MY RUNNING LIFE:Pat O'Keeffe (44) is on target to complete his 100th long-distance run by May next year
When did you start running and why?
I started running at the age of 18 when I was asked to join a local running club in Co Clare. I spent the next few years running cross country and road running. It wasn’t until 1988 that I did my first marathon. I crossed the finish line saying never again.
Over the next 20 years I completed just two more marathons. But in 2008 I caught the running bug again, and since then I’ve put 87 marathons and ultras under my belt. A group of us who run regularly have also formed Marathon Club Ireland.
What’s the marathon club?
Running a marathon is an amazing achievement. Marathon Club Ireland was formed to encourage all aspects of running marathons and ultras, from participation to organisation. We are a group or, as we call ourselves, “a family”, of like-minded people who complete 26.2-mile races and over for fun. We have 170 members.
What’s been your biggest achievement?
If biggest was to come under the heading longest, it would have to be the 100-mile road race in 2010, an event held in Connemara every August. It is an individual race, to be completed in less than 30 hours.
What’s the best thing about running?
Finishing every run gives me a sense of achievement.
Is there one thing you’d change about running?
The cost of some events in Ireland.
Where’s your regular run route?
I don’t have a regular route. When I get the urge, I just decide there and then where to run. I think variety prevents running becoming boring or like a chore.
What are you training for now?
I’ve spent most of the year running marathons and ultras, with 33 done so far. I’ve two more left in December, with marathons in Portumna on the 15th and Galway on the 29th, and then I’ll run a marathon on New Year’s morning along the Royal canal from Moyvalley to Leixlip.
What’s your goal?
My goal at the moment is to complete my 100th marathon/ultra next May with the Great Limerick Run. I’m on track with 87 done but I still have a long way to go.
Do you stretch?
Not as much as I should.
Have you a good or bad diet?
I eat generally everything as I reckon if you can burn off up to 3,000 calories on a marathon, you need both your good and so-called bad food.
What’s your average training week?
I spend most of my week this weather recovering from the marathon or ultra of the previous weekend. With up to four or six marathons in as many weeks, I find rest is important.
Last year I did some cycling and used a rowing machine in between running so I could keep fit without the high impact of road running.
What do you wear on your feet?
For the past few years I’ve worn Nike Air Zooms. When it comes to very wet off-road trails, I supplement these with a pair of SealSkinz waterproof socks to keep my feet dry and warm.
What’s on your iPod when running?
Anything with a beat, although lately I haven’t worn an iPod as the craic with club members has been good during the runs.
Any niggly injuries?
Running long distance regularly gives you some niggles – niggles I don’t worry about, except when that niggle turns into pain that gets worse as you exercise.
What’s your favourite running book?
Irish Runner magazine.
What’s your favourite running tip?
Pain is temporary but pride is for ever.
