Originally from Limerick in Ireland, Conor Ryan is now best know to the nation as Len Windass in Coronation Street. Conor, pictured here with fellow actor and keen runner Mark Lewis Jones (left) at the 2009 Bupa Great South Run, regularly takes part in Great Run events with the Banana Army in support of Leukaemia Research.
Have you been running for a long time or have you recently taken it up?
I have been running since the age of ten.
What inspired you to get running?
My uncle Derek ran every day and whenever I went to stay with him, he would always encourage me to go with him. He was my inspiration.
What is the best piece of training advice you’ve been given?
Listen to your body when it is telling you it needs rest, then rest and come back stronger. Also do weight training to support your running.
Do you train alone, with a running partner or as part of a group?
I train alone unfortunately.
What was your first race and how did it go?
I would say the school Merseybank cross country run in 1984. I came 37th out of about 500.
What is your greatest running achievement?
First London Marathon in 2004 in 3hrs 37mins.
Describe the atmosphere at a big mass participation event?
It is a complete sense of support from elites to amateurs. For example in my first marathon, I couldn't believe there were people lining the entire route and when you hear strangers shouting your name and cheering you on it gives you another gear and renewed heart when you feel like getting a taxi!
If you weren’t an actor what career path do you think you would have taken?
I would have been a musician as I write my own songs. I would also dearly love to give presenting a go!
What other interests do you have?
I am really getting back into drawing and sketching. There's something magical about sitting in front of a blank canvas and seeing what happens. My son Kenny and wife Firouz are my main interests.
What advice could you offer new runners preparing for their first event?
Don't expect too much of yourself. Few people get to win these events so it is really you against you. Also, if you feel like giving training runs a miss, trick yourself and say you are just going to do a short jog. Once you get going you will normally feel up for your usual run. The biggest thing I try is to smile when I run as it is a good way of telling your mind you are enjoying running, otherwise what's the point.