Jungheinrich’s TRACEY BURKE is asking for all her fellow Chamber members to support her in the Rock’n’Roll competition,
to be in with a chance of winning an overall a trip to Vegas to participate in the half marathon there.
Tracey’s BIO
So my journey began 2 years ago while sitting overweight eating Doritos on the sofa! Having never ran before I seen an ad for a local couch to 5k programme, I decided this was it, I’d give it a go. I met the group on the first night, that first 60 seconds of running felt endless but my coaches Caroline and Melissa kept telling me it will get easier, you’ll learn to control your breathing. By week 3 I was struggling, I was last in the group and felt like I needed an oxygen tank at the end of each session. I finally made it to week 9 running my first 5k in an amazing 38 minutes. For me a huge achievement considering 38 seconds was a hurdle 9 weeks previous.
The club took a break for summer but I kept the cobwebs off the runners and got out on average 3 times a week, having 2 young kids the flexibility of the running is great. I even surprised myself and started getting up at the crack of dawn to run before work. I started to get quicker and run for longer. And 8 months after my running career started I ran 2 10k races in the same week, there was no stopping me.
After this the club, Clane AC asked if I’d like to help out by becoming a leader in the next couch to 5k group, of course I did, only for them I’d still be on the sofa. It’s great to give back to the club that invested in me. I make time to run with the group and I’m proof that it does get easier and you CAN do it.
So I’d reached my goal of a 10k and lost 16kg in the process, my life was changing I was happier, less grumpy at home and my mind set had changed. It’s true what they say children mirror you, my oldest daughter asked to join the athletics club and loves it. As the months passed the whole family started running, all 4 of us now run.
In May 2017 I travelled to Vegas to get married, I was so disappointed that cellulitis in my foot meant I missed the opportunity to run the Vegas strip the morning of my wedding with my husband. Luckily it had cleared by the time we reached San Francisco and we were able to be visitors at the Parkrun.
Getting my 5k & 10k pbs at the Rock and roll in Dublin in August was amazing, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and I jingled all the way home with my 3 medals.
Since then I’ve completed 2 half marathons, lost 32kg, encouraged my family to run and also became secretary of the athletics Club. I can’t emphasise enough the benefits of running. And would absolutely love the opportunity to become an ambassador / idol for the Rock n Roll representing Leinster.