Retro runner Garret hasn’t looked back

IF you were running in the Portmarnock 10k last Wednesday night, or were among the spectators, you may have noticed an unusual sight – one of the participants running backwards.

No, you were not imagining things in the scenic coastal village as the runners made their way around the course.

Clontarf resident Garret Doherty (36) ran the race backwards. His conversion to retro running, as it’s known, took place in 2009 when he started to run backwards during a run in the Fairview Park. Ever since that fine spring day he hasn’t looked back!

Within a few months of discovering that there is another way to participate in the sport he enjoys, Garret competed in his first retro running race at the UK championships in Manchester.

He also ran a half marathon in the Phoenix Park in September of that year, and a month later completed the Dublin Marathon in a time of five hours and 23 minutes. On that occasion he had his father guiding him around the 26.2-mile course.

Buoyed by his early success, Garret took part in the World Retro Running Championships in Austria in 2010 and returned home with a gold medal for the 3K, and sliver medals in both the 200-metres and the 10K.

Garret, whose record for a half-marathon is 1:39, said his ambition is to run the New York Marathon, backwards of course. Incidentally, the world record for running a marathon backwards is 3:40.

“I’d love to have a go at that some day,

? he says.

Garret, who has ran in the past with both Crusaders AC and Raheny Shamrock AC, regularly trains on Dollymount Beach and the promenade at Clontarf. He concedes that he gets some strange looks from passers-by.

“I’m well used to it by now,

? he states.

“When people see me running backwards, it makes them smile and sure if it gets people talking then that’s great.

“I’m not a crazy backwards runner. This is what I do and I’m proud of it. It’s about being yourself and not caring what other people think.

“Running can be boring if you run the same way all the time but it’s fun to mix it up.

?

Inevitably, the subject of potential dangers associated with running backwards crops up.

“I have never been injured since taking up the sport, although my calf did go numb during the Dublin Marathon when I was up on my toes a lot,

? says Garret.

“Many people wonder if backwards running is dangerous, since you can’t see behind you, but it’s not if you take proper precautions.

“It’s safest to run backwards on grass at a park, on the beach, or a running track or using a forward running guide.

?

Garret believes that running forward can cause injuries that retro running can prevent,

“It also prevents over training as it’s a tougher workout,

? he explains.

“Running backwards makes you more alert. It improves your posture and you’ve better awareness. It also gives you more confidence. I would definitely recommend it.

?

Garret is keen to spread the retro running gospel and is encouraging people who may be interested to try it out.

“I’ve been to 10 schools to teach retro running, and the kids are fascinated with it,

? he adds.

Some day Garret and his fellow converts may get to see retro running being recognised as an Olympic sport – now that wouldn’t be a backward step!

?¢Garret Doherty ran the Portmarnock 10K in 45 minutes. For more photos see Page 35.