The Finish Line meets Eleanor Whyte

Run Republic caught up with Galway City Harriers runner, Eleanor Whyte. A long time friend of Run Republic, Eleanor is the third runner in our weekly series of “The Finish Line” where we talk to club runners around the country. The goal of the series is to highlight the achievements of runners of all abilities around Ireland. 

Name

Eleanor Whyte

Club

Galway City Harriers

Favourite Event

5km

Running Level

Intermediate

How did your athletics journey begin?

Much to my resistance my parents forced me to Galway City Harrier’s Sunday juvenile session and I loved it! I continued right through school and university. I’m so glad I did when most girls dropped off due to exams etc.

What were the early challenges you faced? How did you over come them?

I was very conscious that I wasn’t the fastest. Training was always fun though and I loved getting to meet up with my friends at sessions.

Do you use data for training? What wearable tech do you use?

My Garmin forerunner 230 is like my child at this stage!

What have been your biggest achievements to date? What are some of your PB’s?

I was thrilled to break 22 minutes for 5km last year. And I was really delighted to go under 12 minutes at Irish Varsities for 3km – I wasn’t expecting it at all as I was in final year with a huge amount of study, assignments etc and training was not going particularly well.

What is your current goal?

To break 22 minutes for 5km again – it’s only happened once. To get more racing experience, enjoy it and stay fit and healthy.

What would you do differently if you had to start again?

I wouldn’t compare myself so much to others. I should have been enjoying juvenile athletics and focusing on my own running but I was constantly scrutinising my performances.

What’s the next event you’ve planned?

Fields of Athenry 10km St Stephen’s Day. 5km New Years Day in Galway City. Galway county indoors in January – it’ll be my first indoors in a long while.

What advice would you give the readers of Run Republic?

Most importantly enjoy it – you shouldn’t have to drag yourself for every run and to every session. Be sensible about your goals. Don’t get too thrown if you have a bad week. And take your rest weeks!

Quick Fire Questions

What is your favourite song?

Changes at least weekly but currently Sweet But Psycho

What is your favourite movie?

The Devil Wears Prada or Mean Girls

What is your favourite TV Show?

Criminal Minds

What is your favourite food?

Pizza

Who is your sporting idol?

Katie Taylor for displaying the talent of the Irish on so many international stages in a male-dominated sport

What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not training?

Sleep!

Instagram Handle

@runner_elle