Jim Aughney, adidas Dublin marathon race director, tells Patricia Weston he hopes to keep running well into his 70s as it clears his head and keeps him relaxed
Do you exercise?
I used to run marathons but those days are behind me. I still like to get out and run every day though. I run to work and back most days. I run from Clondalkin to Citywest which is about four-and-a-half miles each way.
How did you become a runner?
I started off by joining a running team then my competitive nature took over so I started taking part in races. I'm 44 years of age now but I still run some races and do cross-country running. Cross country is great in the winter when it's lovely and mucky. It's brilliant to run through the fields, uphill and downhill, the more varied the terrain the better.
Are there any other sports you'd like to try?
Running is the only sport I participate in. I've never joined a gym and I played football and soccer in school with two left feet - I wasn't very good at all. I'd like to learn to swim and I keep meaning to but that target keeps moving.
What do you love about running?
To me, it's a great way to clear my head. I feel better in the morning having had a run because I've 'hit the ground running' so to speak. I find it very relaxing. I'd be very agitated if I didn't run - like a smoker without fags. I hope to keep running well into my 70s.
Have you suffered any injuries or serious illnesses?
I get the odd hamstring strain or pull if I haven't warmed up properly before a race. Thankfully, I've never suffered any serious illnesses or injuries - I've been quite lucky in that respect.
Are you a healthy eater?
Generally, I follow a healthy diet. I watch what I eat and I'm conscious of it. I eat very little red meat, lots of vegetables and lots of carbohydrates like bread, pastas and potatoes. And I don't smoke or drink alcohol.
What do you love to eat?
I love to drop into the chipper every now and again for fish and chips.
The 25th adidas Dublin Marathon takes place on October 25th.
Patricia Weston recommends:
If you're a regular runner and you've become stuck in the same routine, here are some running workouts to prevent boredom and vastly improve your endurance and fitness level:
Try fartlek running. Fartlek is Swedish for 'speed play'. Introduce bursts of speed running into your routine to increase anaerobic fitness - training without using oxygen as fuel.
Fartlek speed bursts should last between 15 seconds and three minutes.
Some days you might find you can run and run like Forrest Gump, other times you may be too tired to run at all. On the days you feel you can run forever, run faster and longer than usual but follow those days with a rest period or a slower, shorter run. This allows your body to recover and enables you to push yourself harder.
To increase endurance and cover a greater distance, incorporate walk breaks into your routine. Walking and running is not taking the easy way out. It helps reduce injury and reduces the risk of over-training.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
pweston@eircom.net
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.