Model runner

Madeline Mulqueen first made Ireland sit up and take notice when she played the sassy bridesmaid in Rubberbandits video Horse Outside.

The 21-year-old model is set to run the Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon on Jun 6 for cystic fibrosis and also recently did a charity fight for the ISPCA and in the lead-up to this underwent 12 weeks of intense training.

The Limerick woman has a regular slot on RTE’s Republic Of Telly, where she does a comedy sketch with Handy Sandie and she recently participated in TV3’s Come Dine With Me.

nMadeline Mulqueen is supporting Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland’s one in 1,000 campaign, which aims to get more than 1,000 women to participate in the 2012 Flora Women’s Mini Marathon on behalf of the charity. For more info, email [e-mail] or Lo Call 1890 311 211.

What shape are you in?

In the 12 weeks I’ve been training for the charity fight, I’ve definitely noticed a difference. I’ve always been skinny, thanks to my mum who gave me my fast metabolism. But after training so much, I feel more toned and have a lot more confidence that I’ve got a good summer body.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’m lucky to have no problems. Dislocating my ankle at Christmas was biggest thing that has happened me. Getting it put back in place was very painful, it was like torture — the doctors had to give me loads of morphine.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I can’t function without breakfast, so I take time to make it. I don’t just have a slice of toast and run out the door. It’s usually Weetabix or porridge with banana. I have a cup of tea, just to put me in good form, and a glass of orange juice. If I’ve got time, I make scrambled egg and toast.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I’m a sucker for garlic chips with cheese on top. And if someone has a bag of jellies, I’ll be asking for one.

What would keep you awake at night?

I sleep fairly well and I never go to bed too late because I can’t let tiredness get in the way of my very busy lifestyle.

If I have a bad night’s sleep, it’s because I’m thinking of everything I’ve got coming up — like, ‘Am I fully ready for this?’ ‘What do I need to do for that?’ Getting up and writing what I need to do in my diary helps me sleep.

How do you relax?

If my two housemates are around in the evening, it’s great to make dinner together and talk. We have a lovely apartment with a nice couch — and we have a cat, which helps us to relax as well.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d invite funny people, like Zach Galifianakis, who was in the movie The Hangover. I’d also invite Tyra Banks because she’s a model and I’d be interested in chatting with her about modelling life.

What’s your favourite smell?

It’s my pillow — it just smells homely. Anytime I want to chill out on the couch and I bring my pillow, I’m asleep. It’s a reminder, like, ‘now you can relax’.

What would you change about your appearance?

Maybe my hair — since cutting it short I can’t do anything with it. I’m letting it grow out now but I just want it to be fast so I can do stuff with it.

When did you last cry?

I cried at our last fight training session. I’d made great friends there and we got a big speech from the trainer. I get emotional. I can’t help it — I’m a girl.

What trait do you least like in others?

I’m a very positive person and it’s hard to annoy me or get me down. I keep away from anybody who’s very negative the whole time — they bring the mood down. I don’t like fake people either. I’m a big believer in just being myself .What trait do you least like in yourself?

Sometimes I can get a bit too stressed. I’d like to learn to relax and let things happen. And then what happens, happens for a reason.

Do you pray?

I wouldn’t say I’m very religious. I would pray to people who have passed away in my life, like my grandparents.

What would cheer up your day?

I’m a bit of a prankster. If I do a good prank, that’d cheer me up. Also getting a text from my best friend, who lives in Holland.