Q1.When did you start running and what got you interested in it?
I ran a lot in school but gave up after starting College at 18. I started again after the shock of Gerry Ryan’s death in 2010.
Q2. How many marathons have you run?
8
Q3. What’s your favourite event?
Clare Burren followed by Clonakilty (both beautiful places)
Q4. How many miles do you run in a typical week?
Typically 30 but increases when a race is due.
Q5. What’s your best ever running performance?
4:19:29 in Clonakilty. Happy with my time as it was a PB on a tough (but very interesting) route.
Q6. What running shoes do you wear and do you wear racing flats?
Don’t get me started……My current favourites are Saucony Triumph 8’s but I just bought some Mizuno Wave Creations (but I’m gonna hang onto the Saucony’s just in case).
Q7. What was your worst marathon experience?
Last Dublin Marathon 2011. Calf Cramped just after 13.1 miles and spent the next 10 miles walking 100, running 100m (Ouch) and then back to running. Cramp sorted itself at 24 miles so was able to run the last two but time was dire.
Q8. How fast could you run a mile on a track?
6:30
Q9. What’s your marathon PB?
4:19:29
Q10. What’s the best piece of training advice you were ever given?
Listen to your body (but I want to add to that – Don’t let the “Wall” demons taunt you ! – Keep going as stopping is not an option !)
Q11. Have you ever had a serious running injury?
Yep – I’m currently there with possibly a stress fracture or achilis tendonitis. This has buggered my summer’s running so cycling at the moment. Will try for another marathon in July/August.
Q12. What training session do you find the hardest/dislike the most and what’s your favourite session?
20 mile training runs in blistering heat. Like – Just started fartlek…didn’t think I could sprint that quickly (looks totally cool on the garmin website).
Q13. What is the longest race you have completed?
Marathon
Q14. Do you have a Favourite quote [running or otherwise?]
Don’t take life too seriously. Remember, in 100 years, nobody will care that you ever existed !!!
Q15. Weirdest food you’ve ever eaten during a marathon?
Bugs and Spiders (there are 100’s of these in Lucan during a 5:30am morning run)
Q16. Strangest thing you’ve ever seen during a marathon?
Seeing the vibrams and backward running on my first marathon….but of course these are all now normal.
Q17. What usually goes through your head as you cross the finish line of a marathon?
Done ! Nice ! Ouch ! Ouch ! Food ! Drink ! That’s one closer to the 100. When’s the next one !
Q18. Do you get narky if you don’t get a run in?
If you could only ask this question to my wife. YES I’ve been a pain for the last month due to my injury.
Q19. Have you ever considered how you’d handle it if you couldn’t run again?
Head in the sand ! I won’t even consider that question (no offence of course) !
Q20. What event have you not yet completed that you would like to do the most in the future?
Berlin Marathon (was there on a stag last year – Lovely City)
