A/R/tist in the Spotlight - HelenAnne

aquinn

It is a pleasure to introduce our next A/Rtist HelenAnne.

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

HelenAnne is a super runner and regularly contributes and is always positive and with help and advice.

She doesn't have her own log but has mentioned in the past that she does use pen and paper to track her training. So, I want to know how a week in the life of HelenAnne looks on paper for training.

1. You runmute to work I believe, daily?
2. What sessions do you do?
3. Long run solo or with company?
4. You love parkrun and especially tourism, best one so far?
5. How many parkruns to date?
6. Regular volunteer I hope?

Thanks very much, we're off.

Huzzah!

Another great choice.

1. How long have you been running?
2. What are your PBs?
3. Favourite type of session?
4. Favourite holiday that you've been on?
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
6. Bucket-list race?
7. Apart from running, what are your hobbies?

Thanks

RayCun

Favourite books?

HelenAnne

Thanks very much for asking me to do this, aquinn, & thanks for the questions so far.
I’ll get answering ASAP!

hillsiderunner

Hello ...

1. How/when did you start running?
2. Volume or sessions, what is most important: discuss.
3. Northside or southside?
4. Dream career (if you have to give up what you're doing now)
5. Lottery win (let's say just the national lottery around 2-3 millions, not euromillions), what will you do with it?
6. Inspiration movie/book?
7. Bad boy crush (yes, I did nick that from previous spotlights, but we need to know ... )

HelenAnne

Thanks again so much for asking me to do this. Sorry, everyone, that it's taken me so long to start replying, but I was on holidays in America for the last two weeks. Now I'm BACK, jet-lagged & ready to be questioned

As aquinn mentioned, I don't have a log, so v brief background for anyone who's wondering: female, O40, running since 2010.

Thanks for your questions, aquinn, hope you're off enjoying the final wedding prep!

1. You runmute to work I believe, daily?
I don't do it daily, but I run either to or from work at least once a week - usually twice. I commute Northside to Southside for work, and I started running it a few years ago when city centre road works, plus more late evenings in work combined to make getting to Raheny for 6.30pm group runs nearly impossible. I never minded heading out for a run with a group after my bus commute home, but once I'd missed the group, I found myself not wanting to head out on the dark evenings on my own after schlepping across the city on 2 buses, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and just run home. I can make my run home 6+, 7+ or 9 miles depending on the route, so that's handy. I always take the short 6-ish route if I'm running into work though, as I always seem to be against the clock in the mornings

2. What sessions do you do?
None!! Ah no, I do some, sometimes. I'm just very lackadaisical / inconsistent.
Raheny have 2-mile races on a Tuesday in the summer and 1, 2 or 3 on a Wednesday in winter, so if I do a midweek race, I don't do a midweek session. If I don't do a race I used to do the club session up at the track in summer or grass in winter, but I haven't done that in well over a year. This year I've done Mick Clohisey's session in St Anne's a few times and I love it - it's handier to get to than Santry, and I feel under less pressure than at the full club session, where I'm often struggling to hang on to my group. I really want to get some consistency going, though, and get back to doing club session regularly, as I know they would benefit me.
In terms of what I do AT the sessions (sorry, that was all a bit of a tangent about WHERE I do them ), usually 6 or 8x400, or something like 2x300, 1x400, 1x800, 1x400, 2x300.
I didn't know my paces, I just try to do it at the effort level Mick suggests. I don't use my watch for them.
I never do sessions on my own.


3. Long run solo or with company?
Definitely with company! I'll do it alone if I have to, but I love either doing the club LSR on a Sunday, or running with my friends and / or husband. Eoin (husband) & I have done a few nice long runs recently, like through the nature reserve on Dollymount, or the Howth cliff path, or Phoenix Park. I love runs like that, and I love going for coffee etc after. A couple of months ago I bullied my runners' Pilates class into coming for a long run with me (Howth cliff path, then coffee, of course) and I really enjoyed that (hope they did too!) - I love chatting to people on the run.

4. You love parkrun and especially tourism, best one so far?
Well, Eoin is the really committed tourist - I love doing park run on holidays, but he'll travel especially for park run, he's trying to do every Irish one, and I think he's up to nearly 60 different ones!
When you say, 'best one', do you mean tourism-wise? I think my favourite park runs are my 'locals': Malahide, St Anne's & Lough Key, as they are the three I do most often, so I know the course, know the competition (sorry, I know it's not a race) & also know what I like in the café (v important). Tourism-wise, my favourites in Ireland have been Oldbridge, which I did on a freezing, icy day - I wore spikes, it was a real cross country day, and there were three of us racing for the female positions. Just loved it! Bere Island is spectacular too, and it's so special to be on the island with nearly everyone there involved in parkrun. I also loved Portrush, it has a really beautiful beach setting. Outside Ireland, I loved Praga park run In Warsaw - (blizzarding snow, and hot black tea from a flask afterwards), Toyen in Oslo, which was really friendly, really snowy, quite hilly (I was the only runner in shorts in both of these), and on my most recent holiday we did Renton parkrun, just outside Seattle. I really loved that one - it was along a beautiful river / forest trail, nice and flat, and people were so friendly. Also, I didn't have to worry about bears as I ended up running in convoy with two men with buggies, so I decided they could fend off any bears or cougars we saw.

5. How many parkruns to date?
140 runs, not sure how many different events.

6. Regular volunteer I hope?
Yes, mainly in Malahide. I've volunteered 'officially' 51 times, but before the t-shirts came in I used to do set-up a lot and not put my name down as volunteer, so it's probably a bit more (that was back when there was a points table, and you could only have run or volunteer points per event, so I always chose my run points.)

Phew! Was that overlong? Will try to be more succinct in the rest of my answers. Thanks, A!

ETA: Eoin says that every parkrun is equally good, and I should say I like them all equally!

HelenAnne

RayCun wrote: »

Favourite books?

Oh no, this is too hard! I definitely didn't have 'a favourite book', and I think even the kinds of books I love has changed over my life. When I was in my late teens / early twenties I read loads of American Gothic stuff, and early-mid 20th C stuff like Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald (& weirdly loads of Orson Scott Card sci fi) and while I still remember them really fondly, I'm not sure if I'd enjoy them as much now ... conversely, I recently re-read The Secret History by Donna Tartt, which I loved at about 19, and was afraid was tied to that time in my life (I was studying Classics in Trinity / the book is set in a Classics dept etc) but I still loved it.

I read a lot of fiction (general fiction, not super-literary - I really love Kate Atkinson, Maggie O'Farrell, Curtis Sittenfeld, Anne Tyler), and I love Victorian novels, the longer the better, some historical fiction. I love crime fiction, but find it quite hard to find authors I like, and when I do like them I read them voraciously - I'm addicted to serieses; I like Val McDermid, Karin Slaughter, Susan Hill, Robert Galbraith, Ruth Rendell, George Pelecanos, Dennis Lehabe etc etc). I love Golden Age crime too (especially Dorothy L. Sayers.)

I like non fiction too, mainly pop science, pop psychology etc, but also investigative-type stories, like John Krakauer's books about cults, Everest, expeditions etc. Some non fiction books I've really, really, really loved lately have been Tara Westover's 'Educated' about an Oxford academic who grew up in a fundamentalist home in Utah, 'Notes to Self' by Emilie Pine, which was just so searching and insightful and 'I am, I am, I am' by Maggie O'Farrell about brushes she's had with death / danger and how they shaped her. Loved those three!

If you meant what sports / running books, then apologies for all the above . I love and have re-read 'Running with the Kenyans' by Adharanand Finn; it really brings Iten to life and gives an insight into the personalities etc of the Kenyan runners. I also love 'Feet in the Clouds' by Richard Askwith, about fell running, and 'Dr Sheehan on Running' by George Sheehan (I love him, he has so many great turns of phrase and tips and insights).
I also really rally enjoyed 'Outliers' by Malcolm Gladwell (sort of about sport) and 'The Sports Gene' by David Epstein (SOOOO fascinating -- all about how different body types have come to dominate in different sports, and about the cultural aspects of sport etc).

Anyway, the short answer to your question, Ray, is - 'lots of things, mainly fiction, lots of it by women. But it varies!'

I loved that question, thanks!

HelenAnne

Huzzah! wrote: »

Another great choice.

1. How long have you been running?
2. What are your PBs?
3. Favourite type of session?
4. Favourite holiday that you've been on?
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
6. Bucket-list race?
7. Apart from running, what are your hobbies?

Thanks

Hi Huzzah,

Apologies for skipping your question and going to Ray's. I was thinking about the books question on my flight home, so it was quick to write. I need to check my PBs etc and then I'll come back to yours. Thanks so much for asking one.

Huzzah!

HelenAnne wrote: »

Hi Huzzah,

Apologies for skipping your question and going to Ray's. I was thinking about the books question on my flight home, so it was quick to write. I need to check my PBs etc and then I'll come back to yours. Thanks so much for asking one.

No problem and definitely no need to apologize. Your answer to Ray’s question is one I’ll be bookmarking ~ I’m always on the look out for book recommendations

ReeReeG

Huzzah! wrote:

No problem and definitely no need to apologize. Your answer to Ray’s question is one I’ll be bookmarking ~ I’m always on the look out for book recommendations

Likewise!

HelenAnne

Huzzah! wrote: »

Another great choice.

1. How long have you been running?
2. What are your PBs?
3. Favourite type of session?
4. Favourite holiday that you've been on?
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
6. Bucket-list race?
7. Apart from running, what are your hobbies?

Thanks

Thanks so much for the questions! I've a feeling loads of my answers are going to be disappointing 'I didn't know! I like all holidays / sessions etc' types


1. How long have you been running?
Since 2010. My friend (kyomi on boards) decided to run the WMM for the DSPCA in 2010, so I said I'd do it too. I didn't think I'd keep up running after, I was just doing it for charity, but I found I loved running straight away (even though I was not good at it AT ALL - it took me ages to get to running a continuous mile, and the WMM took us over 90 minutes (can't remember our exact times - but we were running, just very slowly, and weaving around people as we started at the back). I joined Raheny Shamrock in Feb 2011, and have been running ever since.

2. What are your PBs?
Well, these are all from 2015-2016 (a good chunk of 2017 was a bit of a write off for me, and I've been 'running happy' & not worrying about PBs in 2018 (well, TBH, I've been getting back to thinking about times since the summer):

1 mile: 5.55 Raheny Mile (can't remember which year, 2014 or 2015?)
2 mile: 12.31 (Raheny Summer Series 2016
3 Mile: 19.17 (Raheny Winter league 2016)
5k: well, I ran 19.19 in the Grant Thornton in 2016, but it was SHORT! So my proper PB is 19.47 in Jingle Bells 2016
5 miles: 33.04 (Raheny 5 2017)
10k: 42.35 The Lakes 10k 2015
10 mile: 71.14 Frank Duffy 10-Mile 2015
1/2 mara: 1.37.04 Race series half 2015
Marathon: DCM 2013 (my one & only - didn't go well ) 3.54.26 (I was aiming for 3.40, but died in the last 10k!)

Anyway, that's where I was. I took a bit of time out last summer, and am still in the 'comeback PB era', so comeback PBs (from this summer onwards) are:
1 Mile: 6.05 (Raheny)
2 miles: 12.38 (Raheny)
4 miles: 26.22 (this is an actual new PB - my only one this year) (Liberties)
5k: 20.08, St Anne's parkrun
5 miles: 33.52 (Terenure 5 mile)
10K: 43.24 (Rock n Roll 10k)

3. Favourite type of session?
Hmm, I didn't know! I didn't do them enough. I prefer slightly longer intervals, like 400 or 600s (I hate 200s, I just can't go that fast!), and I love running on the track.
I haven't done any hill sessions, but if you count running up Howth as a session, of sorts, I do love that - I love looking at the view from the top etc.
I like the warm up and cool downs after session too - I know that sounds stupid, but I love the camaraderie.

4. Favourite holiday that you've been on?
Oh, that's hard to choose. But I'm just back from Seattle, and Oregon, and I really, really loved the Pacific North West, the cities, towns and countryside (forest / coast etc) were all really brilliant in their own way. The lifestyle seemed lovely too, and people were really friendly.
I go to France quite a lot too, and I love it there, and I had a brilliant time in Wales (near the Brecon Beacons) this year too.

5. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
There's no one specific place I want to go (though I had wanted to visit Oregon for years before we went), but if money was no object I'd love to take longer holidays - I'd love a month somewhere, and I'd love to stay in somewhere fab - not necessarily a 5 star hotel, but somewhere like a lighthouse, or a luxurious yurt, or a treehouse! I'd also (if money was no object) love to go on a really brilliant running holiday - I know there are loads of running camps in the US where you stay somewhere beautiful and trail run and have talks and yoga and delicious food, or maybe a yoga or Pilates holiday.


6. Bucket-list race?
I'd really like to do the Great North Run someday. Also, if 'bucket list' can also include everything going right for me, as a runner, my dream race would be to be running well some spring, to get selected for a road relay team, to run really well on the day and for my team to win a medal. That would be the perfect race for me!

7. Apart from running, what are your hobbies?
I didn't really have many others - I don't do any other sports, for example. The only other exercise I do is Pilates, which I love!
I like reading, watching tv series, listing to podcasts. I really like music (listening to it and going to gigs, not playing it), I like seeing my friends, having dinner in each others houses, going away for weekends. I suppose going to parkrun and having coffee after is a hobby! is drinking coffee a hobby, because I like doing that
I quite like walking, but I don't do it with a group or anything. And I love hanging out with my niece and nephew.


All my answers are so long!! Sorry!!

Thanks for the questions.

laura_ac3

Hello! Great choice, love the answers so far.

Here's a few I have but will be back with more I think.

1. XC or track?
2. Aside from any you might already speak, if you could be fluent in another language what would it be?
3. What does being in a club mean to you?
4. What book would you be intrigued to see made into a film/series and is there any you wouldn't want to see adapted?
5. Would you ever like to do coaching?
6. Aside from the obvious (don't race training runs, increase mileage gradually etc) what tips would you give people looking to improve?
7. Injuries allowing, do you see yourself always running either just for your own headspace or competing at the O70 category say?

Cheers

laura_ac3

laura_ac3 wrote: »

Hello! Great choice, love the answers so far.

Here's a few I have but will be back with more I think.

1. XC or track?
2. Aside from any you might already speak, if you could be fluent in another language what would it be?
3. What does being in a club mean to you?
4. What book would you be intrigued to see made into a film/series and is there any you wouldn't want to see adapted?
5. Would you ever like to do coaching?
6. Aside from the obvious (don't race training runs, increase mileage gradually etc) what tips would you give people looking to improve?
7. Injuries allowing, do you see yourself always running either just for your own headspace or competing at the O70 category say?

Cheers

Another one based on an answer above.

8. You mentioned studying Classics - I did as well in school and college. Which interested you more, the Greeks or Romans??

Murph_D

Hi Helen,

You and I have clashed swords more than a few times at this stage, with very similar PBs from 2-10 miles at least. I've always felt you are a much stronger runner than me, especially in the second half of the race.

1. Where does your 'engine' come from - what do you think contributes most to your mental strength?
2. How do you manage pain during a race?
3. You had an involuntary break from running last year - how did you approach getting back to full fitness?
4. Favourite film?
5. Favourite Irish film?
6. Which of your clubmates do you most admire?

eyrie

This is great reading so far - thanks HelenAnne!

A few from me to add to the pot so:

1. What kind of mileage/volume do you run now and more generally over the last few years? I'm very curious as to how you're so speedy without being overly structured in terms of sessions, etc.

2. Most fun you've had running? (in a race or not)

3. Any running goals for the future?

4. Since you liked the Secret History (and it's good to hear it stands up, I've been meaning to reread it myself!), have you read/did you like any of her other books? I loved The Little Friend too, though it gets a fairly mixed reception I think, and quite liked The Goldfinch.

5. Best meal you've eaten?

HelenAnne

aquinn wrote: »

It is a pleasure to introduce our next A/Rtist HelenAnne.


She doesn't have her own log but has mentioned in the past that she does use pen and paper to track her training. So, I want to know how a week in the life of HelenAnne looks on paper for training.

To tide you over until i answer more, here's a week in my training life on paper!

HelenAnne

hillsiderunner wrote: »

Hello ...

1. How/when did you start running?
2. Volume or sessions, what is most important: discuss.
3. Northside or southside?
4. Dream career (if you have to give up what you're doing now)
5. Lottery win (let's say just the national lottery around 2-3 millions, not euromillions), what will you do with it?
6. Inspiration movie/book?
7. Bad boy crush (yes, I did nick that from previous spotlights, but we need to know ... )

1. How/when did you start running?
See above (I think I covered this in reply to Huzzah)

2. Volume or sessions, what is most important: discuss.
(I know these are just my answers and my opinions, but if anyone more plan-focused wants to jump in and say which is more important, please do!) From my own experience, I think building up a proper base and a certain level of fitness before even thinking about sessions works best. Maybe if you’re already fit from an active job or you’ve been sporty since childhood, you can jump into structured training, but I came to running at 35, not quite from the couch, but from a base of walking places, sometimes cycling to work etc; I had no sporting background and I felt the most important thing was getting fit and getting 'good at running’.
I just ran regularly, and increased my distances a bit as I got fitter. I still remember my first 8-mile run and first 10-mile run – they felt like such achievements! I’m quite cautious, so I always wanted to do enough mileage to feel comfortable in a race. My first mini marathon (& the marathon obviously) is the only time I’ve run a race without having run over the race distance beforehand.
I was running over a year and a half before I felt my mileage was high enough to consider a ten-mile or half marathon race, and I ran a long run of 16 miles before my first half. I’d run several halfs and a marathon before I did a club speed session, so I suppose that would indicate that volume is more important to me than sessions?
Also, I think my 5k time fell from 27.xx to 22.xx on the basis of just running more and doing races – I’d definitely run well under 23 minutes before I tried a session, so I suppose getting fitter and running more did help my speed?
What do other people think? Mileage? Sessions? Both, used judiciously, I’d say would be the experts’ answer

3. Northside or Southside?
Northside born and bred! But I like the Southside too (I love the Dodder, and the Dublin mountains. I can see 3 Rock from my desk at work!)

4. Dream career (if you have to give up what you're doing now)
I probably wouldn’t change career, but in a dream world I’d never have to work on projects I didn’t think were great, I’d never be under time pressure, and I’d work a 3-day week :rolleyes:

5. Lottery win (let's say just the national lottery around 2-3 millions, not euromillions), what will you do with it?)
I always find this really stressful to think about – because I start subtracting my mortgage, my family and friends’ mortgages, charity donations etc etc from it, and then I‘m left with nothing!!
So, dream world: let’s say I have the 2 million AFTER I’ve done all the above. I think I’d give up work for a while, and go on a 3-month holiday (see dream holiday in answer up thread), and maybe buy a bigger car or a cool camper van with room to change out of running gear / dump parkrun paraphernalia / leave dirty spikes etc in. Also, if I didn’t feel bad about being frivolous and wasting money on my appearance, I’d get my hair cut every month and pay someone to do my nails every time I felt like wearing nail varnish

6. Inspiration movie/book?
Can I come back to this, I’m all book-ed out after my earlier LOOOOONG answer.

7. Bad boy crush (yes, I did nick that from previous spotlights, but we need to know ... )
I’ve never gone for bad boys. Even as a teenager, I liked the nice boys, like David in ‘Roseanne’.
If I had to pick a ‘bad boy’, I always had a soft spot for Spike in ‘Buffy’, and I do kind of love Jonny Lee Miller, especially as Sherlock Holmes in ‘Elementary’ (I am a LIFELONG Sherlock Holmes fan, and JLM is my fave TV version) – AND he has a marathon time of 3:01:40.
My guilty pleasures are Michel Roux Jr (also a marathon runner!) and … Gilfoyle from ‘Silicon Valley’!!!! I can’t help it. I know he’s not conventionally handsome, but I love his saturnine ways and his manly computer-hardware-building abilities …

shotgunmcos

Most eloquent spotlight yet.. enjoying it! My Wife loves JML as Sherlock too

What do you do with a book you start but find uninteresting?
What goes through your mind on a standard training run?
19:xx from a non sport background. You are quick. Do you like beating the boys?
How do you maintain and store your running shoes?

Singer

1. Will you do another marathon?

2. Fave restaurant in Dublin?

3. Ever had the urge going to the other side of the book publishing process? (Sorry if this is a sensitive topic )

4. What's your fave running gear? Any particularly nice or preferred tops/shorts/etc.?

5. Top 3 concerts you've been to (festivals count!).

6. What keeps you coming back to boards?

7. Do you have any treasured running paraphernalia, like old race numbers, your first pair of running runners, Raheny 5M plaque etc.? Or at least hang on to any of it? Or is it straight into the bin?

8. Any claims to fame?

9. iPhone/Android/I don't like smartphones?

10. What podcasts are you listening to right now?

11. Do you run with music/podcasts/etc?

12. What about running do you like the least?

hillsiderunner

HelenAnne wrote: »

Also, I think my 5k time fell from 27.xx to 22.xx on the basis of just running more and doing races – I’d definitely run well under 23 minutes before I tried a session, so I suppose getting fitter and running more did help my speed?…

This is what I like to hear

And yes, Michel Roux is lovely (and not "bad" at all).

HelenAnne

laura_ac3 wrote: »

Hello! Great choice, love the answers so far.

Here's a few I have but will be back with more I think.

1. XC or track?
2. Aside from any you might already speak, if you could be fluent in another language what would it be?
3. What does being in a club mean to you?
4. What book would you be intrigued to see made into a film/series and is there any you wouldn't want to see adapted?
5. Would you ever like to do coaching?
6. Aside from the obvious (don't race training runs, increase mileage gradually etc) what tips would you give people looking to improve?
7. Injuries allowing, do you see yourself always running either just for your own headspace or competing at the O70 category say?

Cheers

Hi Laura! Thanks for the great questions.

1. XC or track?
I'll have to say XC, because I've only done one track race. Ask me again at the end of next summer - if I've done a few more track I'll be in a better position to answer. What about you?

2. Aside from any you might already speak, if you could be fluent in another language what would it be?
I'll say Russian, as it would be great for reading Russian books, it sounds really cool, and I'd like to know the Cyrillic alphabet.

3. What does being in a club mean to you?
I like the feeling of belonging to something. I never played team sports, and being on an xc team gives me that team feeling without the fear that someone's about to fling a ball at me!
I've made a lot of really great friends, learned a lot about racing and training, and I've also met people who I may have nothing in common with but running, but on a run that's enough.
I don't run with the club during the week as often as I did, due to timing issues etc, but I still feel very much part of it, and I feel proud of the club and proud to be a member.

4. What book would you be intrigued to see made into a film/series and is there any you wouldn't want to see adapted?
Would you believe I can't think of one? TV & film adaptations of books I love have been pretty much 50/50 (eg I LOVED Lord of the Rings films, and Brideshead Revisited with Jeremy Irons, and I love Morse and Endeavour and Strike, but I was very disappointed in The Alienist Netflix series, and with 'Anne with an E' (the Netflix Anne of Green Gables). The only one that springs to mind is the Cazalet chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard - she was this really interesting woman, she'd been an actress and was married first to a wildlife artist and later to Kingsley Amis, and she wrote this 4 or 5-book series, covering decades, about a family called the Cazalets fro just before WW2 onwards. I think that could make a fantastic TV series (if it hasn't already been made!)

5. Would you ever like to do coaching?
I think I would. But it would have to just be the encouraging 'learn to run' type - I don't have coaching knowledge like someone like Testosterscone. But I think I'd be unintimidating and encouraging to people just starting to exercise, because I'm not gym-honed or elite, and I can remember what an achievement running a mile etc was for me.

6. Aside from the obvious (don't race training runs, increase mileage gradually etc) what tips would you give people looking to improve?
If you leave aside all the sensible advice you mention above (because I'd say all the above first in an encouraging way, obviously ), I'd say (& I know this may be controversial because a lot of posters on boards do the opposite, and maybe they're right & I'm wrong ...) RACE ALL YOUR RACES!
I feel that if people get into the habit of treating races as training runs, then they get too relaxed, and always have the option to turn a race into a training run if it gets tough.
I know there are exceptions (I've jogged parkrun the day before XC myself (but I think parkrun is different anyway) and when I was coming back to racing last year I was trying to get back in racing mode, but was holding back a bit). I know there may be a charity race you want to do, but you're injured, or you may be pacing a friend, and I'm sure Mo Farah and people have tune up races where they run them as tempos to practise picking up bottles (or Mo SHOULD have practised that, anyway! ), but I just feel (exceptions aside), as a general rule, when you toe the line, race. Pat Hooper in Raheny says the best training for racing is racing, and I agree.
Disagreement welcome!!

7. Injuries allowing, do you see yourself always running either just for your own headspace or competing at the O70 category say?
Yes! Hopefully competing in the 070s, and if I can't compete, hopefully getting over that disappointment enough to keep it up just for the fun of moving and for the camaraderie.

HelenAnne

laura_ac3 wrote: »

Another one based on an answer above.

8. You mentioned studying Classics - I did as well in school and college. Which interested you more, the Greeks or Romans??

The Greeks, the Greeks, the Greeks! Give me lovely Odysseus and his boastfulness and the beautiful wine-dark sea around the islands over prissy Aeneas any day! And my ultimate bad boy crush - Alexander the Great! The boy from the back of beyond, rising up and surprising all the great city states, and his horse that wouldn't be tamed for anyone else but him, and his insistence on leading his army from the front ... the Greeks!!

(How cool that you studied it in school too! So did my sister and I, but you don't meet many people who did. Χαῖρε!)

HelenAnne

OK, I've answered aquinn, RayCun, Huzzah, hillsiderunner, Laura ac. So I have Murph D, eyrie, Singer, Shotgunmcos left to do. Am I missing anyone?

Thanks so much for the questions. Sorry if my answers are too rambly and un-running related!

HelenAnne

I'm going to do more tomorrow, but just a quick one - Murph D - you're a MUCH stronger runner than me - as evidenced by your much better marathons! I think being faster at the longer distances is proof of being a 'stronger' runner. you're basing your praise of me on one race, I think, where I happened to look very calm and happy as I passed you (Ballycotton 2017) - that just wasn't your day! (Many races haven't been my day )

Murph_D

HelenAnne wrote: »

I'm going to do more tomorrow, but just a quick one - Murph D - you're a MUCH stronger runner than me - as evidenced by your much better marathons! I think being faster at the longer distances is proof of being a 'stronger' runner. you're basing your praise of me on one race, I think, where I happened to look very calm and happy as I passed you (Ballycotton 2017) - that just wasn't your day! (Many races haven't been my day )

Well first of all this thread is about you, not me or anyone else, so apologies for the way that question was phrased.

But anyway you are doing yourself an injustice - you regularly outperformed me, and the rest of our section of the mid pack, at many Dublin race series events between 2013-2016, often passing on the Upper Glen Road (or much earlier) - you just didn’t know me or notice me! And yes, Ballycotton, easily. Recall seeing you in the distance at Jingle Bells too one year. No doubt about it. And I’ve no doubt that strength would extend to marathon if you returned to it. That’s why I wanted to ask you about the source of your strength - I’ve witnessed it close up, and besides as well you are one of only a handful of women to make the Round Numbers table over the past few years (a feat that is arguably much harder for women than men, especially for 5k).

So don’t sell yourself short!

HelenAnne

Murph_D wrote: »

Hi Helen,

You and I have clashed swords more than a few times at this stage, with very similar PBs from 2-10 miles at least. I've always felt you are a much stronger runner than me, especially in the second half of the race.

1. Where does your 'engine' come from - what do you think contributes most to your mental strength?
2. How do you manage pain during a race?
3. You had an involuntary break from running last year - how did you approach getting back to full fitness?
4. Favourite film?
5. Favourite Irish film?
6. Which of your clubmates do you most admire?

I'm getting so behind with my answers! Is it OK if I just answer 1 & 2 first (that's all I got done at lunchtime)? Thanks for the great questions!

1. Where does your 'engine' come from - what do you think contributes most to your mental strength?
2. How do you manage pain during a race?

I don’t at all mean to sell myself short (referencing your reply upthread), but I don’t really think I have much of an engine, and I’ll tell you why (just so you don’t think it’s self-deprecation ) – I know you say my times are quite good, and reference the boards table etc, but in my club, and in the parkruns I do etc, there are LOADS of women – my age and older – faster than me over every distance. So I know that I’m not naturally super fast – because some new people join the club and straight away run a mile faster than my pb, just because they have natural speed – and I’m not an endurance machine – because nearly everyone in the club has faster marathon times than me, and I have friends who I’m on a par with for 5k, but they can break 1.30 for a half!! So I'm not naturally gifted at either end of the spectrum.

I think coaches and experienced people on boards would agree with my self-assessment – I’m sort of a mid-level club runner, who might make a team (if they were stuck!), but wouldn’t be a stand-out (which is fine, because tbh I don’t put in the level of training and variation in training etc that would help to make me a better runner).

And I don’t say the above to be negative about myself – I think the main thing that gives me confidence and inspires me to try to run faster is being surrounded by other people who are doing it. You think, ‘If so and so with four kids and a job can do it, why not me?’

So, back to what keeps me going in the second half of a race (which I suppose also is what helps me manage pain): I think it's talking to myself!
I think so much of racing is mental. For me, in the shorter races, the mental challenge is to keep running fast, keep trying to catch people, pass them, etc. In longer races (10k to 10 miles say), I find it helpful to keep reassuring myself, so that I don’t panic that it’s too long and there’s too much still to come. I just keep telling myself, ‘I still feel good, I feel fine, over halfway and I’m still fine etc’, so when I get to maybe the last three miles of a ten-mile I’m like ‘Hurray, look where I am! Three miles from home and still running!’. I also feel that the last mile always looks after itself (my last mile is usually my fastest, over most distances (except the marathon )), so the last three miles of a ten-mile is really just 2 miles to hang on for. Does that make sense?

Basically, I suppose I’m saying my ‘engine’ is a kindly voice in my head .
And racing regularly helps me too, because I can deal with pain by saying ‘You felt like this in xx race and you hung on and felt better later in the race.’

annapr

Hi Helen,
Great answers above and some fantastic tips for racing and training.... thanks!

A few questions for you, apologies if I missed these above and feel free to refer me to the answer if answered already:
1. What's your proudest running moment? A race/result/performance....?

2. I know you're very encouraging of your sister, who it seems is a recent convert to running...? Do you think she'll catch you over any distance and are the two of you competitive with each other?

3. You have perfected the thousand-yard stare during races... you always look in the zone at the business end of a race... is that when you're talking to yourself?

4. Do you have a running nemesis? Someone you would really love to beat? (You don't have to name names )

5. Have you set any running goals or targets for the near future? What are they?

Thanks!

HelenAnne

Murph_D wrote: »

Hi Helen,

You and I have clashed swords more than a few times at this stage, with very similar PBs from 2-10 miles at least. I've always felt you are a much stronger runner than me, especially in the second half of the race.

3. You had an involuntary break from running last year - how did you approach getting back to full fitness?
4. Favourite film?
5. Favourite Irish film?
6. Which of your clubmates do you most admire?

I’m back!
3. I came back methodically - I was lucky in that I had no real setbacks - it was slow but steady. I was allowed to walk straight away, but I could literally only do five minutes at a time first. I just built my two walks by a few minutes a day.
I really did what I was told - I followed all my restrictions and had a nap every day for weeks! Eoin did everything around the house, and was brilliant.
I wrote everything down in my training diary, pulled back on the walking if I was feeling bad.
I went to the Physio after 5 weeks and started very basic core work, and he really kept an eye on me and helped a lot.
After 9 weeks I tried a run - 1 mile run / walk, and built it up from there.
I think I would have found it much harder, psychologically, if I’d had setbacks, but luckily I didn’t.
It took me a good while to feel ready to race, but I didn’t mind. I’d set the Raheny 5 as a date I might feel like racing, but actually, by Jingle Bells I felt ready.

4.&5. I don’t really have a fave film. I’m not that into cinema. Since it’s nearly Halloween, I’ll say I like the Kathryn Bigelow film, Near Dark.

6. Loads of people! My friend J, who’s older & much more experienced at running, always has time to help and has mentored so many of us. All the women I run with and against who run so well despite responsibilities, all the committee who work so hard. I really admire and look up to the coaches too. Just did a session with Mick C tonight, and I really admire him - amazing running prowess, but also so helpful and nice to runners at my level.

Thanks for the questions! Good night all!

HelenAnne

I keep racking my brains for Irish films! Remind me of some!
Obviously, The Commitments was a huge thing when it came out when I was a teen - Dublin! On the big screen!
Also loved The Snapper as so much of it was filmed in my area

HelenAnne

eyrie wrote: »

This is great reading so far - thanks HelenAnne!

A few from me to add to the pot so:

1. What kind of mileage/volume do you run now and more generally over the last few years? I'm very curious as to how you're so speedy without being overly structured in terms of sessions, etc.

2. Most fun you've had running? (in a race or not)

3. Any running goals for the future?

4. Since you liked the Secret History (and it's good to hear it stands up, I've been meaning to reread it myself!), have you read/did you like any of her other books? I loved The Little Friend too, though it gets a fairly mixed reception I think, and quite liked The Goldfinch.

5. Best meal you've eaten?

Thanks for the questions!


1. What kind of mileage/volume do you run now and more generally over the last few years? I'm very curious as to how you're so speedy without being overly structured in terms of sessions, etc.
Before my break last year, I was running 40-ish miles most weeks. I never planned in a ‘step-back’ week, because I found (just from flicking through my journal) that I tended to have a lighter mileage week about every fourth week naturally, whether through a shorter race on a Sunday / social engagements / holidays etc.
I didn’t follow a plan, but my week usually looked like: rest day, session or race, ‘normal run’ (home from work, lunch time run), med-long run (hopefully with a hill in it), either rest day or v short run, parkrun, LSR.
This year I’ve been running anything from 25-35 miles a week, so I suppose on average 30? I’m trying to up it now, as I’m doing a ten-mile race in November. A usual week is: rest, race or session, 2 normal runs (one of which might be up to 9 miles, but usually more like 6 or 7), rest, parkrun, LSR. I’m getting back to hills as well as L-er SRs from now on.

As I said above (to Murph D), I’m actually not that speedy in the grand scheme of things. I’d say I’m about the pace you’d expect for the mileage & amount of sessions I do (ie I’d be faster if I did more). Having said that, I think consistency is the real key to improvement, and maybe because I don’t do THAT much, I tend to be injured very rarely, so I don’t usually have long periods off running. I get niggles, of course (some from running, some probably from sitting at my desk all day), but generally I can keep running and they go away with a massage or extra Pilates work. The longest I’ve been off (apart from last year) was 6-weeks with a calf tear in 2014. I’ve had a few chest infections that kept me off for a week too, but generally, I’m fit to run.

2. Most fun you've had running? (in a race or not)
I love the feeling when I feel I’m running well in a race, so that’s always fun. I also really enjoy parkrun tourism and doing something different, like running on trails, or in the Dublin mountains with my husband. Most recently, I really, really enjoyed two group runs we did from a running shop on our holidays (called Portland Running Company) – we did 5-6 miles with a really nice group along the esplanade and over the bridges in Portland, Oregon. It was a really nice way to meet people and see a bit of the city.

3. Any running goals for the future?
PB over every distance!!! (except the marathon).
More specifically, I’d like to feel I’ve run a strong race in my 10-mile in November (no time goal in mind), and I’d like to break 20 minutes for 5k before the end of the year.

4. Since you liked the Secret History (and it's good to hear it stands up, I've been meaning to reread it myself!), have you read/did you like any of her other books? I loved The Little Friend too, though it gets a fairly mixed reception I think, and quite liked The Goldfinch.
I loved The Little Friend. Haven’t read The Goldfinch yet, but it’s in my TBR pile. Glad it’s good!

5. Best meal you've eaten?
Oh, I don’t know! I’m not a foodie at all! And we never go anywhere super, super fancy – my husband is vegan & I’m vegetarian, so it’s generally pizza and pasta and chilli when we go out. I do love vegetarian food though, and I had a delicious black bean, rice, kale, lime bowl when I was away, and lovely vegan tacos another day. I like that kind of thing.

HelenAnne

Hurray! I'm really ploughing through my questions now! Only 3 of you left waiting!:D

Swashbuckler

I feel like all the questions have been asked!

I usually get a bit philosophical with my questions.

1. Proudest moment in life?
2. Biggest regret?
3. Which Boardsies do you know best?
4. Do you follow any training logs in particular?
5. Has any female runner jumped out at you on Boards that you reckon has big potential?
6. Are you on Strava?
7. Favourite animal?
8. What runners do you wear?
9. What's the best thing about XC?

I'll leave you at that. Haha. 9 is plenty.

HelenAnne

Swashbuckler wrote: »

I feel like all the questions have been asked!

I usually get a bit philosophical with my questions.

1. Proudest moment in life?
2. Biggest regret?
3. Which Boardsies do you know best?
4. Do you follow any training logs in particular?
5. Has any female runner jumped out at you on Boards that you reckon has big potential?
6. Are you on Strava?
7. Favourite animal?
8. What runners do you wear?
9. What's the best thing about XC?

I'll leave you at that. Haha. 9 is plenty.

They HAD all been asked!! That's what I get for gloating about being nearly through everyone's!

Ahem, I mean, thank you for the nice questions.

Any volunteers to be in the spotlight next week? I have someone in mind, but no reply yet!

MY BAD

Hi, have you ever any serious running related injuries? If so how long were you out and how did you fill the void of not running?

HelenAnne

hillsiderunner wrote: »

Hello ...

1. Bad boy crush (yes, I did nick that from previous spotlights, but we need to know ... )

How could I forget - Mitchell from 'Being Human' (I seem to have a thing for vampires. But not for any of the 'Twilight' ones).mitchell.jpg

HelenAnne

Mellow Yellow 26.2 wrote: »

Hi, have you ever any serious running related injuries? If so how long were you out and how did you fill the void of not running?

Hi!
I'm skipping ahead to this question because a) it's short and b) I sort of answered it to Eyrie, so I can copy and paste (if that's OK!)

So, I said to Eyrie, re injuries: 'The longest I’ve been off (apart from last year) was 6-weeks with a calf tear in 2014. I’ve had a few chest infections that kept me off for a week too, but generally, I’m fit to run.' That calf tear was from running - it came on gradually, as a recurring tightness, I ignored it, and one day it just got VERY sore suddenly & I could hardly walk. Lesson learned!

As for what I did, I découpaged a side table! I thought découpage would be my new hobby, but then I got back to running and never did it again! (Must get back to it! )

HelenAnne

Huzzah! wrote: »

3. Favourite type of session?

Thanks

Hello, Huzzah,

Just coming back to this - I did 4 x 1 mile with 90 seconds rest, at approx 4-mile / 5 mile race pace on Tuesday and actually really enjoyed it. I found the longer intervals easier than the 400s. So maybe that's my new favourite session.

HelenAnne

My week in the spotlight is nearly over! It started last Friday, so I'll finish up taking questions tomorrow. (I know I have a good few more questions to answer, and I'll get to them before Saturday I HOPE :-)

I have a super-fab runner lined up for next week ... so save loads of questions for them!

HelenAnne

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Most eloquent spotlight yet.. enjoying it! My Wife loves JML as Sherlock too

What do you do with a book you start but find uninteresting?
What goes through your mind on a standard training run?
19:xx from a non sport background. You are quick. Do you like beating the boys?
How do you maintain and store your running shoes?

Thanks for your kind words. Glad you're enjoying it!

What do you do with a book you start but find uninteresting?
Usually I just stop reading it! Unless it’s something I have to read for some reason, like for work, or to learn something from it – in that case I might make notes etc of what I was learning from it to keep my mind on it.

What goes through your mind on a standard training run?
I just think random thoughts! If I was somewhere scenic, like a park or the seafront, I’m probably thinking, ‘Hello trees, hello birds, hello skies!’ Or maybe I’m thinking about my dinner, or my day at work. Or sometimes I’m imagining triumphant racing scenarios. And sometimes I race other unsuspecting runners, or bikes.

19:xx from a non sport background. You are quick. Do you like beating the boys?
I’m really not! (But thanks!)
And yes, I have to admit I do like it – just a little bit (when it happens)
I also love all-female races, like the BHAA in the summer, or the WMM – you can really see who you’re racing, and pit yourself against them.

How do you maintain and store your running shoes?
Is my answer going to out me as some kind of slob who doesn’t maintain her shoes? What do other people do with theirs?
I bang the muck off mine and then leave them beside all my other shoes.
I'm one of those awful people who discovers their XC spikes every September, lying in the garage, uncleaned from the last XC of the previous year.

HelenAnne

Singer wrote: »

1. Will you do another marathon?

....

1. Will you do another marathon?
I don't think so. I used to say I would if I could get a lot faster first, so that it wouldn't feel like such a slog. For example, if I could run a 1.30 half, then maybe I could do a 3.20 marathon ... but that doesn't look likely, and to be honest I just didn't really enjoy the marathon. Nearly four hours is too long to be trudging along wondering why you're doing it. I'd love to get back to racing half in the next few years, and I've always loved 10-mile races, but the marathon is just too long for me. fair play to all the marathoners though, and I love marshalling DCM.

2. Fave restaurant in Dublin?
Aaagh, another foodie question . I was out with friends last night and one of them was saying I should just pass all the foodie questions to her & she'll answer pretending to be me (she's a good cook, scientific flavour-person etc). I can't think of one! I was in Honest Pizza last night and that was delicious, if that's any help?

3. Ever had the urge going to the other side of the book publishing process? (Sorry if this is a sensitive topic )
No urge, and not sensitive at all. People ask me that a lot. A lot of editors do write as well, (a famous one is Diana Athill, who wrote one of my favourite non-fiction books - 'Stet', about editing and also writes fiction), but I don't. I like someone else telling me the story. I love editing, and some of it has some similarities to writing - like in a substantive edit of fiction, I'd do a lot of thinking and suggesting and questioning about plot / character etc. But I suppose I'm more like the interior decorator than the architect; I like making something someone else has created look its best.
I don't mind writing short factual things - I'd write blog entries for work / book reviews / cover blurbs etc, but that's it. I have never tried to write fiction, I just don't think I have any stories in me; I've never felt the urge.

4. What's your fave running gear? Any particularly nice or preferred tops/shorts/etc.?
It changes depending on what's new and in favour at the moment, but I nearly always wear shorts (except in the really coldest weather) and vests in the summer, long sleeves in winter. My current favourite shoes are Saucony Ride 9 in navy and bronze.

5. Top 3 concerts you've been to (festivals count!).
PJ Harvey in the Olympia years ago, and at Primavera about 7 or 8 years ago (I love her), The Cure at the Point in 93 and at Primavera a few years ago, David Bowie's greatest hits tour in about 1990 in the Point (I couldn't believe I was getting to see him in the flesh), Warpaint at Primavera a few years ago and at Forbidden Fruit this year, Bonnie Prince Billy nearly every time I've seen him, Calexico in Vicar St about 12 years ago. Festivals: I love Primavera in Barcelona, but I think Green man in Wales this year was my best ever festival, just for atmosphere, setting, weather, food, music - Phoebe Bridgers, Cate Le Bon, The Wedding Present, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Whyte Horses and Public Service Broadcasting were all AMAZING!!
Also, years ago, when my friends were in bands (The NPB & El Diablo) all their gigs, especially in Whelans, were so, so fun.
Thanks for this question! Enjoyed thinking about it. Sorry I couldn't cut it to three.
And I know this is 'my' thread, but what are your 3?

6. What keeps you coming back to boards?
I'll think and come back on this

7. Do you have any treasured running paraphernalia, like old race numbers, your first pair of running runners, Raheny 5M plaque etc.? Or at least hang on to any of it? Or is it straight into the bin?
My husband keeps all my race numbers! It is lovely of him. He puts them up on the wall in the garage.
I give medals to my little nephew to play with. The only medals or plaques I want to keep are ones I've won (mainly team ones).
I like my marathon t shirt, and I like the things the race series gives out, like hats and gloves. And I love my Ballycotton and Croppy Boy mugs.

8. Any claims to fame?
I was on Anything Goes when I was 9.

9. iPhone/Android/I don't like smartphones?
Don't mind, have had both. I like to have a camera, otherwise, don't mind.

10. What podcasts are you listening to right now?
DoubleLove (funny Sweet Valley High recap podcast), Hush (funny Buffy recap podcast), Slow Burn (about the Clinton administration) Woman's Hour (love it, so many interesting guests!), The Archers, Fortunately (one of my faves, two really funny women chatting and talking to radio-related guests), Oh no Ross & Carrie (alternative debunkers), My Favourite Murder (& have even seen them live!), This American Life, Marathon talk, Casefile (more true crime), New Yorker fiction podcast.

11. Do you run with music/podcasts/etc?
Sometimes. I often run to work with a podcast as I'm going very slow. Other times, sometimes music, sometimes not. Depends on my mood.

12. What about running do you like the least?
Nothing really. I suppose not running as well as I'd like. or sometimes trying to fit it in - I know runs don't take that long, but sometime with work and after work commitments, it can be hard to co-ordinate when to eat, bringing clothes, changing back into normal clothes before the next thing ... but nothing really!

Thanks for the questions!

HelenAnne

PS, Sorry for taking so long to get to your questions, Singer. They were great.

Singer

HelenAnne wrote: »

5. Top 3 concerts you've been to (festivals count!).
...
And I know this is 'my' thread, but what are your 3?

I also can't name just three...

R.E.M. at Slane 1995 was the first time seeing my fave band from my youth. Oasis and Belly were pretty good support bands!

My Bloody Valentine are up there most of the times I've seen them, most notably for the first time in The Barrowlands in Glasgow in 2013 and recently in Oakland in July.

Rachel Grimes and Nils Frahm in a small room at the National Concert Hall in 2010 was as low-key and an astonishing a gig can be with just a piano. I bought the sheet music of "Book of Leaves" off Rachel at that gig which is now framed and hanging up in my gaff.

Festivals: Primavera Sound (2003, 2004, 2011, 2013), Nos Primavera Sound (2014, 2016) and All Tomorrow's Parties (2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) - loads of ridiculously good music including Boards of Canada, more MBV, a couple of PJ Harvey gigs, some Mogwai, Pixies, Slowdive, Autolux, Savages, Low, Blur, Deerhunter... Also should mention seeing the likes of Bjork, Sigur Ros, The White Stripes, Cornelius, Sonic Youth at other festivals like Sonar, Electric Picnic, Witnness, etc.

Probably the best festival experience was watching Barcelona win the Champions League in a lovely bar in Gracia, and then heading off to watch Mogwai, DJ Shadow and Animal Collective at Primavera Sound until 5AM or whatever. I missed Fleet Foxes and PJ Harvey because of the football but it was worth it!

Thanks for your answers! Still waiting on Q6 though

Hannibal_Smith

Singer wrote: »

R.E.M. at Slane 1995 was the first time seeing my fave band from my youth. Oasis and Belly were pretty good support bands!

I was there too! Do remember when people started throwing coke cups in the air that they'd lit fire to? I thought we were all going to die :pac:

(Sorry to butt in...only time i get to contribute to a running thread is when its REM related )

Great thread HelenAnne it's been a great read all week.

RayCun

Hannibal_Smith wrote: »

I was there too! Do remember when people started throwing coke cups in the air that they'd lit fire to?

I remember Oasis being pissed off that the crowd had been singing along to Girls and Boys a few minutes before they were on

Wubble Wubble

RayCun wrote: »

I remember Oasis being pissed off that the crowd had been singing along to Girls and Boys a few minutes before they were on

I was there too As I recall it, Liam was more "annoyed" over someone throwing a rock at him :eek: That was a great day. 23 years ago now, jaysis!

EDIT: Sorry for the thread hijack H.

ReeReeG

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

RayCun wrote: »

I remember Oasis being pissed off that the crowd had been singing along to Girls and Boys a few minutes before they were on

I was there too As I recall it, Liam was more "annoyed" over someone throwing a rock at him :eek: That was a great day. 23 years ago now, jaysis!

EDIT: Sorry for the thread hijack H.

Who are Oasis? 


JOKE

HelenAnne really enjoyed your answers, I would have liked to ask Qs but all the good ones were already taken :P
I have noted the Sweet Valley High podcast however, sounds right up my street!

HelenAnne

ReeReeG wrote: »

Who are Oasis? 


JOKE

HelenAnne really enjoyed your answers, I would have liked to ask Qs but all the good ones were already taken :P
I have noted the Sweet Valley High podcast however, sounds right up my street!

Ah go on, ask me one! I think there are more men than women posting on boards, so it's nice for the women to get to interact!

I'll ask you one too: unlike some runners on boards, you raced shorter road races (like 5k / 10k) before training for a marathon (I know some new runners start into marathon training straight away). Now that you've done a marathon, which distances would you like to focus on? Doing more marathons / longer races, or going back to race the shorter distances?

HelenAnne

Hannibal_Smith wrote: »

I was there too! Do remember when people started throwing coke cups in the air that they'd lit fire to? I thought we were all going to die :pac:

(Sorry to butt in...only time i get to contribute to a running thread is when its REM related )

Great thread HelenAnne it's been a great read all week.

In answer to all you REM in 1995 people - I wasn't at that one, but I have seen REM loads of times. I really like them, and my husband and sister are HUGE fans, so the three of us used to go to their gigs a lot. I think my favourite was in the Olympia 12 years ago or so.

Also, while I'm not an Oasis fan, my Oasis claim-to-fame is that I was there when they split up! We'd got free tickets to Rock en Seine outside Paris as my sister-in-law's brother was in a band and knew Oasis. I really wanted to see Smog (who was great!) at the festival, but I thought I should at least go and watch Oasis, out of gratitude for the tickets. Before Oasis came on we watched Madness while eating our dinner, and they were fab - really full of energy and hits I remembered from my childhood.

So, we trudged over to watch Oasis, and we were waiting ages, and then this voiceover came on saying 'O-a-seees, c'est fini'. And we thought it was a joke. And then the voice came on again and said the same thing in English, and we all STILL thought it was a joke! But then about five minutes later a printed announcement went up on a big screen telling us how to get our money back, so it began to dawn on us that they really weren't coming on! And they had split up!

So the crowd started getting restive, and it was really packed, so what did Rock en Seine do - they got poor old Madness, who presumably were having a rest somewhere, and made them put back on their pink suits and trapeze harnesses and come out and play another set! And they were fab AGAIN! They won over a disgruntled crowd of Oasis-lovers and got everyone dancing by the end.

So now whenever I hear Madness mentioned I think what fantastic old 'show-must-go-on' troupers they are - two long sets almost back to back, playing the saxophone while being hoisted up on a wire etc, at their age! - compared to sulky spoilt-baby Liam Gallagher who wouldn't come on stage TO DO HIS JOB because of a brawl with his brother.

Anyway, the moral of the story is, I now love Madness!

HelenAnne

ReeReeG wrote: »

Who are Oasis? 


JOKE

HelenAnne really enjoyed your answers, I would have liked to ask Qs but all the good ones were already taken :P
I have noted the Sweet Valley High podcast however, sounds right up my street!

Double Love is really great! Give it a listen. They just v amusingly dissect every book, starting with book one. It really makes me laugh! One of the hosts used to write Red Lemonader, and blog that did really funny SVH and 50 Shades recaps.

ReeReeG

Ok well about parkrun tourism; do you make a full weekend of it going to places pretty far from Dublin? I'd love to do more parkrun tourism myself but sometimes it's hard to justify a long drive for 5k and a coffee

Weirdest running conversation you've ever had? 

Real books vs audiobooks vs Kindle?

I'll ask you one too: unlike some runners on boards, you raced shorter road races (like 5k / 10k) before training for a marathon (I know some new runners start into marathon training straight away). Now that you've done a marathon, which distances would you like to focus on? Doing more marathons / longer races, or going back to race the shorter distances?

You really know how to turn it around on a person! I am probably going to get back to 5 and 10k races in the new year, right now I'm thinking I'll set the Great Ireland Run as a target. That said, some really interesting chat on here (and I think in Swashbuckler's log?) about racing more as good practice, and then not leaving that one race as the be-all and end-all. So, I might have a think about that for the new year, becoming a race junkie. After that, I could see myself doing another Autumn marathon next year to be honest (unless DCM is truly traumatic)

HelenAnne

Singer wrote: »

I also can't name just three...

R.E.M. at Slane 1995 was the first time seeing my fave band from my youth. Oasis and Belly were pretty good support bands!

My Bloody Valentine are up there most of the times I've seen them, most notably for the first time in The Barrowlands in Glasgow in 2013 and recently in Oakland in July.

Rachel Grimes and Nils Frahm in a small room at the National Concert Hall in 2010 was as low-key and an astonishing a gig can be with just a piano. I bought the sheet music of "Book of Leaves" off Rachel at that gig which is now framed and hanging up in my gaff.

Festivals: Primavera Sound (2003, 2004, 2011, 2013), Nos Primavera Sound (2014, 2016) and All Tomorrow's Parties (2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) - loads of ridiculously good music including Boards of Canada, more MBV, a couple of PJ Harvey gigs, some Mogwai, Pixies, Slowdive, Autolux, Savages, Low, Blur, Deerhunter... Also should mention seeing the likes of Bjork, Sigur Ros, The White Stripes, Cornelius, Sonic Youth at other festivals like Sonar, Electric Picnic, Witnness, etc.

Probably the best festival experience was watching Barcelona win the Champions League in a lovely bar in Gracia, and then heading off to watch Mogwai, DJ Shadow and Animal Collective at Primavera Sound until 5AM or whatever. I missed Fleet Foxes and PJ Harvey because of the football but it was worth it!

Thanks for your answers! Still waiting on Q6 though

Hey! you did WAY more than three! I thought I was bad! But they all sound great! I was at that Champions League year Primavera. I did not go to the football, and PJ Harvey was so amazing - I remember thinking how brilliant she was at holding a crowd as even people coming back from watching the match fell really silent and watched her when they got to the stage.

Another thing that I really loved (& briefly mentioned above) was the PSB show at Green Man this year. Their latest album 'Every Valley' is all about Wales, and coal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Every_Valley), so it was really amazing hearing the songs and watching the visuals IN Wales. But then at the end of their set, these miners lanterns were lowered down from the roof, and a miners' male voice choir, The Beaufort Male Choir, came on and sang! It was spine tingling! Just the setting, and after watching all the visuals about mining / strikes etc, it was so amazing!