Andrew Mulrean

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I ran some treadmill miles in college, mostly to work off the weekends, and I really enjoyed the stress relief. I decided to sign up for my first half marathon in 2011, the Marine Corps Historic Half. It was during that training that I finally found the joys of running outside and actually going somewhere and seeing things.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
Google! One of my friends is in the Montgomery County Road Runners, so when I moved to Ballston I just started googling around for roadrunner clubs in the area and DCRR came right up. My first club event was the 2013 Track Championship.

I then started regularly attending the Wednesday night track sessions, which was my gateway drug into SLR.

Q: What are you training for right now?
I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon for the first time this Fall. Also my first “away” marathon.

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
I hate wind way more than hills and the 2014 Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon had plenty. I had already paced the race poorly and was fast approaching the wall by the time I was rounding the lonely beach front military base stretch after mile 19. It was about 3 brutal miles of cold wind in my face and knowing I was dead tired and still far from the finish line.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
The accountability that the club fosters. No way would I ever get up at 7 am on a Saturday (or 5 am on Thursday) in 20 degree weather to go run by myself. Also the free club races are a great mix of free and a reason to go out and push hard.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
No matter what your talents are going into something if you put in hard, consistent effort you can get pretty good at anything. As someone who’s own doctor told me, “You don’t really look like a runner. Maybe softball would suit you more” when I told him I was training for a marathon, I’ve been very happy with what I’ve been able to accomplish in the sport.

Q: What’s your favorite route in the area?
A Town Triangle

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
Bagel with peanut butter, and starting out too fast

Q: What’s your proudest running moment?
2014 Marine Corps Marathon. It was a great culmination of a very intense and long training cycle. One that was driven mostly by the friends and competition that came from joining this running club and part by the need to avenge the Shamrock Marathon earlier in the year. It was a beautiful day for running and I loved every minute before the bridge and hated every minute after.

I ate a whole stuffed crust pizza after, pretty proud of that too.

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
I’m a software developer by day, and I love cruising on the country roads on my motorcycle on the weekends.

Q: What is one thing you wouldn’t run without?
Shorts. I hate running in pants and many times have the frozen, red legs to prove it.