Antonia Grigorova
} Can you tell us about your significant record in mountain running on the backbone of the Balkan Mountains- part of the international route E3.?
I WAS THE FIRST WOMAN WHO CROSSED KOM-EMINE IN 5 DAYS AND 23 HOURS (AUGUST 2017)
} What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR ME WAS THE NEED OF SLEEP, AS UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE ROUTE I FOLLOWED THE PREPLANNED SLEEPING PLACES (HUTS, PASSES), AND THEN DUE TO LAGGING BEHIND SCHEDULE I STARTED TO SLEEP WHENEVER AND WHEREVER I FELT LIKE - ON THE GROUND FOR A SHORT TIME. I ALSO STRUGGLED WITH A LEG INJURY THAT APPEARED ON THE FIRST DAY AND DIDN'T GO AWAY UNTIL THE FINISH (PAIN BEHIND THE KNEE). AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST I LOST MY APPETITE AFTER THE FIRST DAY, WHICH I COULDN'T OVERCOME UNTIL I GOT ENOUGH SLEEP - A FEW DAYS AFTER THE FINISH.
} What is your most memorable race and why?
THERE ARE MANY :) I REMEMBER THE BIGGEST WINS AS WELL AS THE FEW UNFINISHED RACES. MY FIRST OLYMPICS (CROSS COUNTRY SKIING - 2010 VANCOUVER/CANADA) WAS PROBABLY THE MOST EXCITING. KOM-EMINE WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING AND MEMORABLE, BUT NOT AN OFFICIAL RACE.
} What technique do you use to tackle difficult terrain such as steep climbs or descents?
Poles
} ARE THERE STRATEGIES YOU APPLY TO OPTIMIZE YOUR TIME AND ENERGY DURING RACES?
I strive to maintain a pace that matches my preparation and also to more frequently consume food/gels and fluids.
} How do you mentally prepare for a race? Are there rituals or focusing techniques you use?
I CONCENTRATE WHEN I'M ALONE BEFORE THE START, WHICH IS A BIT DIFFICULT, BUT I GENERALLY GAIN THE MOST CONFIDENCE WHEN I'M WELL SLEPT, RESTED AND KNOW THE COURSE.
} How do you deal with setbacks and disappointments?
BY SETTING NEW GOALS AND ANALYZING THE "MISTAKES".
} What motto inspires and guides you in mountain running, and how does it affect your training and racing?
I DON'T HAVE A MOTTO, BUT THE THRILL OF THE CHALLENGE OF THE TERRAIN, THE CLIMBS AND DESCENTS THAT MOUNTAIN RUNNING OFFERS COMBINED WITH THE BEAUTY YOU FACED ONCE BY REACHING THE TOP IS MY MAIN MOTIVATOR IN TRAINING AND RACING.
} What appeal would you make to EmineUltra participants?
DON'T STOP CHALLENGING YOURSELF, BUT LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!