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\u201cIf you are not mentally prepared, it will be difficult to succeed.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The French runner is a special guest of the 11th edition of the Days of Challenges and will tell the Bulgarian audience what it is to be a professional runner at world level, which are the most beautiful and the most difficult routes he has been through, what motivates him, what can make him quit and what goals he sets for the future.<\/p>\n
In an exclusive interview for Challenge Days 2015, he shared that he has heard a lot about the development of mountain running in Bulgaria and the suitable natural environment for practicing this sport. As we await him on home soil, see what questions we asked him and what he told us.<\/p>\n
Part 1<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
2015 is coming to an end. What are your highlights of this year? Were you able to accomplish the goals you had set for it?
\n<\/strong>This year was pretty special for me because I had set a goal of a mythical run, much faster than what I'm used to - the Western State 100 in California.<\/em>
\n That's why at the beginning of the season I ran the Paris Marathon.<\/em>
\n For the second part of the season, my goal was UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc<\/a>). I was very disappointed with my injury after 100km when I was in a pretty good position.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat are your professional and personal challenges for 2016?
\n<\/strong>For 2016, I hope to complete my training as a mountain guide and participate in many events and conferences. Alongside this I hope to continue my sporting career.<\/em><\/p>\nYou participate in competitions all over the world. Which routes have been the hardest for you and how did you mobilize to overcome them? Have you ever given up?
\n<\/strong>All races are difficult because of the intensity of the effort we put in. One of the biggest difficulties I've encountered was at the Hardrock 100 when I locked my back 30km from the finish. It was only through the support of my loved ones and the energy I drew from my deepest reserves that I was able to make it to the end.<\/em>
\n I've had to drop out of a race, like from UTMB this year when I injured my foot. I'd rather stop than have the injury turn into a serious problem with severe consequences.<\/em><\/p>\nIn Hawaii, together with Jason Schlarb, you led the winners of the amateur race Julbo Trail Sessions: from Chamonix to Hawaii, where you had to cross two volcanoes more than 4000 m high. How do you motivate them to cross a volcano of black lava?
\n<\/strong>The scenery is so amazing that motivation comes by itself. To participate in such an adventure is an incredible opportunity!<\/em><\/p>\nSee video from „Hell in Paradise“,\u00a0<\/em>the entire film will be presented at the festival.<\/p>\n