Q: What specifically do you like about running?
A: As crazy as it may sound I actually enjoy the serenity of the sport. It gets my mind to focus on all the beautiful things in life which either gets me prepared for the day ahead or it can be a wind down from the day I have just had. Sharing conversation, running tips & socialising with fellow Road Runners within the local running clubs at various events both competitive & social is something very special as well.
Q: What benefits to you get from running?
A: First and foremost, the standout benefit is being able to maintain my overall physical & mental fitness which is done in conjunction with regular gym sessions & playing Touch Football. Secondly as competitive as it can be, there is also the benefit of travelling around Australia &/or the world to compete in some Major Road Running Events, rubbing shoulders with thousands of runners including running in the same race as world champions. We do sometimes include some down time/sight-seeing combined with some well earned R & R, usually after the event though.
Q: Would you recommend running and why?
A: I do thoroughly recommend running/walking in some shape or form depending upon each individual’s fitness levels. It can be so rewarding both mentally & physically, either solo or with a friend or a group. Mackay has a number of running organisations only too willing to cater for all levels within this popular sport. When I first started running I thought that 5kms was unachievable but by gradually increasing the distance and changing a few dietary habits, before I knew it I was stepping over the finish line to complete the full marathon events.
Q: What distance are you doing in the BMA Mackay Marina Run?
A: 21.1Kms. Half Marathon.
Q: Have you ever hit a PB at the MMR?
A: Yes, last year 2018. PB Time 1:32:18. 2nd in my age category & 18th overall. I improved my PB for the Half Marathon distance by approx. 8 minutes from my previous PB in the same distance at the 2017 MMR. Having the ability and stamina to be competitive with the younger generation for these events is very rewarding.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking of entering this event to get a PB?
A: A PB in Road Running (or any sport) is always a great goal to aim for and the MMR is always a great course to achieve it. I find the set course mixes it up a bit which allows the mind to be pleasantly distracted at times throughout the challenging run. It is a relatively quick, scenic & slightly undulating course. You can always count on that welcoming voice of Pat Carroll calling your name & number loudly over the microphone as you enter the finish chute which is surrounded by an encouraging crowd & fellow competitors cheering you over that very welcome finish line.
Q: Do you usually train solo or as part of a group?
A: I train solo before or after work during the week starting my run from my front door at Ooralea then continue along the safe & scenic Blue Water Trail to achieve my chosen distance. As members of both the Major Run Clubs in Mackay, myself & my wife Carmel (who has been running much longer than I & is responsible for begrudgingly getting me into running originally approx. 5 years ago) train competitively with the extremely well organised Mackay Road Runners Club on Sundays. We also participate in the charity runs & then travel away with Mackay LRC Club to interstate Run Events throughout the year with these amazingly supportive & fun fellow Road Runners.
Q: Tell us about your running goals post Mackay Marina Run?
A: Once the MMR is completed my training steps up a notch to prepare for the Full Marathon distance of 42kms to be able to successfully compete in the Gold Coast, Sydney & possibly Melbourne Run Festivals later in the year. I do often dream though of one day being able to compete in a run festival with Carmel in Germany or New York before I hang up the boots.