Q&A: Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith says "he's just not into running", but the cancer survivor is doing a 10km run next month anyway – and has helped persuade another 100 people to join him.

Name and age:
Stephen Smith (31).

When did you start running and why?
I'm thinking about starting running. Not too excited about it though.

What's been your biggest achievement?
Agreeing to participate in my first 10km run.

Best thing about running?
Getting to the finish line.

One thing you'd change about running?
Having to run on concrete roads. Bad for the joints.

Where's your regular run route?
I don't have one yet. But I think I'll start running around UCD.

What are you training for now?
I'm about to start training for a 10km run for Arc cancer support. Arc is a fantastic organisation that provides free services to people with cancer and their families. Myself and a fellow testicular cancer survivor are gathering 100 people to run with us to raise awareness of Arc's work.

I’d really recommend calling in to Arc’s space on Dublin’s Eccles Street or giving the organisation a call.

It has a wonderful team of staff and volunteers who provide counselling and other services.

I love dropping in to see the team, it’s an uplifting experience.

Are you a morning or evening runner?
Evening. I hate mornings.

Do you stretch?
I will have to do some warm-up stretching.

Friends of mine are into triathlons so I’ll get some advice from them on the best routine.

Good or bad diet?
It varies. I'm trying to improve my diet. I'd have to say pretty bad at the moment.

Do you have a personal trainer?
No. Although I was in New York recently and there was a street class in "soul cycling" led by two personal trainers. I want a trainer like that. A soul cycler.

What's your average training week?
I try to get out a couple of times a week for a brisk walk.

What do you wear on your feet?
Air Jordans.

What's on your iPod when running?
Nothing but '80s.

Favourite running book?
The Lord of the Rings.

The Arc 10km run takes place on May 6th in the Phoenix Park. To enter see activeglobal.com

In conversation with Shane Hegarty