On Friday I had the pleasure of interviewing the wonderful Derval O’Rourke as part of the Crescent Shopping Centre’s Inspire event which took place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Limerick. Celia Holman Lee led proceedings MC-ing the event and I had the very lovely job of hosting a Q&A with three time olympian athlete Derval O’Rourke. I am a massive fan of Derval’s on social media and was delighted at the opportunity to sit and pick her brains on all things fitness and food. Here are some of the questions I got to ask the former World Champion hurdler.
1. What’s your current training like?
At the moment I do two 45 minute sessions each week with a personal trainer. I had a little fitness slump recently and decided to sign up to this to give me a kick start, I’m loving it. I also try to do 20 minutes every day of just walking and moving.
2. What is your favourite recipe from your Book “The Fit Foodie”?
That’s a tough question because I have a lot of favourites. For breakfast the fitter pitta is a great weekend recipe, for lunch I adore the pea and mint soup because it’s so simple yet tasty and for dinner I make the fit foodie fish stew most weeks. I try to eat fish a few times each week and my fish stew is definitely my favourite fish recipe.
3. What are your three top tips for living a healthy family life?
-1- Get Organised! Most of us are time poor and being organised makes a healthy family life far easier. If you are organised you can plan your meals and bulk cook which makes family life run a whole heap smoother. Stock your freezer with pre cooked dinners (for example chilli con carne) to make mid week dinners easier.
-2-Include exercise as part of your family activities. I chose to walk with the buggy whenever I can rather than getting in the car. Getting out and getting some exercise as a family is good for everyone.
-3-Try to get into healthy sleep habits. Sleep is a hugely important part of a healthy lifestyle. I avoid social media after 8 p.m. I don’t have a tv in my bedroom and I try to be asleep by 11 every night. Sleep is your friend!
4. How do you switch off?
I find it hard to switch off! I work for myself so I’m always thinking about various projects I’m working on, being self employed is great but I find it impossible to stick to a normal work day. I read a lot and that helps me to stop thinking. I’m reading “about the author” at the moment.
5. Who are your own fitspirations?
I love people that either make me laugh or give me ideas for healthy living. A Cork girl called Cliona O’Connor has a great instagram account, she’s a mother of 4 and is super fit. I love the women’s running community instagram, it’s really positive and showcases loads of women out running.
Dr. Hazel Wallace is a doctor and a personal trainer. Her instagram is full of great ideas. In terms of fitness I love your instagram! It’s really accessible and positive.
Dervals book The Fit Foodie is in book shops now. Inspire 2016 saw thousands of Limerick shoppers turn out over the three days to see guests Sonya Lennon, Derval O’Rourke and Yvonne Connolly. I was thrilled to be a part of the event.
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Chat soon,
Leanne x
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