleyes: Are we supposed to say; "You", Amadeus?!!

My role model(s) are some runners in my club. They always encourage me, even when I'm having a crap run and will always offer advice, no matter how stupid the question is.

Also, any runner that can run faster than me, which means I have an awful lot of role models lol!

Jackie_Dazzler

John Laffey

token56

Internationally, well it has to be Haile Gebrselassie, I know he is one of the greatest runners of all time. But he is also a great spokesperson for the sport and some I think anyone could look up to.

Nationally, probably my aunt Anne Keenan Buckley, she did her best running probably in her late 30's and had an amazing desire for pushing herself. Still helping train our local young athletes too and managing the national cross country team. It is however a hard standard to live up to for anyone in the family.

MCOS

Dick Hoyt for honouring his values while living his sporting dream.

Lots of everyday folk too I find inspiration everywhere

shels4ever

For me it would be Pauric Mc Kinney when I started running he was a teacher in a school in my area, used to meet him when training in the park alot of the time, and come races he'd always give advise, a real nice guy and was great to see his hard work pay off when he made the world XC team. Great to see him still going strong.

Andrewf20

Has to be Alistair Brownlee. The guys awesome. Im even beginning to run like him! Up on my tippy toes, very upright running stance etc.

Rio 2016

myflipflops wrote: »

Back in my competitive days as a junior, Peter Matthews and Seamus Power were great guys to look up to as a young distance runner.

They probably were the guys i would have considered as role models.

Had the chance to meet both of the them in the past year. They are two of the most unassuming gentlemen that you will ever meet.

Its a shame that I never got the opportunity to be present at one of their numerous duels or should I say, one of their bi-annual winter highlights.

LordSutch

Back in the day (many moons ago) it would have been, Pietro Mennea

Blueskye

Most of the regular posters on this site inspire me daily. But I also get inspired by ultra runners who follow a vegan or plant-based diet.
Julie Berg http://http://julieberg.blogspot.com
Scott Jurek http://http://www.scottjurek.com/career.php

useurename

coach john wooden is a real cool dude.also ordinary peolple who do extraordinary things.peolple who try hard and train hard and become what they are and don't be media whores.uve gotta admire people like john hayes and leo cullen in rugby who put the heads down and work hard.also people who accept failure as a stepping stone to success. "ive missed 9000 shots in my career.ive lost 300 games.ive been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed 26 times.ive failed over and over again in my life.and that is why i suceed". michael jordan

ironmonkey

Julie Moss -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRB1p89k7_I

PositiveNegativ

Possibly more inspirational characters then role models because of their sport being so different then mine, but I've always admired Niki Lauda and Mika Hakkinen. Both suffered massive life threatening and life changing accidents, both got back into a racing car and went on to win world championships. Amazing dedication.

Closer to home John Lenihan’s quite determination and durability is something that never fails to amaze me.

And I would add my OH who can draw a positive from any experience and keep smiling.

douglashyde

Wasnt go to reply until I realised that the name had never been said.

Muhammad Ali.

Even if you disregard his sporting achievements, he still a hero.

deadlybuzz

Lasse Viren.. without a doubt. A fierce competitor, and always timed his training and preparation, to deliver a peak performance when it mattered.

Of the irish lads, I would have to say John Treacy, and more recently, I have huge admiration for Pauric McKinney, still competing well against fellows half his age.

jimmylive

Ricflair, look whos gona be there! Our Beloved!

We'll have to go and get a few autographs and pics!

Im gona wear shades, i'll defo look the big daug then!:p

Mick Rice

Outside of running, there are a few. I know it might sound 'lame' but the Dalai Lama as an example of tolerance and forebearance in the face of adversity that is hard to match. I can be quite short-tempered and ego centric and I can only hope to learn from how he has lived.

From within running there is one obscure figure that I've always identified with and empathised with and that's 'the Ghost Runner', John Tarrant (http://www.globerunner.org/blog/?p=84). If you ever get an opportunity to read the book, take it.

A great idea for a thread.

runsalot

Gerry Deegan,was a class athlete on the road or country.
Big personality and great at motivating.

On the international side,Rob deCastella.Basically trained the same way his entire career from 19 years of age on,held the belief in his training by his coach Pat Clohessy which took 5/6 years to fully develop him into one of the greats of the marathon.

Mick Rice

Agreed on Gerry Deegan. I had the privilege of interviewing him for Irish Runner magazine two weeks ago and the resulting piece will hopefully be in the next issue. He had some amazing stories.