An Cosantóir

20 INTERVIEW WITH LT BRIAN DUNNE LEADING THE TEAM INTERVIEW WITH LT BRIAN DUNNE, CAPTAIN OF THE WINNING BLOCK IN THE 2022 AN COSANTÓIR 10KM RACE In October 2022, we saw the An Cosantóir 10km and 5km race return to the Phoenix Park after being run virtually for the two years prior, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 An Cosantóir 10km race event block winners crossed the line with an impressive time of 43.18 minutes. It was a successful day for the 28 Inf Bn and their block Captain, Lt Brian Dunne. This was the first time that the 28 Inf Bn have won this event in the units history. I interviewed Lt Dunne about his team's preparation leading up to the event. Can you introduce yourself to our readers? Lt Brian Dunne, PTI and testing officer in 28 Inf Bn, a member of the 10th Potential Officers course, formerly a Cpl in 28 Inf Bn where my role was the day to day running of the gymnasium and the organising of the unit's PT schedule. I am a long- term recreational runner with more enthusiasm than ability. In your experience as block captain for a race, what preparation is required to train troops to run as part of a block? As the testing officer in Finner camp, I use the annual IT tests to identify potential team members and begin the recruitment process there. When the group is running naturally at a high level, they will achieve a faster time. Some years due to unit commitments, the level is not as high and that is absolutely ok. The most important thing for me is that we put maximum effort into our training and on the race day itself, regardless of the outcome. We are fortunate to have some excellent and experienced runners in 28 Inf Bn and we call on their expertise to devise a 6–8 week training programme leading up to the race. Unfortunately, it has not been possible in the last few years to train together as a group, but we entrust each runner selected on the team to follow the programme in their own time. Ultimately our race plan is to run as fast as our 20th person and the more quality training we have done, the faster that will be. In an ideal world and what has happened in previous years, a time trial has taken place, the fastest 25 are selected for a panel, an achievable time is selected for the group, an eight week training block is conducted and supervised and we toe the line ready to race. With your leadership experience, what extra steps do you take to keep the troops motivated? I make myself available to all members of the team in the weeks leading up to the event to provide any additional training advice or to offer By Cpl Eric Ryan Photos by Airman Sam Gibney & Cpl Jamie Martin Block Winners 28 Inf Bn all smiles before the race start

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