Meet long distance runner Fionnuala Ross who will share her journey throughout 2019 on Fast Running.

Glasgow based Fionnuala Ross returned to the track last year and won Scottish 10,000m gold before competing for Ireland at the European 10,000m Cup. The Northern Ireland native is no stranger to Scottish titles and has won two half marathon crowns as well as four consecutive 10k road titles.

In 2018, Ross also won the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k and claimed bronze at the Irish Cross Country Championships.

Among her goals this year, the 28 year-old aims to run a sub 74:00 half marathon before having another crack at the marathon.

Profile

Name: Fionnuala Ross
Age (Jan 2019): 28
Hometown: Aghagallon
Club: Armagh AC / Shettleston Harriers
Main disciplines: Cross country, 10k road, Half marathon
Other disciplines: 5000m, 10,000m and marathon
Full-time athlete/work/studying: Full-time work as a health adviser

Goals or targets for 2019

1) To run sub 74 minutes for the half marathon
2) Try another marathon
3) Have a healthy balance between running, work and life
4) Stay injury free
5) Race at the Night of 10,000m PBs at Highgate

Running highlights

1) 2017 – Getting my first senior Irish vest at the European Cross Country Championships
2) 2018 – Winning the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k
3) 2018 – Running in the European 10,000m Cup, which was incorporated into the Highgate Harriers Night of 10,000m PBs

Personal bests

1) 10k: 33:30
2) Half marathon: 74:11
3) 10,000m: 33:49
4) Marathon: 2:48:44

Interesting or fun facts

I wanted to become a vet until I realised I was terrified of dogs and most other four legged animals.

I run because…

I run because I love it! I’ve been running since I was 11 or 12 years old and can’t imagine a time without it. It has brought me so many friendships, opportunities, and the chance to travel.

Favourite training session

Anything involving mud and grass, but definitely longer reps over shorter ones.

Least favourite training session

20 x 400m. I made a return to the track in 2018 and I forgot the different type of pain a session like that brings.

Favourite pre-race food

Carbs of any description, but usually a pizza.

Favourite post-race food

Chocolate, it might not be the ideal recovery food, but it’s a must and is even better accompanied with a glass of red wine.

Favourite runner or runners

There are too many and it changes daily. I think most Irish runners, myself included, are inspired by Fionnuala McCormack.

My first Irish senior vest was at the same time she became the most capped Irish female athlete. She gave a passionate speech without scaring the life out of us the night before we were set to race.

RELATED: Fionnuala Ross on training and work-running balance

Fionnuala Ross features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2019’ and over the course of the year will share her running journey. You can follow Fionnuala on Twitter and Instagram, while further information about the ‘class of 2019’ can be found here.

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