ARTist in the spotlight RunForestRun

KielyUnusual

Allow me to introduce you to the master of the motorways, principal of the primary roads, sargeant of the secondary roads, cardinal of the class 2 byways, surveyor of the streets and batterer of the bóithríns. Yes its RunForestRun!

His log can be located here:

The Windy Road to Nowhere

After hovering just under the 3hr mark for a few years, RFR made a huge breakthrough in running 2.50 in the Chicago marathon last year. Not only does he do excellent running though, he also doles out sage running advice like nobodies business on the running forums and logs. Have your questions at the ready and I'll get things going with a few from myself.

When did you start running?
Does the life of a teacher give you a huge advantage over the rest of us in that you're practically a full time athlete?;)
You're married with kids, right? How does this affect your running? How does it affect you life in general?:D
What do you think made the big difference for Chicago over your previous marathons?
Where to from here?

ThePiedPiper

Cheers KU,

When did you start running?

I always supplemented my football training with running, up to 6-8 miles, a few times a week as a young fella. Always trained a little bit even after quitting football. I really started running though when I was 23 in 2005, when my mother declared she was going to run the DCM. I entered along with her, and haven't looked back since.

Does the life of a teacher give you a huge advantage over the rest of us in that you're practically a full time athlete?

I wish. This is just my first year teaching, and the constant threat of having a Department inspector walking in the door means that the level of paperwork is ridiculous. However, the advantages are massive. I look forward hugely to having July and August off and being full-time athlete for a summer. Hopefully though, in the longterm, I'll have a lot more time on my hands than in my previous career.

You're married with kids, right? How does this affect your running? How does it affect you life in general?

Yeah, I've two kids, aged 4 and 3. To be honest, I found the first year of being a father difficult in terms of how to find the time for running. We were building a house at the time, and also our wedding was in and around the same time. However, I've found that I've become a lot better at fitting in running around family time, like getting long runs in on the way back from somewhere, or running home from work. I'm a much better runner than before I was a father and husband. How it affects my life in general? Can only say I absolutely love it, it suits me well.

What do you think made the big difference for Chicago over your previous marathons?

I think the biggest thing would be belief and confidence in my own potential. I wrongly assumed for a long time that I wasn't capable of shooting for a 2:4x marathon. But a 1:22 half in March last year on a toughish course on a windy day off average training was the day I realised I was underselling myself. From that point, I knew if I committed fully to a target, I could give it a good lash.

Where to from here?

Running wise, the big goal for the year is Frankfurt in October. I would hope to get myself into 2:44 shape, and give that a crack. There are other medium term goals, but they're really just stepping stones.
However, work looks like continuing to be very busy until the start of May. No choice but to keep on top of my game there, so I'll have to wait until then to really knuckle down to the serious training I know it'll take to give myself a chance of a 2:44.

Cona

Few questions from myself if you don't mind;

You marathon times have improved slowly and gradually over a few years. What would you say was the most important aspect of a marathon training block that allowed you increase your PB even further each time?

What does a typical training week look like for you?

What was your most rewarding PB over the course of your running career?

Ruuning shoes: Critical training tool or just expensive rubber?

Cheers

ThePiedPiper

Interesting questions Cona:

You marathon times have improved slowly and gradually over a few years. What would you say was the most important aspect of a marathon training block that allowed you increase your PB even further each time?

I improved steadily from my 1st to my 5th marathon, but then I actually stagnated completely until my 11th. The big improvements in the early races were due to losing weight, building up a good aerobic base, and decent mileage. Although my training wasn't always clever in those days, I regularly knocked out 60-75 mpw.

The gradual improvements since 2011 have been more down to smarter training really, and getting back that consistency that I lost for a couple of years with the new family/house building, etc. So, consistency in a word. Although, its still something I need more work on.

What does a typical training week look like for you?

Actually quite hard to answer this one. When I'm threading water and just ticking over, its probably 3-4 runs of about 4-6 miles each, and a longer one of 10-15 miles.
However, when I'm properly focussed and within 4 months of a goal marathon, I become a lot more structured. Generally something like this:
Monday: 6-10 miles easy.
Tuesday: 8-10 miles with 4-5 at MP
Wednesday: 6-8 easy
Thursday: Either Yasso 800 session, or MLR with a few MP miles
Friday: 7 easy
Saturday: 8-10 easy
Sunday: 17-20 miles with varying amounts of MP

What was your most rewarding PB over the course of your running career?

I'd say it was the first sub-3 in Seville 2011. I'd ran 3:00:21 in spring 2008, and assumed that next time out I'd easily run sub-3. I made an absolute mess of that race in Berlin, then life got busy for a couple of years, and I ran 3:05 twice. The week of the Seville race, I pulled a muscle in my back, could barely walk to the start line, and against the odds, pulled the 2:58 out of the bag. My second child was due anytime around then, so it made it even more emotional for me.

Ruuning shoes: Critical training tool or just expensive rubber?

Critical tool, without question. I'm a serious creature of habit. Wore Kayanos for years, only using the Mizuno Elixir sparingly. Have since introduced them as my fulltime runner, and have 5 pairs of them knocking about, due to them being discontinued.

pconn062

When will you stop posting in Irish in your log?

ThePiedPiper

pconn062 wrote: »

When will you stop posting in Irish in your log?

Next Monday, I promise.

pconn062

Why Dunleer AC and not Drogheda/NER's?
What would you ultimately like to achieve in the club? County Novice win? Senior win?
Main benefits of being in a club?
Your wife was a very good runner in her time as a junior, do you regret not starting running at a similar age?
The running scene in Monaghan isn't great, do you think the popularity of the GAA is too blame for this?
Who do you think would win in a mile race, me or you?
Are you more likely to become an ultra-jogger or a track-fairy?
Do you like my Wednesday night sessions?
Are you willing to sacrifice your next marathon if we need you for the novice team?

ThePiedPiper

Why Dunleer AC and not Drogheda/NER's?

Mostly due to Mrs RFRs history with the club, but Team Carrie was also a big part of it. I'd probably have drifted in eventually.

What would you ultimately like to achieve in the club? County Novice win? Senior win?

I think a Novice win is a possibility, maybe even intermediate depending. However, I just don't think I'll ever have the talent to win the Seniors. I would cherish a top 3 place in the Seniors though. If I can ever do that, it would mean more than a Novice title.

Main benefits of being in a club?

Friendship, camraderie, involvement in the cross-country races, banter with the rival clubs, dare I say it - the buns and cakes during the summer months, the rivalries with club members, and doing races and sessions that I would not do if I was not with the club.

I was running 5 years and 10 marathons before joining the club. I think I've improved considerably since then.


Your wife was a very good runner in her time as a junior, do you regret not starting running at a similar age?

Yes, she was a great runner, has a box full of provincial and All-Ireland medals dwarfing mine. Yeah, I regret not taking it up in some ways. I think I potentially could have been useful as a runner. I've a cousin who was a genuinely fantastic athlete back in the 80s, went over a year without ever losing a race, so I think there's a bit of genetic talent in me. Next question is linked to this answer.

The running scene in Monaghan isn't great, do you think the popularity of the GAA is too blame for this?

The power of the GAA in Monaghan, and particularly in my own village, is huge. Back in the 80s and 90s, my club had won multiple Ulster titles, and a shedload of county titles. You played GAA as a young fella. You were considered a traitor if you did other sports. I never really considered any other sport, my family are deeply involved in the GAA at playing and administration levels, and I was a decent enough footballer. I think this may have had an impact on other sports in the 80s and 90s, no question.

Whether that's still the case or not, I don't actually think so. There are running clubs all over the county now, and there is a mutual respect and acceptance between runners and footballers now that is totally different from 20 years ago.

Who do you think would win in a mile race, me or you?

Based on current training focus, you, absolutely no question. And, very improbable that I could ever care enough about the distance to train properly for it, so I don't think there'll ever be a time when I buzz past you in a 1,500m race. If I ever do, you should hang up the runners.


Are you more likely to become an ultra-jogger or a track-fairy?

Much more likely to become an ultra runner. I'll continue to do the odd couple of track races, but as you know, these are just to compete, and for the laugh, and to gauge my speed for road races.

Ultra races are in my longer term focus. Comrades is the biggest remaining goal that I have.

Do you like my Wednesday night sessions?

I do, yeah. The company is good, and its good to do a bit of speed work. I always feel very tempted to add on another couple of reps, but I'd be a bad influence on the group if I was to do all the extra stuff I have in my head. The 1km reps were good. If you were to start doing 400s or something, I'd likely be slower to return.

Are you willing to sacrifice your next marathon if we need you for the novice team?

No, not a hope. Sorry. The marathon means too much to me. The best I can manage is racing it the week before or after the goal marathon, but I'll never not run a marathon just for a novice race. It just doesn't mean enough for me personally. Bit of a selfish b@$tard yeah.

blockic

Good choice! After being burnt out from the first week of these threads I am finally able to face them again!

Where did you get your running glasses? (thinking of investing)
Is it true that you wear sunglasses during a race even when its raining and why? (what a plonker )
Do you often go on 2 day weekend breaks to the USA? :pac:
Your class in school must see you running to and from work, what do they think? do you encourage an active lifestyle in your classroom?
What would you do in general to increase activity among kids in primary schools to battle obesity at a young age? i know when I was in primary school it was not actively encouraged.
Favorite TV show?
Favorite film?
Favorite cake/biscuit?
Typical day's diet when training?

ThePiedPiper

Where did you get your running glasses? (thinking of investing)

Got them in Specsavers a few years ago. One of the best things I ever bought. They were pricey, but on a 2 for 1 type of offer, so very worth it.

Is it true that you wear sunglasses during a race even when its raining and why? (what a plonker )

I have sometimes put sunglasses on me and it has started raining midway through the race. To be honest, contact lenses dry up a lot in my eyes, and I don't really like wearing them that much, so if the day is any way sort of sunny, I'll wear the sunglasses. I must've looked like a twat at 5am in Chicago though, when it was completely dark!!!

Do you often go on 2 day weekend breaks to the USA?

Rarely enough. But, for the New York and Boston marathons, they were quick visits too, only 3 days for each of them, due to work/family commitments. Doesn't really make a lot of sense, I know.

Your class in school must see you running to and from work, what do they think? do you encourage an active lifestyle in your classroom?

From what I've heard from parents and other staff, they are absolutely delighted that I seem to be a good role model in terms of leading by example with exercise, and a healthy enough sort of lifestyle. I often get spotted running home, lots of kids in younger classes think its brilliant and always tell me they've seen me out and about.

I do lots to promote healthy lifestyles for kids. Did things like food diaries, exercise diaries, even offered homework passes for people to enter races and participate in sport!!

What would you do in general to increase activity among kids in primary schools to battle obesity at a young age? i know when I was in primary school it was not actively encouraged.

There's a bit of a reluctance on many to actually say things as they are. I have no hangups in saying to kids in my class that there are health risks with obesity, and that they should be involved in sports, etc. Some teachers don't particularly lead by example, but I think it important that kids have teachers and parents that do as they preach.

Favorite TV show?

I don't watch a huge amount to be honest, but I like shows like Blue Bloods. Generally though, sports shows, or crime.


Favorite film?

Pulp Fiction, Goodfellas, The Godfather II


Favorite cake/biscuit?

Chocolate fudge cake..... hmmmmmmm

Typical day's diet when training?

Porridge, juice, coffee in morning

Yogurt, Sandwich, Fruit at work

Normal dinners, pasta, rice, spuds, meat, whatever

More fruit.

Probably a few too many snacks, probably a bag of crisps or a small bar most evenings... need to sort that..

RayCun

Favourite session?
Favourite distance?
Favourite race?
Any races on the bucket list?
What's one thing you would change about Dunleer AC if you could wave a magic wand?
What would you do as AAI dictator-for-life?
Are the kids going to take up athletics or GAA?
Are you going to coach them?
Greatest strength as a runner?
Biggest weakness?

Calvin Johnson

What's your favourite moment in Forrest Gump?

AuldManKing

Some q's that I get asked that I thought were good 'uns:

* You have just finished your marathon, what would be in your dream goodie bag?

* Top 3 all time sporting heroes?

* If you could go back 20 years and give yourself just one piece of advice, what would it be?

* Handicap 10k race boardsie race where the seeding is perfect so it really comes down to pure guts/ wanting it more( not running ability). Who wins?

* If you had to be mentored/coached by a Boardsie for a year then who would you pick - And Why?

* Any interesting facts you can tell us about yourself?

* on behalf of MarthaStew: if you had 6 months perfect training, what would you run 1 mile in.

AuldManKing

There is a proposal in the UK to 'punish' school kids by getting them to do more excercise / run around the yard etc -

How would you react if such a proposal was being discussed by Dept of Education??

pconn062

RayCun wrote: »

Favourite session?
Favourite distance?
Favourite race?
Any races on the bucket list?
What's one thing you would change about Dunleer AC if you could wave a magic wand?
What would you do as AAI dictator-for-life?
Are the kids going to take up athletics or GAA?
Are you going to coach them?
Greatest strength as a runner?
Biggest weakness?

DOES NOT COMPUTE. We're perfect already!

statss

Do you think the development of the Irish language is helped or hindered by being compulsory in school?

ThePiedPiper

Favourite session?

I love long marathon specific stuff. Something like 17 miles with 12-14 at MP, I absolutely love. I can settle well into the pace, and I enjoy the time out on the roads by myself.


Favourite distance?

Marathon, closely followed by half marathon.


Favourite race?

I think the London Marathon is exceptional. The atmosphere is as good as New York, its accessible, logistically its not overly difficult, and its excellent value. I'd rate it very highly. I also think Seville was an extremely good set-up. Very high quality field, lots of things like meals the day before and of the race, and beer tents afterwards, etc.


Any races on the bucket list?

Comrades Marathon sits up there on a pedestal. I've been fascinated with it for years now, and have vowed to do it before I hit 40 (8 years away). I would love to get a silver medal in it, sub 7:30. I reckon I'd want to be in comfortable 2:50 shape to hit that timeframe, so will likely try and give it a go in 2-3 years.

I'd also really like to do the Athens Classic Marathon, as it retraces the original supposed journey from Marathon-Athens.

Asides from those two, I'd have interest in a few others, but more just a passing interest.

What's one thing you would change about Dunleer AC if you could wave a magic wand?

I'd love if we could have stronger senior athletes. We had a true golden generation of seniors, but a lot of them are nearing the end of their careers, and we're lacking strength in depth. I think that may be slowly starting to correct itself, hopefully.
Also, I'm longing for the day when we finally have our own purpose built track. Again, I think that day may be coming, might take another couple of years.

What would you do as AAI dictator-for-life?

I think I'd try to focus on increasing participation at school level, and underage. Of the 22 children in my class, only 2 are involved in Athletics, despite the excellent facility in Drogheda. The GAA and FAI have excellent initiatives such as the Cúl camps. I think for Athletics to truly ever reach potential, it has to start at schools. Adult participation is excellent, but realistically, any of us taking up the sport in late 20s or 30s aren't going to have much of an impact.

Are the kids going to take up athletics or GAA?

Likely both. Mrs RFR is still involved in the GAA locally, and has a strong background there too. I'd possibly promote the Athletics a bit more to be honest, because even at underage level in Monaghan, it was taken very seriously. I think there's a better, friendly atmosphere for kids in Athletics to be honest. We'll probably introduce them to both, and let them make their own decisions.

Are you going to coach them?

I'll try not to. I already teach them music, which is fine. But, I think I'd steer clear of coaching them, might be a conflict of interests. I'll certainly train with them, and help them, but that'd be enough I think.

Greatest strength as a runner?

As PConn once pointed out, I'm an extremely stubborn individual when it comes to my running. I dig in in the tougher training sessions, and push myself right to my limit in most races. Its extremely rare that I'll ever leave a race without having put absolutely everything into it.

Biggest weakness?

Shorter distance races and speed training. I don't do enough to hone my speed. This often leads to bad pacing in shorter races, or a lack of a finishing kick.

ThePiedPiper

Calvin Johnson wrote: »

What's your favourite moment in Forrest Gump?

I think there's a particularly poignant moment in it where he is running across the country on his own at one point. He's passing a beautiful lake and just stops to take in the beauty. The running is not important at that point, he is at one with, and in awe of his environment. I have a moment like that on nearly every run I'm on.

ThePiedPiper

Some q's that I get asked that I thought were good 'uns:

* You have just finished your marathon, what would be in your dream goodie bag?

A 6 pack of beer, a bar of chocolate or two, an item of clothing to keep me warm, and a towel to dry me after the showers that are right beside the bag pick-up area.

* Top 3 all time sporting heroes?

1. My mother. I'm not being overly sentimental here, but she's an absolute legend. Captained Monaghan to their only every All-Ireland camogie title (Intermediate I'll admit), played at intercounty level til her 50s before restarting running and running sub 4:30 at close to 70 in Boston. In a charity match a couple of years ago, she ran rings around other ones literally half of her age. She's the reason why I've been fascinated with marathoning for my entire life and I can only hope to have half of that drive and energy at her age.

2. Haile Geb. I was a closet athletics fan in the 90s, but I always loved seeing him race. He always looked happy, he was always swarmed by a gang of Kenyans 10 inches taller than him, but was devastatingly fast in the final lap. His marathon career coincided with me starting Athletics, and I was lucky enough to run the race in Berlin when he ran 2:03. His continued passion still inspires.

3. Brian O'Driscoll. I'm also a big rugby fan, actually dabbled in it for a bit. O'Driscoll has changed the expectations and perceptions of what an Irish rugby team could achieve. His immense talent, skill, single-minded determination and longevity have been a joy to watch for the last 15 years and I think we're privileged to have been able to experience the phenomenal individual that he is.


* If you could go back 20 years and give yourself just one piece of advice, what would it be?

It'd probably be to possibly broaden my horizons a little bit. I was extremely determined to become a good footballer, and a good musician as a teenager. Also, I'd probably give myself a bit of a talking to as to the qualities of true friends, and what sort of person I wanted to be. Made a few mistakes as a teenager, but I suppose that's what makes us human.

* Handicap 10k race boardsie race where the seeding is perfect so it really comes down to pure guts/ wanting it more( not running ability). Who wins?

To be honest, I don't know enough boardsies well enough to comment. I think TRR would dig in pretty hard, KC would get every ounce out of himself, and I might actually sneak in there as I sort of enjoy the pain.

* If you had to be mentored/coached by a Boardsie for a year then who would you pick - And Why?

That's assuming I'd listen to anyone!!! Honestly though, I'd probably go with TRR. He has a similar family set-up to myself, would likely understand the training/life approach I take, and his mileage approach would be broadly in line with myself. I think I could learn a lot from him.

* Any interesting facts you can tell us about yourself?

Some interesting ones around music.
I played in Carnegie Hall as a 10 year old. I was on the Late Late aged 9, recorded a Grammy Award winning album, The Celtic Harp, with the Chieftains at 11 or 12.
I once travelled to the Arctic Circle, a 3 day journey to play a 20 minute slot in a concert.
I met Bill and Chelsea Clinton, and entertained Mary McAleese a couple of times in An Áras.

I also bribed two policemen in Mexico, summitted Mount Kenya, ran 2 miles on the Kumbu Glacier in the shadow of Mt Everest, and got lost in Death Valley with temperatures over 50 degrees.

* on behalf of MarthaStew: if you had 6 months perfect training, what would you run 1 mile in.

I think I'd get under 5 minutes fairly comfortably. If you could convince me to actually train properly for it, I reckon I could hit about 4:50 off 6 months training.

ThePiedPiper

AuldManKing wrote: »

There is a proposal in the UK to 'punish' school kids by getting them to do more excercise / run around the yard etc -

How would you react if such a proposal was being discussed by Dept of Education??

I think that's a terrible proposal. I would certainly support anything that gets more children outdoors and involved in sport. I regularly have Maths lessons outdoors, had a Céili in the yard last week, and generally encourage that. To suggest its a punishment is the wrong message completely.

ThePiedPiper

statss wrote: »

Do you think the development of the Irish language is helped or hindered by being compulsory in school?

Very topical one Statss.

Honestly, I believe a huge problem with the language is the attitude of a lot of teachers in primary schools to the language. Many, many teachers' standard of Irish is well below what it should be. The training colleges have a case to answer for here, but teachers also need to take individual responsibility for the attitude they impart onto children.

I absolutely think it should be compulsory, but we need to raise our expectations of the standard expected and consider how it should be taught. The children leaving our school, a Gaelscoil, have a standard that would be superior to most doing Honours Leaving Cert. That just seems wrong.

kit3

Your mother sounds amazing !

Do you play much music now - what do you play & what type of music (traditional ?). Musical influences and mentors ? Do you listen to music while you run or keep the two separate ?
How many kiddies & what ages ?

blockic

RunForestRun wrote: »

Very topical one Statss.

Honestly, I believe a huge problem with the language is the attitude of a lot of teachers in primary schools to the language. Many, many teachers' standard of Irish is well below what it should be. The training colleges have a case to answer for here, but teachers also need to take individual responsibility for the attitude they impart onto children.

I absolutely think it should be compulsory, but we need to raise our expectations of the standard expected and consider how it should be taught. The children leaving our school, a Gaelscoil, have a standard that would be superior to most doing Honours Leaving Cert. That just seems wrong.

Hear Hear!

kit3

RunForestRun wrote: »

Very topical one Statss.

Honestly, I believe a huge problem with the language is the attitude of a lot of teachers in primary schools to the language. Many, many teachers' standard of Irish is well below what it should be. The training colleges have a case to answer for here, but teachers also need to take individual responsibility for the attitude they impart onto children.

I absolutely think it should be compulsory, but we need to raise our expectations of the standard expected and consider how it should be taught. The children leaving our school, a Gaelscoil, have a standard that would be superior to most doing Honours Leaving Cert. That just seems wrong.

blockic wrote: »

Hear Hear!

Really think the Gaelscoileanna are the way to go. My kids go to one and Irish is second nature to them - their friends speak it, they play through it etc. . Really wish I had that opportunity as a kid.

ThePiedPiper

kit3 wrote: »

Your mother sounds amazing !

Do you play much music now - what do you play & what type of music (traditional ?). Musical influences and mentors ? Do you listen to music while you run or keep the two separate ?
How many kiddies & what ages ?

I don't play a huge amount of music anymore, mainly teaching a little bit, and just the odd social occasion. I used to do a lot in my teens and up until I was about 23 or 24, but to be honest, I committed much more to running then, and the two didn't really mix well. Still enjoy it but.

Yes, I play traditional music; harp, uilleann pipes mainly, but also fiddle and a little bit of piano. I did a lot of classical music until my teens also, often regret not having kept that up a little, but the travel and financial rewards were all with traditional.

My brother was a huge influence on me, musically. He's an incredible harpist, composer and organiser of music. Both his playing and his compositions have been a big musical influence on me. Janet Harbison was extremely important in what I achieved as a young fella, the vision she had in founding The Belfast Harp Orchestra, along with promoting the political friendship angle, had a big bearing on the likes of The Chieftains picking us up. Looking back, those few years were extremely strange for a young teenager.

Probably on the pipes, I love listening back to the really old recordings of Seamus Ennis from the 30s and 40s. He was incredible. In more recent years, I was friendly with lads like Mikie Smyth and Padraig McGovern, who are truly astonishing pipers, in very different ways. I've never had the natural talent of pipes that I have on the harp, but looked up to these lads a lot in terms of what I wanted to achieve.

I never listen to music when I'm running. I believe the roads are dangerous enough without adding the distraction of music in your ears. Don't really like it on the treadmill either, as I always subconsciously change my running football to match the beat of the music. Keep them separate.

My two kids are 4 (nearly 5) and 3, a girl and a boy.

ThePiedPiper

Yes, I've always strongly believed in the Gaelscoil philosophy, for primary schools, maybe not secondary. My own school had a very strong emphasis on the language despite not officially being a Gaelscoil. My mother taught in a Gaelscoil, and my father, also a teacher, is still an absolute reference point on all aspects of the language. We spoke quite a lot of Irish at home, so in that respect, Gaeilge was a normal conversational language growing up. The teaching of the language in secondary school was really governed by the standard of Irish of other kids, and a curriculum that did not promote Gaeilge as a living and relevant spoken language.

When I worked in Galway, I tried at all times to use the medium of Irish with clients from the Gaeltacht areas. My mother really introduced more Irish into my own house here, when she was minding my oldest child. We now probably use 25% Gaeilge with the kids.

At school, I see absolutely no reason why Gaeilge can't be used in all curricular areas. In other subject areas, with technical terminology, I give them the vocabulary in English from time to time, but teach in Gaeilge. There is no disadvantage here, only an environment whereby Irish is relevant, and a part of everyday life. There is no reason why this cannot be done in all schools, it is highly encouraged, but most teachers are not willing unfortunately.

AuldManKing

Well played so far on the answers, very good reading.

kit3

RunForestRun wrote: »

I don't play a huge amount of music anymore, mainly teaching a little bit, and just the odd social occasion. I used to do a lot in my teens and up until I was about 23 or 24, but to be honest, I committed much more to running then, and the two didn't really mix well. Still enjoy it but.

Yes, I play traditional music; harp, uilleann pipes mainly, but also fiddle and a little bit of piano. I did a lot of classical music until my teens also, often regret not having kept that up a little, but the travel and financial rewards were all with traditional.

My brother was a huge influence on me, musically. He's an incredible harpist, composer and organiser of music. Both his playing and his compositions have been a big musical influence on me. Janet Harbison was extremely important in what I achieved as a young fella, the vision she had in founding The Belfast Harp Orchestra, along with promoting the political friendship angle, had a big bearing on the likes of The Chieftains picking us up. Looking back, those few years were extremely strange for a young teenager.

Probably on the pipes, I love listening back to the really old recordings of Seamus Ennis from the 30s and 40s. He was incredible. In more recent years, I was friendly with lads like Mikie Smyth and Padraig McGovern, who are truly astonishing pipers, in very different ways. I've never had the natural talent of pipes that I have on the harp, but looked up to these lads a lot in terms of what I wanted to achieve.

I never listen to music when I'm running. I believe the roads are dangerous enough without adding the distraction of music in your ears. Don't really like it on the treadmill either, as I always subconsciously change my running football to match the beat of the music. Keep them separate.

My two kids are 4 (nearly 5) and 3, a girl and a boy.

We likely have a few acquaintances in common then - my misspent but very enjoyable 20's & early 30's were spent around the traditional scene. I pulled back a bit when the kids were young (although my OH's work is all around the music) but find we are drifting deeper back in now that the kids are playing music and it's easier to have them around events. Very different scenes and would agree it would be difficult to mix with running if trying to do both to a high level. Absolutely love the music but could never listen to it and run - would have the same problem with trying to match the beat !

Best of luck with your goals and interesting to get a view of the person behind the user name.

ThePiedPiper

Going to hand the baton over this evening. That was actually pretty painless for the week.