New friends at the beach mile, Michael Byrne and Daniel Sheehan. Photo: Grace Gibson
Wednesday 7 November
By Grace Gibson
A West Aussie who lives 600km from a coastline made his beach running debut today on the Gold Coast as part of the distance running series at the Pan Pacific Masters Games.
Daniel Sheehan, 65, from Kalgoorlie, put aside his inexperience on the sand to place 31stin the beach mile in nine minutes 13 seconds.
Athletics – Distance Running at Kurrawa Beach. Photo: Dylan Brayshaw
“The good tip is to treat it like a sprint where you lean on the front of your foot and lift your knees.”
Daniel began running as an escape from personal issues he was dealing with at the time.
“I first started running in 1975 because I had a mental health crisis and decided to get into fitness which made me feel so much better,” Daniel said.
“It turned me around.
“My dad was into fitness and told me to start running – now I’m 65 and feeling fantastic.
“I enjoy the actual running but it’s the sensation after a run that’s the best.”
The actual highlight of the Pan Pacific Masters Games for Daniel has been the nightly entertainment.
“My biggest problem is the nightly entertainment because it is just so fantastic,” Daniel said.
“I go to bed late and then have to wake up early for my races. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to fit it all in.”
Daniel will compete in the 5km road race tomorrow, 4km cross country on Friday and 10.5km trail run on Saturday.
