A/R/TIST in the Spotlight - healy1835

1. Kildare GAA, what’s gone wrong?

Jaysus, I don't want to totally derail this thread this early on by going too in depth here. We were there or thereabouts under McGeeney but have regressed since. I think the players are there to be an annual Super 8 team, but they haven't shown any consistency. Cian Ó Néill, RTÉ Six One appearances aside, was quite a poor manager in my opinion, and not much of an improvement on Jason Ryan. Early days with Jack O'Connor, but I remain hopeful. That's the abridged version anyway B

2. Favourite session?

I like a good 400's session on the track when you get a nice rhythm going. But it's the longer tempos that would be the favourite. 5,6,8,10 mile tempos. I just enjoy them, dialling in a pace and taking them on.

3. How come you ignored me at the South Dublin 10k last year?
I would dispute that version of events. If I didn't see you in the first place I couldn't have ignored you. You were actually the first person from Boards who I met in the real world that day in Mullingar when I arranged to meet up with a chap by the name of Tang

4. Best running shoe you’ve owned?

I love the Nike Zoom Streak 6's. My favourite shoes that I use for a lot of my sessions. It's strange that the Streak 7's are so hard to get hold of over this side of the world, another sign of the carbon plated times we live in I suppose, but I'm hoping to pick a pair up in the next little while.

Honorable mention to the Brooks St 5 racers that I wore the day I popped my sub 3 cherry

5. Strongest character trait?

I'd like to think I'm pretty level headed. I tend not to get too fazed by things, whether situations are good or bad. This has helped me in my career and my running so far.

6. One race to right a wrong, which one & why?

Berlin has been mentioned above, but there is a kernel of doubt in the back of my mind that I've never ran a good race overseas. I've done Berlin '17 and Rotterdam' 18 and it's fair to say they were big disappointments. I was hoping that Manchester would put that to bed and then drive it home in Amsterdam in October. Will just have to put that on hold.

7. Sport of choice as a youngster?

Soccer & Pitch and Putt. Played Harding and Collingwood Cup for NUI Maynooth and was a scratch Pitch and Putt player.

8. Favourite public house & why?

Flanagans in Newbridge. Been the local since I was, ahem, sixteen. Great spot to watch a match, listen to music, go for a quiet pint, go for a noisy pint, pre match pint, post match pint and, on occasion, a half time pint, such is it's proximity to Conleths Park

9. Best player you’ve seen don the white of Kildare?

Niall Buckley. Not even close. A magnificent player who was lost to the inter county game before he was 30, when he emigrated to the US. A rare breed of vision, fielding and scoring that you rarely see in a midfielder.

10. Pet hate, what annoys you the most?

People who aren't genuine. Who you always suspect are talking to you until someone more interesting comes along. Can't stand that trait in people.

One more before I hit the hay. Yesterday's beers are catching up with me big time...

1. Man United 2008 v Man United 1999?

Who's my favourite child!? I think the 2008 team were better. Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Vidic, and so on. But the 1999 would have to be the more loved team. That 4 in midfield, Beckham, Scholes, Keane, Giggs. Doesn't get any better than that.

Both teams should have won more than the one European Cup though. A few infuriating exits for both teams; Leverkusen, Dortmund, Pórtó, Munich, Madrid...

2. Would you have qualified for Berlin if your spring marathon wasn't cancelled?

I'd like to think I might have gotten there by Amsterdam. May have been a bit of a stretch for Manchester. Was planning on going out at 2:48 pace there, so even if I had a great day and a negative split, 2:44:xx probably wasn't gonna happen.

3. Present company excluded obviously. Favourite man United player.

Roy Keane. It's a little unfortunate that he's become a bit of a caricature these days as a pundit, but he was a force of nature on the pitch. Very underrated footballer who was a brilliant passer of the ball. Just a brilliant, brilliant player.

Also a big Ruud van Nistelrooy fan. Thought he got a raw deal by the end, but Utd had put all their chips on Ronaldo and he didn't fit into that plan. Hands down the best striker I've seen play for United.

4. Biggest influence on your running.

My mate who looks after my training plans. I basically owe my entire running career to him. He'd be an invaluable source of information, advice and knowledge and I'm very lucky to have that.

TBC...

Hey there Healy, we don't actually "know" one another but I certainly enjoy reading and following your log so I thought I'd shoot a few general questions your way...:)

1) What do you miss most about the pre-internet/social media age?

2) Judging by the questions that have already been sent your way, you appear to be one of many GAA followers on the A/R forum.It's a sport that's never interested me in the slightest. What's the appeal? 

3) So, a Utd. supporter eh? Which ex-Utd player do you think delivers the best pre/post-match analysis?

4) Another Red Devils question. What's your earliest memory of supporting Man Utd?

5) Do any of your close friends/family share your love for running?

6) Is there any aspect of your running that you would like to change? 

7) Do you play any musical instruments? If not, is there one that you'd like to learn?

8) I see you are a Stephen King fan (I've not read any of his books since he released Needful Things). Are there any movie adaptations of his books that you would consider to be 'stinkers'?

9) Do you think you would be a different runner without the A/R forum?

10) Favourite way to travel?

1) What do you miss most about the pre-internet/social media age?

That's a good one. I'll preface my answer by saying that while I do miss some aspects, I do try to embrace new technologies as much as possible and the Internet, for all it's shortcomings is an amazing tool to have.

Whilst I embrace platforms like podcasts and online media sites, I do miss not being constantly 'tuned in' or 'connected'. Getting a newspaper in the morning and being properly taken aback by what you read, or seeing a trailer for a film when you are at the cinema and being excited as you never knew it was coming out at all...'THERE'S A BACK TO THE FUTURE III?'.

2) Judging by the questions that have already been sent your way, you appear to be one of many GAA followers on the A/R forum.It's a sport that's never interested me in the slightest. What's the appeal?

I'd be an equal opportunities type of sports fan! Outside of horse racing there's probably not another sport I wouldn't follow with interest. I suppose GAA is unique in that it's the only sport(s) that you know you are getting the best possible version of that sport. Soccer, Rugby etc they're all done better in different parts of the world, but with GAA it's ours. Add in the unique quirk of its amateur status, historical significance, importance to local communities and you have something to be proud of I reckon. And there's not a greater sporting spectacle than a top class game of hurling.

3) So, a Utd. supporter eh? Which ex-Utd player do you think delivers the best pre/post-match analysis?

I'd say Gary Nev, but himself and Carragher seem to be believing their own hype and are disappearing up their own backsides lately. Neville is very good on co-comms though. The rest are all the same shade of bland aren't they? Scholes, Rio, Hargreaves, Michael bloody Owen... You wouldn't be going out of your way to listen to them. Second Captains would be my preferred source for some football talk...

4) Another Red Devils question. What's your earliest memory of supporting Man Utd?

Probably the 90 Cup final when they drew 3-3 with Palace. I've jerseys from earlier than that, but that's a vivid memory. Was a big Paul Ince fan in those days broke my heart when he came back to that other shower...

5) Do any of your close friends/family share your love for running?
Nope! They're all enthusiastic but none have gotten the bug. Saying that, I've made some really close friends in running since I started, but none of my pre 2015 mates has taken the plunge.

6) Is there any aspect of your running that you would like to change?

Eh, would like to get more sleep. If I read one more article espousing the benefits of sleep to your performance I'm going to scream. That's where my big gains are gonna come from I reckon, when I finally get the opportunity to get a consistent night's sleep.

7) Do you play any musical instruments? If not, is there one that you'd like to learn?

No and no! My dad was professional musician, a trumpet player and my sister is a piano teacher. Those genes skipped me and I'm not too bothered going to gigs is about as musical as I'll ever get I think.

8) I see you are a Stephen King fan (I've not read any of his books since he released Needful Things). Are there any movie adaptations of his books that you would consider to be 'stinkers'?

Oh god, I could derail this thread if I start into this. The Dark Tower movie with Idiris Elba and Matthew McConaughey from a couple of years back was maybe to biggest movie disappointment of my life. The whole project went from a planed 3 Movie PLUS a concurrent 4 season TV series which focuses on the main character, Roland's younger years and how he became a Gunslinger..... To a 90 mins long piece of crap, that changed directors and scriptwriters a few times and was so bad that it destroyed any chance of the series or other movies being made.

9) Do you think you would be a different runner without the A/R forum?

Absolutley. I've gained a huge amount of knowledge and information on the sight. Plus it just makes things more enjoyable when you can chat about shared interests with a diverse group of Internet Friends

10) Favourite way to travel?

I like to run into work as much as possible. New shower installed in the workplace recently so will try to get a few more commutes in.

How long after DCM '15 until you joined your club? How did it come about?

January 2019! I suppose I never felt under too much pressure as I had my training sorted out and a couple of regular training partners. But by osmosis I just crossed paths with people from the club a good bit at races etc and I also wanted my own kids to join the AC when they were old enough so I said I may make the effort and get involved. I enjoy running for the club even if I've been poor enough at representing the club at County races etc. Whilst I did score for the team in the national marathon championships last year I definitely plan to run a few more races when they come back. Might even dip the toe into XC.

I don't ever remember you getting injured how much S&C do you add to your training?

Next question please. My lack of injuries has had nothing to do with S&C. I keep telling myself I'm going to do some....but it's still to happen.

Favourite place to run?

Would have to be the Curragh. Between the plains and the local roads its a fantastic spot to run. I love running in the Phoenix Park and on the Clontarf sea front as well though.

Cross country?

I'm aware of its existence I suppose, like a few others, I'm usually deep in marathon training when the club events take place and whilst I know one or two guys (Duanington being a great example from these parts who ran a 36min 10k PB in a bloody XC race a couple of years back ) who do successfully combine them both, I don't really think they're compatable if you want to nail the marathon. Hopefully will get a chance to do some this autumn fingers crossed.

Magic cure for Covid 19 suddenly announced. What would you like to be your first comeback race and why?

Well I think I'd just jump jn a 5k race because it would most likely be stacked with everyone looking to race again and I would hopefully break 17 mins, thus ending my 5k career.

Advice for someone going for their first marathon?

Enjoy the whole process and really immerse yourself in the build up. For me DCM was and is the perfect debut marathon. I love the momentum that the race series gives you and despite the naysayers I think it's an excellently organised race. I still have great memories of rocking up to the Frank Duffy in 2015, handheld bottle in tow, and really being taken in by the whole atmosphere and occasion.

Will I ever beat you in a race?

Well we have a fairly small sample size to go from you weren't at full tilt for the Jingle Bells. If you were, we might have got each other under the 17 mins! I await your transition to the longer stuff with interest

(1) Last running injury?

Tweaked a piriformis during the Enniscorthy 10k in 2017...that's been it really. Just been pretty lucky thus far.

(2) Some of your training paces always seem to be 'faster' than people of similar abilities - do you ever 2nd guess your coach?

Well I suppose I've tried to work on that the last 18 months or so. I think I know where you're coming from but it was more of a case of a few stupid sessions here and there rather than a prolonged pattern. I'm more disciplined now.

As regards 2nd guessing the coach, not really. He tweaks things depending on the times and feedback coming back to him, it's not like the 16 weeks of a Marathon block are laid out from week 1. I know you wouldn't be comfortable working like that, but it suits me. All I ask for is an outline with races and LR sessions so I can plan around them. Other than that I don't need to know too far ahead into the plan

(3) Supplemental work???

Does walking the dog count?

(4) Whats your best (not the same as favourite) distance now?

That's a good one. I'm gonna say the marathon, even though I think I haven't shown close to my potential there yet. I loved planning and then executing the race in Dublin last year. That feeling of being in control and the ability to kick on right on queue was very satisfying. It was of course a little on the conservative side of things and that is something I need to figure out. A lot of my best races have involved conservative starts and negative splits, but at the same time I feel like these tactics might be holding me back a little. I don't know...

(5) Are your 'workmates' aware of your log?

Not at all. Or maybe they read every word of it!

(6) Would they be surprised by the 'J.Healy' they see in the log vrs real life - given your profession.

Yeah they probably would. Whilst I'm not some tyrant, I do have social boundaries in place in work. It just makes decision making a lot more straight forward and less complicated. (I'm a primary school principal for those wondering )

(7) Saipan - Mick or Roy?

I'm surprised you asked... But I can see both sides of it. It was just a pity for all concerned that it happened. That was a soft World Cup, and we were a decent side.

(8) Had we of ran Manchester - who would have won - would you have let me pee on the walls of OT?

I think we would have made good partners for each other, maybe crossing the finish line together in or around 2:48 although I'm not sure when we'll get the chance again as you'll most likely be swanning off to Berlin, Fast Runner status in the back pocket.
As regards peeing on the walls of OT, let he who is without sin cast the first stone...

1. Why do you hate the 5k?

It's probably a mental block more than anything. Had a couple of poor ones starting out and just sort of avoided them after that. Might come around in years to come but for now they can keep

2. Favorite tempo shoe?
3. Favourite fast session shoe?

Zoom streak for both! But to be fair, if I have a big, target session coming up I'll throw on the 4%'s. As much for recovery afterwards as anything else.

4. Favourite easy show?

The US Office or Parks and Rec. Could watch a good few episodes back to back without spending too much energy... Oh, easy shoe you mean? Epic Reacts

5. Favourite movie genres and film?

Like most genres to be fair. Comic book movies and Sci fi would probably be top of the list. Thor Ragnarok and Serenity would be a good example of each


6. What car do you drive?

Skoda Octavia. On it's last legs, hopefully will pick up a Kodiaq before the next NCT is due.


7. Best thing about lockdown?

Not much I have to say. I have managed to paint fences, walls and decking in the back garden I suppose.


8. What do you think you'll max out at in weekly mileage terms?do you think you're at your sweet spot?

Yeah I think I could get 140k in if sleep was better and children were older. Looking at getting a treadmill when all of this crap is over to possibly supplement my current mileage.

9. Do you enjoy regular pints or are you sensible?

Not really. When I do get out I enjoy them though. I could easily go a couple of months without, but if I'm out, I'm out

10. Guilty pleasure when it comes to food/drink?

I love Guinness, but I'm limited to post marathon race day pints and Christmas pints. Let's just say those creamy pints are not with out some collateral damage...
Indian food/kebabs.

11. Favourite restaurant?

Jaipore Indian restaurant in Newbridge. An institution around these parts

12. Have you read krustys log from start to finish?

No, but I've come across many informative posts by him in the Sub 3 and Sub 2:50 threads.

13. First Boardsie you would look to for running advice.

AMK has helped me out a few times on various things. OOnegative as well. And as I've said, TbL played his part in cajoling me to give Limerick a rattle after Rotterdam disappointment.

Not sure what vintage your dad is but he wasn't involved in the Showband era by any chance was he?

He certainly was. He was a member of the Army Band but he took a couple of years out and toured around the UK in the late 60's on the showband circuit. He was definitely in the Royal Showband, and one or two others. Toured with the Monkees too

healy1835 wrote: »

Not sure what vintage your dad is but he wasn't involved in the Showband era by any chance was he?

He certainly was. He was a member of the Army Band but he took a couple of years out and toured around the UK in the late 60's on the showband circuit. He was definitely in the Royal Showband, and one or two others. Toured with the Monkees too

Wow, that's gas!

My own dad was a singer in a band called The Altonaires during the 60's.

He would have been very familiar with a lot of others on the scene at the time, especially the household names like Sonny Knowles/Dickie Rock/Brendan Bowyer/Red Hurley etc.

Still singing away, never lost it.

djemba djemba wrote: »

Have you read his latest book Range.

Also excellent podcast with him here https://open.spotify.com/episode/10XlXGhc5wa98LjMSQ0tGe?si=0qieMdxrTyS5LgwE05O9sQ

Santa brought that at Christmas and it's still sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read... Will pull it down tonight I think he's very listenable as well alright.

Some cracking answers so far!! Kodiaq is a cracker of a car, nice choice....

I've actually said that I'm going to change the last 2 years and haven't, but I'm hopeful of actually doing it in the new year. Having said that, our family car (my wife's) is a nice 7 seater, I don't have a commute to speak of, and I'm not overly bothered what I drive so... Watch this space

1. Has running ever felt like more of a chore then a hobby? On a JRE podcast someone explained it perfectly, finding the fine line between getting enjoyment out of training vs it feeling like another job.

Definitely doesn't feel like another job, if it did I prob wouldn't be here. Sometimes the slower, recovery stuff can feel a bit of a chore, especially in the middle of a tough block. But I suppose to quote a t shirt slogan of another popular podcast, it's all about trusting the process.

2. Podcast of choice? (if applicable)

Just looking at the order of my Pocketcasts launch screen. I'll give you the first 10...

Second Captains,
Bill Simmons Podcast,
Runner Beans Podcast,
GAA Hour,
Stephen Scullion Podcast,
The Rewatchables,
Binge Mode,
Empire Film Podcast
United We Stand Podcast
Ariel Helwani MMA Show

3. Do you prefer to run with people/group's ? I know you and AMK had your little lovers getaway in the PP previously , is this something you find beneficial for the longer sessions?

I love running with people, especially big sessions like that 20 Miler with AMK. A big bug bear of mine is when people in AC's don't train together and cliques and strange group dynamics come into play.

4. Post long run/session treat of choice?

Coca Cola.

5. Tea or coffee?

Neither. I'm a really awkward house guest.

Where did you train? And when did you graduate?

Trained in the University of Dundee and graduated in 2005.

How long were you teaching before you became a principal?

10 years.

Is it a position you saw yourself in when you started teaching?

Eh not especially. I just wanted to teach and have a class of my own. Only after a few years and a few posts of responsibility etc did I start seeing the bigger picture. I think that's a more preferable route tbh. I loved teaching and had an absolute ball in the classroom. I've seen too many people get top jobs whom I wondered had they ever taught in a classroom, or did they recall why it was they got into the profession in the first place. I'm a teacher first, and a principal second, and it should always be the case.

Did you teach in your school before you became principal? If not, how did you find coming in as an outsider?

No I didn't, parachuted in from outside. I was however coming home as I'd been teaching my whole career in Dublin whilst living in Newbridge, so I had a fair idea of the catchment area etc. Having a clean break from intra staff politics and all the baggage that came with spending a decade plus in the one school was refreshing I have to say.

Not so much teaching related, but did you ever take part in the INTO 5-a-side soccer tournament? If you did, how did your team fare?

I played soccer every week with a load of lads that would have gone down every year. I often threatened to go down, but never made it. The stories I would have heard were the stuff of legend. Not many 5 a-side related mind you. I think the lads won it at least once, there would have been a lot of handy players in that group.

Lastly, does the 1835 in your username have any significant meaning?

None! It's my parent's house number at home. I think I came on to Boards about 12/13 years ago either looking to swap Man United tickets or for Oxegen festival info! Little did I know...

Thanks for those Zico. I know you've mentioned that you're a teacher as well, and from reading your log in the build up to DCM a couple of years back you put in a seriously disciplined shift and deserved the amazing time you achieved.

Do you take any supplements like iron or vitamins?

Outside of a Berocca with the morning porridge, none.

Whats the diet like in general?

At the moment horrendous. Trying to settle it down, but when you're at home all day and making food for kids, it can get a little dicey. I'm also a terrible man for sugary drinks. But when I'm in a Marathon block I'm pretty disciplined. I'm about 8/9 lbs over my marathon race weight at the moment and it's pretty much all on my belly. Gonna try and shed a bit over the next month or so. But if a race is announced I can switch into healthy eating mode pretty seamlessly.

Maybe it was asked already but when you played football what position did you play?

Nope it hasn't. Depended on how good the team was. Usually Centre back or sweeper on teams at home, but on the Maynooth team that got to a couple of All Ireland finals in my time, I snuck in at left full on those and was just about keeping my head above water!

Comic Book Guy wrote: »

Don't forget my questions from previous page!

****! Will get onto those later trying to gather the wherewithal to head out for a session here....

1. What was your favourite computer game as a youngster and what is your current favourite?

Was always a Pro Evo man, or International Superstar Soccer in it's early SNES incarnation. Tiger Woods was good back in the day too. Loved all the GTA games, God of War series, Mario Kart.... Current favourite? Don't really have time to sit down and do any games justice nowadays.

I bought Red Dead Redemption 2 last year, played it twice, then ended up trading it in for Super Mario Maker 2 on the Switch for my eldest fella I think the last game I completed was The Last of Us, so will hopefully pick the sequel and actually get to play it in a couple of weeks.

2. All time favourite moment as a Kildare GAA fan?

Has to be Brian Murphy's goal against Meath in 1998 leinster final. Sadly it wasn't eclipsed bybl an All Ireland that year but it was a great moment.

3. What motivates you to run and train?

Just the enjoyment and the challenge of it all really. I love setting goals, re-evaluating and then going again. Have met a lot of sound heads as well since I started.

4. Are you good at recognising when the needle is right on the verge of the red zone in race situation while staying in control?

Sort of. I had one bad DNF last year in the Frank Duffy when I just threw in the towel, but in hindsight it was the best thing to happen to me as I learned a big lesson that day. Have had my best results when I've gone out a little conservatively and then finished strong, but as my times come down and my targets get loftier, I worry that this approach will only get me so far. I don't know.

5. In a reverse Larry Tompkins & Shay Fahey situation, what 2 current players would you welcome into the current Kildare senior team?

To be fair, Shay Fahy was transferred down there with the Defence Forces, Larry Tompkins was bought a pub! Two huge losses. Today, you'd take David Clifford wouldn't you and sure we'll throw in Jack McCaffrey too. Both would probably get their place...


6. What do you think was the single biggest eureka moment you had that improved your race performances the most?

I'm guilty sometimes of thinking I'm going to make some dramatic breakthrough in a race, massive PB etc. Now I'm not saying that's never going to happen, but before DCM, my buddy/coach just said to me 'You know Johnny, you don't need a massive breakthrough to run a big race. You run a confident, solid race and the time will look after itself...' and he was right.

7. Paul Pogba. The emperor with no clothes or not?

*sighs* I'm fed up going to bat for that guy. I've defended him a lot since he came, but it's time to **** or get off the pot now. All the talent in the world but he's infuriating at times. I'd prob be of the opinion now that we should cash in on him.

8. Should Glen Ryan have started the 1998 All Ireland final?

The question should have been about Niall Buckley. He had missed the semi final and wasn't really fit at all for the Galway game. Such was his importance they couldn't do without him, but he was no where near fit on the day. Glen wasn't 100% but was he ever? watched game again recently and he actually had a good first half on Ja Fallon. But the second half... One of the great All Ireland final displays. Phenomenal performance by Fallon.

9. Your favourite marathon training plan?

Well I've never used a specific plan so I can't really answer. Looking at the various plans on other logs, I'd say the Jack Daniels 2Q one would probably suit me best, but I've never looked at them with a view to actually using one.

10. Ole as manager. A lucky tactically naive Yes man or Long Term strategist with a plan in place?

His place in United Lore is safe and sound, but I think he's way out of his depth. But the problems at United are far more in grained than just the manager.