A recent convert to the world of running, she’s joined the Dubs and not looked back since! Meet Stacey!

Why did you start running?
I was a fan of athletics in school- mainly 100m/200m. But I never really got into cross country or even running out on the road, I just didn’t see the appeal, and couldn’t imagine anything worse than going out for a run on Christmas morning! When I met my boyfriend – a big running fan, he suggested I give it a go. I haven’t looked back since and I’m now eating my words, having done parkrun for the last 2 years.

What is a typical training week for you?
I injured myself in February, so I have been getting over that and not training much lately. Prior to that, my typical week would have been the Dubs sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday evening, parkrun on a Saturday morning and if I were up to it a leisurely run on a Sunday.

What is your favourite Dub training session?
I’m a big fan of the speed sessions we do on a Tuesday evening at the Mary Peters Track. Feels good to get the heart rate going and get a good sweat on!

Determined and cruising to the finish line – Stacey at the Dundrum GR8 race!

What has been your favourite race(s) to take part in?
Belfast Half Marathon, even though it rained from start to finish! It was my first half marathon and the furthest distance I had ever ran up until that point. I didn’t really know what to expect but I loved it. Any nerves I had disappeared when I spotted Kathy and Julia at the starting line. I was absolutely buzzing when I was crossed the finish line and felt a real sense of achievement.

What are you running goals?
To build up my fitness again and hopefully remain injury free. And of course, to be in that 1% of the world’s population to complete a marathon!

Tell us something random about yourself that people might not know!
I was a fully qualified hairdresser before I fell into the black hole of Insurance. It hasn’t been any benefit at all to me during lockdown though.. I’m almost a full-blown brunette again!