The shape I'm in: Sergiu Ciobanu, marathon runner and physical therapist

WHEN runner Sergiu Ciobanu landed in Ireland 10 years ago at the age of 22 he didn’t even know what language the people spoke. 

With just a smattering of English, the man from Moldova found work on building sites and quickly picked up new words and phrases.

He now has fluent English, is an Irish citizen and runs a business with his wife.

He also happens to be the third fastest marathon runner in the country.

This week he was told he didn’t make the cut for the Irish Olympic squad. He has appealed the decision by Athletics Ireland.

“I followed the criteria that I trusted,” he says.

“I proved my fitness before the deadline. I am healthy and injury free. I was ready to buildup for the Olympic marathon.”

However, on a personal level, life couldn’t be better.

Last year he married physiotherapist Eimear and they are expecting their first child next month.

He has a 10-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, who is living in Moldova.

The couple run a physiotherapy clinic in Clonmel, Co Tipperary where Sergiu works as a physical therapist.

What shape are you in?

With the Irish Examiner Cork City marathon approaching fast, I have to be at my best shape ever.

In March, I went to a warm- weather training camp. I’ve also been in Morocco for high- altitude training.

For the last few months, I’ve been training harder than I did the previous year. I’m in pretty good shape.

I try to train twice a day every day, except one day a week on Friday when I train only once. I use this as an easy day.

By the end of the week, I would have 175km to 185km in my legs.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I like to have a balanced diet. Because being an athlete you travel to other countries. It’s hard to have your own strict diet.

That’s why a more balanced diet is suited to an athlete. You have to eat whatever they feed you when you go to a race.

If I do have a training session the next day I make sure I eat a lot of carbs — Basmati rice, potatoes, porridge.

After a tough training session, I make sure I eat lots of protein, which is very important for recovery.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I have a sweet tooth. I like cakes and chocolate. A few years ago I was about to run in a big marathon but I had a problem with my wisdom teeth and I couldn’t eat much.

All I could eat was a Black Forest gateau. The next day I ran my second fastest marathon.

What would keep you awake at night?

Sometimes after a hard training session or after a big race maybe my mind will still be racing. I would find it hard to come down and forget about things. I don’t really get nervous before the race.

How do you relax?

I would read a book or watch a movie on my tablet. I like going to the cinema as well. I also like to go to a swimming pool and the sauna. I think this is a huge part of training as well.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

My coach, Jerry Kiernan, another good friend of mine is Billy Keane and I would like to meet David Beckham.

What’s your favourite smell?

When I come home from training, I like the smell of dinner. I’m lucky that Eimear does a lot of the cooking. I try to cook as well. Maybe twice a week.

When is the last time you cried?

When I went to training camp in Morocco and I left my wife at home when she was seven months pregnant. She was left alone to deal with daily life and the work. I felt a bit guilty then.

What traits do you least like in others?

Maybe there are but I don’t know of them, which is even better.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I could be more organised with my training. Sometimes I like to sleep in in the morning. But most days, I get up early and get my training done and get on with my daily life.

Do you pray?

I used to say prayers more often when I was younger. Sometimes I join my wife when she goes to mass. I was raised as an Orthodox Christian, but I pray everywhere.

I don’t mind if my children will be Catholic. I like to get along with the people, in the nation where I live.

What would cheer up your day?

A nice day and some sunny spells. Although I don’t really mind when it’s raining.