THE THIRD DEGREE: Hitting the ground running

In this week’s edition of the Third Degree with Paul Bradley, Letterkenny athletics coach Teresa McDaid gives us an insight into what it’s like working at the top level in her sport, and why she feels the role of sport in our society is often not appreciated

Hi Teresa, how are you doing these days? Your 2022 ended well, with a European Coaching Award – how is 2023 shaping up?

Thank you, I am great. It has been a busy year that ended on a high with another successful European Cross Country Championship, particularly with the senior women’s team where my role there is Team Lead. I was very appreciative of the European Coaching Award at our annual national awards and the lovely unexpected consequences. I had lots of kind messages, and from people I hadn’t seen in a while which was really nice.

More locally, so proud of our senior women’s club team in Letterkenny AC representing us all in European Club Cross country championships in Valencia in February finishing a fabulous 10th.

The European Indoors did not meet expectations in terms of performance due to late illness issues with a few of our medal hopes but look forward now to European Team Championships in June in Poland and World Championships in Budapest in August.

Are awards a bit of an anti-climax when the next day you just go back to work anyway? Or do they help lighten the load a bit?

Definitely not an anti-climax as I continue to get reminded as I meet people out and about that heard about the award. I love getting awards but accepting them never sits that easy with me. I am happier on the side of a track!

Could you tell us a little about yourself, please (where you’re from, where you’ve been, how you first got into serious coaching…)

I am from Letterkenny, married to Herbie who is also involved heavily in Athletics. We have an amazing daughter Niamh who is getting married to the love of her life Danny this July.

I worked in the HSE, mostly in Letterkenny University Hospital and in 2010 took a voluntary redundancy to live the dream. At that time, I coached a talented group of athletes that were making an impact internationally.

I’ve been involved in Athletics all my life and my parents and particularly my Dad, Leo Cullen contributed massively to both Letterkenny AC and Letterkenny Community Centre. I first got involved in Coaching at a serious level when asked by Gary Crossan, five times national marathon champion to coach him. It roller-coastered from there with many many athletes through my coaching system.

Irish athletes have been doing well over the last few years, and Donegal athletes seem to be doing particularly well. Is that a real thing rather than just increased reporting, and if so, what do you think is behind it?

I’ve always believed there is talent everywhere and often quote Lydiard’s “Champions are everywhere; all you need is to train them properly…” Coach education and access to education has had a positive effect, and access remotely and via squad days is a massive impact.

Clubs and communities are continuing to develop and improve their expertise and resources. Donegal has had a strong athletics history with a significant number of clubs in the county and several role models through the years.

Is spotting young talent a big part of successful coaching? (For instance, you coached the young Mark English, who was recently identified as Ireland’s most consistent medal-winner since the 1980s.)

I feel it is more about nurturing talent as opposed to spotting it. It is vital that our young talent is progressed correctly and taught how to train and compete. Mark was a member of Letterkenny AC since he was a child and came into my group as a 16-year-old where he progressed year on year running 1.44.84 in 2013, taking his first global senior medal.

Would you expect to see further progress in Irish athletics, or are there any developments or investments you would still like to see?

As part of our Strategy going forward, Athletics Ireland with the support of Sport Ireland have invested for the first time in Personal Coaches. A number of our best and most successful coaches have had some financial support to allow them to coach on a more professional basis. I am proud to have contributed to the strategy as a member of the High-Performance Committee in Athletics Ireland. I would like to see this being sustainable and further extended.

For people interested in longer runs, but not necessarily in competing, is there a quick tip for increasing endurance?

Use a Heart rate monitor and stick to zones. Get a plan from a qualified running coach and set a goal. Consistency is King and to be consistent you need a progressive plan to improve and prevent injury.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” [Robert Collier]

When you travel for athletics meetings, do you get to see much of the places you visit? Or is it mostly track-focused? Is there anywhere you particularly loved (or hated)?

Pretty much competition-focused other than a local barista coffee en route to track or venue. On occasion a late flight home affords a quick excursion. However, it is a good opportunity to return on a personal trip which I have done in the past. Loved Moscow, St Basil’s Cathedral was unreal in person as were the artworks on ceilings in train stations. Electric City in Tokyo made a lasting memory and I definitely want to go back to Blue River in Oregon.

Conversely, do you get to spend much time relaxing in Donegal these days? What does relaxation look like for you?

Getting onto a deserted beach on any kind of weather with my trusty four- legged companion Douglas.

What was your proudest moment in all your time spent with athletics?

Anytime the tricolour is raised and Amhrán Na bhFiann is played. I have been privileged to be there on several occasions.

Are there any other local issues you would like to draw attention to?

The role of sport in our society is often not appreciated, the positive impact on our young people and giving them an option other than alcohol based activities, teaching them core life skills and values to bring into adulthood.

The impact of sport on health services I feel is significant, contributing positively to fitness, general good health and wellbeing for both participants, volunteers and supporters.

Therefore , I feel it is essential that sporting facilities and communities continued to be supported in our local area.

Quick fire

The book or the film?

Read the book first then watch the movie

The perfect night?

Silent 26&2 Yoga class by candlelight at Hot Fox Yoga studio

What motivates you?

“If it aint a hell yes!, then it’s a hell no!”

What do you look for most in a friend?

Loyalty!

What angers you?

Injustice and lack of compassion

You have €10,000 – what’s the one thing you’d most like to spend it on right now?

The wedding of the year

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