Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, tells Patricia Weston the Phoenix Park is heaven for him - he has four favourite circuits there, all of at least five miles long
Do you keep fit? Yes, I believe regular exercise is vital and as I work with many of Ireland's top sports people I am very aware of the benefits of keeping fit.
What exercise do you do? I jog at least five times a week in the Phoenix Park, depending on my overseas travel schedule. I have four favourite circuits, all a minimum of five miles in length.
Living in Castleknock, Phoenix Park is on my doorstep and is heaven for me. I also train in my local judo club once a week working on sharpness and speed.
Have you suffered from any sports injuries? No, I've been very fortunate in this regard and I believe my healthy lifestyle has been a factor in warding off illness.
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery? No way!
How important is diet for a fit and healthy body? I think it is very important to have a healthy balanced diet, one that incorporates different types of food. I travel each year to over 40 countries in Europe and beyond in my role as general secretary of the European Olympic Committees Organisation and have the opportunity of watching the culinary lifestyle of many differing cultures.
One thing that strikes me is that a combination of foods seems to be the key factor in having a healthy diet and consequently a healthy weight.
Ever tried any diets? Yes, the cabbage soup diet!
What does exercise do for you? I have always trained and during training I do my thinking, solve my problems and clear my head.
Patricia Weston says:
Pat practises Judo once a week to work on his sharpness and speed. According to Alan Martin of Judo Ireland, "Judo is a form of wrestling that develops co-ordination and balance.
"During a one hour and 20 minute training session we incorporate running to increase cardio-vascular fitness and do gymnastics like tumbles etc to develop co-ordination and lots of stretching for flexibility," says Martin. It's an activity that encompasses all the components of fitness, he says.
"Judo has gained great pace in Ireland recently because of its introduction into the schools programme. It's very important because by practising Judo you gain the basics for all sports," Martin says.
"Special needs kids can also benefit greatly from the sport because it develops co-ordination and balance and prepares them for other sports."
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.