Up and at it - what is your morning routine?
I'm an early bird, so I rise at 5.30am and my first stop is the espresso machine. I then indulge in a relaxing Epsom salts bath and spend 10 minutes meditating to clear my mind and set my intentions for the day. Next is a refreshing 5k run before I finish with a dip in the nearby river. As the saying goes, 'Win the morning, win the day'.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
Two poached eggs, avocado and a glass of organic beetroot juice – well chilled.
Lunch?
Fresh, home-made soup – red pepper and cashew is a favourite.
Evening meal?
I love fresh fish, especially hake – I live in Kilkeel, so there is always good, local produce at hand. I also love trying out different plant-based dishes from the Happy Pear cookbooks by Dave and Steve, the delightful twin chefs from Greystones, Co Wicklow.
Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?
Proper nourishment is paramount. Despite consuming about 20 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, I supplement my diet with adaptogens such as holy basil, rhodiola and ginseng. In addition, I take the standard vitamin D, B12 and magnesium supplements.
Ever been on a diet – if so, how did it go?
By changing my lifestyle, I have undergone a transformation. Fad diets are temporary solutions that create artificial situations, rendering them unsustainable and often resulting in weight fluctuations.
Weekend treat?
Indulging in a new, plant-based recipe with a glass of red wine may seem mundane to some, but I find it to be a tranquil experience.
How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
As a dedicated mountain guide, I spend most of my time in the beautiful Mourne Mountains – I'm in the hills on average 5-6 times a week. This active lifestyle has kept me in good shape. Pre-Covid, I had completed the world major marathons, Ironman and long-distance mountain races like UTMB and CCC, but now I find solace in simply getting lost in the hills.
Best tip for everyday fitness?
Establish a daily routine that becomes ingrained in your habits – once a habit is formed, maintaining it becomes a lot easier.
Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
I wasn't sporty in school at all, in fact, I remember we used to cheat in the school's cross country: instead of going to the starting line, we used to walk round and hide near the finish line and wait until 10 or so people jogged past before joining in and finishing in the top half.
Teetotal or tipple?
I used to be a party animal in my younger days but since I have led a healthy lifestyle, my body just can't handle alcohol. That said, a nice glass of good red wine or a proper pint of Guinness will never be ruled out.
Stairs or lift?
Stairs – every time. I always find it funny that when you go to the gym you won't find a car parking space near the front door. There are no shortcuts to success.
What book are you currently reading?
I'm immersing myself in the timeless wisdom of Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, an audiobook I've listened to several times.
Best Netflix?
Netflix has taken a deep dive in the quality of what they are showing, but I did enjoy their F1 series, Drive To Survive.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself over the pandemic?
I used to work in a high-profile manager's job and I tried to find my happiness in purchasing materials that I just didn't need. The pandemic showed me that my time was the most important thing and I learned that you progress when you learn to move forward with less.
Any new skills or hobbies?
I am an ‘all in' kind of person so I have to be careful if exploring new hobbies... I've just gone back to doing a bit of angling to slow life down a bit – but catching sharks off a kayak is still a bit extreme.
How do you relax?
I have a morning meditation routine which helped me to turn a corner and I've taken up photography which I find relaxing.
What are your goals for 2023?
Pre-Covid, I was extremely focused on competing in numerous events, so, when all the racing stopped, so did my rituals. This year has been all about getting back to where I was. I have a trisuit – designed to be worn in all three triathlon disciplines - that would be nice to fit back into.
What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
I have never had an issue with sleeping. I always think of my routine as a pyramid and at the bottom is sleep – if I get enough sleep, I'll eat properly, then I can exercise and feel less stressed with life.
Biggest gripe or regret?
There isn't time in life for regret. I have had an interesting journey but I'm nowhere near the final destination, so I'll keep failing, learning and moving forward.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
My priorities are constantly changing; it comes with age and what you value during a particular moment in time. I have two amazing kids, aged 15 and 17, and seeing them take the next steps in life and supporting them the best way that I know how is all that really matters at this moment.
Has coronavirus – or any health epiphany or life event – changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Age has changed my attitude – at 47 years of age you start to realise that you're not here for eternity. Aged 45, I left a management job behind and started up a mountaineering business which has totally changed direction in my life. I now have a practice of reviewing my current status at the end of each month – if it's not moving in the direction that I want it to, I make a list of changes so I have more chance of getting to a place of my choice.
:: mournemountainadventures.co.uk
