Oops, I goofed. While researching M45 middle-distance star David Heath for a recent blog entry, I came across a bio that placed him in London. Actually, he lives in France. And that’s not the only revelation from a quickie Q&A I had with Monsieur David. He writes: “I had a heart attack at the end of 2002 (due to a blood infection from a dirty splinter) and competed again in 2003 to prove I was still all there.” His job is amazing, too. He makes you sleepy, sleepy . . . Read on.

Masterstrack.com: Where do you live? What is your line of work? Tell me about your family — wife, kids, cats, dogs?

David Heath: I live in a small village just outside Carcassonne in the south of France. I’m a hypnotist, and I’m currently setting up a mind/body business (joint venture) to enable middle-aged people to get the most out of their minds, bodies and lives with a mix of hypnosis, physical training and a change of attitude and mindset. Part of this involves a two-week holiday/course in the south of France.

I’m married to Lo (a beautiful Belgian) and we have two children –- girl aged 8 and boy aged 6, and two dogs (brothers aged 4 months — one-third border collie, one-third Dalmatian, one-third idiot. They were fine until 3 months but are now both quicker than me).

What are your all-time PBs in athletics? Where did you compete as a youngster? When did you resume competition as a middle-ager?

800m: 1:50.01 (1992)
1500m: 3:41.0 (1989)
Mile: 3:59.36 (1989)
3000m 7:58.02 (1999)
5000m: 13:47.95 (1999)
3000m steeplechase: 8:42.04 (2000)

Most of my competitions as a youngster were in the UK (I’m English, born and bred). I was a decent junior at 800, but never had enough speed. I was injured for most of my 20s, with odd glimpses of potential (sub-4 mile when I was 24), but it wasn’t until I was nearly 34 that I got my first full Great Britain international vest (World Cross Country Champs in 1999). I had a knee operation in 2001 and stopped running. I got married 3 months later and then it was family and business after that.

I had a heart attack at the end of 2002 (due to a blood infection from a dirty splinter) and competed again in 2003 to prove I was still all there. After that I stopped and got fatter. 1st Jan last year after my business went under I decided to get fit and healthy again. I started with a 5-minute run and very slowly built it up from there. My first time training on the track last year I only managed a 5:20 mile!

Where did you run 3:54 recently? Do you have a link to those results?
I ran 3:54.28 at Carcassonne (See results here)

Do you run in masters competitions, or just in open meets — with the kids?

On the track this year I’ve only run in normal meetings (masters standard is not great here). I actually haven’t lost on the track this year, apart from finishing second in a 1000m, fourth in a 50m and third in the shot putt in an indoor meet the week after the French Cross Country champs. I won the French masters XC in March, but most of my other cross country races were against youngsters.

What are your competitive plans this summer? Going to Hungary for the Eurovets championships?

Not going to Hungary due to family commitments. Summer racing has pretty much finished here (yes, it’s a ridiculously short season). I’m putting things in place to see if it can be longer next year. My local track is now closed for the whole of July and August which I find appalling!

Are you aware of the world records in your age group? Are you planning record attempts this summer? If so, where and when?

I am aware of the world records and I do aim to collect a few. My plans this year were to aim at the world bests, not necessarily to beat them but to give me a focus and to see if I could get to that sort of level. It’s a shame, but the standard in this region of France is very poor (I won my 3:54 by over 9 seconds). My aim this summer was to run some 800s and 1500s, and then to focus more on 1500/5k next year. I’d love to crack 3:50 next year.

How do you train — how hard and how frequently?

Winter is fairly heavy -– often twice a day with a couple of quality sessions each week (long reps and hills), lots of conditioning work for general strength and specific injury prevention. Summer is lighter and faster with more recovery days. Throughout the year I prefer to do the longer sessions on grass -– I always have done, but I believe it’s essential at my age. I coach the middle-distance group at my club (age range of 14 to 54) so I do the sessions with them which works well for all of us and keeps me on my toes.

Are you nursing any injuries at the moment? How do you handle injuries?

I’ve become very aware of my body’s limitations so I tend to back off if a problem is brewing. Plantar fasciitis is the problem that seems to catch a lot of us wrinklies, and it stopped me running for a few weeks after the cross country season, but I’ve been managing to control it with some specific stretching and a very good taping method when racing in spikes. But generally, I train off road as much as possible and do a lot of conditioning work, hurdle drills etc.

Why do you compete at 45?

I guess I haven’t grown up yet. I love being fit, but I find it impossible to exercise to just keep fit. As soon as I get in shape I want to get better and then I get competitive again. I started running again last year and the pleasure is still all there. I never thought I’d be interested in masters athletics, but I’m loving it at the moment.

The French seem to give it quite a bit of respect too. I must admit, though, I do love beating the youngsters! I also want to show older people that you can be in good shape if you put the effort in. Most middle-aged people are in terrible shape, and it’s simply a question of priorities. I put my health and fitness pretty high up on the list. If people could only ever have one car in their lives they would be very careful with it. So why are they so reckless with the only body they will ever have? Sorry, I’m getting on my soap box and starting to rant.

Will you compete at the 2011 world masters meet in Sacramento?

I certainly intend to, subject to the three Fs: fitness, family and finances.

Who are your heroes in masters athletics?

Ugo Sansonetti, the Italian sprinter. If I have his elegance and style when I’m 90, I’ll be happy.