Ray D'Arcy, presenter of the Ray D'Arcy Show on Today FM, talks to Patricia Weston about preparing for his first ever triathlon which he volunteered for in a moment of madness
Are you a regular exerciser?
In a moment of madness I volunteered to take part in a triathlon at the end of August. I even mentioned it on air, which I suppose was a perverse way of ensuring I would commit myself to it. I have to cycle, swim and run, so at the moment I'm doing all three regularly.
How are you preparing for the triathlon?
My biggest hurdle in preparing for this was that I couldn't swim but I have since learnt. I've been swimming all through the winter, three to four times a week. I'd go to the national aquatic centre and stand in the pool with my fins on waiting for my instructor. It was so embarrassing because all these six to seven year-olds were swimming around like little fish and there I was with the fins on unable to swim.
Coming from the Midlands I never had to learn to swim but it's been worth the effort. I want to have kids someday so I'm glad I'll be able to teach them to swim.
I've also been cycling to work every day which is seven miles each way. The cycle home is the toughest because it's uphill all the way. I've been running too and ran my first 10k last week.
The triathlon involves a one-mile swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.
The day I do the triathlon will be the first time I'll be doing all three activities at once.
Has your diet changed since you started training?
No, not really. I'm not drinking much alcohol because I'd lose a day of training with a hangover but I haven't changed the way I eat normally.
Did you play sports when you were younger?
As a kid I did gymnastics, played Gaelic, rugby, soccer and badminton. I played a lot of rugby when I was 17 years old and kept it up to the age of 30. I promised myself I'd do a triathlon like this before the age of 40 and it's on three days before my 40th, on August 29th.
What's your favourite activity?
I've always cycled. Cycling is great. I cycle around Sandyford, where I live, and I can take in the views and cover up to 20 miles without much effort.
I cycled to work when I was doing You're A Star. My work schedule was so hectic between radio and TV that I found the cycling great for my stress levels.
What's your attitude to exercise?
I don't feel right when I don't exercise. I think the effects of exercise are huge; you feel better and even sleep better.
Patricia Weston recommends:
When training for an event as challenging as a triathlon, it's important to get plenty of rest between training sessions. Rest by getting lots of sleep.
Give your muscles a rest by weight training on the days when you're not swimming, cycling or running. This will build strength and give endurance muscles a rest.
Stretch all the major muscles for 30 to 40 seconds at a time after training. This helps to prevent injury.
Warm up before exercise and cool down afterwards to prevent injury.
Try not to increase your distance time by more than 10 per cent a week. Doing too much too quickly will only leave you fatigued and injury prone.
If you feel exhausted from training, stop and take a rest.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
pweston@eircom.net
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.