Mountains, meditation, clean food and hard challenges. That is what describes the next runner listed on Ohrid Ultra-Trail line-up this May. The first time we saw Theo last year in Istria, we immediately had a genuine and pure trail running vibe that is full of positive energy. Join the company of these magnificent runners and run between lakes, clouds and mountains.

OUT: Please introduce yourself to our followers.

My name is Theo Ziakkas and I'm from Greece. The last 10 years I have lived in the mountains northwest and I have a mountain hostel there.

Mostly I run ultras, I cycle a lot and during the winter I do backcountry skiing. When I'm not doing sports I like to read books, doing yoga- meditation, cooking vegan food and appreciate the beautiful nature here.

OUT: How long have you been running/trail running? (why do you run)

I have been running since 2015, and now is the biggest part of my life. I run because running is part of human nature and I want to live this life fully. Running helps me to connect with my inner self and with nature, to learn about her and about myself.

Every human being should run.

OUT: What do you enjoy most about trail running?

Mostly I enjoy myself and in every step I admire nature. Most of the time I have a deeper ancient feeling when I'm moving into nature, I remember our ancestors and I try to feel the spirits of the forest. Trust me there are a lot of them out there.

OUT: Do you have a memorable running experience/story to share with us? (or your biggest achievement)

Running every day is a new experience, racing too. My "biggest" achievement is the 9th place last year in Istria by UTMB 100 miles, but the most important for me is a personal project that i did with my friends the last two years here in Greece, 'The Dragons Trail' a 110 km adventure with 8000m elevation, crossing the 3 of the highest mountains in Greece 'Grammos 2520 - Smolikas 2637 - Tymfi 2497'. This project is for the protection of nature here in Greece from the wind turbines and we try to show the problems to the people.

OUT: How do you stay motivated when the going gets tough?

Motivation for me is a lot of things, mostly i try to stay disciplined and with this motivation is coming. Ultra running is a rough thing for the body and the mind, but I try to stay  balanced between racing, staying healthy and enjoying running, which is the most important.

OUT: What are your top three "little things" that you do to prevent injury? 

My top three "little things"

-Go to bed early

-Mediate

-Eating fresh food - Strength training.

OUT: If you could give a single piece of advice to less experienced trail runners what would it be?

My advice is, do what you fear most and learn from every little thing. 

Thank you!