BETTER KNOW A STABLEMATE—STEPHEN ROONEY

Stephen Rooney is modest to a fault.

What is your name?

Stephen Rooney.

What is your favourite colour?

Black.

What is your favourite word?

Bed.

Who is your favourite musician?

My wife … boy, can she sing. 🥴

What is your most marked characteristic?

Stubbornness—but I like to call it determined.

What talent would you like to have?

Any, as I have none currently.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

2:55 marathon.

Who are your heroes in history?

Packie Bonner, Peter Schmeichel.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My dad, and my own wife and kids for putting up with me.

What is your idea of happiness?

Having my health still.

Where would you most like to live?

New Zealand, in Wanaka (on the South Island).

What profession would you like to attempt?

Physical therapist.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Just think of Nike, my house, and life in general. No point being the richest dead person in the graveyard.

What is your most treasured possession?

My international caps for Ireland.

Why did you start running?

I stopped playing soccer and was convinced the clothes dryer was shrinking my clothes. Reality hit on holidays due to a photo, so I decided I’d run a marathon for my 40th birthday. That became four for forty, and I haven’t stopped since. I’d tried it back in 2005, but gave up soon after, as I was still playing soccer. But that changed when I got injured and never played soccer again.

What does running mean to you now?

Running is my headspace time. It’s my time to forget about work and life stressors. I have my best ideas when running, but I have forgotten them when I get back.

What do you like about Stazza’s Stable?

The comradeship through the group from people who you might never meet. It also gives people a sense of belonging in these strange times, and the accountability of knowing what happens if nothing appears on Strava. The knowledge that Stazza has, and his willingness to organise different trips and meetups.

What is your motto?

If you don’t have a bad day you’ll never have a good day.