Now the first of the Coopers to step forward for 60 seconds, possibly 60 seconds is not enough time for the rest of them! So just like George Harrison was the quiet Beatle, Emma is the quite Cooper.
Bio: 43 ( I know I look much younger!! ) from Santry, married with 3 kids, working as Occupational Therapist/Team Coordinator
When did you take up athletics? I took up athletics when I was 8/9 years old??followed my older brother down to Greenfield AC in Albert College Park to train with Mr Des Holmes ( absolute gentleman) on a 300m grass track . Loved it from the get go
When did you join Clonliffe Harriers? I joined Clonliffe ( before Joe might I add!!) when Green Field AC amalgamated with Clonliffe – think I may have been 14/15??
What’s your favourite training workout? when I was younger we used to a session called The Rise/Rises which is a road off Griffith Ave which we would tear up it and jog back to the start .. repeat 6/8 times. I also like track sessions when I’m niggle/ache free- which is rare these days
And your least favouite session? Not a great fan of long reps e.g. miles on grass – but needs must I suppose and great feeling of accomplishment when its done.
What’s your favourite race? love watching any of the Nationals Competitions (track and field / cross country /road relays)
What’s your most cherished moment in athletics? I am really proud of the fact that I am running /competing /enjoying my athletics after all these years . I am also proud of my 5km PB on the road (17.36min). From a team perspective, coming 3rd in National Cross country in 2013 was great. I was well down the field but I had a good run. it was great to be on the scoring team, particularly as I am not keen on x/c
What’s the worst injury you’ve had and how did you get over it? Pregnancy (am I allowed say that!!) oh to be a man!!! (We can skip the second part of that question so!) Other than 3 of those, I had small tear in the meniscus in my right knee which required surgery but came back from that after couple months. Lots of niggles these days (don’t say old age!!) which can make training consistently a little challenging.
What piece of advice would you give to a young up and coming athlete? Train consistently and smart , increase your training load gradually. It is great to be involved in the sport as you get older so don’t overdo it too young, listen to your body and your coach. Athletics can be a lonely sport so try get into a group/be part of your club. Clonliffe makes it more fun . Also, everyone cannot be a winner or go to Olympics. Being part of team and trying your best is just as important. Set your own realistic goals, try achieve those and then aim higher.
Any funny Clonliffe memories or story you’d like to share?: in recent years the post cake race celebrations have been great craic. Particularly remember the conga around Clonliffe bar .
What’s your favourite meal pre-race? usually have pasta/rice nothing specific. Gladys does a mean lasagne (haven’t tasted better).
Who’s your sporting hero? A Irish: Finnuala McCormack /Katie Taylor – great role models. B International: I really admire Laura Muir for her sheer guts.
You’re favourites? Film: Cinema Paradiso Book: Lovely Bones Song /Album : Big Damien Dempsey Fan – Canadian Geese..
And your favourite holiday destination? Vancouver or Melbourne – both great cities.
Hobby outside athletics? socialising/ a good boogie .. Netflix is that considered a hobby!!??
If you were Seb Coe what would you do to improve our sport? Tougher on drug cheats with longer bans . Increase profile of athletes so the public get to know their stories.
How would friends describe you? great at sleeping , energetic, good fun, irreverent
When it all gets back to normal what are your athletics goals? To get back training consistently and eating less chocolate !! Hopefully try to run a strong 10km/5km .
How are you staying motivated to continue training during these lockdown days? I am finding it hard to get any quality sessions/runs done, but using time to do loads of strength and conditioning stuff which hopefully will set me up well for when back to harder sessions/more running.
