RUNNING MATTERSwith Martin Lyons

‘Running Matters’ returns this week, after a spell on the sidelines and it’s fair to say I’ve found somewhat of a ‘local legend’ in Mullingar running circles to begin with!

Eddie Newman didn’t take up running until he was in his 40s, but he quickly developed himself into one of the top and certainly most consistent distance runners for his age category in this country, especially over the marathon distance. As you’re about to find out, he still has plenty of appetite, for even more success.

Name: Eddie Newman

Date of birth: 1963

When did you start running and what motivated you take it up?

I started running in 2005. I used to play soccer in Gainstown around that time, but as I was doing shift work, I could not get out to play every week and I realised I was not as fit as I wanted to be and something had to change.

I started off by jogging three miles a day, four days a week, along what was the mucky canal at that time. Then I read about the Dublin Marathon been held in October, so I thought I’d give it a go!

I started to train for it, hoping to complete it before the roads were opened up traffic again. As it transpired, I ended up running 3 hours 35 minutes for my first marathon, and it all started from there.

What is your favourite and least favourite type of training and your favourite race distance?

My favourite type of training is a tempo run at a comfortable – hard pace, which I think most people can relate to. My least favourite type of training are long intervals, I find them tough.

My favourite race distance is probably 10 miles, a good mix between speed and stamina, with slightly more emphasis on stamina, which suits me best.

What running achievements are you most proud of and why?

There is no one answer for me to this question, as many races have their unique achievements and I’m glad to say I could list a few. I suppose top of the list would be representing Ireland in the British and Irish Masters Cross Country in Nottingham a few years ago.

Also, breaking (sub) 3 hours for my last 15 consecutive marathons has been pretty enjoyable, with my last four marathons all being sub 2.50. Another would be receiving the World Marathon Majors award in Tokyo after completing the last of the six marathon majors there in 2.45.

They are just a few. I also have great memories from running New York, Chicago, Boston, Paris, London, Tokyo and Berlin Marathons respectively.

List your current PBs for the following distances:

1 mile: 5.05

5k: 16.31, Castlepollard, 2016

10k: 34.23, Clonee, 2016

10-mile: 56.46, Frank Duffy, 2015

1/2 marathon: 1.14, Tullamore, 2016

Full marathon: 2.45, Rotterdam, 2016

What are your running goals for the next 12 months?

Firstly and foremost, to stay injury free and make the start line of all my planned races, that would be the number one goal. I plan to run the Dublin Marathon this October.

I have to say you cannot beat the support I have experienced, running around that marathon course and I’ve completed it eleven times already. I will have a go again this winter at qualification for the British and Irish Masters Cross Country in Abbotstown. In the meantime, I will run road races from 5k up to the half marathon distance, all around the country.

What advice would you give to anyone who is looking to take up running?

You could get all types of advice off different people, but I will keep it short and sweet! Train wisely and then gradually increase your effort, pace and distances. Train, rest and adapt. Also, try and better yourself each time.

A key thing is not to be trying to be better than someone else, as there will always be people better and not as good as you, but just try to better yourself and enjoy the journey.

What are your lifetime goals and PBs for the following distances (where applicable) – 1 mile; 5k; 10k; 10 mile; 1/2 marathon; full marathon?

As I am now in the Male 55 category, and my main goal is to run the best I can in this category.

So far, I have run 2.49 for the marathon, 28 minutes for 5 miles, 35.46 for 10k and 59 minutes for a hilly 10 miles. I now hope to run 78 minutes for the half marathon in this category.

More goals for me to try and conquer, and I look forward to hopefully doing well in this category.

What is your favourite post race meal?

About three hours after a marathon my body craves for a good steak. Apart from that, I enjoy most reasonably nutritious food, but I especially love the Caesar salads in the Annebrook House Hotel in Mullingar.