The City Mile Dash is a challenging and exciting lunchtime corporate speed race created by Cancer Council NSW. It takes place at Barangaroo in Sydney on Friday, 15 June 2012. For more info and to register, visit the City Mile Dash website.

How did you end up specializing in the 1 mile distance?

Even as a little athlete back in the day I always loved the 800/1500 and 3k. The 1500m has been my favourite though. There is something special about that distance. It's tactical, you have to be fit but also speedy to trying to get that right is exciting! I think it's the bet distance to watch also (biased perhaps!) I am starting to enjoy the 5k also. It's a challenge but not too far!

What does a typical week of training look like in the weeks leading up to a major event?

A typical week for me is around 100k of running a week (which is not that much for a 1500/5k runner). I also do swim sessions and strength a few times a week. Leading up to a major event though we would start a taper about 1.5 weeks out which is less miles but more speed and just start to take the intensity out of training to try and freshen the legs up before your race (love a good taper!!).

Does all your training mean you don’t need to worry too much about your diet?

Back in the day when I first started competing at an open level I struggled with this. I thought I had to be so super skinny to run fast so I didn't eat enough (I was so hungry!!). These days I have found the perfect balance. As a distance athlete we are always conscious of not putting weight on. But I do love chocolate and don't feel guilty anymore as I know I can just run it off! Sometimes chocolate is what gets me out the door to run!

What do you think of energy gels and sports drinks. Do they form part of your nutrition plan?

I use sports drinks always before and after racing and often training just to replace electrolytes and get some sugar. I used to use gels before a 1500m as my coach was sponsored by GU so we had a steady supply. I don't use so much anymore mostly because I just forget to buy them! (I'd use them if anyone wants to sponsor me?)

'''Why did you choose to be an ambassador for the [http://www.citymiledash.com.au/winningtactics.php|Cancer Council City Mile Dash?|target=_blank]''' I saw the event on the Internet and firstly was excited there was a mile road race in Australia (we don't have many), but then also saw it was for such a great cause. I have had two uncles recently pass with cancer and have someone close to me living with it (and beating it! Yeh). I think just about everyone has a cancer story - knows someone or has had it. It is such an awful but common thing, and I feel strongly about raising money and supporting the cause.

Many people say they're "just not a runner". What would you say to these people – can anyone run?

We are born to run! Of course anyone can run. It is like anything, if you just get out and try you can do it. Naturally some people are going to be faster, fitter, leaner, stronger, but it's all about competing against yourself and achieving your own goals. Choose a fun run to enter or a running course at home, train for it. Get out there and jog (even start with a walk) and you will notice yourself getting fitter and faster and it is one of the most rewarding feelings ever!! One thing I'll say is.... You will get addicted! But there are definitely worse addictions.

You’ve obviously got some speed in your legs! What’s your biggest tip to help your everyday runner go faster?
I'm not really that speedy. I'm fit and I have been running for 15 years ( ooh getting old!). My tips are:

• Firstly, just focus on getting fit by pushing yourself. Don't always just jog.
• Do some surges/intervals in your run eg. 5 x 2 minute hard efforts and walk for 2 minutes in between; 8 x 1 minutes; 2 x 5 minutes.... and build up to more when you're up to it or do them faster.
• Keep your body healthy and limber by stretching regularly and eating well.
• Do some small strides/sprints at the end of your runs. Just something like 4-6 x 80m fast! You'll be flying in no time