Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon Runner of the week: Damien Coleman

We profile our last Runner of the Week taking part in the ‘Irish Examiner’ Cork City Marathon today

Name: Damien Coleman

Age: 33

Is it your first time running a marathon?

No, I have run seven marathons over the last four years.

Why are you running the marathon this year?

Ldecided to run it while soloing with a hurley and sliotar. We are working in conjunction with the Mater Private hospital Cork to raise funds for the Cork Simon community and developments at Blackrock hurling club. All money raised will be split evenly both charities.

What’s your training/diet regime like?

I have never struggled so much with injuries as I have this year, while training for a marathon you expect to pick up the occasional niggle but this year has been more difficult than previous years. It’s amazing how all niggles and aches clear up at the start line though and you can concentrate on the task ahead. In terms of diet I try to follow an 80/20 plan, where 80% of the food I eat is good quality high protein and the remaining 20% is whatever I enjoy.

Hardest part so far?

I run a tough 16 miles last week in the heat, normally I wouldn’t run such a distance during my taper but for once I’m not going to be too focused on my watch, my main focus will be finishing with both my hurley and sliotar.

Best part so far?

I ran a 5km organised by the BHAA this week and the support and words of encouragement from other runners was amazing.

One piece of advice to anyone thinking of doing it in the future?

The most important piece of advice I give people when it comes to marathon training is to make sure you are capable of running the distance, your pace can be improved upon with speed-work and drills to improve running form. You need to be able to run while fatigued during the marathon.