Health Scan: Rob Cummins

Rob Cummins: takes exercise to extreme.
Rob Cummins: takes exercise to extreme.

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
I think I do, but a lot of people might consider it extreme. Myself and my partner, Aisling, race ironman triathlons, marathons and ultra marathons. We also own Wheelworx – a large bike, run and triathlon store – so most weeks we work at least six days and average at least 50-60 hours. However, we eat very healthily and don't drink or smoke. So while we tick all the healthy boxes, we probably do so at the extreme end of the scale.


How often do you exercise?
During racing season, which is about 10 months, a normal week would average 20-25 hours which might be 10-15 sessions split between swim, bike and run. In the off season, training drops to about 8-12 hours a week and I continue to run and add in gym and yoga.
Do you get your five fruit and
vegetables a day?
Yes and usually a lot more. We don't usually eat before training so breakfast is usually about 11-12 and would be berries and Greek yoghurt. I often skip lunch as work can be hectic. Dinner is usually salad with salmon or meat and cheese. You know the serving bowl you might put in the middle of the table when you've 10-12 guests over? That's the portion size I'd normally have. The one weakness we both share is ice cream but we try to limit it to once a week.

Do you worry?
Yes and definitely way more than I should. I'm always working on improving this.


What do you do to relax?
Writing, reading and movies. We go to the cinema as often as possible. I write for an outdoors magazine and keep a blog. I might have a couple of book projects in the back of my mind too.


What's your worst habit?
Overdoing things. I think it just happens to be one of my best habits too.

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Wheelworx is hosting Going the Distance, a speaking event from the best in endurance sports, on February 22nd. Tickets on iti.ms/1kOg2ce with proceeds to Lauralynn House.

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