Profile of an Offaly parkrunner: Meet Sinéad Wearen from Croghan

Meet Sinéad Wearen, from Croghan, who recently completed her 25th parkrun at Mountlucas parkrun.

When did you first complete a parkrun?

I’ve no idea of the year. I know it was in Vicarstown in Laois and on a New Year’s day. I can remember it was completely on grass and they were looking for 25 women to take part in under 25 minutes. I was with Trilogy Triathlon Club and we had a strong group of women who rose to the challenge.

What is your favourite thing about parkrun?

The consistency, the time of the day it starts, the distance and most importantly – the camaraderie.

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

It has to be my first parkrun in Mountlucas in January this year. Myself and my husband, Terry, took part. We moved from Portarlington to Croghan last year so we don’t know many people in the area. I have been a member of a club since I was 8 years old (a long time ago!). The clubs started with athletics and football, before moving onto boxing and then triathlon. So when we moved, it felt a bit disconcerting not having that ‘membership’ feel. I’m currently on a course that is fairly intense and won’t finish it for another two years so I don’t have the time to commit to a club either as I’m time poor. Arriving and being welcomed in Mountlucas parkrun on 18th January and running alongside the turbines in what can feel like the middle of nowhere surrounded by people with the same goal – to move by walking or running – felt like I had stumbled across that club membership I’d been missing for a year.

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How does it feel to have reached the significant milestone of 25 parkruns?

Honestly to have reached 25 parkruns is such a lovely experience and I love how there are milestones to be celebrated. For me however, having collected more injuries than I would have liked over the years, each parkrun I do – I have a little mini celebration.

What words best describe Mountlucas parkrun?

Inspiring. Friendly. Fun. Welcoming.

Mountlucas parkrun takes place at Bord na Móna Mountlucas windfarm every Saturday morning at 9.30am sharp. There's something for everyone at Mountlucas parkrun whether you want to walk, run, volunteer or just meet new people. For more information see

http://parkrun.ie/mountlucas

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