Aaron Donnelly is a recent recruit to DSD and after some good success at U19 and U20 he now looks to transition to the DSD Senior ranks. Today Aaron shares his thoughts:
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1. When and why did you join DSD AC?
I joined in 2016 when I moved from Kilkenny with my family because I wanted to a run on a team with James Maguire
2. What was your best event and what event did you like best
I’ve probably had most success in the steeplechase but after running the 3k in the indoors I think that would have to be my favourite event
3. What is your favourite training workout?
I love a good 4 or 6 mile tempo when you’re just cruising along
4. And your least favourite?
Unlike most distance runners I don’t mind the shorter, faster workouts on the track. It’s the kilometre repeats on the hills in Marlay that get to me
5. What is your most cherished or proudest moment in your athletics career?
It would probably be between winning the Tailteann games or winning the All Ireland Senior Schools Steeplechase and u19 club All Ireland Steeplechase in the same year
6. What is your most loved athletics sporting moment of all time ?
Jakob Ingebrigsten winning the European 1500m and then going out to win the 5000m the next day at 17 years old
7. What is/was your favourite race / athletics meet to take part in?
When I ran with my last club, St.Senans, I always enjoyed the Leinster cross country (without having much success). At the time my age group had some of the best guys in the country and usually if you were top 5 in Leinster, you’d be top 8 at nationals. Our club team was fairly successful in Leinster and us getting the better of KCH in the later years made it all the more enjoyable
8. What was your worst injury – and how did you get over it?
I’ve had a few injuries since moving to DSD but my knee injury from this year would have to be the worst, mainly because I felt I was the fittest I’ve been at that time of year and I was optimistically looking forward to the season in front of me. But unfortunately I only got to race once.
9. What do/did you eat before a race and how long before did/do you eat?
I’m a bit obsessed with what I eat and on top of that I’m superstitious. When I was younger I’d eat a chicken fillet roll on the bus to every race (far from ideal). But now I stick to porridge in the morning with a banana and peanut butter followed by peanut butter and jam on toast and of course a coffee or two. I’d only eat again about two hours before the race and that would usually be a cereal bar.
10. If you could have dinner with 3 sporting personalities past or present who would you pick
Harry Redknapp, AP McCoy and you have to pick Alberto Salazar
11. What is your next running / athletics goal?
In the short term I really did want a good track season and run some fast times. But in the long term I’d like to make an Irish team for either Eurocross or track
12. How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times?
It’s very difficult but having a set training plan is helpful, along with stalking other runner’s Stravas
13. What piece of advice would you give an aspiring athlete?
I feel like I’m still an aspiring athlete but in your younger years keep playing your other sports (running helped me with hurling) because you can end up having little team experience and depending on your club, running can be an individual sport
14. Do you have any memorable or funny story from DSD that you could share?
My second day of training with DSD, Mark Molloy turned up with two red setters. I did start to wonder what sort of club I’d joined
15. Can you share an old picture from your running days
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