Run Republic caught up with Raheny Shamrock runner, Michael Mcenery. A long time friend of Run Republic, Michael is the 4th runner in our weekly series of “The Finish Line” where we talk to club runners around the country. The goal of the series is to highlight the achievements of runners of all abilities around Ireland.
Name
Michael Mcenery
Club
Raheny shamrock
Age
43
Favourite Event
Love it all Short/ long / ultras 24h events
Running Level
Intermediate
How did your athletics journey begin?
It’s was a bet to run the Dublin Marathon in 2010. And I did 3:39, and lost 4 stone in the process. Then I did one a year till 2016 when my mother became ill with cancer. I decided to run from Dublin to Kerry in 3 days, in doing so I ran 42 marathons that year to build stamina plus 36. Miler, 40 miles 60 miles and 100 in a 24h event.
Which leads me to 32 in the year my mother died 2018. And more to follow in 2019 till I get 1200km in 2 weeks in memory of my mother.
What were the early challenges you faced? How did you over come them?
Fitness, and food intake
Do you use data for training? What wearable tech do you use?
Just a Garmin watch do really track progress
Run with how I feel. I do it the FRANK SINATRA WAY (My way )
What have been your biggest achievements to date? What are some of your PB’s?
3.31 - Marathon - This year
39min - 10K
18.36min - 5k
5.19min - mile
36h on the mountains in the Kerry way ultra 200km
What is your current goal?
Reach 100marathons by March/April
Followed by my 1200km project
Then reduce all my times inc sub 3 marathons some time soon. I am really happy with my progress.
Not many I have been told are short distances runners
That can tackle ultra distances aswell
That’s why I am lucky at my running
What would you do differently if you had to start again?
Nothing I am so happy the way I have do It
It’s my path that’s what counts to everyone
So what they feel comfortable.
I find some to be arrogant in the way the come across
And bully other runners and it actually put some from starting altogether.
What’s the next event you've planned?
8 more marathons by March
1 this Saturday
1200km
What advice would you give the readers of Run Republic?
Do it your way find a plan that works for you. If it’s just to go out and keep fit join the park runs with like minded people or if it’s time or competition join a club
Quick Fire Questions
What is your favourite song?
Dubliners
What is your favourite movie?
Shaw shank redemption
What is your favourite TV Show?
Big bang theory
What is your favourite food?
Omelettes
Who is your sporting idol?
Pats Spillane
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not training?
Reading, scuba diving