RT Kit - Runner Chats #8

 

Name: Danny O’Reilly

Where you are based: Recently left Hackney for South London

Insta handle: @the_running_dan

 
What inspired you to start running?
I began running 6 years ago. I was unfit and overweight...about 5 stone heavier than I am now. I’d like to say I started running because it was in my blood, or I had an epiphany and decided to get healthy, but I didn’t.
 
The truth is, I live in London and I absolutely hate getting the tube. The price (tight Northerner), how stressed it would make me, being constantly late for work, crammed into a tiny carriage with scores agitated commuters. A good friend bought me a pair of running trainers and convinced me to run commute with him. It wasn’t an overnight thing, the first year my motivation fluctuated, but eventually it clicked.
 
What is your favourite racing distance?
I love the marathon as I love the training. I really enjoy the structure of a 16 week plan, knowing my sessions long in advance, fitting them around work, and what I need to be doing and when. I also love cheering them, and seeing the emotions that everyone is going through and being able to empathise.
 
What is your favourite post-run meal?
Burger and chips and a few lagers

What is your favourite session on your training plan?
Intervals. I have found that if I put a consistent block of speed-work together I soon start to see results. I will try to get to the track once a week, but if time is tight I’ll do 1km repeats on a treadmill or in the park on a lunch break.
 
Which running-inspired quote is your mantra?
My mantra is “We go again.” but the first time I heard it was Steven Gerrard (my hero) saying it. For me, it kind of means not dwelling on anything, a race, a session, whether it went good or bad and going again.
 
If you had all the time in the world, what would be the one thing you’d work really hard on for your training?
I’m really lucky that I have a partner who loves running as much as I do (it’s how we met), and an employer who is very supportive of me doing events, training, running at lunch and whatnot - so my training isn’t particularly compromised by time constraints. The aspect of my training that needs work is discipline...I get carried away and don’t run my easy and recovery runs easy enough.
 
Which is your favourite bit of kit to wear and why?
I love a good pair of lightweight running shorts...and they have to have pockets. I live in them even when not running - especially as I’m working from home these days. The RTKit on-the-run shorts tick those boxes and don’t cost the earth either.
 
What bit of kit would you recommend to other runners (from the RunThroughKit page)?
The black in-the-zone jacket. Great for when you’re not sure what the weather will be like. Keeps you warm, but you won’t get too cool - and it looks cool
 
Which bit of kit do you own that you now take everywhere?
My running watch. I have a Garmin Music, although I have never once listened to music on it. I love getting all my stats for every run.