Running Matters - One:2:One with Mary Stuart
By Martin Lyons - martinlyons87@gmail.com
This week I’m interviewing a local runner who started out with Maurice Lobby’s group in 2015 and later switched to the Mullingar Harriers. Mary Stuart has grown to love running and competing and along with the structured training she is doing, she has knocked off a series of personal best times.
Having already run six marathons, getting quicker in each one, and with four more in her sights, Mary is making up for lost time and her competitive spirit is plain for all to see.
Name: Mary Stuart
DOB: 10.05.1965
When did you start running and what motivated you take it up?
I was a latecomer to running. Even though I ran in my teens, that all stopped when I went to college and my social life took over.
I didn’t really get back into running until 2014 when I started running with some friends.
My motivation to take up running was to get fit and have a focus outside of work and family life. I started off with 5k runs every morning before going to work.
I ran with my friend Louise and before long we had joined the Maurice Looby Running group in 2015. I haven’t looked back since and It started my love of running, as a group session.
During that year I started running 10ks, half marathons and also trained for my first marathon. I loved the training for the marathon, the friendships formed, as well as the laughs and chats that we had on our runs.
In 2019 I joined Mullingar Harriers and this was also a whole new experience. I started following a weekly training programme which included long runs, speed and tempo running. Very quickly I could see an improvement in my running.
I have now completed six marathons and my best marathon was the Dublin City Virtual marathon in 2020, which I ran in Mullingar during the lockdown.
I was delighted with my time of 3:44, in my sixth marathon.
It was one of my most enjoyable running achievements to date.
What is your favourite and least favourite type of training and your favourite race distance?
My favourite training is tempo running on Saturday mornings.
I get up early and run my tempo.
It’s a great start to the weekend.
My least favourite type of training is speed sessions after a long day at work, but having said that, I now rarely miss a speed session.
I can see the benefits of regular training sessions incorporating speed.
My favourite distance is 10 miles.
I run 10 miles three or four days a week.
I follow the Mullingar Harriers programme of running 5 days a week, with 2 speed sessions.
What running achievements are you most proud of and why?
I most proud of the marathons I have run. In total, I have run six Dublin City marathons and I have had PBs each year, as follows:
2015 3.55
2016 3.52
2017 3.49
2018 3.47
2019 3.45
2020 3.44
Every year I book all my races and plan my year around it. Since 2019 that has changed. I miss preparing for races and travelling to different locations.
List your current PBs for the following distances:
1 Mile: 6.39 – 19/08/20, Athletics Ireland 1 mile Challenge.
5k: 21.25 – 21/02/20, Mullingar Harriers Medley League Round 2.
10k: 44.07 – 06/06/20 , Mullingar Harriers Socially Distanced League.
10 Mile: 1.17 – 02/02/20, Trim
Half marathon: 1.41 – 19/09/20, Mullingar.
Full marathon: 3.44 – 24/10/20, Mullingar Dublin City Virtual marathon.
How have the Covid-19 restrictions affected Your training or racing?
I still run five days a week on my own.
I love exploring new and interesting routes around Mullingar.
We are so lucky in Westmeath with being able to run along the canal, the greenway and the Belvedere trails, but I do really look forward to group running and travelling to races around the country again.
What advice or training tips would you give to anyone who is now looking to take up running?
I would recommend to start running in any way you can and then work to gradually improve upon it. Joining up to a club like the Mullingar Harriers gives you the benefit of running using a structured training programme and making great friends.
There are also excellent running resources online that anyone can avail of.
I would encourage everyone to give running a go.
I think it is so beneficial to both your mental and physical health.
What are your lifetime goals and/or PB?
1 Mile: PB 6:39 / goal 6:25
5k: PB 21:25 / goal sub 20mins
10k: PB 44:07 / goal sub 43mins
10 Mile: PB 1:17 / goal 1.15
Half marathon: PB 1:41 / goal sub 1:40
Full marathon: PB 3:44 / goal 3.40
What are your lifetime and/or PBs?
I would like to run a marathon in another country. I have entered the London marathon lottery each of the last five years, but have never been successful.
I had also intended running the New York marathon in 2021, but Covid-19 put a stop to that!
I want to do 10 marathons before I am 60. I have completed six and I have four more to complete.
I also play golf, which I really enjoy. It can be difficult some times to find time for both sports.
I also enjoy walking and do a lot of walking when on holiday. We had planned doing the Camino de Santiago last year, but that all fell apart due the restrictions.
What is your favourite post race meal?
Vegetarian Pasta is probably my favourite dish post race.