Sometimes it feels like you’ve run a marathon just to keep with the world @work! This year, at the age of 65, long-time Melbourne running superstar and long-serving Slade Group employee Heather McBride has qualified to run in the New York Marathon. The race takes place on Sunday, 1 November 2015 and the Slade team will be proudly supporting Heather every step of the way. To find out what it takes to go the distance (that’s 42.195 km or 26.219 miles to be exact), we asked Heather about her running history and got a few tips on her pre-race routine.
How long have you been running?
24 years – since November 1991, the day I gave up smoking.
What’s your biggest running achievement?
Running my third Melbourne Marathon in a time of 3:49:05. My second most memorable achievement was coming first in my age group last year in the Sydney Half Marathon.
What’s the best part of being a runner?
The love of running, for the sense of achievement after each and every run. It can be gruelling, especially when doing the long runs; however, the euphoria is worth it… The friendships I have formed with other runners, the common ground we share although from very diverse backgrounds… The knowledge that it provides me with good health and wellbeing. Whenever I’m feeling down, a good run will work wonders. I suppose I have to admit that it becomes an addiction, but what an addiction to have!
What is the hardest part?
I don’t think there is a hard part, except when injury gets in the way.
Do you have a weekly training schedule?
I run four times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). I also like to walk on my off days.
What’s your routine prior to an event?
A big pasta meal two nights before the big day, and get lots of sleep in the week prior to the race. I eat a lot of carbohydrates as part of my normal diet, which I find is of enormous help.
Do you have any superstitions before a race?
I am not at all superstitious and I very rarely get nervous before a run – although New York will probably be the exception. I am feeling nervous already!
Any food just prior to a run?
I don’t normally eat before a training run, except for long runs. On the morning of a marathon (or half marathon) I will have a banana, toast with jam and a cup of strong coffee (caffeine gives you a lift). It is important during a marathon to keep the fluids up and also to have a couple of power gels in your pocket.
Geoff Slade has worked at the forefront of the Recruitment industry for 50 years. He is the Executive Chairman of Slade Group and was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to the industry.
