LAST YEAR HE set a Guinness World Record for running a marathon in full fireman costume, this year he tried to set a record time for the fastest Malin to Mizen on foot and next year, Corkman Alex O’Shea has plans to represent Ireland at ultra-running.

He’s an ambitious type, is the father of four from Carrigaline, but after his latest record attempt ended in failure he said he’s keen to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Last month he was “well on course” for being the quickest person ever to run from the country’s most northerly point to its most southerly, but Cork-based firefighter O’Shea was forced to abandon after 100 miles because of a knee injury.

“It was down to bad roads I was forced to stop,” he said of his recent attempt to break the current best time of 3 days 15 hours.

“The camber on the road meant one of my legs was striking the ground lower than the other so there was a lot more shock and effort on that side and it affected the knee on the other side.

“It started to give trouble after 75 miles and after 100 miles we decided we had to call it a day. I’d a physio with me and a full support team and we decided enough was enough.

“If I was to do it again I’d run the middle where it’s flatter, or alternate running on different sides of the road, but it wasn’t something I thought of at the time,” he added.

At the time, he was way ahead of schedule and was just short of Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan and being forced to stop on day one has only fuelled his desire to get back fit as soon as he can.

“I’d reached my target for day one but it was gutting to stop because I was way ahead of schedule,” he continued.

The plan was to come down through the midlands, into Nenagh, Charleville and into his come county.

“That was the plan, to run home. I was fit and knew I’d go well because there’d be that nervous energy, day two I knew I’d be tired, day three I’d be back in my own head and psychologically it was important to be running back home, but it wasn’t to be,” he said ruefully.

He has no immediate plans to attempt it again, but instead, he’s targeted an Irish singlet.

“I only took up long-distance running last year. Before I’d have done lots of 5k and 10-mile races but I did an ultra-running event in the Phoenix Park this year and wasn’t far off the Irish standard so that’s something I’m going to go for that now.

“It was a 100 kilometre event I ended up winning so maybe there’s a chance to represent Ireland at this.

“Malin to Mizen was a huge disappointment for me but I can always try it again in the future.

“I got so many things right; my nutrition was spot on, my training, the miles were ticking away and I had no problem with boredom or anything like that so I want to get back competing as soon as I can.”

The St. Finbarr’s man has been forced into a complete break for the time being, though should be able to resume running in another couple of weeks.

“I’m already itching to get back running because I’ve seen what I can do and realise there’s so much more I want to do.

“The thing is, there’s only one 24 hour race in Ireland and that was in August.

“There are some others like the Connemara 100miler but there’s not that many events.

“Having said that, it’s getting bigger all the time, here and in Europe and it’s amazing when you get into it kind of brings you into a different world.

“I’m learning about all these races abroad, like there’s one in Greece where they do 130 miles over a mountain or two, all leading to the European and World Championships so that’s the big goal now, to set a qualifying time for those.”

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