Q1.When did you start running and what got you interested in it?
I started running to complement my swimming training and was my second sports so started running at around 7. Then always ran the local 5&10k races until I started triathlon when I was 16 and evolve from there.
Q2. How many marathons have you run?
26 but not officially with 14 Ironman, 1 double and 1 ultra which I walk most of the way for 11h in Millau.
Q3. What’s your favourite event?
Connemara
Q4. How many miles do you run in a typical week?
30
Q5. What’s your best ever running performance?
Sub 3h15 on a Ironman triathlon for the marathon leg.
Q6. What running shoes do you wear and do you wear racing flats?
asics racer
Q7. What was your worst marathon experience?
Getting lost after finishing my first marathon in Nantes (france. I ran 4h and could not find my car in a giant car park, was cold and nearly cried…. I was in my short and singlet for hours trying to find it.
Q8. How fast could you run a mile on a track?
Never done it…. well in 2007 after my back surgery I walk/run 11min
Q9. What’s your marathon PB?
2h51
Q10. What’s the best piece of training advice you were ever given?
If you don’t know why you are running for, keep running until you find it
Q11. Have you ever had a serious running injury?
Yes, I fell running croagh Patrick in 2011 and damage my knee, also had a proper stress fracture a few years ago…. but always been my fault.
Q12. What training session do you find the hardest/dislike the most and what’s your favourite session?
I am not a big fan of short intervals (under 400m) but I really like plyometric work and core conditioning workouts. I love going off road in the mountains or forest for easy run over 1h30.
Q13. What is the longest race you have completed?
Interesting, the Ironman maybe outdoor, maybe 24h swim indoor, or adventure race over a few days.
Q14. Do you have a Favourite quote running or otherwise?
I suppose the one I use for coaching “pain is a reward of good work” obviously good training pain not injuries.
Q15. Weirdest food you’ve ever eaten during a marathon?
I just would not, so never happened…..yet.
Q16. Strangest thing you’ve ever seen during a marathon?
In Belfast a good few years ago, I was doing an Ironman in 3 days finishing with the Belfast marathon, during the race a car hit me and I broke the light. The guy was in rage the army came with their guns and told the guy to get lost when he started to come after me.
Q17. What usually goes through your head as you cross the finish line of a marathon?
I could have run longer.
Q18. Do you get narky if you don’t get a run in?
Nope
Q19. Have you ever considered how you’d handle it if you couldn’t run again?
Oh yes, many many times… but can’t tell
Q20. What event have you not yet completed that you would like to do the most in the future?
24h run
