My Kind of Exercise

Eamon Horan, RTÉ sports reporter, believes keeping fit is an important aspect of the job

Eamon Horan, RTÉ sports reporter, believes keeping fit is an important aspect of the job. But he tells Patricia Weston he's not beyond taking it easy in the summer.

Do you take regular exercise?

I do a bit of running, go to the gym, play a bit of Gaelic and do some cycling.

How often do you go running?

READ MORE

I'd run two to four times a week, depending on the mood I'm in. I like to run during the winter in the rain and snow and I love running in the dark. It's a lovely feeling and it just seems better at night. I'm not doing so much lately because I've eased back to enjoy some lazy summer days.

Are you interested in GAA?

Yes, I come from a strong GAA family in Co Offaly so I've been playing since I was a little fella. I play with a team in Portobello but I've eased off recently because of work commitments. I miss it, but work comes first because it pays the bills.

Who is your sporting idol?

Sean Kelly is my sporting hero. When I was a teenager, I loved cycling and I was a member of the Banagher Cycling Club. I still have my racing bike at home in Offaly, so I take it out for a spin whenever I go home.

Have you ever had any injuries?

I was doing a lap of the Wicklow Mountains a few years ago. Cycling up a hill, I encountered a patch of oil on the path. I was thrown into the ditch and strained my shoulder. I also got two punctures.

Are there any other activities you'd like to try?

Well, I went skiing in Austria on my honeymoon last year and I thought it was really good craic, so I'd like to do that again. I'm doing a charity walk in Nepal in November, so I'll be in the gym training for that. It gives me something to focus on.

Do you have any unhealthy habits?

I don't smoke, but I drink too much coffee - probably about three to four cups a day. I got a new coffee machine, so I have to drink plenty to justify that.

Do you eat a balanced diet?

I am conscious about what I eat. I'm not a big meat eater; I certainly wouldn't sit down to a feed of sausages. I'm very fond of vegetarian food and I love Italian food.

Are you conscious about your appearance?

Working for TV, you have to be. People concentrate more on how you look than what you're saying, so it's important to look neat and tidy.

Would you consider yourself fit?

Because of the nature of my job I think it's important to be fit. It adds more authority and it gives you some insight into what these sports guys do.

Patricia Weston recommends:

If you're tempted to sit back and have a lazy summer, here are some tips to get moving again: