Ian McKeever, presenter on Dublin's Country 106.8FM, tells Patricia Weston about training for a world record challenge.
Do you take regular exercise?
I try to exercise twice a day since I began the intense training four months ago for next month's world record challenge on Croagh Patrick for the Irish Osteoporosis Society.
What's your training schedule?
I train in the mornings on Scar Mountain in Lough Dan, Co Wicklow, where I do a tough 50-minute mountain run. In the evenings after work I hit the gym for 60 minutes of cardio on the cross trainer, weights and pool. Weekends it's over to Camanderry Mountain and the 500 steps in Glendalough.
So you must be very fit?
Having beaten myself into shape, I guess now I am. In truth, I couldn't undertake the forthcoming challenge unless I was in prime shape. I had to lose 18lbs in the process, change my lifestyle, diet, pretty much everything in fact!
How did you change your diet?
My diet is geared specifically towards my training needs. A typical day would consist of high fibre cereal or wholegrain bread with honey and soya milk and two pieces of fruit. I'd have three bowls of sunflower oil smoked tuna and basmati or brown rice during the day. In the evenings, red meat with pasta and I'd always consume three to four litres of Essentia water, (ionically separated water) per day regardless of training, for hydration purposes. During training I take another two litres on board.
Any tips for a good diet and exercise plan?
I don't believe in diets. I think the correct way to lose weight is a combination of proper weight- bearing exercise and eating the right food.
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?
Should the genuine need ever arise, yes, I probably would.
What stresses you?
Strange things like incorrect speed limits in the wrong areas. And calling people by the wrong name on air.
How do you unwind?
My acupuncture sessions every week usually do the trick!
What's your attitude to exercise?
Everyone is different, but everyone needs to exercise mentally and physically. The problem some people have is trying to find exercise that works for them. People should be broad-minded. This year I had my mind opened to the wonders of fast yoga, a yoga type that combines Ashtanga with a good cardio workout.
Patricia Weston notes:
On July 9th a team of seven people led by Ian and Cathal Cregg will try to set a new world record for the most mountain ever climbed in the fastest time by climbing Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo seven times in just 19 hours. Anyone who wishes to support the challenge can text the word bone to 57080 and €2 will go to the Osteoporosis Society. To help out on the day of the challenge, contact Michelle in the IOS on 01 6774267.
This challenge is in aid the Osteoporosis Society of Ireland and supported by Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited.