Let's put the spotlight on three of our amazing female adventure races. All from different walks of life, but all bitten by the adventure racing bug. Let's hear it from them what got them into adventure racing and their advice for newbies to the sport.

Aisling Ní Dhuibhir

Aisling Ní Dhuibhir - Winner of Gaelforce North 2019 & Gaelforce Adventure Series Winner 2019

Aisling can you give us a brief introduction? 

My Name is Aisling Ní Dhuibhir. I’m from Donegal but working in Galway the last 4 years.

What got you into adventure racing?

I would have been fairly active going for runs at the local beach in Carrickfinn, Donegal. I have four sisters and two brothers, most of them are into their fitness particularly running so it stemmed from there. I liked the satisfaction of completing laps on the beach and feeling energised afterwards. A few years ago my brother and sisters signed up for Gaelforce North so I jumped on the bandwagon. I didn’t even own a bike and my dad revived an old bike that hadn’t been used in years. I managed the race (though I can't really remember much from it!) and headed off the America for a year. When I got back I tackled Gaelforce North again and caught the bug.

How often do you train?

Training is a bit unstructured! It's pretty much part of my lifestyle now. I try to do 5 times a week. Winter time is definitely less effort, I aim to do strength and conditioning classes 3 times a week, do a short run afterwards, a decent cycle and a long run at the weekends, weather permitting!  Once the long evenings kick in I’ll get out on the bike 2-3 times a week and make the runs longer. I’m not one for timing and clocking the watch I just aim to get it done. I like the variety I get in the strength and conditioning classes to mix it up. I’m aiming to cover more mountains and hilly terrain as I can get a bit bored with road running. There’s plenty of scope in Donegal and Galway.

Any tips on finding time to train?

The last year was pretty busy for me as I was working full time and doing a part time course online but required a good few Saturdays in Dublin. I thought my training would take a hit but I ended up doing more races this year. I guess I put more effort into it knowing that I had less time to train and make the most of it. Early morning workouts are good

Any advice for others curious to give adventure racing a go?

Build it up slowly. Races provide a range of distances now. Start with the smallest distance and keep training balanced. 

 

Thank you Aisling for sharing your tips and advice. We will continue to highlight women in sports throughout 2020 as part of the 20x20 campaign. If she can't see it, she can't be it. #ShowYourStripes

 

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