Big Interview with Dooneen ACs Verena Tarpey

INTERVIEW with Verena Tarpey - Dooneen AC

How and when did you first begin running?

MY FIRST memory of running was competing in local Cairn-sponsored Community Games in primary school. I didn't just run, I enjoyed a mixture of events including long jump and relays. I used to practice down in the local GAA field.

I also represented my secondary school in cross country during my teenage years. I kept up my running during my twenties, but not in competition. I have medals from the Evening Herald Mini Marathon (as it was called then) from the 1980 when I lived in Dublin.

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Club Running 

I MOVED to Limerick in my late 20s and initially joined West Limerick AC before moving to Dooneen AC about 12 years ago. I've always enjoyed running with a club. When I began running with West Limerick AC, not as many women competed in events like cross country, so it was nice to try and encourage other women to form teams and take part.

Cross Country or Road

I LOVE running the cross country, it is one of my favourite events. The variety of venues is always interesting, to say the least!. You never know what to expect when you pull up at a meet - walking the course in wellies, navigating difficult terrains and conditions. Not to forget, the facilities.

I recall our team showering in a cowshed a number of years back!

I've run a lot of marathons over the years, but I prefer the shorter events nowadays, local 5k or 4-mile events are my favourite and club members make it very hospitable, serving teas and sandwiches.

Coach

I WOULDN'T describe myself as a coach, although I have coached and guided lots of athletes over the years at juvenile level and community games. I also enjoy helping out with Dooneen Fit4Life sessions, warming up athletes and encouraging members to take part in various events.

I admire so many female coaches in Dooneen, many of whom have been coaching for years.

Fit4Life is a great introduction to club running. There are athletes of abilities and ages. Our annual road race is in memory of the late Michal Rejmer, who began his running career with Tracey Roche's Fit4Life Group before moving to the senior group.

Reports

I LOVE writing reports for our club as PRO and highlighting successes of our juvenile, senior and masters athletes. I contributed to the Limerick Leader athletics report for many years, before handing the baton over to Karen and Alan.

Training Tip

I'M A great advocate of running within your heart rate zones. Keeping your recovery or longer, steady runs in lower HR zones.

It takes practice, but watches and technology nowadays makes it so much easier than it would have been some years back.