Q: What distance will you be doing in the Mackay Marina Run and is it your first time running in the event?
A: Half Marathon which is my third.
Q: How did you get into running?
A: In 2004 I had a heart virus which led to an irregular heartbeat. After 11 years and 4 operations the heart finally got back into rhythm. I then decided to challenge myself and complete a marathon within the next 12 months. After all sorts of injuries through training I finished the Gold Coast marathon. It felt unbelievable working hard toward a goal and celebrating the achievement with my family.
Q: What is your training schedule like?
A: I try to do 3 to 4 runs per week. Around 8-10 km’s on a Tuesday morning, 13 km’s Thursday and 20-21 km’s on Saturday. Depending on how I feel I will do the Mackay Road Runners’ run on Sunday.
Q: Do you like to run solo or in a group?
A: Group training. It makes it a lot easier getting up early in the morning when you have people to run with. It is a great way to meet new people and share stories and jokes on the way.
Q: Do you run with or without music?
A: I would miss the banter if I listened to music.
Q: What are your running goals past the Mackay Marina Run?
A: I am currently training for the Gold Coast Marathon. The first time I did the marathon I tore my calf muscle at 28 kms then struggled home to finish. My goal is to get under 4 hours. I’ll then look at Townsville and maybe Melbourne marathons.
Q: This year we are celebrating 10 years of the Mackay Marina Run – will you be going to the 10-year reunion event on the Friday evening before the run?
A: Absolutely. It is a good time to reflect and celebrate how far the event has come over the past 10 years and meet more aspiring runners.