A/R/TIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Applegirl26

Hi J, thank you for a great thread. I really enjoyed reading your answers. I never ever thought I'd have my own spotlight here. I'm quite humbled You had so many amazing people to choose from so thank you. I knew you'd have great questions, I hope the answers do them justice.

1. What inspires/motivates you to run?

I'm inspired to run because of how it makes me feel. It's as simple as that to be honest. Even a bad run is still a good run if that makes sense. That whole feeling of being free, feeling alive, the adrenaline rush, all of it is addictive. When I danced in my younger years I would have enjoyed a similar feeling from dancing but to a much lesser degree. Anyone who follows my log will be aware that running also makes me feel close to my Dad who died a long time ago now. When I run it's like that gaping raw hole in my chest that grief made, closes and for a short while I can almost convince myself that he's still with me. That feeling alone will keep me running until I'm old and grey.
Sometimes I'm not very motivated, for a bunch of reasons, but I guess that's where discipline comes in. I just think about the end result like earning a PB in a race, and ask myself how bad do I want it? It's not going to come for free.

2. If you could do a Quantum Leap on it, who would you become for a day and why?

Oh great question and I had to give this one the most thought. There was a few contenders but my love for this artist won out. I would love to be Enya for the day. She has the perfect lifestyle. She is world famous but you never see her doing interviews or promoting herself. She is so successful but also very private. I picture her floating around her castle in long velvety dresses with floaty sleeves, making her beautiful music as she drifts from the piano to her beautifully kept gardens for inspiration.
I could definitely be Enya for a day….:p




3. Why did you take up running?

For the longest time I wanted to take it up. Like for years and years I longed to get out there. I would read books on running and look at all the lovely running clothes. I'd do everything except actually go out for a run. I just couldn't do it. I'd spend two hours on the crosstrainer at the gym wishing I was out on the roads. One day I went to the PP for a walk. A runner passed me and I looked at them wishing I was athletic like them. I'm still not sure why it was that day but I just got this urge to start running on the spot right there. I'm sure I looked so out of place but I was doing it, finally. And when I started I didn't want to stop. It felt so darn good. My lungs and my throat were burning but I ran about 3k that day before I stopped for a breather. After that day I knew I was a runner.



4. What are you most looking forward to doing post Covid 19?

Oh without a doubt that would be visiting my family. Aside from that, just seeing life go back to normal for my family and friends will be great. My husband and I have promised ourselves a kid free weekend away :cool: soon as we can safely get a sitter again so I'll definitely look forward to that.


5. What single incident got you into the most trouble with your parents when you were a teenager?

Great question!
Ok I'm gonna sound really pathetic when I tell you this story cos I was a really good kid and it wasn't really trouble but it's the only time I can think of and I got in SO much trouble so… I was 13 and had a newish best friend. I went to six different schools growing up and making friends wasn't easy, especially at 13. One time I was out with my friend and some boys started talking to us. We agreed to see them again but my Mom found out and flipped. She riled my Dad up so he got angry too though he did apologize after to me. My Mom said my friend was a bad influence and I wasn't allowed see her again. I was made take my Madonna posters down as she was also a bad influence, apparently :rolleyes::rolleyes: . I hadn't done anything wrong and I can still remember how angry and frustrated I felt. My mom made such a show of me that day in front of everyone I never risked pi$$ing her off again :mad: My Dad did get my Mom to relent and let me see my friend again after a while.
My siblings had a different set of rules and it drove me crazy. So that was it, my parents lost it when they found out I had a conversation with a boy. I utterly hated my teenage years. No autonomy over your own life, no money, no options, no where to go.



6. Why did you go vegetarian and do you ever miss meat?

I stopped eating meat when I was 14. I have never missed it. It just felt wrong to eat it and over the years I have forgotten what it tastes like. My Mom went crazy at the time but my Dad was cool and quietly brought me home books and recipes so I could learn how to eat a vegetarian diet and stay healthy.
Sometimes I wish I could eat meat as it's not very sociable to be veggie. Everyone offers you meat.


7. What's your favourite training session?

A few months ago I would have said the long run but now I am enjoying the tempo runs and even the fartlek runs. I love comparing a run I did today with the same run I did a month ago and feeling even a teeny bit faster or at least fitter. I started this current training session determined to have a positive attitude. No more moaning!


8. What cheesey song is your guilty pleasure?

Have you seen my Spotify?! My husband reckons it's all "80s muck". :rolleyes:
I love all sorts of music but I guess the 80s stuff would come under cheesey right? So hard to pick just one. At a push I would say Rick Astley "Never gonna give you up" but I love it. It describes how love should be


Thanks for the questions J

Hi TBO, great questions.

1. How did you hear about boards.ie?

I Google everything I had just started running and had a ton of questions. I started googling running related stuff within Ireland and boards popped up. Each time I googled another query I had, it kept bringing me back to boards.ie so I began to check out the site.


2. Best running smiling moment?

….. probably when I was running towards the finish line with my Irish flag in Manchester. I knew my guys were watching me on YouTube and they'd spot me with the flag. I was feeling pretty proud of myself, not because of my time but because I had made it to the start line after all, got through the race somehow and this was my victory lap. Plus I was there on my own so that made me feel a little fearless


3. Your key advice for running newbies?

Get yourself a good pair of shoes, the rest of what you will need can come in time. If you just want to run and not get involved with the competitive side of racing, that's totally fine. Don't compare your chapter 3 to someone else's chapter 28. You do you and you'll be just fine and don't forget that everything's easy when you know how

4. How do you keep track of your 5 boys?

Everybody is always shocked to hear I have 5 boys Honestly I think my job set a good precident for me so I could handle juggling it alll, especially during the baby and toddler years. My husband is great and very hands on with the boys. They are close in age which can be expensive but also a little easier to manage as they have some activities like swimming together. Pre Covid-19 I used to take turns bringing each one out for a "date" every month, just the two of us. They love that. I hope as they grow up they will always want to meet up with me. I try my best to give them individual time as much as I can. Some love to bake with me. Some love me to play PS4 with them. Some of them love to run with me. It's all good. It might seem too much to others but I always wanted a big family and they really are my dream come true.



5. Your race start line mindset is..?

I get a little flustered and overwhelmed at races, especially before they start. I think my race start line mindset doesn't kick in until I'm actually running and I can focus better. I'm usually thinking of my pace and trying to visualize myself getting the time I'd hoped for. I will remember why I picked this race, what am I hoping to achieve here, ok let's go get it. Ain't no one gonna hand it to you.


6. 80s thing that should/should not come back?

I love 80s family shows like Family Ties and the Cosby show. They had good plotlines you could relate to and there was always a moral or a lesson to learn with each show. I'd love to see shows like that return, not even those particular ones but that style of show.
The rest of the 80s can stay where it is :pac:




7. Best/worst modern piece of tech/gadget?

I love technology! I'm a little obsessed with goggle assistant and use it for everything from turning the radio and even the lights on to telling me what groceries I need when I'm shopping.
I don't have a worst piece of tech. I'm all for making life easier! :cool:

8. First app/website you check each day?

It's probably FB. The NYRR gang have a group there and I can also get the news of what's happening here and in the US. I'm not on Instagram or Twitter or anything else.

9. Something people are obsessed about, but you just don't get?

Oh there's so many things!!! If I had to pick just one it would be reality TV. Any kind of it, from the X factor type shows to love island. It's bad enough shows like that are on TV but then you have everyone discussing them as well. You can't get away from it. I will never see the attraction.


Thanks TBO

Thanks V.


1. What's your secret to getting out for a run after / before a long shift?

Just do it. When I commit to something (or someone ) I give it my all. I really enjoy running even if I don't see the numbers I want to see with my results. Maybe it's because I'm so "bad" at running that pushes me to get out the door to improve…. I'm not sure but if I say I'll go for a run, you can be sure I will.
A run can be the best thing in the world after a horrible shift where you had to put out the arrest call. I'm checking that all the nursing team are ok afterwards and we do a debrief but no one checks how I am. So it can be very easy to head out for a run. Best self care right there.


2. Favourite pair / brand of runners?

I have super high arches so I need a shoe with cushioning. I love Brooks Glycerin and have a couple of pairs that I rotate. I must confess I also love Brooks because of Desi Linden. She is wicked awesome.


3. Race result you are most proud of?

I don't think I have any to be honest. My times embarrass me a little if I'm truly honest. I was delighted when I got my PB in Trim last year but I ran with two awesome pacers and I only got that result because of them. But I'm proud of the effort I put into my training. That's my take away from it. My numbers have been the same for two years. It's frustrating but I won't stop.



4. Toughest session you've done?

I found the whole NYC training plan very tough. All of it. The whole thing was on a different scale to anything I'd done before. Now I notice that my easy pace is getting a teeny bit faster. I know it's still very slow but I'm moving in the right direction.


5. Would you ever join a club?

Yes I would like that and I think I should even though it will be stepping completely out of my comfort zone. A kind friend got me added to the local WhatsApp running group so I've gotten to "know" the runners before I go down there and have to meet them in person. They are so nice and friendly, I'm almost looking forward to going down there to sign up. Also my son has been begging me for ages to join a running club so I'll do it for him if not myself.


6. What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of running?

I like to play tennis but just for fun. I enjoy the social aspect of it like having a coffee with friends after a game. I like to go for a swim too when I can.
I love making things. I adore IKEA and am in heaven bringing something home to put together. I have my own toolbox, pink of course My husband is usually hovering somewhere over my shoulder "Do you need some help with that?"
"Nope".
:cool:

7. Any bucket list races (beside NYC )

Oh there's so many! I'd love to run the MCM, not Manchester but the Marine Corps Marathon. I've always wanted to be in the military…MCM would be wicked. I also have my eye on the BAA distance medley and I won't stop applying until I get a spot. That would be so awesome. Maybe do a race in Philly too...
My Dad was training for London when he got sick and he never got to run it so I'd like to run that someday for him though I don't know how I'll ever get an entry for it.


8. When are you giving lessons on how to look good in running photos

I have a ton of bad racing photos!! I did some modelling when I was younger and if I see a camera I just have to smile, even if I'm dying inside! Which I usually am…:o

Thanks for the great questions

Applegirl26 wrote: »

I love Brooks Glycerin and have a couple of pairs that I rotate.

My new favourite also. I picked up a few pairs in the Christmas sales and really enjoy running in them. Will definitely be buying more if I see them at a good price.


No questions but a big thank you for your work on the front line. Keep up the great work.

shotgunmcos wrote: »

I'm with V on this, love it!

From your front line perspective, what is the best thing to have come from this pandemic situation?

What one thing would you change about the HSE?
What one thing would you change about this Forum?

Your log updates are epic, where do you get the time and memory? :eek:

What was your most fun IKEA/DIY build?
What do your boys think about your running?

Hi shotgunmcos, thanks for your questions. I had to have a good think there!


From your front line perspective, what is the best thing to have come from this pandemic situation?

I've been very impressed with the measures put in place by the Irish government to deal with Covid-19 such as setting up the field hospital in City West and prioritizing the ICU departments. They acted pretty fast too. But the other side of that is all the elective work is still canceled. What's elective and put off this week can become urgent next week and after that it becomes an emergency you don't want. The hospital I work in has seen a huge reduction in the number of kids being diagnosed in the oncology service. Those kids haven't gone away, they're still out there today just undiagnosed. I guess to answer your question, I think it's wonderful that we avoided overwhelming the health service but it came with a cost and we haven't begun to see that cost yet.
From a different perspective I think it's just amazing how the earth began to heal herself so quickly, once everyone stepped indoors. It's a pity she had to start screaming before people would notice though. I love seeing videos of the beautiful animals reclaiming the streets and how you can see fish again in the canals across Europe. That's awesome.



What one thing would you change about the HSE?

I can only speak of my own acute area where I work. I would give a bigger voice to the bedside nurses. I would welcome their input more on ideas like the new children's hospital, than it is. The new grads aren't paid enough for the responsibility they have. We have kids on wards that would have been in ICU ten years ago. I would also love to install a clocking in/clocking out system like in the States. They'd never do it here. The hospitals would owe the nurses a fortune in time spent staying back to chart or handover or just because their buddies on the next shift were down and you wanted to help them get settled before you went home.


What one thing would you change about this Forum?

Honestly, nothing. I think it works just fine as it is. There's been a couple of trolls around lately but you just ignore.


Your log updates are epic, where do you get the time and memory?

Are they? Oh gosh thanks! I don't really have the time tbh. I usually update every two weeks or so. I keep a journal so I cut and paste the running stuff out to my log. I've always liked writing down my thoughts. It helps me process, especially if I feel under pressure about something. It's funny but I think I have a terrible memory at times. I can forget a person's name or face but other little details are imprinted forever


What was your most fun IKEA/DIY build?

Ah IKEA, my little oasis of DIY bliss. Get there super early on a midweek morning and you've got the place to yourself, for a while anyway. The most enjoyable thing to make is probably something small and manageable like a desk or night stand. The bigger stuff is harder only cos it's heavy and I usually need to ask for help to carry it which kills me. I would have enjoyed putting the wooden swing set together but I couldn't manage it on my own. First time I put together a chest of drawers I was thrilled with myself. I finally got it finished and started to screw it to the wall for safety. I couldn't see how it was done. Took me about a half hour to work it out. I had to go back and dismantle half the unit so I could screw it to the wall, then rebuild it again. Agh! Lesson learnt though. I never made that mistake again.


What do your boys think about your running

They tell me they're proud of me. They do drawings of me winning first place :pac: I talk to them about it and let them know if I've a race coming up. They would sometimes ask why I run so much and I just tell them it's so I can get better at it. They are still young so a lot of it goes over their heads. Sometimes they ask to run with me.
One day my 4th little guy said "Momma I feel like I need to run".
I said "Baby, I know just how you feel".
Right there we went outside and he did two laps of the green outside our house. One of my oldest boys loves to run as well. He especially loves parkrun and would do one every week if he could. He's always asking to do a race with me. That's something I will look forward to when he's a little older

Thanks for the questions,

The Black Oil wrote: »

Oh, the Marine Corps Marathon interests me, might see you there some day.

Any place you're fond of for peace and quiet, library, etc?

Sounds good! You gotta have a dream to make a dream come true

I adore libraries. So peaceful and calming and surrounded by books. What more could you want? Sitting in a nice quiet coffee house is bliss too.
I love visiting the Botanic Gardens or having a picnic up at the Hellfire club while looking over those amazing views of Dublin. All of that helps me feel grounded.
I've learnt over the years to take my peace and quiet where I can get it. I work half my shifts at night as I love the quietness that nights bring. I'm still on my feet all night and I'm still busy but the phone rings a lot less and there's less people around to deal with. I can get on with my work quietly

Thanks TBO,

Sorry I didn't mean to post that reply twice!

Loving reading your answers so far L! Great thread.

My brain is drawing a blank for any running related questions that haven't been asked already so here's a few random ones instead:

1. What was your favourite subject in school?
2. Coffee or tea?
3. Favourite coffee/tea accompanying snack?
4. Five kids and a very demanding job - I imagine you must be the most patient and organised person ever. Are you?
5. You have an evening/night free and you're meeting up with friends (no lockdown) - favourite way to spend it?
6. If you could be any age again, what would you pick and why?

You’re such a legend L, delighted we’ve crossed (running) paths....keep training and running well!

I’ve no questions...sorry!

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!

Applegirl26 wrote:

Thanks for the amazing questions Swashbuckler,

Thanks for the amazing answers. Really interesting to get a deeper insight into your work. Very tough job and I think most people don't realise just how tough it is. Don't know how you balance everything. 5 kids, that job and running. Pretty amazing to be honest.

eyrie wrote: »

Loving reading your answers so far L! Great thread.

My brain is drawing a blank for any running related questions that haven't been asked already so here's a few random ones instead:

1. What was your favourite subject in school?
2. Coffee or tea?
3. Favourite coffee/tea accompanying snack?
4. Five kids and a very demanding job - I imagine you must be the most patient and organised person ever. Are you?
5. You have an evening/night free and you're meeting up with friends (no lockdown) - favourite way to spend it?
6. If you could be any age again, what would you pick and why?

Thanks so much,

1. What was your favourite subject in school?

I loved English and would get straight As in it. A+ even sometimes. I can still remember how good it felt getting that grade. One day I got a test back and I'd been given a B+. I went to my teacher so upset, asking where I'd gone wrong. She reassured me I had done really well but all I could focus on was the marks I had lost.

I love poetry and would recite my favorite poems to myself over and over as I went to sleep at night I can clearly remember the day I discovered The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes. My most favorite poem. I rushed home from school absolutely bursting because I had to share it with someone! I sat my younger sibling down and made them listen to me recite the whole thing! The entire thing… :pac: all of it... :pac::pac:

In college I was always a little envious of the arts students studying English. I couldn't imagine a more perfect world than strolling around campus discussing Wuthering Heights with anyone who loved Heathcliff and Cathy Earnshaw as much as I did.


2. Coffee or tea?

It's got to be coffee. I drink way more than I should.


3. Favourite coffee/tea accompanying snack?

I love fig rolls, so I never buy them! They are so yummy and I can't eat just one. TBH one of the reasons I drink coffee is because I don't feel the need for a snack with it. If I'm drinking tea I always look for something. My husband always has the place full of biccies and now that he's working from home, the kettle seems to be constantly on :rolleyes: Ginger nuts are lovely and if I'm at home, I dunk them.



4. Five kids and a very demanding job - I imagine you must be the most patient and organised person ever. Are you?

People who know me have described me as that but honestly most of the time I feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants and I'm winging my entire way through this thing called life. I have learnt that panic spreads but if you can keep a cool head, you can get through anything. Not always easy though.

I like to plan. I'm usually working six months ahead like in January I start picking up the school uniforms and from June I start buying small gifts to hide away for Christmas. I like writing things down, setting reminders for myself. I have 3 calendars in the kitchen, each used for different things/family members.



5. You have an evening/night free and you're meeting up with friends (no lockdown) - favourite way to spend it?

Ok, I can give two answers to this. I'm very much a homebird and only go out for the night with friends a few times a year, like to celebrate someone's birthday. Normally we meet up for something to eat and drinks. It's not a proper night out if we don't make it on to the dancefloor somewhere :cool:

But my favorite way to spend an evening is something like when I stay with my brother and we go to a batting cage. I'm surrounded by guys. It's all I know…



6. If you could be any age again, what would you pick and why?

I had the best childhood and was totally happy in my own little universe until I was about 10. I also loved my twenties. On reflection they were both times in my life when I was living in the US. If I had to choose I'd pick my twenties as then I had my husband with me.


Thanks for the brilliant questions,

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?