The Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model is a framework for an optimal training, competition and recovery schedule for each stage of athletic development. Whether it's 10 decathlon events over 2 days or 60 metres indoor hurdles Shane Aston has delivered on his many years of application and dedication.

 

(photo by Sportsfile)

1.When did you start running ?

I started athletics when I was around 7 years old. We had just moved to Trim and my parents wanted me to make some new friends. I was lucky when I started that I was exposed to a lot of different events from running, jumping and throwing.

2. When did you join Trim AC ?

As far as I know I joined about 18 years ago when the club was going through a revival. It’s great to see the club so strong now! There are some really talented juveniles coming through and it will be exciting to see what they can do in the future!

3.Why do you run ?

I have always been interested to see how far your body can go. I never had massive success as a juvenile as I developed quite late, and I started seeing a lot of progress when I got to college. Many people chase competition standards, but I have always been interested to see what my maximum potential is even if it’s short of any major competitions.

4.Favourite event, race or competition?

My favorite competition must be the European Cup Combined Events. We have been lucky to send a team every year since 2014. In 2014 the competition was held on the Portuguese island of Madeira and it was my first real taste of the opportunities available in athletics.

5. Have you any pre event routine apart from your warmup ?

I really oppose superstition or a set pre-race routine so I’m ready to go once I’ve had a relatively strong coffee! I do check all my gear the night before though as a Decathlete I have to bring along a suitcase of shoes with me!

6. Favourite type of training. ?

I love technical training sessions where the focus is different, and they aren’t necessarily maximum effort. I also love a hard gym session and in the last couple of years I have focused more on my fitness so I’m starting to enjoy the hard running sessions.

7.Who is your athletics hero?

I’ve had a few different athletics heroes over the years. Andreas Thorkildsen, Ashton Eaton, Trey Hardee, more recently Kevin Mayer and Johannes Vetter.

8. What is your best memory from the sport ?

My best memory came from last summer at the European Cup in Madeira. I managed to score a big personal best and with a great team we won a silver medal.

9. What motivates you to train ?

I love the feeling of putting good training sessions back to back and I love being able to sit on the couch all day after a good training session and not feel guilty!

10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction?

Seeing good results after a hard year of training is very rewarding.

11. How important is group training to you?

I love training in a group. I train solo a lot and it’s difficult to always be motivated and to push yourself when alone. I have recently started training with a group in Kilkenny and it has really helped to push myself in training.

12. Has the sport influenced life in general?

Athletics is probably the biggest influence on my life. It influences my diet, my sleep, my social life and I also work in the sport as a development officer. Athletics has only had a positive affect on my life. It’s great for teaching you how to deal with adversity.

13 . Have you a favourite meal before or after events?

I’m a very picky eater before a competition but one of my most common meals would be double espresso with scrambled eggs, or some sort of a smoothie. After competition I’m happy to just eat whatever comes my way!

14. What motivates you to go training on a wet and windy day?

I always like training in difficult conditions because I think it’s good preparation. I expect that 50% of my races are going to be in the wind/rain so it helps to feel more prepared than others!

15. What advice would you give a new member?

There’s no rush in athletics, don’t train too hard in the beginning as there is plenty of time later in your career. Find an athlete that inspires you and believe that anything is possible.