Meet Leonardo, one of our runner spotlight expanding he´s comfort zone participating so far in 4 different Run4aChild challenges !
- Do you enjoy participating in the Run4aChild initiative?
Yes, it’s been a very gratifying opportunity to do what you like doing in your free time, hiking and running, while helping people in need at the same time!
- Tell us about your personal experience in the Run4aChild challenges.
The gamification nature of the challenge makes it super easy and engaging to get out the door to add mileage to your own and your team’s efforts. On top of that, seeing that these efforts have an actual impact on someone else’s life is just the cherry on top.
- Do you think Run4aChild has a positive impact in your life?
Absolutely. It helps keeping me on check when I’m a bit less motivated to run… It’s no longer just about me but something bigger. I end up running more, so it’s a win-win!
- Were there any changes in your lifestyle thanks to your continuous participation?
Not that much, as I was already hiking and running before participating. Nonetheless, I can see how it would have that sort of impact on most people, as it takes some discipline to do things right when it comes to running.
- What is your biggest motivation to run?
Apart from contributing to Run4aChild’s challenges, for me running is about overcoming myself, both physically and mentally. With running, I’ve found that you can push yourself way beyond your belief even when you think you have nothing left. If you keep pushing yourself you’ll gradually end up expanding your comfort zone and this resilience reflects itself in other areas of life, and that’s the beautiful thing.
- What tips can you share to people that are about to start running?
Learn about technique, pace and cadence, as those can have a big impact on how much you enjoy your first few runs. Don’t go all out in the beginning, you don’t want to bean early quitter. Start slowly, and go for small incremental progress, from workout to workout.
Pro tip: track your runs on a running app so that you can see your metrics improve as time passes.
- Can you share your running routines? For example, at what time do you prefer to run?
Sure. I don’t really have a preferred time to run, although I avoid doing it under too hot weather…
About my actual routines, I start on the day before. I always make sure I get a good night sleep, this is key.
Around 1h before running I get my last pre-workout meal. I try not to have something that’s too hard to digest, as that can negatively impact my run, so I keep it light most of the times. Try having some carbohydrates, protein and salt. Yes, salt. There’s no need to be fancy here too, by the way, if you don’t really have time to eat, your body will still have it’s own reserve nutrients to keep you going.
When the time of the run comes, I take around 10 min for myself. I do some stretching and warm-up routines and most importantly, prepare my mindset for the run to come. After all, in the hours to come I’ll be experiencing some dose of pain and self-doubt, although I must say, the runner’s high is something very real, so it’s always worth it!
- At what type of places do you prefer to run?
I like to think that I prefer running in nature, but really, I like running everywhere. I do love running in the woods though, all the clear and fresh air, hearing the sounds of birds, trees cracking etc… it really is something unique. But I also find a lot of enjoyment in doing city runs and track runs too.
- Will you join us in the future challenge? What would you like to see in the next challenge?
Absolutely! Is there an auto sign-up option?
Would be great to have some footage or updates on the status of previous challenges contributions. Other than that, why not a mobile app? 😀
For the running geeks, would be interesting to track other metrics, such as longest single runs (duration and distance), fastest 5km, 10km etc…
May this testimonial be an inspiration for the Ayandeh challenge. Keep going Runners! The Challenge finishes on the 20th of December ! There is no time to lose!
Run4aChild Team