In our weekly Q&A segment we asked Patrick Tiernan a few questions about life on and off the course. We caught up with him before he headed out to the NCAA Championships. 

Going into regionals how has your mindset and training changed?

Nothing has really changed as far as my mindset from the rest of the season, but as far as training goes we are definitely starting to move away from the longer stuff and focus on sharpening up for the post season.

Describe your childhood dream.

I actually wanted to be a professional cricket player when I was younger, which I guess is a very stereotypical childhood dream for an Aussie boy. Up until I was about 14 or 15 my dream was to play for Australia one day.

Describe your fondest race memory.

I would have to say winning the Australian Under 20 1500m title in 2012. Mainly because it wasn't a race anybody expected me to win, including myself. Having my mum and brother there to watch it added to the experience as well.

Describe the biggest difference between training in Australia and training in the US.

This is mainly to do with the NCAA, but over here you're running as part of a team, so there's more motivation to do well. Back home, running is very self-motivated, which is why you find so many of us coming over here in an attempt to take it seriously.

Describe your worst habit.

I'm a very slow walker, which annoys some people I suppose. I would have to say my worst habit though would be my sleep talking/moaning/noises...it's pretty bad.

Going into NCAAs are you confident in being able to roll and compete with Edward Cheserek? Why so?

I don't see why I shouldn't be. One of the reasons I came over to the US was to push myself, and I can't think of a better way to do that than to try and run with the big man himself. Ches is a fantastic athlete, there's no doubt about that, but there's no point going into a race competing for second.

Describe the kind of kid you were in high school.

I was a fairly quiet kid in high school. Outside of my main friend group I was very reserved. College has brought me out of my shell a little bit I think, so that's been fun.

If you had a day off from your everyday responsibilities, describe how you would spend it.

Lying in a hammock by the beach. There's nothing I enjoy better than a nice relaxing day at the beach.

Describe your most embarrassing moment as an athlete.

Finishing 5th at my high school's cross country race in my senior year. I've got some mates that will never let me live that down...

Tell us about your favorite memory with one of your current or past training partners.

As much as I hate to admit it, it would have to be a moment with Jordy Williamsz. The two of us went to Chicago during August 2013 for the Lollapalooza Music Festival with a few of our friends off the team. Three of the best days of my life to date.

Describe the perfect post-race meal in detail.

A 16 ounce prime rib, with some mashed potatoes and chips. Either that or a simple chicken parm.

Describe your favorite workout?

A good old-fashioned 90 minute progression run with the boys. 30 minutes easy, then 25 minutes at lower zone, 20 minutes at upper zone, 5 minutes easy, followed by 10 minutes at tempo. We usually do this a few times just before the post-season, so everyone is in really good spirits.

Dream place to run or train and why?

Geography has never been a strong point for me, but of the places I have been Portland and Seattle came across as the two places I would love to spend some more time in, especially for the running aspect of my life

Who is your childhood hero and why?

I'm going to be corny here and say my Grandpa. He passed away when I was in my early teens, so I didn't get to know him as well as I would have liked, but he was always so supportive of my goals and ambitions. He was also a very successful man, both career wise and in raising a family. That is something I aspire to do; find that balance in my life.

Describe your guilty pleasure.

Marshmallow fluff...we don't have it in Australia, or not that I know of. Although I know I'm consuming straight diabetes, it's just too good to give up.

If you could give one piece of advice you think to any runner that is looking to compete in America for the first time, what would it be and why?

Don't hesitate, just get over here. You'll never find another college system quite like the NCAA. You'll get a great degree, compete against some of the best athletes in the world, plus you get the opportunity to flaunt your accent a little bit.

If you had to listen to 1 song in your head every time you ran for the rest of you life, what would it be?

Mr. November by The National. Never gets old.

Dinner for 3 (living or dead) who and why?

Obviously my Grandpa, to have an adult-like conversation with him. Jim Carey, for a more comical side to the evening. And finally, I'd love to sit down with Paul Simon from Simon and Garfunkel. I've always appreciated music, and to have a conversation with one of the better song writers throughout the 20th century would be very eye opening for me.

Describe your pre-race ritual.

A fairly hefty meal around 3 hours before the gun goes off, followed by some down time in the hotel room. We'll usually head over to the course/track about 90 minutes before the race, so I'll usually listen to some more upbeat remixes, but not too adrenaline pumping (Kygo is the pick for this year). Go for a jog an hour from start time, usually around 15-20 minutes. Stretch, do some drills, change my socks, put my spikes on, and get crackin.

What does racing/training look like for you in the next 6 months?

I haven't really thought about it much to be honest. We'll get through this season, have a week or two off, and then get stuck into the indoor season. I'd love to run some more 3000's and miles this season, so we'll see how it goes.