Motivation

Running the Pisa Half-Marathon with Emanuele Zoppi

For runners from all over the world, completing a half or full marathon is a monumental achievement and often the fulfilment of a life-long goal, as you finally see all the weeks of sacrifice and intense training repaid. This was exactly how it felt for Emanuele Zoppi, marathon runner and our Italian SportsShoes ambassador, who ran on his "home turf" in the Pisa Half Marathon 2022.

In this article, he tells us about his incredible experience at this year's event;

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Ciao Emanuele! First of all, congratulations on your excellent result. Before talking about your race, how about first telling us a little about yourself and how you started running?

After 30 years of football, specifically as a goalkeeper, who had nothing in common with running, I decided to start running to stay in shape. Day after day, this new sport entered my head and, also thanks to the sporting spirit, I turned it into my great sporting passion! I started participating in 10 km races until I got to the dream of running a marathon.

What were the most important aspects in the preparation for your race?

The most important aspects to prepare for a half marathon are the continuity of training and the importance of giving your best during quality sessions, especially when running fast.

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Tell us a little about your training: Describe the sessions and any "key points" that you can't do without?

To run a half marathon at its best you need to do 5/6 workouts a week and rely on a competent coach. The key points of my workouts are the importance of maintaining the right rhythms, as well as balancing speed and recovery sessions.

For those entering the world of half and full marathons, what advice do you have?

The best advice I can give for a half marathon is to train first for short distances and then, having reached a good base, start lengthening the distances to build your endurance.

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What was the most difficult moment of the race? And the best moment of course!?

The most difficult moment for me, in any race, are the first 3/4 km - I instantly know if it's going to be the right day to run a great race. The best moment is when I feel my legs finally react to the effort and I can give my best, especially in the final kilometres, where I love to give everything I have left.

How did the kit you used help you achieve this?

The Nike kit provided to me by SportsShoes is the best quality that any athlete could wish for: the Nike DRI-FIT ADV AEROSWIFT tank top is so light that it almost feels invisible to wear, the Nike DRI-FIT ADV AEROSWIFT shorts comfortably wrap around the legs and help them to perform running movements perfectly and finally the NIKE ZOOMX VAPORFLY NEXT% 2 Running Shoes. They are the perfect choice for any runner who wants to push their limits beyond the impossible thanks to the lightweight materials of the upper and the carbon plate in the midsole.

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Pictured: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next %2 Running Shoes

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You can follow here all the adventures of Emanuele Zoppi.

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Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.