How did you get started running?
A local coach saw me race in a small school cross country when I was 11, and despite my lack of training (and racing expertise) was only narrowly beaten by one of his athletes. He asked me to join his group and the rest is history!

Favorite training venue?
Wythenshawe Park Athletics Track. It's a run-down dump of a place but it's home and if the wind is right you can fly!

What is your favorite workout (and why)?
2 sets of 2 times 800m. It's an absolute nightmare if you're not quite on top of your game, but when you nail it you leave the track feeling invincible.

What is your least-favorite workout (and why)?
See above. Also anything that takes place before 8am.

Favorite racing venue:
The 'Bird's Nest' Olympic Stadium in Beijing was the most amazing atmosphere I have ever competed in.

Is there another place, apart from your favorite racing location, where you get an extra lift/home court advantage (and why)?
Anywhere that my sister goes to watch. She can out-scream anybody!

Favorite race event:
1500m

Do you have any superstitions related to competing?
I used to have a lucky set of safety pins for my race numbers, but I lost them. I've raced well since then though so I guess they weren't so lucky. Now I just have some socks that I always try to race in, although that's more for comfort than luck. And it's not great if I have more than one round and they start to smell!

What is your pre-race / warm-up routine?
I always have 10-15 minutes to myself before starting to warm up for a race. It allows me to focus so that I am not worrying about anything during the warm up. If I have to wait in a call room before going onto the track, I always try to look like a guy who's got his nerves under control, even if I'm terrified!

What gets you most excited to compete?
When hard training sessions start to feel that little bit easier, and I know I'm in good shape.

What is your favorite meal, the night before the race?
Spaghetti Carbonara cooked by my mum

What is your favorite post-race meal?
Chinese take-out

What food / snack is your guiltiest pleasure?
Fish and chips with curry sauce

What activity, apart from running, most represents 'me time' for you?
Watching Manchester United

What is the best piece of advice (not necessarily related to running) you've ever been given - and would be eager to pass along to others?
Winners make it happen, losers let it happen.

Why do you run?
I want to find out how fast I can go

What is your most embarrassing running moment?
Being the anchor of a sprint medley relay team that was on course for a world record at the Penn Relays, and suffering perhaps the worst case of lactic acid in the world ever with 200m to go.

What is your proudest?
Making up a 100m gap on the anchor leg to win the ACC distance medley relay. Even though the race itself didn't mean too much, my team mates surrounded me afterwards and I was so proud to be part of it.

What tips do you have for new runners?
Everyone has days where they really don't feel like doing anything, even professional athletes. But pushing yourself on those days are where you can achieve the most, and feel the greatest sense of satisfaction afterwards.