Early stages continued… 2003: Moving to the “big smoke” for University and how my ideas of fitness reached a new level

I moved into campus accommodation in Dublin City University on a last minute cancellation so I had no idea who my new flat mate would be… It was Fionnuala Britton - national and international elite runner who represented Ireland in Beijing Olympics 2008. On first meeting the very first thing I noticed about this girl is how incredibly thin, small and very fit looking she was. She was such a lovely and friendly but fairly quite reserved girl. The first morning I got into my usual baggy tracksuit bottoms and jumper for my morning jog. I was surprised to see Fionnuala emerge from her bedroom in the very early hours also - but kitted up as a REAL runner-type and ready for a “jog”… I thought. Later that evening we were chatting. I told her I jogged everyday and she simply said that she is a runner… but not to what extent. Of course it only took a few days for me to learn that her whole life literally evolved around running and competing at a very high level. She told me about the DCU athletic club weekly training (running and circuit training) which encouraged all standards. I joined the Athletics club, media societies and the badminton club at the “Clubs & Societies” days. I had played badminton in school and it was a team sport that I really enjoyed so no harm in trying again.

From training with the bunch of DCU elite athletes on their weekly runs (Of course I stayed with the non-elites of my own level and jogging standard), I got my first taste of what running really was. The elites completed rigorous speed and fartlek sessions in the sports field while a group of us more normal runners ran repeat laps around the field chatting as we went along! The circuit training sessions coupled with my morning jogs increased my speed, strength, distance and more notably – my endurance. I was not losing breath as easily. I was starting to learn what real fitness entailed. I soon realised how ineffective and almost pointless my short and slow morning jogs once were. Living with Fionnuala for those months and getting an insight into her strict lifestyle was a real eye opener. I learned a lot during this time where my life and mindset started to change completely… to where I am at these past 3 years.

I was ladies team captain for DCU badminton team and we trained together twice a week and played at least 1 match a week in the Leinster leagues. This gave me the opportunity to play in a team sport and really enjoy it! I trained for matches with ladies doubles and substituted on matches for the mixed doubles teams (which was even more fun!). You would be surprised at how much fitness and energy that is required for hopping around a small badminton court. I found that I was now very active at least 6, sometimes 7 days a week. This was a huge jump from my previous life. However, my excessive food intake and love of chocolates, breads and junk foods continued. I did not mind this as I felt I was always burning it off now anyway.

The Intervarsity running relays were held in Maynooth each year and I was in the DCU relay team during 1st and 2nd years. There were about 5 teams and I was on the lower “D” team but still - all teams and individuals results had an impact on our (DCU) overall performance. The adrenaline rush and sense of achievement after my first experience of “racing” was amazing. DCU won over all colleges both those years. I knew I could in no way regard myself as being anywhere close to the level of running they were at. But I felt proud to feel a part of this great team of athletes and at the after dinner party where DCU were presented their Trophies :)


2004-2005: My second year of DCU I could now classify myself as a runner! I was wearing the proper attire (running tights and tops etc oppose to baggy sports pants!) and doing a 50-60 minute run at good pace most mornings. This was a significant difference compared to the 20 minute jogs stopping for a break every few minutes! I continued DCU badminton matches and some training with DCU athletics and intervarsity relay race again that year.

My increasing fitness endeavors were starting to take more hold over my social and family life through the 2nd year at DCU. However my college and study commitments stayed intact and even improved. My growing passion for fitness actually contributed to a sense of further ambition, achievement and desire to succeed. I still enjoyed the usual student life and student nights out with friends every week. But I started carefully planning these weekly nights out to ensure I could make up for the effects of the excessive drinking, post night out junk food consumption and inability to exercise the next day. I would often double up my activities the day before or 2 days later to compensate for the big-nights out…