Helen Wallace

An integral part of our ladies teams since joining over a year ago, please have a read and meet Helen...

Name : Helen Wallace

Age : 31

Work : Software Engineer @ Zalando

How long have you been a member of Menapians AC : I started a year ago after Sarah convinced me you were nice folks

Interests & achievements outside athletics : I am big into the outdoors; climbing and hiking. I came 5th in a national climbing league last winter. Inside I like painting and sleeping.

Events you have competed at : I have mostly done road races and some track days. Looking forward to the cross-country races this winter.

Favourite event : The spread after a village 5km

Least favourite event : I don't like doing throws or middle distances like 800m

Biggest athletics achievement : I like to count turning up as an achievement, but have got a few team medals at county and Leinster races.

Other athletics achievements : I won my first ever steeplechase which was a big surprise

Favourite moment of your athletic career : getting soaked at the road relays on the wettest evening in June but still having fun with the club

Favourite track you have competed on : Enniscorthy

Current Goal : I am going to the Alps in august for some mountaineering so building endurance is the focus at the moment. In running I would love to get under 23 minutes for 5km but some work is required there.

Who has been your inspiration both in athletics & outside athletics : My granny was a fairly enthusiastic and eccentric force in my life always just doing the sport she loved and that example has meant I've never had to question if I should be doing something I enjoy. In athletics I get a lot of inspiration from the folks in the club and in the local scene, normal people just showing up and doing amazing things, it shows you what is possible.

Favourite food/drink : milk and chocolate

Post training snack : popcorn or cereal

Some unusual facts about yourself : I was in a Bollywood film as a prawn.