John Treacy, Irish Sports Council chief executive and Olympic marathon silver medallist

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I know I have a healthy lifestyle. I’d be very conscious about my lifestyle and quality of life. I value quality of life and I value health because it’s your wealth.

How often do you exercise?

I have a busy week but what I try to do is squeeze in at least three, six- to seven-mile runs a week. Three of us here at the Sports Council would go for a run at lunchtime when we can fit it in. We’d do a seven-mile run in about 50 minutes.

Do you get your five a day?

I live on bananas; I’d have two a day at least in the car or running between meetings. We’d always have a couple of vegetables on the table at dinner time, so I’d say I’m close enough to five a day. I’m very conscious about what I eat. I’m not over zealous but I’d be conscious of healthy foods.

Do you worry?

I think about things and I’d work things out in my mind. I’d analyse things but I wouldn’t sit at home worrying about them. I sleep well and the physical activity helps that as well.

What do you do to relax?

I read. I’m reading two books at the moment, one about former American presidents and the other about Tiger Woods.

I love golf. I can tee up the ball at the first and not a thing comes into my head until I’m finished playing. I get away from everything when I’m on the golf course. I play off 14 which is respectable but I’m not going to get it down lower than that.

I’m fiercely competitive but I never play for more than €2.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

It’s biscuits. That would definitely be a problem in my life.

It only afflicts me at around 11am – Fig Rolls, Jaffa Cakes and chocolate Rich Tea.

In conversation with JOANNE HUNT