All going well, we will see DSD athletes Siofra Cléirigh Büttner and Georgie Hartigan at these times!
Following Síofra Cléirigh Büttner’s two scintillating performances over 800m (2:00.58 National Record) and 1500m (4:09.67), John Eves caught up with the National Record holder before she travelled from her US base in Boston to the European Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland this coming weekend (5 – 7 March)
“There are seven in my training group, Team New Balance Boston, six girls and one guy. We are coached by Mark Coogan, whose daughter is also on the team. Most of the team is focused on 5k, like Elinor Purrier who is a sub 15 5k runner, possibly close to 14:30 this year! Myself and Heather MacLean, with whom I do most of my training, are more 800/1500.
I really enjoy the training, but it is really hard and very strength-focused. The step up from school to college was big, but from training in college to training as a pro: it’s another massive jump. These PBs are the result of a consistent 2 years of hard work.”
“The team is really tight knit, we meet for training every day. We had been on a training camp in Flagstaff (Arizona) since the start of the year. I knew I was stronger and fitter than I have ever been, so I thought there was a good chance of running some PBs. Last year, without any races, made me realise how much I thrive off being in competition. I ran time trials with my team but couldn’t hit the times I thought I was capable of. My coach noticed this and I understand now I won’t necessarily produce big results in training time trials, but once I am fit, I’ll be able to make that step up in races, as the competition brings the best out of me.”
“It’s been interesting travelling across the country as different states have different rules regarding Covid. Where we live in Boston is probably one of the strictest places regarding masks and social distancing. Being in the airports was probably the most tricky situation to deal with as they are still very busy here, with lots of people travelling. We’ve had to take Covid tests before we fly and then the day before each of the races. Usually on the flights we wear two masks and most of the time you can sit far enough away from other people.”
“My coach and I think the three rounds at the Euros will really suit me as I am so fit and strong right now. I’m not sure of my travel plans just yet but hopefully I will get a couple of days in Dublin to relax before travelling to Poland. It’s been really nice to receive so many messages of support from people at home, I’m really looking forward to competing in the Euros.”
And we’re really looking forward to seeing Siofra and of course Georgie Hartigan representing our county on the European stage! DSD is behind ye!
John Eves,
London
Comments