MEET THE BOOTCAMPERS
SHELLY BROWNE
1. When did you join Bootcamp Ireland?
I read an article in the Independent weekend magazine that said bootcamp was ‘like PE for grown ups’ this instantly caught my imagination and I signed up along with my Brother Gareth and friend Grainne the very next week. That was in July 2004 and they haven’t been able to get rid of me since!
2. What was your first class like?
Oh god, what have I gotten myself into! I wasn’t the best at following the exercises and now I can do them with my eyes closed.
3. Which Location do you train at most or do you have a favourite bootcamp location?
Over the past 10 years id say I have trained at every location that we have. But I have a particular place in my heart for the Marino and St Annes Locations even though I’m based South Side. I trained at Marino for a year and during this time I completed a number of adventure races and challenges and used the cycles to and from class as part of my training. I was never as fit J Also have to give a shout out to the Terenure Massive as this was probably the friendliest and sun soaked (yes I never had better farmers tan) location that I ever trained at. There was always healthy competition in the exercises … sometimes you are you own biggest competition trying to beat your previous score J
4. What is your favourite type of bootcamp session?
Can I only pick one?! I’m pregnant at the moment so haven’t been able to train for the last 8.5months so I’m missing it like crazy! I love sessions when the tempo is kept high for the full 60minutes and the instructor is changing up what we are doing so it never gets repetitive. Some highlights for me are boxing with Alan, 400metre Running Challenges with Brian, Suicide Sprints with James. The feeling when you complete a session and you are knackered in the car on the way home is priceless! I have never walked away from a class feeling dissatisfied.
5. Have you taken part in any races/events that you might not have if not a member of bootcamp?
Absolutely, I never would have had the fitness confidence to sign up to the longer adventure races. At class a couple of years ago a group were doing Gaelforce and someone was selling their entry. With only two weeks prep I hopped on the chance to take the entry.
6. Do you compliment your Bootcamp with any other types of training?
As I’m pregnant I have taken to Aqua Aerobics and Yoga, not quite the same intensity as bootcamp, but hey they are keeping my bum moving while the baby blooms J
7. What’s your best Bootcamp Ireland Memory?
Just one? Definitely the friends I have made and the experiences we have had. From canyon jumping in Slovenia, to runamuck in Kildare, to Ski Trips in Austria, to team Building sessions on Dollymount and Night hikes in the Dublin Mountains and Survivor Challenges in the Wicklow Mountains. It’s been unreal and I wouldn’t change it for anything <3
8. What is your biggest sporting achievement since joining bootcamp Ireland?
I’d love to list them all just so I can see all I have achieved as we seem to forget as the years go by!
9. What are you training plans for the coming year?
Hmmm to have a healthy, happy baby J I’m trying to keep my fitness levels ticking over during pregnancy but it’s hard so I’m really looking forward to starting in Mummybootcamp.ie when my body is ready for the big return! BRING IT ON, belly, bum n all!
RAY MOLONEY
1. When did you join Bootcamp Ireland?
I joined Bootcamp Ireland towards the end of 2010, so I am approaching six years as a Bootcamp member.
2. What was your first class like?
My first class was in Wesley College and, like all subsequent classes, it was very tough but very enjoyable. I remember that particular class involved a lot of running. I loved it and I have been hooked on it ever since.
3. Which location do you train at most or do you have a favourite location?
I train mainly at Terenure College. I originally went there because it is the most convenient for me to get to. I go there now because it is the best location to have the craic while exercising. Other locations claim to have the best craic but Terenure is just fantastic. When I can, I like to go to the Saturday morning class in Phoenix Park. I love going there, because I get a great workout, usually using the hills and there is great craic and always a coffee and a laugh afterwards.
4. What is your favourite type of Bootcamp session?
The beauty of Bootcamp is its variety. Every class is different. I enjoy classes that involve a good amout of running as well as the core/circuit sessions. I must have done hundreds of sessions over the last six years and I can’t remember a class I didn’t enjoy.
5. Have you taken part in any races/events that you might not have if not a member of Bootcamp?
Being a bootcamper has given me the confidence and ability to do other things that I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. I’ve done a variety of 5k and 10k races over the years as well as participating in the more difficult events such as Hell and Back and Run A Muck. Bootcamp fitness has helped me greatly in this.
6. Do you complement your Bootcamp with any other kind of training?
To complement my Bootcamp, I enjoy an occasional 5k or 10k as described above. I also do the Park Run from time to time.
7. What’s your best Bootcamp memory?
I have loads of great Bootcamp memories. Every class involves having the craic as well as a great workout. On many occasions, I have been laughing so much that I couldn’t complete the exercise. I love that. I have also had many fantastic nights out both officially organised by Bootcamp and casually arranged by fellow bootcampers. It’s great to go out together and enjoy undoing the good work we have done.
8. What’s your biggest sporting achievement since joining Bootcamp?
Sadly I just missed out on Olympic qualification this year but I live in hope! Other than that mastering those damn burpees ranks high!
9. What are your training plans for the coming year?
My training plans for the year are simple- keep training…keep enjoying it….keep bootcamping!
ROISIN O’SHEA
1.When did you join Bootcamp Ireland?
I can’t remember to be honest – probably about 8 or 9 years ago, however since then it has become a part of my life that I really enjoy and I really notice it if I miss more than a week.
2. What was your first class like?
Fairly horrific as far as I remember. I was just grateful to have not left my dinner on the field! However, the second was much better and each time I went it got a little bit easier.
3. Which Location do you train at most or do you have a favourite bootcamp location?
I am lucky in that there are a few locations in easy distance – St Endas, Bushy Park, Terenure and Marlay in the Summer. All are beautiful spots to train in…I love the trail running in Bushy, the views of the mountains in Marlay and the lovely park land in Terenure. I really enjoy my post HIIT session coffees with my fellow campers in Endas, however I guess my main base is Terenure College.
4. What is your favourite type of bootcamp session?
I really enjoy the sessions where you feel that you can’t keep going any further but because having everybody else around you is keeping going, you stick with it and surprise yourself!
5. Have you taken part in any races/events that you might not have if not a member of bootcamp?
After my second daughter, I started back bootcamping with the Mommy Bootcampers in Marlay. It was a fantastic way to get fit again, I then went back to regular bootcamp and within 12 months of having Aisling I did the Dublin Marathon. Bootcamp gave me back some confidence in myself that I could get fit and push myself even while being a mom of advancing years!
6. Do you compliment your Bootcamp with any other types of training?
I love being outdoors so I run a bit and I have also just taken up cycling (on a proper bike – without a basket & bell!)
7. What’s your best Bootcamp Ireland Memory?
Last winter we had a great session on three rock. The weather was horrendous but Brian and Daniel kept us going and there was a great atmosphere.
8. What is your biggest sporting achievement since joining bootcamp Ireland?
see above…that’s it though can’t see any more marathons in my future.
9. What are you training plans for the coming year?
I hope to do a half marathon in the Spring and I am signed up to the Ring of Beara cycle next year.