1. What running shoes do you train in?
Asics DS Trainers
2. How many miles did you run last week?
26.2 + 4
3. What’s your favourite racing distance?
26.2
4. Where’s you favourite place to train?
I moved to Roscahill (near Oughterard) 4 years ago and was really disapointed that the only running routes included massive hills. But the first day that I got to the top of a mountain pass at the back of my house I found the most unbelievable place with views that stretched from the Burren to Tuam to Connemara. The added bonus was that there is an 18 mile loop along a forestry road - It was obviously designed by a marathoner.
5. What’s your favourite race or event each year?
That's a tough one. I've always said that the Edinburgh Marathon is my favourite race but the organisation is getting a bit scrappy. I think it now has to be the New York Marathon. It has an unbelievable atmosphere and I absolutely love the City.
6. What annoys you most at races?
Inexperienced runners crossing my path and taking my line.
7. What race, that you haven’t yet run, would you most like to take part in?
The toughest race on earth - The Marathon Des Sables. I plan to do it in 2009.
8. What was your best-ever running performance?
Westport half this year 1:32. Although a perfectly paced Amsterdam recently was nice.
9. What was your worst-ever running performance?
Longford 2006 - It was horrific. First half in 1:41 - Second half in 2:11. I died at mile 20.
10. What’s the strangest thing that you’ve ever seen on a training run?
I passed a guy walking along the mountain pass mentioned above. He had no backpack, was wearing jeans and normal shoes, and was about 7 miles from anywhere. I still can't figure out what he was doing or how he got there.
11. Favourite piece of running gear?
The shorts that I attached elastic straps to, for my gels.
12. Who would you most enjoy beating in a sprint for the line?
Why does everyone answer James Lundon?
13. What was the best bit of training advice you were ever given?
Pain only hurts for a little while. Pride lasts forever... So move your ass.
14. In ten years time will you still be running?
Absolutely.
15. If for some reason you were told you could never run again, how do you think you’d react?
I'd still complete marathons no matter what I had to do.
16. Have you ever been bitten by a dog while running?
Yes, but I have absolutely no fear of dogs so I chased it back to it's house.
17. Have you ever had to stop for an emergency ‘Paula’ during a race?
No
18. Favourite post-race food?
I usually have a pint of Heineken, a Coke and a cup of tea lined up on the bar afterwards. Not much hunger though.
19. Most embarrassing ever running-related moment?
Finishing last in the first Connemarathon was a bit embarrassing.
20. The greatest Irish Athlete of all time is/was?
I think it could end up being Thomas Maguire if he keeps up his momentum. When is the last time someone knocked such a chunk off a National Record - 7:05:06 for 100K? Unbelievable.