‘Your time doesn’t matter - go for it!’
In the first in a series of interviews with race ambassadors ahead of the ‘Virtual’ Drogheda 10K on the May bank holiday weekend, Marcus Cavaroli speaks to Anna Isgro about her passion for running
DROGHEDA & District AC are urging people to keep the calendar clear for the May Bank Holiday because the Drogheda 10K is back and this time it’s Virtual!
The streets of Drogheda would normally come alive on the May Day weekend, with 2,000 runners and their supporters chasing their goals around the Boyne Valley, and despite the pandemic the club are determined that the event goes ahead this year in some shape or form.
So D&D, in partnership with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland - Louth Services - will be hosting the race between May 1st and 3rd.
They point out that running is great exercise and that there is no better way of getting fit and feeling positively fantastic.
And so with public health guidelines adhered to, runners will be able to enter the Virtual Drogheda 10K event, run a 10K course of their liking between those dates and post their time online to the My Run Results website.
Drogheda & District AC have a number of ambassadors helping to promote the 10K and one of these is Anna Isgro, the subject of this week’s interview.
MC: Anna, can you tell me what age you are, work/family, where you are living and where the name Isgro comes from? AI:
I was born and raised in Italy, in a town called Saronno, in Lombardy. I’m the youngest of four children (Paolo, Chiara and Marco) and I am 34 years old.
The passion of the sport and running came from my father Nunzio who was an amateur cyclist and runner back in the day.
I definitely inherited the passion of cooking good Italian food from my mamma Rebecca.
I left home when I was 24 eager to explore and learn new cultures. I’ve lived in Greece and Spain before I landed six years ago in the beautiful (bellissima) Emerald Isle.
I work for a medical device company, Hillrom based in Navan, and I am living in Drogheda and now I consider it my home away from home.
MC: How long have you been running & how did you get started? AI:
I’ve been running since the age of eight at my local club Osa Saronno in my home town in Italy and I’ve been running with Drogheda & District AC for the last three years.
MC: What do you enjoy about it? AI:
Running is pure freedom - libertà. It’s the ability to put your shoes on and two minutes later be on your merry way. Running opens your lungs, your eyes and your mind. Free from the worries, stress, running is energy, it’s pure, it’s life.
I love running. It helps me to discover many new places, you get to see new parts of your own town. I love running because it simply keeps you fit.
Since I started I’ve definitely experienced and benefited from all of these positive mental health factors. In addition to the mental health benefits above, running helps you to think and be more creative. Any time I run my mind goes to some wonderful places.
I love running because no matter how bad and how tired you feel, there’s no better way to help you think clearly, get motivated or make decisions after or during a really good run.
The running community are awesome! We are all there to do our best. I’ve met so many great people and friends.
MC: What times can you run over different distances and what was your best ever result? AI:
I run 10km in 49 minutes, half-marathon in 1hr 48min, 5km in 22min and the marathon in 3.58. Without doubt my best ever result achieved was the sub 4 for my first marathon. The joy was immense.
MC: Are you hoping to run a personal best in the Drogheda 10k or just have some fun? AI:
I am hoping to do both! In any race I always bring the determination to do my best but also to enjoy the day.
Self-discipline, determination and resilience are the main characteristics that most represent my personality.
MC: How has Covid-19 changed your life? AI:
The pandemic lockdowns and the restrictions changed my lifestyle a lot.
I’ve experienced the challenge of getting the right balance, working from home and training, respecting the restrictions. Because of the type of business that I work for, last year was very intense and my running performance had an impact. However I have learnt how to discipline myself and fight this crazy time.
MC: You are a race ambassador. How do you become one and what does an ambassador do! AI: I feel very honoured and grateful that the Committee of Drogheda & District Athletic Club chose me to be the sixth Ambassador.
Considering that I am a private person, this role takes me out of my comfy zone and lets me share my journey.
I am using social media to post the training sessions because I am here to promote the event in Drogheda, my town, and what is my first passion and love.
MC: For anybody reading this article who is thinking about signing up for the event but is worried they might be too slow or not complete the distance, what can you say to encourage them?
AI: I would say to them that first of all running is so good for your mental and physical health, especially in this unusual time.
Taking part in an event like this is an achievement in itself. It doesn’t matter what time you come in, be it first or last.
Also I would like to say to anyone who is interested, that this is a great opportunity to set a goal and go for it.
Even in these hard times, it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just make the first step!
In bocca al lupo! Good luck to anyone who participates in the
• Registration for the Virtual Drogheda 10K is now open on the My Run Results website www.myrunresults.com and for the €25 registration fee runners will get the race package which includes the traditional Drogheda 10K t-shirt and participants medal.
Drogheda & District AC also have training plans available for the beginner and improving runners that will get you round with a personal best under your belt.
Find out more details on www. droghedaanddistrictac.com or the club Facebook or Instragram page.