Endurance challenges test my mental and physical determination

I took on my first endurance challenge in 2011 when I ran five marathons in five days. That whet my appetite, so a few months later I suggested running 126 miles, from Limerick to Dublin, continuously, with my friend and we did it, raising €40,000 for Special Olympics along the way.

I’m always happiest when I have a big physical challenge on my horizon. Between family life (I have two young daughters) and working as a radio DJ I love the buzz that training for a big event brings to my life.

I've always admired the great athletic achievements people have made for Sports Relief, and that's where I got the idea for my next big event. Inspired by David Walliams's channel swim, I'm going to swim the 7km stretch from Poolbeg Lighthouse to Dún Laoghaire this July and raise money for Special Olympics.

Right now my training consists of three swims a week – two in the sea and one in a pool – and then two days in the gym working on my strength and conditioning.

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It’s going to be intense. I’ll spend about six hours in the water, but I know that as soon as I get out on the other side I’ll already have planned my next adventure.

Tell us about a sport or activity that you love. Email 300 words or less to magazine@irishtimes.com with “Why I Love To” in the subject line