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Melbourne Pack Athlete Profile: Dion Finocciaro
Dion Finocchiaro has been training with Melbourne Pack since December 2016.
An accomplished distance runner even before joining Melbourne Pack, Dion represented Australia at the 100km World Championships, and finished second overall and first Australian at the 2015 Wings For Life World Run (completing 68km at with an average of 5.57/km).
Why did you switch coaches late in 2016? “My previous coach before Sean was online and I really wanted that feeling of being a part of a group. Plus Sean’s knowledge is second to none.”
Have your performances improved since joining Melbourne Pack?
“I would say yes. While my times aren’t super impressive yet, I know that the runs where I run well feel easier than they ever have before. My next marathon will definitely be the next test of my training. I have never been running so well as what I am right now!
Some of my performances since joining Sean Williams’ training program include, winning the Melbourne Mothers’ Day Classic 8km road race in 25:24, placing third in the Great Ocean Road 44km ‘Marathon’ in 2:39:19 , running a PB (personal best) at the 2017 Gold Coast Half Marathon of 1:09:07 , and finally in July 2017 completing the Albert Park 10km in July of 2017 in 31.44, only one second off my PB on a very windy day.”
Are you sponsored?
“I am sponsored by 2XU, Hammer Nutrition, and Fisiocrem Australia.”
Do you have a profession?
“I still need a day job, and working as a remedial massage therapist keeps me busy between training sessions. I am a former chef, and I try to make time to cook for myself. I really still have a passion for cooking and I find it very therapeutic when I can spend a few hours in the kitchen making some healthy food.”
Many runners love recording their workouts on STRAVA these days. Your profile on Strava says that you are a running coach, but you have your OWN running coach. What are the advantages of having a coach?
“I find that having a coach allows me to do my running without thinking too much about what I have set for myself. It is easy to make your running either too easy or too much mileage. Having a coach holds me back when I’m running well (so I keep feeling good) and encourages me to push harder in sessions where I could easily take my foot of the gas because it’s an uncomfortable pace. Best of both worlds, really!”
You are renowned for being a tough man of running with a Never Say Die attitude. Where did that come from?
“I feel my tough endurance attitude was cemented in High School. Me and my best friend in High School would write “NSD”, short for “Never Say Die” on our hands before racing each other around the school at lunch time. (I normally won.) I loved that time of my life so the quote is very symbolic of positive memories and hard work. I have it tattooed on my left upper bicep in Japanese.”
What are your future running goals?
“I would like to get the best out of myself with it really. If I can do that then the opportunities will come up from there. You just have to have fun with it and enjoy your successes and learn from hardships. At the end of the day, I will be content if I can just give it my best with the ability that I have. But I’d love to go under 2:20 for the marathon and 6:40 for 100km.”
Typical Training Week
Monday AM easy hour (14km) PM easy 8km = 22km
Tuesday- AM easy 8km PM Interval session with Melbourne Pack(could be 8km fartlek, 4x 4 loops of 880m etc.) + w/u c/d = 30-35km
Wednesday –AM medium long run 20-30km PM easy 8km = 30-35km
Thursday AM Interval session with Melbourne Pack(could be 6km wind sprints or even 8 x 1 mile) + w/u c/d PM easy 8km = 30-35km
Friday AM easy hour (14km) PM easy 8km = 22km
Saturday – Easy jog plus strides (if racing or threshold session. i.e.. 12km @3:15) = 5-25km
Sunday – AM Long run with Melbourne Pack or race (30-40km) PM Easy shake out 5-8km
Total weekly mileage = 180-200km. Last week was 233km!
What is it like having Sean Williams as a running coach?
“Sean is a great coach. He has coached Olympic athletes and countless recreational runners. His understanding of what his athletes are capable of is incredible. He is very nurturing to all of his runners and has set up a very positive environment for training.”
Any suggestions for people thinking of joining Melbourne Pack?
“Get involved with the group sessions, long runs, and social occasions to get the most out of a tight group with no judgements. All abilities and ages are welcomed. Plus Melbourne Pack runners can get discounted massages from me!”
To contact Dion, give him a ring on 0407-542-069.