Name: Terry Eakin
Club: North Down
Age group: M60
How and did you start running: One training run at Portadown College with the late Les Jones put me off the sport for 15 years. I then joined 9th Old Boys Harriers in 1976; first training run, with Derek Graham, lasted all of 45 secs.
Your favourite race: Armagh Mall 3K – fast course, great atmosphere, lots of food; and I love watching the main race which is a world class 5K.
Your best times/races: 75 min Lisburn half-marathon; 4:58 mile in my 50th year.
Masters International XC – 2004 M55 Bronze; 2009 M60 Silver.
Any wins: Real high profile stuff! – Redburn Fell Race and Ballywalter Fun Run!
Do you have a coach: No.
How often do you train: Six days a week; sometimes twice a day.
Do you prefer XC, road or track: Like them all. Really enjoy the competitive and social side of racing. I run far too many races.
Your main aim: To be another John McKeag – still racing at 90.
Any other interesting things about you or your running: I’m a vegetarian (like two of our greatest masters stars: Davie Seaton and Karen Marshall).
Usually train before dawn and sleep for 2 hours each afternoon.
I’ve ran a 2:51 marathon breaking all the rules – wearing brand new cheap Hi-Tec Silver Shadow shoes straight from the box and without taking a single drink.
My running motto: No matter how good you are now, nor how slow you become, never give up running and racing – it’s a great way to spend your retirement. |