1. Full name
Sinéad Carroll
2. Birthplace
A proud Galwegian through and through, with every fibre of my being!
I’ve also lived in Scotland, the States, Greece, Nepal, Japan and Australia, in that order.
My globetrotting has been put on hold for a while due to family commitments, but I’m looking forward to living abroad again during the winters in the future.
3. When did you join GTC and why?
I initially joined in 2017, I think. 🧐
I rocked up to a swim session down in Blackrock and landed in a group of elite swimmers, all guns blazing!
I was so out of my depth, both physically and metaphorically. At the time, I could barely swim 100m. I was absolutely mortified and ran away…
Then, a couple of years later, I met a buddy in the club who told me about all the beginner sessions and encouraged me to give it another go.
I did, and I’ve never looked back since!
4. Occupation
Primary school teacher.
I tell ya, a day in the classroom is so much more of a workout, both physically and mentally, than any Ironman could ever be!
5. Previous sports
Irish dancing… I was amazing!
I won a trophy at every Feis. Come to think of it, so did everybody else!
6. Swim, bike, or run. Which do you prefer and why?
Run — less baggage!
All I need is a pair of Asics.
7. Favourite event or favourite place to train
I’m presently training for Sea to Summit this November, so I’m trying really hard to make this my favourite event at the moment!
8. Sporting claim to fame
I won a slippery pole competition, don’t ask, during Rag Week in my second year of college.
I won a keg of Guinness and, all of a sudden, everyone was my best friend…
That was the start of my sporting career!
Since then, I’ve done a few half marathons, Olympic-distance events and relays at Lough Cutra, the Bay Swim in a relay, GTC summer aquathons and surviving the crossover town to the East Side Eagles Long Slow Runs.
Crossing over that Quincentennial Bridge brought on the threat of nosebleeds and feeling light-headed! Only kidding… 😂
And finally, totally hardcore: sprinting to the top of Threadneedle Road x6 non-stop and having close to a cardiac arrest at the finish.
And lest I forget, I was runner-up in the GTC Bake Off this summer. I’m very proud of that one!
9. Music track that powers your training sessions
It has to be AC/DC – Thunderstruck, with a few air guitar moves thrown in for good measure!
10. Your all-time sporting hero and why?
I’m not really into boxing, but you can’t look past Katie Taylor.
11. Your GTC hero and why?
All the Strider Babes… you know who you are!
There are so many heroes I’ve met through the club, and I absolutely love all the friends I’ve made along the way.
I love the Long Slow Run on a Saturday, especially with the option of dips and breakfast at the finish. The chats we have keep me going as we clock up the kilometres. They range from heartwarming to hilarious, to thought provoking, to educational, to informative and, at times, totally outrageous and utterly bizarre!
I’ve genuinely met some of the most amazing and interesting people on my journey with GTC. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, people are so accepting, helpful and encouraging. I really mean that.
I feel like a superhero after every event I do. Thanks to all you wonderful GTC members for cheering me on, and especially the volunteers, without whom none of this club would be possible. ❤️
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