22nd Jun, 2026
Good Luck Lisa!
Lisa heads to the 2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships!
This week Lisa, one of Active Tribe Courtown’s Fitness Instructors, heads to Janské Lázně in the Czech Republic to represent Ireland in the 2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships!
While she was preparing for the gruelling Czech mountain runs, we sat down with her for a chat where she spoke about what it feels like to represent her country, the training she’s had to do and the challenges she’s faced.
Lisa will be running the 7km Uphill & the 22km Classic Mountain Races! Everyone at Active Tribe Courtown wishes Lisa the best of luck!
Q. You are representing Ireland internationally. When you stand on that start line wearing the Irish vest, what goes through your mind?
I feel so lucky to be alive after my accident last year. What I feel is excitement, nervous and that I hope to make myself, my kids and my country proud.
Q. What does it mean to wear the Irish jersey, knowing the journey you’ve taken to get there?
It means everything to me. It’s been the biggest dream of mine for the last four years. I suppose for me it’s like showing a woman of my age, that has overcome a lot in my life and rebuilt her life can rebuild herself and get to represent her country.
Q. Many people see the results and achievements, but what does a typical day look like behind the scenes to perform at this level?
I have a coach which has a plan that I go by. Running, strength training, weights, sleep fuel, diet, etc.
Q. Mountain running demands incredible physical and mental strength. What have the mountains taught you about yourself?
That I am strong! Resilient! But I think the mountains have allowed me to accept myself more as a human. The mountains have accepted me for me true authentic self.
Q. When you run through the mountains representing Ireland, what are you running toward—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually?
My higher self! Just to show that women can get stronger and achieve at any age. As women we are told that as we get older we become weaker. But I’m becoming stronger and bolder.
Q. You’ve overcome significant challenges in your life. How have those experiences shaped the athlete and person you are today?
Definitely made me very grateful for the simple things in life and when things do get hard, even in training or races, I know that I can overcome anything. I feel like a warrior!
Q. Were there moments when you felt people had already written your story for you? How did you prove to yourself that your past didn’t define your future?
I don’t really care what anyone else thinks because all of the things that I have overcome, none of them were there for me. I was the one that did it! I don’t ask for anyone’s permission. For most of my life I relied on everyone’s approval and to be accepted. I have gotten myself to where I am today so I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me.
Q. If we took away the races, the rankings, and the achievements, who is the woman you’ve become through this journey?
I feel like the woman that I have become is ME. Whole, content… I don’t feel that I need the ranks. For the first time in my life I feel that I am worthy. I am enough. I don’t need anyone to fill my cup. Like I said, I am whole.
Q. Years from now, when people talk about your story, what do you hope inspires them most: the athlete you became or the obstacles you overcame?
The obstacles I overcame! And to just know that any human at any age can rebuild their whole life. Not everyone wants to be an athlete. Whatever that dream may be, it’s to show that you can rebuild, never give up and anyone can do it.
