From the August 2012 issue of Runner’s World

Professional soccer and cricket player, 21, Sydney

Interview by Sabrina Rogers-Anderson
Photography by Scott McNaughton

As part of training for both sports I do a lot of intervals, which helps to develop fitness and maintain speed. The longer efforts include running eight reps of four minutes as fast as I can. We also do 30-metre sprints, four to six sets of 14 with six-second rests in between each effort. I also do some pure speed work with longer rest periods and a focus on running technique to become as efficient as possible when running.

If I’m training and playing a lot, I can’t run too often in-between because of the time I need for recovery. Otherwise, it's normally easy to fit in a run, even if it's just 30 minutes – it’s always enjoyable and worth it.

My favourite time of day to run is at dusk. I love how the light fades around you and I always seem to have the most energy at that time of day.

Whenever I'm struggling for motivation, it's great to have a running partner to get me going.

In August 2009, I ran around the base of the Pyrenees in France. It was the most spectacular run I’ve ever done.

I don't normally listen to music when I run. I find it distracting and harder to find a rhythm.

When I'm on holidays, I'll run most days.

I love eating a variety of foods and trying new things – I'll never say no to freshly prepared sushi. Anything that is healthy, nutritious, natural and fresh is hard to go past. The two things I can’t resist are pancakes and ice-cream!

It’s so important to maintain a healthy balance across the board. I've found that it's easiest to maintain habits and behaviours that I don't force myself to do to an extreme. For example, I eat a balanced and healthy diet, but I allow myself to have a treat every now and again within moderation.

My cricket squad is currently preparing for a Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka later this year. The team is yet to be selected, but I would certainly love to be involved.

I think it's really important to embrace the challenges involved in certain situations – they’re often what make an experience so satisfying or enjoyable, and they bring substance to our lives.

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