The girl from Co. Kildare with the love of the countryside and tales of sharp elbows! Another recruit from the Ann Eke stable, Geraldine Moffat shares her life and running memories.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in Dublin and my family moved to Co. Kildare when I was 4 years old.
I am one of 7 children – 4 brothers and 2 sisters so lots of rough and tumble and the odd argument over bikes, footballs, dolls etc!! Our family home was in the middle of the countryside, so we always had lots of space to be outside – hence my love for the outdoors now. I have very clear memories of great outdoor adventures with my siblings. My parents always encouraged us to be active and make the most of the beautiful countryside around us (maybe this was just to keep us all out of the house now that I think about it)!
I came to Brighton in 1988 after working in London for 6 months. I met Nick (my now ex-husband but good friend) and stayed in Brighton loving everything it offered to a 24-year-old country girl!
Nick and I have 2 boys- Joel is 29 and Finn is 21. They both live in Brighton. Joel is a runner but not competitively and Finn is more of a musician!
When did you first start running?
I was always running around at home with my siblings but my serious running probably started when I was in secondary school. I did well at sports day every year and then started to run for the school in XC events which took me out of school a lot!! I had no objections to this!
I joined a local Athletics Club when I was about 14 and ran with them for about 3 years doing lots of track ( 800,1500 meters and relays) but XC was my thing really and my mother drove me around the country to very remote venues which always seemed to be knee deep in mud and cold and wet….well I guess it is Ireland after all!
I had one main opposition…Catherine…..and we would always eye each other up at the start of a race. There was a healthy competition element between us! She did have sharp elbows though!
How many years have you been running for?
I have dipped in and out of running over the last forty years due to my life taking different paths at various times and then having children. Most recently I have been running consistently for 7 years after deciding to do my first marathon for my 50th Birthday year.
When did you join the Hedgehoppers and why/what made you become a regular?
I think I joined the Hedgehoppers about 3 years ago. The very lovely Ann Eke who is a work colleague and good friend spoke about the Hedgehoppers running club so fondly and eventually persuaded me to give them a try. A big thank you to Ann for this as joining the Hedgehoppers introduced me to a whole new outlook on running. I feel so part of a great group of runners and it’s lovely to be able to talk to like-minded folk who actually want to talk running!
I love being part of a team when we do the WSFRL and the post-race Zoe cakes and the chat about the completed runs.
Meeting Roy and listening to his many inspiring running stories has been a bonus and I love that the Hedgehoppers Club has history to it.
Best thing about being a Hopper
The Vests. The ‘no pressure ‘ relaxed attitude when running for the Hoppers…all of our achievements are recognised equally , and the support we all give each other. I also have to mention the banter and wit …..I always come home smiling after a run with the Hoppers
Favourite running memory i.e. the WOW moment
Well it’s difficult to choose between The Moyleman Marathon 2018 and Dublin Marathon 2019.
The Moyleman has probably been the most challenging but such an amazing event.
Training for this with Jade was great, she really kept me going when we were out on the Downs running miles in all sorts of weather conditions…thanks Jade! And also thanks to the Elphicks for their great support all the way around the marathon route.
Dublin Marathon was a WOW moment as I did a marathon PB on home soil and was on the start line with my brother and sister. I also had the support of my two good buddies Elaine and Ann who have always encouraged me…thanks girls. The post-race Guinness was the best bit!!
Favourite running event and why
The Moyleman has to be my favourite…either the half or full marathon.
I really like the fact that is a very small event but so well organised and the route is so spectacular…the views take your breath away ( or maybe that’s the hills) !
Finishing in a brewery car park and having a Harvey’s and pizza with all the other runners is a great way to end a great run!
Please tell us one thing about you that people may not know
I talk to myself when I am running on my own! It keeps me going!!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in Dublin and my family moved to Co. Kildare when I was 4 years old.
I am one of 7 children – 4 brothers and 2 sisters so lots of rough and tumble and the odd argument over bikes, footballs, dolls etc!! Our family home was in the middle of the countryside, so we always had lots of space to be outside – hence my love for the outdoors now. I have very clear memories of great outdoor adventures with my siblings. My parents always encouraged us to be active and make the most of the beautiful countryside around us ( maybe this was just to keep us all out of the house now that I think about it)!
I came to Brighton in 1988 after working in London for 6 months. I met Nick (my now ex-husband but good friend) and stayed in Brighton loving everything it offered to a 24-year-old country girl!
Nick and I have 2 boys- Joel is 29 and Finn is 21. They both live in Brighton. Joel is a runner but not competitively and Finn is more of a musician!
When did you first start running?
I was always running around at home with my siblings but my serious running probably started when I was in secondary school. I did well at sports day every year and then started to run for the school in XC events which took me out of school a lot!! I had no objections to this!
I joined a local Athletics Club when I was about 14 and ran with them for about 3 years doing lots of track ( 800,1500 meters and relays) but XC was my thing really and my mother drove me around the country to very remote venues which always seemed to be knee deep in mud and cold and wet….well I guess it is Ireland after all!
I had one main opposition…Catherine…..and we would always eye each other up at the start of a race. There was a healthy competition element between us! She did have sharp elbows though!
How many years have you been running for?
I have dipped in and out of running over the last forty years due to my life taking different paths at various times and then having children. Most recently I have been running consistently for 7 years after deciding to do my first marathon for my 50th Birthday year.
When did you join the Hedgehoppers and why/what made you become a regular?
I think I joined the Hedgehoppers about 3 years ago. The very lovely Ann Eke who is a work colleague and good friend spoke about the Hedgehoppers running club so fondly and eventually persuaded me to give them a try. A big thank you to Ann for this as joining the Hedgehoppers introduced me to a whole new outlook on running. I feel so part of a great group of runners and it’s lovely to be able to talk to like-minded folk who actually want to talk running!
I love being part of a team when we do the WSFRL and the post-race Zoe cakes and the chat about the completed runs.
Meeting Roy and listening to his many inspiring running stories has been a bonus and I love that the Hedgehoppers Club has history to it.
Best thing about being a Hopper?
The Vests. The ‘no pressure ‘ relaxed attitude when running for the Hoppers…all of our achievements are recognised equally , and the support we all give each other. I also have to mention the banter and wit …..I always come home smiling after a run with the Hoppers
Favourite running memory i.e. the WOW moment?
Well it’s difficult to choose between The Moyleman Marathon 2018 and Dublin Marathon 2019.
The Moyleman has probably been the most challenging but such an amazing event.
Training for this with Jade was great, she really kept me going when we were out on the Downs running miles in all sorts of weather conditions…thanks Jade! And also thanks to the Elphicks for their great support all the way around the marathon route.
Dublin Marathon was a WOW moment as I did a marathon PB on home soil and was on the start line with my brother and sister. I also had the support of my two good buddies Elaine and Ann who have always encouraged me…thanks girls. The post-race Guinness was the best bit!!
Favourite running event and why?
The Moyleman has to be my favourite…either the half or full marathon.
I really like the fact that is a very small event but so well organised and the route is so spectacular…the views take your breath away ( or maybe that’s the hills) !
Finishing in a brewery car park and having a Harvey’s and pizza with all the other runners is a great way to end a great run!
Please tell us one thing about you that people may not know?
I talk to myself when I am running on my own! It keeps me going!!
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