The now 29-year-old started running in his earlier days as a way of having something to do, revealing his home life was ‘boring’ and there wasn’t much stimulus apart from the typical video games, watching television, playing with friends outside and getting into the occasional fight.
“I always found that running was something I could do for myself,” he says.
“I never had any smart watches, music, a phone or any other electronic devices, so my running was quite pure, and always on a dirt trail near my house.”
Finocchiaro discovered he had natural talent when it came to running, and made State Championships for cross country and athletics in the 800m to 1500m between years nine and 12.
Following high school, he started an apprenticeship as a chef, and sadly didn’t do much running – there was even an entire year where he did absolutely no exercise at all, and gained some weight.
“Getting back into running after turning 21 was a great way to regain my joy for health and fitness,” he reveals.
“I started doing local fun runs, and my first race was a 6.7kms distance in Arthurs Seat.
“I then entered more and more races, and each time the distance was increasing.
“Eventually in 2011, I ran my first marathon, and then not long after that I entered my first 100kms – the Melbourne Oxfam Trail Walker.
“From there, my competitive edge really started to kick in, and I’ve run many 100kms events, numerous marathons, and even recently got my time down to a 4:01 for the 1500m.”
Finocchiaro’s current 100km qualifying time is from the 2016 World Championships in Spain, where he clocked 7:08:37. Despite his achievement, he’s hoping to put in a better performance for this year’s World Championships in Croatia come September.
“I came 32nd in Spain, but was fairly disappointed,” he admits.
“Hopefully this year, I can put in a performance which I can rest easy with.
“My favourite distance is a real close one, between the marathon and the 100km; they are very different events, and I find each style of racing a challenge.
“The marathon is like redlining the whole time, and the 100km is a test of your pacing, mental state and some solid training runs.”
In the lead up to Croatia, Finocchiaro plans to be hitting double runs across the weekends, with distances like 60kms on a Saturday, and 40kms on a Sunday, but overall will be keeping a similar training routine to his normal marathon training – perhaps with some focus on freshening up on Mondays and Fridays.
And he’s certainly grateful for the opportunity.
“I want to thank all the AURA members for their messages and calls to date,” he says.
“Plus, all of the people I have shared kilometres with in the past.
“Each run has brought me to this moment, and I’ll be sure to make the absolute most of it.”
Pictured: Dion Finocchiaro taking on long distances in the last few years. Photographs – Supplied.
