#Runnersstories #TrailRunningMotivation

Need the motivation to keep trail running? Read Magda's story and be inspired to join her at the start line in Ohrid Ultra-Trail 2023! 

OUT: Please introduce yourself to our followers.
MC: Hi, I'm a Czech Hobby Runner (that's the name of my club) and mountains lover with passion for running and climbing. I do a sport as a fun and compensation to my work (data analyst).

OUT: How long have you been running/ trail running? (why do you run)
MC: I've been doing athletics since I was six. But I used to do high jump and long jump :-) I started running more since college, like a relax between work and school. A distance from five to a hundred kilometers came somehow on their own. As I took on more and more challenges :-)

OUT: What do you enjoy most about trail running?
MC: I like to combine running with exploring new places especially the mountains. I'm not a fan of slow walking. I prefere to run and explore new places. Whether in the Czech Republic or abroad. Whether it's as a race or as a holiday. For example crossing the Pyrenees, the Azores, the Czech mountains... In recent years I've started rock climbing and mountain climbing. Although I'm still a beginner.

OUT: Do you have a memorable running experience/story to share with us? (or your biggest achievement)
MC: Come to think of it, my best memories are two-fold. The first are associated with the nostalgic and romantic mood of mountain races in particular, as you run out of the night into the day and finish a long race. The feeling of watching the sunrise and looking for the finish is incredible. The other are more associated with negative feelings and bad weather. I can only recommend to always take vaseline in your backpack on a long run :-)

OUT: How do you stay motivated when the going gets tough?
MC: I have more problem finding the motivation to be calm :-) Sport recharges me. I run for fun. I've been experimenting with training plans with @Echis Carinatus for the last three years. But I'm trying to adapt those too to keep it fun. Running in the nature instead of on the road, or gamifying my running somehow.

OUT: What are your top three "little things" that you do to prevent injury?
MC: When I feel pain while running, I change sports for a while. Adjustable socks. And I rely on a classic roller and stretching. 

OUT: If you could give a single piece of advice to less experienced trail runners what would it be?
MC: I'm not sure I have the mandate to give advice, but I would recommend staying humble, patience and being aware of your own body. Everything takes its time. "If you can't, do twice as much" is a nice motto, but shortsighted. And I also went through that enthusiastic period :-)

Magda had an amazing story to share and definitely a lot of helpful advice. If you want to see and hear more from her feel free to check out her ITRA profile and Facebook page and Instagram profile

photos credits: Canofotosports