A Castleisland athlete who took up sprinting competitively at 40 and trained throughout the first Covid lock-down has won two bronze national medals in the 200m and 400m at the 123.ie National Athletics Masters Championships 2023 in Tullamore on August 12th.
Mark Reidy is a native of Tullig, Castleisland and he made the transition from marathons, 10km and 5km racing to competitive track sprinting with the Tralee Harriers Athletic Club in 2020.
“I always had an interest in sprinting and middle distance running. I really enjoyed watching the Olympics, Diamond League events and the world championships,” said Mark explaining the relatively recent history of his athletics journey.
The Idea of Sprinting
“I knew the Tralee Harriers coach, Mike Godley, for a few years and I often toyed with the idea of sprinting but always considered myself to be a bit on the old side.
“I was turning 40 in March 2020, and was looking for a challenge, so decided to give it a go.
Coach Godley painstakingly changed my running technique and mechanics. His attention to detail and enthusiasm was compelling, and as the penny was finally beginning to drop, unfortunately Covid arrived. Training ceased and the country went into lock-down.
“I continued with the running programme on my own until the return to group training was permitted later that year.
Plague of Associated Injury
“My first event was the county championships in June 2021. I won my age category M40-45 in the 400m,” Mark recalled as he recounts his first experience of the plague of injury associated with his pursuit.
“I was due to compete in the Munster Championships that July but had to withdraw with injury.
Unfortunately, that was the beginning of my long road with injury issues. Sprinting is taxing on the body, and I wasn’t strong enough to withhold all the associated niggles with high intensity running.
“I spent the remaining year and the majority of 2022 with physiotherapists, physical therapists and strength and containing coaches.
Two Excellent Coaches
“After a long lay-off, I finally returned to running in October 2022.
“I started training for the 2023 season with Kevin Lynch – another athlete of Mike Godley’s stable. Kevin also competes and coaches with the Listowel Athletic Club and I’ve learned a lot from him throughout the year and I’m extremely fortunate to have two excellent coaches.
“It’s great to see the rewards of all the hard work by winning the 200m indoors championship in February and the 200m and 400m the Kerry and Munster championships in May and June.
One Better in 2024
“I set myself a goal back in October 2022 to reach the National Finals injury free, and to come third in both events has been fantastic.
“I’m hoping to do one better in 2024, and to come home with a different medal colour from the nationals,” said the Castleisland athlete determined to make his Mark in competitive athletics in Ireland – for a start.
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