Name:

Jack Murphy

Member of Eagle AC since:

2019

How long have you been running and what made you take it up:

I started running in 2016 so that I could take part in the Killarney Adventure Race (Cycle/Kayak/Run). I quickly realised that running is a lot more fun than cycling!

Favourite thing about running:

I love the process of following a plan and seeing the progress over time – you get out what you put in. There are so many different goals to chase across all distances and surfaces.

Favourite race distance to run:

5km – breaking 20 minutes was my first real running goal. In particular, I always enjoy racing the Bweeng 5k (one of the fastest 5k routes in Ireland).

I’d like to try a 1500m or mile race someday too!

What is your main goal for this year:

Amsterdam Marathon in October. It will be my first marathon, so I will be happy just to finish in one piece!

Your best race/most memorable racing moment to date:

My best race was probably the Valentia Island Hardman Half Marathon on Easter Saturday this year – breaking 90 minutes on a challenging course, 15 minutes faster than I ran in the same race in 2019.

Even though I was on crutches for a few days after the race, it was definitely worth it!

Tell us something most people might not know about you:

I’m a bit of a running nerd. Most of my media consumption is watching running YouTube and races (from 100m on the track to ultra-marathons in the mountains) as well as listening to all sorts of running podcasts.

Biggest heroes (sporting or non-sporting):

My dad is a big inspiration. Despite being twice my age, he is undoubtedly fitter than me!

My favourite pro athlete is the ultra-marathon mountain runner Courtney Dauwalter – her laid back attitude to life and ability to endure the ‘pain cave’ is inspiring.

One bit of advice you would give to someone thinking of taking up running:

Build up slowly – there is no rush. I think that parkrun is the best way to get started – the community is so friendly and all abilities are welcome.

3 things you would take with you onto a desert island:

My trail runners to explore the island, a solar-powered Garmin watch to record it all, and a satellite phone so that I can get home to upload everything to Strava!