Eagle AC Member Profile
Name: Siobhan Holland
Member of Eagle AC since: May 2019 ( since Derek persuaded me to join the friendliest club in Ireland!!)
How long have you been running? What made you take it up?: I started off running way back in 2001 when I first started working in Novartis and completed the annual 5km there and finished in last position just ahead of the ambulance!
Favourite thing about running: Headspace for me from home life and the friendly banter we have on our weekly runs or training sessions, love the people I meet through the club and the many races I have been to over the last 20 years
Favourite race distance to run: Oh definitely the marathon and longer, I find the short races are tougher as I'm not getting any younger and love the challenge of the longer races. Definitely trying an ultra when the races come back.
What is your main goal for this year: To maintain my fitness and I do feel like I am in the best shape I have ever been in and am enjoying every minute of getting out whether it's with the club or family. Don't think there will be any races this year but I'm doing another virtual marathon in December so I'm excited to have that to look forward to
Your best race/most memorable racing moment to date: Oh it would have to be the marathon over in New York in 2018 - I travelled over on my own as I had to leave my husband at home to mind the kids and I was actually very proud of myself for travelling on my own and finding my way around the city. It was an exciting challenge getting to the start line but as I ran over the first bridge that takes you into Manhattan I got a thrill and couldn't believe I was lucky enough to be there.
Tell us something most people might not know about you: Do people know that I have 5 kids? Well I did manage to go to Rome back in 2006 for my sisters wedding and ran the Rome marathon the day before her wedding! It was a bit mad as I had to get up early the next morning to bring her to get her hair done for her big day and had to pretend that I wasn't a bit tired. I had to wear heels for the entire day too!
Biggest heroes (sporting or non-sporting):It has to be Sonia O Sullivan, I get excited everytime I see her lately out running the paths around Blackrock and did manage to pass her early on in the Cobh 10 miler only for her to pass me coming into the home straight. Will treasure the picture that was taken with me trailing in after her!
One bit of advice you would give to someone thinking of taking up running: Stick with it and even if its a slow jog or a fast walk it is a great way to clear the head and meet new people
3 things you would take with you onto a desert island: My runners, a good book to pass away the time and I couldn't think of a third thing so my daughter said a knife would be handy for cutting down trees and finding food so I'll go with that:)
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