Maria Nikolova
} Can you tell us about your significant record in mountain running on the backbone of the Balkan Mountains- part of the international route E3.?
MORE THAN 10 YEARS AGO, I FIRST HEARD ABOUT KOM-EMINE FROM A FRIEND WHO HAD HIKED THE ROUTE IN 28 DAYS WITH A TOUR GROUP. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED AND TOLD MYSELF THAT ONE DAY, IF I HAD THAT MUCH FREE TIME, I WOULD DO IT (I HADN'T DISCOVERED ULTRAMARATHONS THEN). ALONG WITH COVID AND THE CANCELLATION OF MOST OF THE RACES, MY FRIEND AND I CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF DOING THE ROUTE (AND A LOT OF OUR FRIENDS KEPT ASKING US WHEN WE WERE GOING TO DO IT TOO). AND SO, IT WAS TIME. THE ORGANIZATION WAS VERY IMPROMPTU. WE GOT A GROUP OF FRIENDS TOGETHER A FEW DAYS BEFORE WE LEFT AND TOLD THEM WE HAD DECIDED ON IT, AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE WHO COULD PITCH IN WITH HELP ALONG THE ROUTE WHEN AND WHERE. FRIENDS JOINED IN ALONG THE ROUTE ONCE THEY KNEW WE HAD STARTED. THANKS TO THEIR DEDICATION AND HELP, WE WERE ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE COURSE QUICKLY AND RECORD THE FASTEST PASSAGE OF THE COURSE BY A WOMAN.
} What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?
THE SECOND NIGHT WE HAD VERY THICK FOG ON THE RIDGE AFTER KASHANA HUT, AND WE RELIED ON NAVIGATION. A THUNDERSTORM WAS EXPECTED THE NEXT DAY. FORTUNATELY WE MANAGED TO RIDE OUT THE STORM BY DECIDING TO STAY TO REST AT DOBRILA HUT AND CONTINUE ON THE TRAIL AFTER THE STORM PASSED. THE NIGHT TOWARDS PEAK BOTEV WAS ALSO IN IMPENETRABLE FOG AND STRONG WIND.
} What is your most memorable race and why?
EVERY RACE HAS ITS MEMORABLE MOMENTS. IT'S HARD FOR ME TO PICK THE MOST MEMORABLE... ANDORRA, MY LONGEST RACE IN TERMS OF HOURS AND TECHNICAL COURSE AND TOUGH WEATHER CONDITIONS.
} What technique do you use to tackle difficult terrain such as steep climbs or descents?
THE STEEP CLIMBS ARE BEST HANDLED USING POLES. FOR THE STEEP DESCENTS, I USE A SHORTER STRIDE AND AM CAREFUL TO LIFT THE LEGS MORE.
} Are there strategies you apply to optimize your time and energy during races?
I TRY TO MANAGE TO DISTRIBUTE THE FORCES EVENLY ALONG THE ROUTE. I ALSO LIKE TO FEEL STRONG IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE RACE. NUTRITION IS A MAJOR FACTOR.
} How do you mentally prepare for a race? Are there rituals or focusing techniques you use?
IDEALLY, IF I'VE BEEN THROUGH AND KNOW THE TERRAIN AND ROUTE. THAT WAY I CAN DIVIDE THE ROUTE INTO SEPARATE SECTIONS IN MY HEAD.
} How do you deal with setbacks and disappointments?
FAILURES AND SUBSEQUENT DISAPPOINTMENTS HAVE THEIR INITIAL REPERCUSSIONS. BUT FOR ME THEY ARE VALUABLE EXPERIENCE FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES.
} What motto inspires and guides you in mountain running, and how does it affect your training and racing?
THE ONLY WORTHY RACE IS THE RACE WITH OURSELVES.
} What appeal would you make to EmineUltra participants?
THROUGH RUNNING AND MOUNTAINS TO KEEP ADVENTURING AND KEEP THE CHILD IN THEM.
