So, I finally got fed up of Pat McDonagh and Tomas Ruane talking about running. Couldn't meet for a social pint but the conversation would always turn to race times, training  plans, beating this lad and that lad in recent races, will I ever be able to run a half marathon etc etc.. And for a non-runner such as myself I really couldn't see the attraction. But their persistence paid off and they finally wore me down. I bought a cheap pair of Asics and took to the road.

A few months later I joined Athenry AC (and invested in slightly better footwear). Initially I had the perception that a running club was for guys with a proven track record in running but soon realised that the club is really suitable for everyone, whether you can walk a mile or run 26.2.  Joining the club has given me the privilege of meeting some really amazing people, developing fantastic friendships and if it rocks your boat you will learn to push the boundaries and achieve what you once thought to be impossible, and for most that may be completing your first 5k.

1. What running shoes do you train in?

Nike Pegasus for training and marathons, Asics DS trainers for the shorter races.

2. How many miles did you run last week?

60 miles. I’m in the middle of marathon training, will increase for next 4 weeks before the start of the dreaded taper!

3. What’s your favourite racing distance?

The 10k possibly shades it, find it’s a good marker to gauge how training is going.

4. Where’s your favourite place to train?

Hard to beat the Bog road from Lenamore to Monivea…. not as exotic as it sounds :)

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

My first half marathon was in Kinvara and completing this distance was a major achievement on a personal level and love going back there. It’s a good testing course and very well organised.

6. What annoys you most at races?

When you bring the kids for support and they are told by someone that the goodies are for the runners!

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

Any of the large city marathons would be good for me.

8. What was your best-ever running performance?

Athlone Flatline 2014. 5 minute PB which was something I couldn't have imagined a few months previous. Proved that the training was paying off.

9. What was your worst-ever running performance?

The Simon 10 mile last summer. Wandered off to the jacks ten minutes (or so i thought) before the start. I was 2 minutes away from the start line when I heard the gun go off.

When I got to the start line the chip mat was taken up so didn't get chip time credit either. Lesson learnt!

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

Arrived back in Athenry after 22 mile run pre DCM. Slippers (as we affectionately call him) was losing a lot of blood from chest area (chaffing) and was totally oblivious to this. When it was pointed out he demanded an expert consultation from JA. A Chase pursued through church car park, slippers with bloody shirt over his head and JA screaming that she was going to kill the poor man.

11. Favourite piece of running gear?

Well it’s not my heart rate monitor, if you have been to Matt for threshold analysis you will understand! Can't fault the Nike Pegasus, touch wood remaining injury free.

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

Ray Somers (again).. only joking Ray, really I am only joking?

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

“Join a running club” This has proved to be best advice I have received for sure!

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

Nobody knows of course but I’d like to think I would.

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

There are a lot worse things that could happen.. you just have to get on with it and pick another interest.

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

No, but there is a dog nearby that has come close on a number of occasions (every bloody time I pass), be a shame if anything happened to him?

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

Well, I’ll never have to be reminded that the train station is closed on Stephens morning!

18. Favourite post-race food.

Brown soda bread toasted, spinach, 2 poached eggs, a couple of rashers with a pot of coffee.

19. Most embarrassing ever running-related moment?

Refer back to question 17.

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

Has to be Kelly Proper.