Derval O'Rourke's life in the fast lane

It’s all about milk, cheese and dairy goodness as the National Dairy Council (NDC) runs National Dairy Week this week, but for athlete Derval O’Rourke getting calcium and protein into her diet isn’t a problem, especially at the moment.

“As early as two weeks into my pregnancy, I started craving big glasses of milk. I’m not making it up just because I’m working with the NDC,” laughs Derval, who is now five months pregnant with a lovely, neat bump.

“My husband Peter and I were out one night before we told anybody we were expecting and one of our friends ordered a big glass of milk and I couldn’t stop staring, it looked so cold and creamy. I make these delicious overnight oats that I have most days with milk, but I wouldn’t usually order a pint of it. It’s like me and the baby are craving the calcium.”

As well as milk, Derval is eating her fair share of oranges, but also has a hankering for blue cheese.

“I think that is just because I can’t have it. I was at a farmer’s market last week looking longingly at blue cheese, but the guy gave me really strong cheddar instead and that hit the spot.”

Say Cheese

It’s Derval’s love of cheese that has linked her with the NDC. She is ambassador for two of their campaigns, Cheese Up Your Life and the Moo Crew, a primary school initiative that encourages children to learn the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet and the importance of exercise. This was an especially good fit last year when she launched her successful cookbook, Food for the Fast Lane.

“I’m all about balance with my diet and I use cheese in so many dishes for flavour, so it’s natural to work with the NDC, the ingredient was quite literally in so much of my book.”

Although it’s fashionable now for celebrities and personalities to pop their name onto a cookbook, this wasn’t a publicity stun.

“I’ve been thinking about a cookery book for years. I even took three months out after the Olympics in 2012 to do a cookery course so that as well as getting the nutrition right, the blend of flavours was perfect. It wasn’t just about healthy recipes, but tasty dishes. And I made sure it wasn’t just filled with ingredients that you can only get in the health shop. I mean, I don’t even cook like that and I’m pretty committed to my nutrition, so how could I ask other people to do it?”

Life in the Fast Lane

Derval was also very definite about her photography.

“The food had to look attractive so they were dishes you really wanted to make.”

All the elements certainly clicked into place as sales of Food for the Fast Lane went beyond all Derval’s expectations, which worked well as she is a real goal-setter.

“I really did need a project after I announced my retirement last year.”

So how did Derval find this life-changing decision?

“You know, I’m a pretty decisive person and I was looking at the realities of the situation. I was 33 and bang in the middle of an Olympic cycle, but to be honest I always thought London would be my last Olympics and Rio de Janeiro was never on my agenda. Also I had a lot of projects on the go and I think I knew it was time to call it a day.

“That’s not to say it was easy, I don’t think there really is an easy exit strategy from sport. You do it because it’s the love of your life, no other reason, and when you have to leave it professionally it’s a very tough thing to do.”

Baby Plans

Perhaps babies were also on the agenda?

“Yes, part of my decision not to go to Rio was starting a family. I would have finished Rio at 35 and I don’t think that is too old to start a family, absolutely not, whatever works for each person. But for me, I was thinking, what if things don’t work out as easily as we want? I’m pretty healthy, but I wasn’t willing to take the risk and Peter and I prioritised what was important to us.”

Derval says having a baby was also part of the bigger picture, the next stage in their life.

“We both wanted to move back home, to Cork. It was an overall lifestyle change and it was about moving on to the next chapter.”

Although Derval is retired, life is still very busy. As well as working in rugby and her involvement with the NDC, she is also an ambassador for First 1,000 Days, an initiative that helps to educate mothers-to-be about good nutrition during pregnancy. However, she always finds time to exercise.

“Actually what I miss most since retiring is that I can’t head off training for three hours a day. I used love it, but if I was to go to the gym now for half the day people would think I’m mad. But I’m still keeping active throughout the pregnancy – running, going to the gym and doing pregnancy Pilates. I’m really bad at the Pilates though. I’m so used to doing everything fast, I can’t quite get my head around slow exercise. Also that competitive streak in me will never go away. Even now, I’m in the gym and I have to take it easy and lift lower weights, but I want to go up to strangers and tell them: ‘You know I can lift heavier, it’s just that I’m pregnant’,” she laughs. “Of course, they don’t care, they are busy doing their own workout. It’s all in my head.”

A New Pace of Life

Derval admits that there are real perks to life after retirement.

“It’s so nice to make plans and not feel guilty about it. I didn’t have a weekend off in 14 years. Last year was the most relaxed Christmas. I actually used to get a bit cranky in December because the tracks were closed and it messed up my schedule. Even on weekends away I would be on google maps to find the nearest running track. It’s lovely to have that more relaxed way of life.”

We’re not sure how relaxed life will be after August, but in the meantime it’s plenty pints of milk and oranges for Derval. CL

Competition

Irish Country Living has five copies of Derval’s Food for the Fast Lane. To win, tell us what county Derval is from. Send your answers to Food for the Fast Lane, Irish Country Living, Bluebell, Dublin 12, or enter online at www.farmersjournal.ie/competitions

For more information on

National Dairy Week, log on

to www.dairyweek.ndc.ie