Catherina McKieran (27), four times silver medallist in the World Cross[ Country Championships and former European Cross Country Champion, won a bronze medal when the Irish women's team took third in the team event at the World Cross Country Championships in Turin, Italy on March 23rd. She came seventh, two places ahead of Sonia O'Sullivan. Catherina lives in Cavan and has taken leave of absence from her job with Cavan County Council.
How much sleep do you need?
About eight hours a night, maybe more if I've been flying.
How much exercise do you take?
When I'm training hard, I train twice a day - about two hours each session. I usually train at around 10.30 or 11 a.m. and then again around 4.30 p.m. Ideally I run around 14-15 miles each day and I do other exercises as well. I vary the pace, do different repetitions and circuit training in the gym. I train at least once a day, 36,5 days a year. Christmas Day is the best. It gets you out of the [house.
Are you an early morning person?
Not early early. I get up around 8 a.m. or so.
Are you careful about what you eat?
I suppose I am. I eat a lot of carbohydrates for energy, such as rice and pasta and I eat my fair share of vegetables and fruit. I eat beef once or twice a week and fish or chicken on the other days. I don't have to count the calories. I can eat as much as I want a variety of everything. I eat chocolate biscuits. To be honest I could live on sweets. When I was younger I would eat chocolate for breakfast but that wouldn't go down too well now.
Do you drink or smoke too much?
I don't smoke and I drink not very much. I never really liked it and none of the family drinks. I would have a drink when I was out just to be sociable but if I never got it I would not mind.
Are there any foods you hate?
Some vegetables I'm not very keen on like celery and garlic. Despite the fact that I hate it, I eat lots of garlic, especially coming up to a cross country competition, because I've read that it boosts the immune system.
Have you ever been in hospital?
I broke my arm shortly after I started school when I was six years old, and then I was in hospital two years ago with torn cartilage in my knee and had an operation. I haven't had any trouble since.
Does your career make you stressed?
No. When I'm not able to run it makes me very annoyed, but when I'm in running I'm in great form. If I'm ever injured, it's terrible. The feeling is unexplainable really. You know it will last for only a few weeks but that's no consolation at the time. Psychologically as well as physically you need to run.