Profile of Ian Loughrey

Introduction:

Ian Loughrey, 63, an enthusiastic and very popular club member is our latest addition to our list of runner and member profiles.

Ian came to running via triathlons in the 1980s and concentrated on serious running in the 1990s.

Ian is one of the hardest trainers in the club. This has paid off in the number of exceptional performances Ian has achieved over a range of distances: the 5K, the 10K, the half marathon and full marathon (Boston included). These performances include some remarkably fast times as a 60+ runner.

Ian is very generous in helping out with advice and guidance to less experienced runners and he also actively supports the club as a volunteer and as a member of the current executive.

Questionnaire:

Where are you from originally and what brought you to this area?

Born in Trenton Ont and moved here at age 2 as my father set up his medical practice here.

How long have you been running?

Started running in the early to mid 1980s in doing triathlons. Seriously running since the early 1990s.

Do you run for fun or competitively?

Both! Love fun runs on my own or as a group, but love to push myself at times and put “the pedal to the metal” so to speak. Love age group competitions, as well as trying to stay with those darn ‘young-uns’ who are so speedy!!

Why do you run?

Cleanses my mind and my body For fun and fitness (cause I love junk food at times!!) :))

Recent memorable running moment? Not necessarily in a race.

Being able to go sub 20 for Covid virtual FYB run #3. But my top two moments would have to be easily qualifying for the 60-69 year group for Boston at the Toronto waterfront marathon in Oct 2016 and actually doing my first Boston in 2018 at age 60 in terrible rainy and cold weather

Best running achievement?

Sub 19 5k, 37:30 10k, just over 90 minute half marathon (TIP) and running a 3:25 marathon in Toronto in 2016. Also winning my age group in Hamilton with a time of 3:28 (darn hamstring issues again!).

Greatest running disappointment ?

Not really any great disappointments but if I had to mention any it would be Ottawa in 2016 when I had hamstrings issues and made Boston standard. I didn’t enter my time as there were modifications made to the entry requirements to control the field size.

The initial requirement was a time at least 3 minutes below the official standard. Turned out 2:30 minutes below made the cut; I was 2:40 below.

What is your favorite race distance? Why?

Any distance as there is always some type of strategy that needs to be utilized physically and mentally.

A notable race moment or most memorable race?

Top of the list would be crossing the finish line in Boston in the cold and rainy weather in 2018. Even with that weather the last stretch leading to the finish line is unbelievable with all he people cheering you on.

Why did you join BRRC?

Many reasons. I knew Rick Oliver very well and I like running with others of different ages and abilities. Learn from the knowledge of many others and glad to help those out just starting or looking for assistance.

Ever been injured? How did it happen?

No major injuries fortunately. Have a partial torn meniscus and osteoarthritis in my left knee but fortunately not needing surgery. Just from wear and tear on the old body I guess.

What is your favorite race?

Love local 5ks but really love the challenges of training for and running the marathon

What does your daily or weekly workout consist of?

Pretty well running almost daily and lots of stretching. Was a former age group and Masters swimmer with a couple of previous provincial and national records but shoulder injury has curtailed that activity since 2016.

Additional input or comments?

Love being a runner and encourage as many as I can to walk/jog/run. Great club to be a proud member of as well

Thanks Ian for your participation. (TonyD; July 2021)