Best foot forward

Have you a good or bad diet?

I have availed of a sports nutritionist to try to make sure I am taking on all the right foods before and after my runs. I think that if you are serious about your sport, you will want to be getting as much good stuff in as possible. I do allow myself the odd treat though.

Do you have a personal trainer?

I don’t have a personal trainer. Since I started running I have coached myself. I have picked up bits and pieces from books, the internet and various athletes along the way.

What’s your average training week?

My typical training week consists of two sessions per day Monday-Saturday, with a long run of 30-40 miles on Sunday. When I get within six-eight weeks of a race I will do weekly interval sessions and tempo runs along with hill repeats. Total weekly mileage ranges from 180-200km.

What do you wear on your feet?

At the moment I am wearing Nike Zoom Elites which are a nice lightweight trainer, but if any shoe companies out there would like to sponsor me I’m open to offers . . .

What’s on your iPod when running?

I love music, but not when I’m training.

Have you any niggly injuries?

I have been very fortunate with injuries. I rarely pick up any knocks. Just the normal aches and tired legs after a hard session.

Have you ever been chased by an animal?

I think the most bizarre run I have ever done was when I was about two miles from home running out a country road. I turned a corner when all of a sudden a herd of cattle was approaching me.

Seeing me running startled them and they started running towards me. There was a farmer shouting at me telling me to stop running, but when I did the cows kept on charging toward me so I ran again. After a short chase, I managed to stop them and herd them in to a field. Only problem was it wasn’t a field. It was someone’s back garden.

What’s your favourite running book?

My favourite running book is Eat and Run by Scott Jurek. As an ultra runner there is so much I can relate to in this book.

What’s your favourite running tip?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever got was “always have a goal”. Whether it be a long-term or short-term goal, if you have something to aim for, you will find it much easier to stay motivated during your training.

Next steps

Keith Whyte will be taking part in the five-mile Baby Nicholas Memorial Run at the Cliffs of Moher on March 16th. All funds raised will go towards a first aid room at the Cliffs of Moher and St Munchin’s Hospital. Email: cathy@claresports partnership.ie