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A/R/TIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Applegirl26
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Ah, Applegirl. My Race Report of the Year nemesis.
1. Where did you grow up? Do you miss it?
2. Where did you study nursing?
3. You mention your Dad a lot. Did he pass on any important training advice (directly or indirectly)?
4. Favourite film / director / actor / actress?
5. Donald Trump - why?
6. Do you listen to podcasts? Favourites?
7. The Marathon Talk question - 6 months to train for the mile. No distractions, all the time and coaching and nutrition and facilities you need. How fast?
Thanks in advance!
1. Where did you grow up? Do you miss it?
I grew up in Dublin airport... :rolleyes: ah I'm kidding but it felt like that sometimes. I spent my early years living in Boston and Dublin. Very, very happy years but the school changes were hard. I call both cities home and I'm immensely proud to be Irish but Boston will always win out if I'm pushed to pick between the two. I spent my teenage years in Ireland. I went back to the US for college which is what I always wanted.
Yes I do miss it even though I haven't lived there for over a decade. There's no doubt I'm happiest when I'm in the US. I reluctantly came back to Dublin for a bunch of reasons. The plan was that we would return to Boston but that just never happened. My boys were getting older and all of a sudden it wasn't about me anymore. It took me a long time to feel settled here when I returned if I'm being honest but my boys are growing up here which is fantastic to see and they have helped me put my roots down.
With the internet I can keep up with everything that's happening back in the US and I visit my family when I can. When I'm really missing the place I do little things like make myself a fluffanutter sandwich after a tough run (and ignore my husband calling it pollyfiller..:rolleyes:) I eventually embraced Starbucks here too, it's not Dunkin but it's close enough...
2. Where did you study nursing?
I went to Boston College in the US as an undergrad. I also attended UCD and Trinity for post graduate courses (peds specialty and MSc). I loved college and could have stayed studying forever.
3. You mention your Dad a lot. Did he pass on any important training advice (directly or indirectly)?
Oh he did. Gosh, where do I start? I would have spent a lot of time with my Dad. I think the most important thing he told me was to never wait for anyone else if I wanted to do something. If I wanted something I was to go after it even if it meant going alone. He taught me not to worry about the person in front of you but the person behind you who has the back of your head as their next target. Every time I'm in a race I remember that. He would say to watch the person who has nothing because they had everything to gain by working harder.
He worked hard and from an early age he would tell me nobody owes you anything. If you want it you have to earn it. He said you could be talented at anything if you were prepared to work hard enough. I saw that hard work when he went out to work at the crack of dawn, in all weather. I'd watch him place his unopened wage packet on the counter every Friday, for my Mom. He showed me a great work ethic that I continuously try to emulate.
Then there's all the things my Dad didn't get to say to me in person. A couple of days before he died he promised me that if heaven existed, he would give me signs throughout my life that he was right there beside me. He said he'd never leave me. So when I'm running and I hear his words in my mind, I know he's kept his promise.
4. Favourite film / director / actor / actress?
I can answer all those questions with one word, Rocky. I'm still not sure how Rocky is viewed in Ireland, seems to depend on who you ask, but in the States he is huge. He is such a great role model.
"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"
5. Donald Trump - why?
The man is an embarrassment. It could be funny if it wasn't so tragic. America has lost so much respect because of him. I think it was awful that Hillary Clinton didn't get in. People don't trust her and you can trace that back to her husband not her.
6. Do you listen to podcasts? Favourites?
You know I don't but lots of runners here adore them so I'm always saying I'll give them a try. I love audiobooks but find running and listening to one too distracting. My pacing ends up all over the place. I have tons of playlists on Spotify that I listen to. Sometimes I also just wear my headphones to keep my ears warm and enjoy the silence
7. The Marathon Talk question - 6 months to train for the mile. No distractions, all the time and coaching and nutrition and facilities you need. How fast?
Sounds like a perfect way to spend six months! Where do I sign up? I have a long way to go with my marathon running before I see a time I'd love. If I got my time down to 4:30:00 (it's 4:55: something) I'd feel pretty proud of myself. That's 25 minutes though. It's a huge chunk of time.
Thanks in advance!
No problem. Thanks so much for the terrific questions. They led me to some fairly emotional thoughts as my mind wandered back in time I was writing and writing (so unlike me :rolleyes:) Then I felt I was oversharing and cut a big chunk out. I hope the answers are ok, 0 -
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Oversharing is what the spotlight is all about.
Last Q was about a mile, not marathon. Any ideas there? And have you signed up for the TT?
I know it might not seem it when I'm here spilling my guts out online but I'm actually a very private person. :pac:
I thought it was about a mile when I read it initially but then the marathon word threw me no idea really... You know I might just sign up yet. 0 -
Annie get your Run wrote: »Really enjoying this thread Applegirl, I'll have to think about some decent questions but in the meantime, where do you get your energy to run so consistently with such a demanding job and 5 :eek: boys?
Also really love your quote:
Don't compare your chapter 3 to someone else's chapter 28.
Really enjoying this thread Applegirl, I'll have to think about some decent questions but in the meantime, where do you get your energy to run so consistently with such a demanding job and 5 boys?
Thanks so much!
I don't know, I just do it. It really helps having a plan set out for the week. It can be challenging to make the time to run. I'm not always eager but if I'm training for something, I make myself run no matter what the weather or the time of day. Even if it's just a base training plan like I'm doing now. I like feeling healthy and the glow that running brings. I want to stay healthy. I want to keep myself in good shape so that's a good incentive too.
Also really love your quote:
Don't compare your chapter 3 to someone else's chapter 28.
Thanks. I have to still remind myself sometimes. 0 -
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AuldManKing wrote: »I really like reading your log - your writing style is very immersive.
(1) Were you good at English is school?
(2) Are you a creative person?
(3) Worst thing about living in CK
(4) Best thing about living in CK (.........cant mention the PP)
(5) Did you feel robbed when your Manchester Marathon report did NOT win the report of the year. (.....u wuz robbed)
In years to come, I hope my 2 girls speak about me in the same way you speak about your dad.
Thanks so much A.
(1) Were you good at English is school?
Yes I was. I would have made good grades. I remember one school I went to, my classmates were really sweet and they would ask for me to read out a piece of my work to them. Sometimes they would give me a round of applause after I finished and my cheeks would burn and I'd sit down quickly, too shy to say another word. My teacher that year had a huge positive influence on me and my confidence. She would write me notes gushing about my work and how I was "a gifted writer". She called me gifted, me… I still have her letters.
(2) Are you a creative person?
I sure hope so. I enjoy making things and fixing things. I love a challenge especially if everyone else is finding it hard too. I love brain storming about something difficult. I can be very persistent and will stay working on something until it's done no matter how late it gets.
I love when something scares me a little because that's when I know I MUST do it.
3) Worst thing about living in CK
The traffic going through the village. The traffic coming from the Park. The traffic going towards the Center. Did I mention the traffic?
(4) Best thing about living in CK (.........cant mention the PP)
Ah you're not making it easy! Well, I like being so near the airport. I love it actually. We're right on the M50 too. The schools are very good. Ok, I'm not their biggest fan right now but normally I'm happy with them. There's lots of nice places to eat. It's a sporty neighborhood, plenty of clubs to join. There's a great CK tidy town group who keep the village looking beautiful. I'd love to join them.
(5) Did you feel robbed when your Manchester Marathon report did NOT win the report of the year. (.....u wuz robbed)
Ha! Not at all. It was won by a very deserving runner who poured his heart and soul into his race and that made his report stand out. I voted for you!
It was much better than my over emotionally charged report that read more like an excerpt from a 15 year olds journal.
"In years to come, I hope my 2 girls speak about me in the same way you speak about your dad"
That's so lovely, thank you. You saying that reminds me of my husband who has told me he'd have loved a daughter "to love me the way you love your Dad".
And I've no doubt your girls adore you.
Thanks for the great questions, 0 -
Thanks for those answers. Boston is a great town. Fluffanutter? More info required!
Rocky - good choice. I love that they put up a Rocky statue in Philadelphia. Still trying to get my head around a statue commemorating a fictitious character, but I like it!0 -
Thanks for those answers. Boston is a great town. Fluffanutter? More info required!
Rocky - good choice. I love that they put up a Rocky statue in Philadelphia. Still trying to get my head around a statue commemorating a fictitious character, but I like it!
:pac: fluffanutter sandwich is or at least was the staple lunch sandwich of every school going kid in Boston. It's peanut butter and fluff (marshmallow fluff, not cream. Has to be fluff) even nicer if toasted. Yum.
If this was a WhatsApp group I could show you my picture of me at the Rocky statue :cool: over the years the statue has been moved around to different locations in Philly. Last time I saw it, it was at the Spectrum. I think it's back near the steps now. Not sure if you've ever been to Philly but over there they treat Rocky like he's a real person! When you run up those steps at the Museum of Art I swear it's the best feeling in the whole damn world.0 -
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Wow, this is a great choice for A/R/TIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT..........here goes.......
1) You've made no secret of your love for 80's music. Who is your favorite artist/band/singer from the decade?
2) Can you remember your first ever trip to the cinema? If so, what did you see?
3) Are you good at giving directions to strangers?
4) Have you ever wished you had a different name?
*I'm not suggesting for a second that there's anything wrong with the one you already have. Just asking!!
5) What's worse? Being too hot on a hot day or freezing on a cold day?
6) Have you ever gotten lost while out for a run?
7) Do you collect anything in your spare time?
8) When was the last time you had an opportunity to sit back, drink it all in and say to yourself....."yes....life is good".
9) Your positive nature is infectious but is there anything that makes you really angry?
10) Finally, what is you bank name/sort code/account number?
1) You've made no secret of your love for 80's music. Who is your favorite artist/band/singer from the decade?
I'm a big U2 fan and only listen to them when I run as then I'm not listening to my husband give out about them :rolleyes:
2) Can you remember your first ever trip to the cinema? If so, what did you see?
I sure can. My Dad brought me and my big brother to see Superman. I think it was the second movie. Everytime I watch it now I feel like a little kid again
3) Are you good at giving directions to strangers?
I think I'm ok. I usually get their phone and Google map it for them or else draw out a rough sketch of it for them. I'm freakin awful at receiving directions. If I go anywhere new I know to give myself an extra hour at least to find the place. If there's tons of people around like at a race, I'm gone. Google maps literally changed my life. I use it for everything.
4) Have you ever wished you had a different name?
*I'm not suggesting for a second that there's anything wrong with the one you already have. Just asking!!
No, I've always loved my name. My Dad had a best friend growing up with the male version of my name. My Dad never told me how his friend died but I know he loved him very much and was devastated when he died so suddenly. He said that when he had a daughter he'd call her L. When I was little he'd tell me stories about his best friend and would always finish by saying how he'd named me after him. I used to feel ten feet tall.
5) What's worse? Being too hot on a hot day or freezing on a cold day?
…..I'd go with freezing on a cold day. You can always keep busy and add layers to stay warm but everytime the temperature drops, I can't help think of the people who struggle to heat their homes. You can shelter from the rain but the cold gets you wherever you are.
6) Have you ever gotten lost while out for a run?
Yes….a few times…..ok, many times... it's one of the reasons why I tend to stick to routes I know. The worst was when I was training for DCM and I'd go off trying to cover some of the route but most of it is on the southside. I was running through neighborhoods I had never been in before. I was close to tears a few times on a 20 mile run and it wasn't from the distance. Now I don't care how many laps I need to do, I just focus on the pace and distance. I tend not to go too far from where I started.
7) Do you collect anything in your spare time?
No, unless you count race t shirts! If I was the collecting type I'd put pressure on myself to get the whole collection of whatever it was so it's best I don't go there!
8) When was the last time you had an opportunity to sit back, drink it all in and say to yourself....."yes....life is good".
Probably in the days before I was due to fly out for the race in NYC. I was feeling so lucky and blessed that I had this amazing opportunity before me. I was literally walking around with a huge smile on my face that week.
9) Your positive nature is infectious but is there anything that makes you really angry?
I'm glad I come across as positive, thanks. I'm always aware that my boys are watching me and I need to be a good strong female role model for them. I've also observed over the years that my husband takes his positive lead from me. If I'm distressed about something, he gets bothered too. If I'm on top of the world he is usually somewhere whistling to himself. So I try my best to stay positive for all of us.
When do I feel angry? I hate seeing waste and people standing around when there's work to be done. One time at work I was told the public toilet was blocked. You would think it was the end of the world. The janitor and household wouldn't touch it and wanted me to call in a plumber, on a bank holiday… I couldn't justify the cost of it to the unit so I donned some PPE, got down on my hands and knees and unblocked the toilet...all while the janitor and household stood gawping at me. Took me five minutes. I mean, what do these people do at home? Call in a professional for every problem? I doubt it. I wouldn't say I was angry that day but fairly pi$$ed off with the situation.
I hate seeing a person get picked on, particularly in front of others. I have a quiet nature but if I see that happening, I get vocal pretty quick. Seeing a pregnant woman smoke or just not look after herself makes me angry too.
I get irritated by people who think the world owes them something. I feel angry when strangers make assumptions about me "You obviously don't work seeing as you have five children". I look younger than I am and I've often been mistaken for my kids au pair . People can be so nasty with their little snide comments.
I can get snappy when I feel overwhelmed. Little things that might go unnoticed to others can overwhelm me, like the radio being too loud when I'm trying to have a conversation with someone or everyone wanting a piece of me at the same time. I remember one time at work years ago feeling overwhelmed. I was stood talking to a parent who was giving out about something (in front of everyone of course) and in no hurry to get to the point either. Hovering behind them were two other individuals waiting to talk to me separately too. Both phones beside us were on hold with the callers waiting to talk with "only you L. They won't talk to anyone else".
That was the day I learnt delegation and that it's ok to tell people come back to me in an hour, you didn't tell me you were calling down and I cannot speak with you right now...
I know what my triggers are now so it's much easier to avoid getting stressed and angry in the first place.
10) Finally, what is you bank name/sort code/account number
Ha! That question about the lottery win was hypothetical you know!
Thanks K for the great questions, 0 -
Mr. Guappa wrote: »As expected, this has been a great spotlight!
I've only one question - will you ever lose that strava turtle?
Thanks so much A.
Ah my little Shellyback… I think I'll hang on to him for another while yet. I put him there to acknowledge how "bad" I am at running. I'm not trying to be something I'm not. Maybe someday when I earn a time I'm proud of, I'll graduate him to a little tiger 0 -
Without Rocky, there'd be no A-Team. So, it's a crucially important movie imo :P
This is a fantastic spotlight, I've taken so much from it. I'm going to have to re-watch Wonderwoman, Rocky and look for Emmet Kirwan.0 -
Applegirl26 wrote: »1) You've made no secret of your love for 80's music. Who is your favorite artist/band/singer from the decade?
I'm a big U2 fan and only listen to them when I run as then I'm not listening to my husband give out about them :rolleyes:
2) Can you remember your first ever trip to the cinema? If so, what did you see?
I sure can. My Dad brought me and my big brother to see Superman. I think it was the second movie. Everytime I watch it now I feel like a little kid again
3) Are you good at giving directions to strangers?
I think I'm ok. I usually get their phone and Google map it for them or else draw out a rough sketch of it for them. I'm freakin awful at receiving directions. If I go anywhere new I know to give myself an extra hour at least to find the place. If there's tons of people around like at a race, I'm gone. Google maps literally changed my life. I use it for everything.
4) Have you ever wished you had a different name?
*I'm not suggesting for a second that there's anything wrong with the one you already have. Just asking!!
No, I've always loved my name. My Dad had a best friend growing up with the male version of my name. My Dad never told me how his friend died but I know he loved him very much and was devastated when he died so suddenly. He said that when he had a daughter he'd call her L. When I was little he'd tell me stories about his best friend and would always finish by saying how he'd named me after him. I used to feel ten feet tall.
5) What's worse? Being too hot on a hot day or freezing on a cold day?
…..I'd go with freezing on a cold day. You can always keep busy and add layers to stay warm but everytime the temperature drops, I can't help think of the people who struggle to heat their homes. You can shelter from the rain but the cold gets you wherever you are.
6) Have you ever gotten lost while out for a run?
Yes….a few times…..ok, many times... it's one of the reasons why I tend to stick to routes I know. The worst was when I was training for DCM and I'd go off trying to cover some of the route but most of it is on the southside. I was running through neighborhoods I had never been in before. I was close to tears a few times on a 20 mile run and it wasn't from the distance. Now I don't care how many laps I need to do, I just focus on the pace and distance. I tend not to go too far from where I started.
7) Do you collect anything in your spare time?
No, unless you count race t shirts! If I was the collecting type I'd put pressure on myself to get the whole collection of whatever it was so it's best I don't go there!
8) When was the last time you had an opportunity to sit back, drink it all in and say to yourself....."yes....life is good".
Probably in the days before I was due to fly out for the race in NYC. I was feeling so lucky and blessed that I had this amazing opportunity before me. I was literally walking around with a huge smile on my face that week.
9) Your positive nature is infectious but is there anything that makes you really angry?
I'm glad I come across as positive, thanks. I'm always aware that my boys are watching me and I need to be a good strong female role model for them. I've also observed over the years that my husband takes his positive lead from me. If I'm distressed about something, he gets bothered too. If I'm on top of the world he is usually somewhere whistling to himself. So I try my best to stay positive for all of us.
When do I feel angry? I hate seeing waste and people standing around when there's work to be done. One time at work I was told the public toilet was blocked. You would think it was the end of the world. The janitor and household wouldn't touch it and wanted me to call in a plumber, on a bank holiday… I couldn't justify the cost of it to the unit so I donned some PPE, got down on my hands and knees and unblocked the toilet...all while the janitor and household stood gawping at me. Took me five minutes. I mean, what do these people do at home? Call in a professional for every problem? I doubt it. I wouldn't say I was angry that day but fairly pi$$ed off with the situation.
I hate seeing a person get picked on, particularly in front of others. I have a quiet nature but if I see that happening, I get vocal pretty quick. Seeing a pregnant woman smoke or just not look after herself makes me angry too.
I get irritated by people who think the world owes them something. I feel angry when strangers make assumptions about me "You obviously don't work seeing as you have five children". I look younger than I am and I've often been mistaken for my kids au pair . People can be so nasty with their little snide comments.
I can get snappy when I feel overwhelmed. Little things that might go unnoticed to others can overwhelm me, like the radio being too loud when I'm trying to have a conversation with someone or everyone wanting a piece of me at the same time. I remember one time at work years ago feeling overwhelmed. I was stood talking to a parent who was giving out about something (in front of everyone of course) and in no hurry to get to the point either. Hovering behind them were two other individuals waiting to talk to me separately too. Both phones beside us were on hold with the callers waiting to talk with "only you L. They won't talk to anyone else".
That was the day I learnt delegation and that it's ok to tell people come back to me in an hour, you didn't tell me you were calling down and I cannot speak with you right now...
I know what my triggers are now so it's much easier to avoid getting stressed and angry in the first place.
10) Finally, what is you bank name/sort code/account number
Ha! That question about the lottery win was hypothetical you know!
Thanks K for the great questions,
Great answers L!!! THanks!! 0 -
Is a marathon your favourite race distance?
Whats your favourite running shoe?
Are you a member of a athletic club?
Favourite place to run?
Are your kids involved in athletics or do you plan to get them involved?
Is a marathon your favourite race distance?
Yes, the marathon is very special and I'm fascinated by it. I would have always had great respect for it. More so because it's a distance we should not cover. If you sit and think about what happens to your body during those final miles, it's absurd that you would pursue it deliberately. In a crazy way, that's kind of half the attraction. I've only ran two marathons. Maybe if I run more I'll be better able to explain what draws me to them. I love to run long. If I improve my endurance and nail my fueling, who knows what I could do someday.
At the moment I'm enjoying working on my half marathon time. I can cover the distance easily, even if I'm slow, and it doesn't take me a month to recover from one.
Whats your favourite running shoe?
I'm wearing Brooks Glycerin right now. If it gives me the cushioning I need and helps prevent injury, I'm not too fussy about the brand.
Are you a member of a athletic club?
Not yet but I do have one in my sights. Now that I'm getting some online coaching, I don't feel as pressured as I did to join a club but it would be nice to make some more running friends. My son would love to join a running club so I'll have to bite the bullet sooner or later.
Favourite place to run?
Ah it has to be the PP. I just adore that park. When I'm running around the acres I think this spot here is my favorite part. Then I run through the Furry Glen and that's my favorite bit. When I'm on the Furze road I change my mind again. It's all good. I'm not as keen on the north road side. It seems monotonous. I usually only run that side if I have a long run to do or I'm in a race!
Are your kids involved in athletics or do you plan to get them involved?
Yes some of them love running and would run kids races when they come up. I started bringing the older ones to parkrun a while ago, a proper parkrun not the kids one, and they love that. They've mentioned a few times during lockdown that they are looking forward to when it starts back up. They've been out to Santry a few times and had a great time. I strongly encourage them to be involved with sport, any sport and the more the better.
Thanks for the fantastic questions, MY BAD 0 -
Hannibal_Smith wrote: »Without Rocky, there'd be no A-Team. So, it's a crucially important movie imo :P
This is a fantastic spotlight, I've taken so much from it. I'm going to have to re-watch Wonderwoman, Rocky and look for Emmet Kirwan.
:pac: :pac:
Thanks so much! I recommend a Rocky night where you watch them back to back. Wicked! And when you're done, be sure to start on the Creed movies make sure you're wearing your running gear though as you will be aching to go for a run afterwards :cool: 0 -
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