Kiril Nikolov
} Can you tell us about your significant record in mountain running on the backbone of the Balkan Mountains- part of the international route E3.?
RUNNING IN 2015 WAS NEVER ABOUT A RECORD AS AN END IN ITSELF. THE MAIN GOAL WAS TO PROVE TO MYSELF FIRST AND FOREMOST AND THEN TO EVERYONE ELSE THAT IT COULD BE DONE IN UNDER 5 DAYS. AFTER A FAILED ATTEMPT IN 2014, 2015 I WAS EXTREMELY MOTIVATED TO FINISH UNDER 5 DAYS AND I DID. THE THING I'M MOST PROUD OF FROM THIS CROSSING IS THAT I WAS ABLE TO TELL PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH MOUNTAINS WHAT E3 IS AND MOTIVATE THEM TO START DOING SPORTS AND HIKING.
} What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?
THERE IS A WHOLE TEAM OF NEARLY 30 PEOPLE BEHIND THE KOM-EMINE CROSSING. THE CHALLENGES WERE MANY, BUT WE MANAGED TO TACKLE THEM AS A TEAM. I'LL REPEAT MYSELF HERE, BUT IT WAS THROUGH THE FAILED EXPERIENCE IN 2014 THAT WE HAD LEARNED A LOT AND ESPECIALLY ABOUT THINGS THAT COULD COME UP AS A PROBLEM. EATING, SLEEPING, ACHES AND PAINS. AT THE START OF THE KOM-EMINE ROUTE I STOOD WITH THE MENTAL ATTITUDE THAT ALL THESE PROBLEMS WOULD COME UP, THE TRICK WAS NOT TO PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO THEM.
} What is your most memorable race and why?
THE MOST MEMORABLE MOUNTAIN RUNNING RACE FOR ME IS THE 2016 LEMON EXTREME. THE FINAL ROUND OF THE WORLD SKY SERIES. I MANAGED TO PLACE 3RD AND BECOME 3RD OVERALL FOR THE WORLD CUP OF THE SAME SERIES.
} What technique do you use to tackle difficult terrain such as steep climbs or descents?
RUNNING ON MOUNTAINOUS TERRAINS AND ESPECIALLY TECHNICAL ONES, NO MATTER IF IT IS DOWNHILL OR UPHILL, THE THING THAT THE RUNNER MUST HAVE AS SKILLS AND QUALITIES ARE THE FOLLOWING. STRENGTH OF THE MUSCLES IN THE LEGS. QUICKNESS OF REACTION AND BEING ABLE TO JUDGE HIS NEXT STEPS AT LEAST A FEW STEPS AHEAD. TO CHOOSE A GOOD LINE ESPECIALLY ON DOWNHILLS. AGILITY, SPEED AND BALANCE ARE KEY.
} Are there strategies you apply to optimize your time and energy during races?
OF COURSE. I CAN ILLUSTRATE THIS BEST WITH THE FOLLOWING VIDEO, WHICH I SHOT DURING THE 2023 HAIDUSHKI TRAILS RACE, WHAT I DISCUSSED AT LENGTH IN THE FOLLOWING VIDEO:
} How do you mentally prepare for a race? Are there rituals or focusing techniques you use?
I REPLAY ALL THE SCENARIOS THAT COULD HAPPEN DURING A RACE AND IMAGINE HOW I WOULD HANDLE EACH ONE. BUT MOSTLY I TRY TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE ONES.
} How do you deal with setbacks and disappointments?
I DEAL WITH SETBACKS WITH NEW ATTEMPTS. WHEN I CAN'T ACHIEVE MY GOALS, I CHANGE THE PLAN, NOT THE GOAL
} What motto inspires and guides you in mountain running, and how does it affect your training and racing?
IT INSPIRES ME BY VISITING NEW PLACES. THE SOLITUDE AND THE BEAUTY OF NATURE. WHEN I FIND NEW BEAUTIFUL PLACES I ALWAYS GO BACK THERE TO TRAIN OR COMPETE AGAIN.
} What appeal would you make to EmineUltra participants?
TO HAVE FUN IN THE FIRST PLACE. TO HAVE RESPECT FOR THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMPETITION AND FOR THE PEOPLE DOING THE COMPETITION POSSIBLE, BECAUSE THEY HAVE PUT IN THE MOST EFFORT. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST TO LEAVE THE PLACES AND SCENERY THEY PASSED THROUGH AT LEAST AS THEY WERE, IF THEY SEE TRASH THEY CAN STASH IN THEIR BACKPACK OR WAIST BELT IT'S ALWAYS A BONUS AND A GOOD EXAMPLE!
