1. What running shoes do you train in?

My Vibram Bikele are number 1 but I ran the Ultra in my Sketcher



Bionics Go Run - another beautiful minimalistic shoe.



 



2. How many miles did you run last week? 

Just the Ultra - 39.3 miles!

3. What’s your favourite racing distance?

Has to be the Marathon. There's nothing to beat conquering another regular one or attempting a new one - and they are an excuse to travel the world!

4. Where’s your favourite place to train?

Simple - The woods in Dunsandle any time of year - pure heaven. Can't wait to get back there next week.

5. What’s your favourite event or race each year?

For a club event  - the DCM will always be the big one, as I don't train with the club with work, its a great opportunity to meet old and new faces wearing the Maroon and White. On an individual level, the Ballyvaughen Burren Marathon is an annual pilgrimage for me. There is just something magical about the place that brings me back each year.

6. What annoys you most at races?

The Portaloos. Has anyone ever had a good experience of one? If someone comes up with a better idea they will make a fortune! The Flush thing seldom works  - I don't want to see what the last guy was eating!

7. What race, that you haven’t yet run, would you most like to take part in? 

I like to push the boat out a bit - so I'd have to say one that Ruthann did in Africa - the Marathon des Sables sounds exciting!

8. What was your best-ever running performance?

My 3.16  last year in Dublin is my best - but my 18.59 at Tony's race on New Years Day this year still baffles me. Don't know where that came from!

9. What was your worst-ever running performance?

My First Marathon was the now discontinued Galway Bay Marathon in October 2009. Went out too quick - I still do- tied up on the second lap - walked, crawled and shuffled home in 4.20. Ended up being passed out on the prom by an elderly couple out walking their dog!

10. What’s the strangest thing that you’ve ever seen on a training run?

Two Bulls started fighting each other (over a female no less - we never learn) as I approached on my run one morning. That run quickly turned into a speed session as I got the hell out of there before they turned on me!

11. Favourite piece of running gear?

My Garmin - lost without it. My radio would also be up there. I love listening to the Marathon Training Academy podcast and I love all kinds of music. Pink's song Try is my favourite running song at the minute  - it seems to speed me up a bit always.

12. Who would you most enjoy beating in a sprint for the line?

Niall Callanan. The day will come Niall - watch out!

13. What was the best bit of training advice you were ever given?

I've been given it from James and I've shared it out to many :  The day you feel good, run like hell cause there'll be plenty days you won't feel good. Simple but true.

14. In ten years time will you still be running?

I'd like to think so. With running you make it up as you go along. There are no boundary's to what you can strive for and achieve.

15. If for some reason you were told you could never run again, how do you think you’d react?

Not good. I'm not great with bad news and that would be right down there. I know I am blessed to be able to do what I do and it all could end so easily. I've seen it first hand with people in my family.

16. Have you ever been bitten by a dog while running?

Yes. Only once and he didn't do it again. Enough said.

17. Have you ever had to stop for an emergency "Paula" during a race?

Not in a race. Often on a training run. Same place all the time  -can't say where!

18. Favourite post-race food?

Hard to beat going as a family to Supermacs on O'Connell Street after the DCM - loaded with vouchers - eating exactly what you want.  Look forward to it every year as its a real pig out! But otherwise its the bowl of porridge with  natural yogurt, nuts, honey and cinnamon . The only job!

19. Most embarrassing ever running-related moment?

Coming across a couple making out in a car in the woods in Dunsandle while out for a run late - too late - on a Summer Saturday night. I knew them so it was awkward for a while after!

20. The greatest Irish Athlete of all time is/was?

Probably Eamon Coughlan. What he achieved broke moulds on a world stage and he is still encouraging people to out and run. Had the pleasure of meeting him at the DCM expo. He still is very enthusiastic about the sport.