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'Know to take it one step at a time'

MY RUNNING LIFE: Ethna Crowe (41), on her favourite running tips and tunes

Mon Jul 30 2012 - 01:00

MY RUNNING LIFE:Ethna Crowe (41), on her favourite running tips and tunes

When did you start running and why?

I started running about 20 years ago for general fitness and have taken a keener interest in it in the last five years or so.

What keeps you going when things get tough?

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Knowing to take it one step at a time and tuning into a great running song.

Where’s your favourite place to run?

Along Sandymount Strand, especially on a sunny evening.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on?

A half-marathon in 2011. I keep saying that one of these years I’ll try for the marathon.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Completing the mini marathon for different charities for several years now and achieving my fastest time in it last year, 47 minutes, 27 seconds, and completing the half marathon in one hour 55 minutes last year. Not bad for a starter.

What are you training for?

I have yet to sign up for my next race but I might do the 10km Dún Laoghaire Bay Run on August bank-holiday Monday.

Are you a morning or evening runner?

I’m definitely an evening runner.

What does your average weekly training consist of?

On a good week, four runs of about 6km if I can manage it.

Do you have a good or a bad diet?

Average.

Do you have a coach?

No, just myself.

What do you wear on your feet?

Asics.

What’s on your iPod when running?

Various songs which have been put together for me by a good pal and some recent downloads, such as Euphoria by Loreen, Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics, The Wanted, Coldplay, Rodrigo y Gabriela; and a real mish-mash of good running songs and some slow songs by Christy Moore and a few from one of my favourite films, Love Actually.

Ever been chased by an animal?

No but over many years I have chased several types of animals around fields helping my father, who was a vet.

Any niggly injuries?

No, touch wood. I did have a calf injury two years ago and hated having to rest it.

What’s your favourite running tip?

Eat plenty of dark chocolate before a race as it makes you run faster. I’m not sure if that is a myth but I go along with it anyway. Also, I have heard that Eamonn Coghlan has said that a good runner never stops so I try to keep that in mind when I’m tempted to stop.