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Everybody needs time out, so this week, we've persuaded Performance Nutritionist, Rebecca Dent to sit back, relax and tell us a bit about herself...

For the record, please state your full name (embarrassing middle names included):

Rebecca Louise Dent

What is your job title and what do you do at/with the Institute?

Performance Nutritionist

Have you ever participated in sport at an elite level? - If yes, then what, when, for how long and how far did you get?

No but I have always competed on a regular basis in trail running (recreationally) and always pondered over whether to take it to the next level when I was younger. My Career took over.

If you could do another person's job at the Institute for a week, what would it be and why?

Sue Robson’s Head Physiologist. Sue has worked with the American Ski Team and that has been a long standing dream of mine to work with such a team and travel the Mountain resorts of the world. Plus I’m fascinated with how the body works.

If you could be anything else other than a performance nutritionist, what would it be and why?

Either a ski or mountain bike instructor (I need to keep challenging my brain though).

If you could invite three people (living or dead) to a dinner party at your gaff… who would they be and why?

  • Ranulph Fiennes (To listen to all his tales of exploration)
  • Jamiroquai (A great band and you can get Jay Kay to teach you some funky dance moves)
  • Jamie Oliver (to cook obviously and he seems a funny guy).

Where is the most scenic and far flung paradise-esque place you have visited with your work at the Institute? With work in general?

Cyprus with the GB Curling teams (5* resort, my first experience of real class) and (with work but not the institute) all over the French/Swiss and Italian Alps (I got to go to 8 different resorts with the Ski racers in one season).

Have you ever had any bizarre/funny incidents with any of the athletes you work with? If so… whom and what?

Not yet.. give me time and I’m sure it will happen! You should see what some athletes think is suitable for taking skin-fold measurements...

Which sports stars do you admire (if any) and why?

Lance Armstrong - Who doesn’t?

I worked in a cancer unit as a dietitian and have seen first hand the effects of the illness and treatment, that’s some mean feat to beat. So for all he has fought against (ill health and doping allegations), his consecutive Tour de France wins, his positive attitude, commitment and motivation and fund raising. I admire all Tour de France athletes it’s a sheer achievement nutritionally, mentally and physiologically.

Describe yourself in three words.

Commited, pro-active and giving.

Quick fire round:

  • Chocolate or Cheese? Chocolate
  • Edinburgh or Glasgow? Glasgow
  • Raucous night out or Cosy night in? Both! depends on my mood, gotta love a dance but also a relax on the sofa.
  • Blondes or Brunettes? Brunettes
  • Favourite word? Positive
  • Are you a Dog person or a Cat person? Dog
  • Who rocks more, the Stones or Led Zeppelin? Queen... i cant choose!
  • Peanuts or Cashew nuts?  Peanuts
  • Batman or Spiderman? Batman! Christian Bale beats Tobey Maguire outright.