"Perseverance, work and humility are part of my success"

Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit. Marathon winner of the 'Six Majors' in the veteran category.

Q_ As a Spanish and international reference How to make a marathon meal and what foods and drinks do you choose before, during and after the race?

A_My training circulates through everyday life, that is, perseverance and dedication in training, just like a professional. I take care and then there is a group that care about my health: Coach, physiotherapist, nutritionist, family ... Apart from training in the small details is success and food and hydration are important factors to bring the word to fruition, success. I am not an obsessive person with food, everything in moderation is good but when preparing a marathon scenic fears make you take into account this type of detail.

To prepare a marathon I like to choose a balanced diet. During the race I choose a liquid and easy to digest diet; Isotonic drinks with components in mineral salts and hydrates of rapid absorption. After the race it is good to continue taking care of yourself but the result will mark the type of feeding.

Q_ What is the difference between running and running?

A_Running is a sports movement; Social and Sports. Athletics is a sport where sports results are sought, there is a fight against the stopwatch and in search of the limits of the human being: Speed, resistant, pitcher, jumper ...

Q_How to choose the most suitable shoes to counteract the injuries of the same that we can find currently in the market?

A_When choosing or trying on some shoes you have to feel that on top of them you are comfortable, light. We need damping so that our muscles can withstand the impacts with the ground.

Q_ At what years did you start running and what led you to do it?

A_I started at age 13 and I saw that running gave me a feeling of freedom, I felt good and over time it has been like an escape valve. In addition I was fortunate that my passion for running joined the talent I squeezed when I ran, this was one of the reasons that led me to be a professional athlete.

Q_ How long did it take you to overcome the injuries of the outrage you suffered in 2018 to run 100% again?

A_I was five weeks battered, my family wouldn't let me run because if I did it could cause lung problems but I went running at very slow rates. I had some pain that I do not want anyone, but the most stabbing pain was mental, imagine that maybe I would have to stop running hurt my head. The doctors gave very long recovery times and this was difficult for me to assimilate but I did not fall apart and after three months I was already running in full conditions. On September 20, 2018 I had the ACCIDENT (4 broken ribs and bruises all over the body) On January 13, 2019 I would achieve the world record of 10 km (31´40 "). Master 55Q_ What would you advise beginners in this sport and how old do you recommend to start in different competitions?

A_L would tell them not to be obsessed with running, they need information, someone to advise them and set the guidelines. The important thing is to create life habits without worrying about the friendly society, family, work or studies.

Q_ What has been your worst marathon?

A_My worst marathon was and has been in one that I had to retire for facing it without motivation, that was in the Amsterdam Marathon, year 1999. Without motivation there is nothing to do and that day I did not have to have put myself at the starting point .

Q_ Do you think we are close to lowering the 2 hour mark (homologated) in a marathon?

A_A few years ago I thought I would not see the two hours go down but in the last three years with the entry of new innovations (footwear, personal food ...) I think we will soon see a sub two hours.

Q_ What values ​​instill in young people to be able to break new records in the future?

A_A young people would say that if they have passion and talent for this sport you can achieve what you want. Then there is the dedication and professionalism of each young athlete.

Q_ How do you keep improving brands without allowing age to condition you after winning the six most important marathons in the world or World Marathon Majors?

A_When one is turning years and fulfilling objectives, the important thing is to stay. This is the law of life. Age is a condition but you have to know how to adapt to it, that is, right now I can no longer rival young athletes and I can no longer get the records I reached when I was 25/30 years old but now the records and objectives I adapt them to my age.

Q_ Of your movie «Fiz: Pure Marathon» that would stand out?

A_Fiz Pure marathon is a story of successes, but also of failures and worries that I knew how to lift through the most demanding and recognized cross-country races: the marathon. A hard test as life, as my life has been. Sports achievements became the backdrop to tell the story of a person who considered me humble and simple. More than my exceptional medal winners full of medals, I would highlight my dissemination with my example; Honesty, solidarity, humanity and the capacity for sacrifice.

Vigo January 2020. By Ania Casal