Athlete:
Kevin Mannix
KEVIN MANNIX
Graphic Reproduction / Running Coach
What does your standard training week involve?
Between 80 to 130k, depending on what stage I am in my training cycle. One to two sessions on trails/hills per week (one of them long, 3 to 6 hrs).
1 athletics track run minimum 2 of 3 weeks. One tempo session per week (approx. marathon race pace), 2 easy short runs.
Where is your favourite place to train?
Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria
What is your favourite 2XU garment? When do you use it and why?
XTRM Run shorts – they are ideal for a long run in the hills and trails. Light but strong, I can fit my gels, gloves and car key in easy, the zip pockets are great and I love the compression shorts build in
What is your favourite training accessory?
the hills of the Dandenongs; they help me get stronger and take me to nice places and views. Man made accessory – my Garmin watch.
What has been the toughest experience in your career and what did you learn from it?
72k world trail champs in Ireland 2011 – the course was the toughest I’ve run, through bog, unmarked mountains of steep sludge and rocks.
I learnt to accept everything one comes across externally and internally on event day.
What’s the most common training mistake you see on the circuit? Any suggestions on how to avoid it?
Any suggestions on how to avoid it? - Running too much or too soon in the weeks proceeding a hard event. Wait minimum 2 to 3 weeks before
racing or what you know as long or hard running.
What motivates you to train and race harder?
The paradox of the more difficult and hard a running challenge is the bigger the joy and experience of every part of it
Describe your diet/meal plan leading up to a big race:
Little or no cane sugar, 1.5 to 2lts of alkaline water a day, small meals of protein and complex carbs 5 to 6 times a day with 6 to 8 veggies a
day till 2 days before, then less veggies, slightly more comp carbs. No rich foods, sauces or alcohol in the 2 days before an event. Coffee and
chocolate the small vice along the way.
How do you balance your training and racing life with life outside the sport?
I work 3 x 12 hr days in my job which helps free up time. I run very early mornings 2 to 3 times a week and Sat or Sun long runs home by 10am
latest to be back for family life.
What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful (either for training or competition)?
SIS gels, raw ginger; one following the other at times
Best and worst thing about being a professional athlete:
best: the places seen and shared on the trails, worst: injuries
In five years time, I'll be:
where I will be at that moment, in slightly different molecular form with a very similar outlook
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Australian representative at Ultra Trail World Championships
- First ultra marathon coming in first at Two Bays 56k
- Being part of the winning and record holding team at Oxfam Trailwalker 2012
- Coaching runners in events from 5k to ultra marathons and seeing them do well