Being a runner back in her home country, Olga took the initiative to maintain this same healthy zest for living healthily here in the UAE. We sit down with this beautiful ultra-athlete and cyclist and ask her a few questions…
What inspired you to go into running and cycling? How did it all start?
I have always believed in a healthy way of life and like many other people, I used to do morning runs back home in Russia. Running 10km had become a daily routine of my life. Gradually, I realized I had to do something different. That is how I started challenging my own limits.
You try to associate your challenges with charity. Please tell us about these challenges and what inspired you to do so?
In October 2015, I fulfilled my first sport challenge for charity. It was a 400km solo cycling event, wherein I cycled through the seven emirates in 24 hours. The challenge was dedicated to support children’s education in developing countries, with a local charity organisation. In December 2015, I happened to meet a six year-old child in a wheelchair who looked ill and was undergoing medical treatment. He was looking at the tree and I asked him about Santa and his reply was “Santa will not come to me because I am sick. But if he comes to you will you tell him about me?” These words of the little boy literally touched me to the very core of my heart and I decided that my next challenge would be dedicated to sick kids. This challenge, which took place on the December 29 and 30th, was a 200km run in 24 hours along Jumeirah Beach in partnership with charity organization Marwa Fayed’s Toy Run and Aramex where I collected 100 kg of toys, which were sent to Pakistan and distributed to the Children’s Cancer Hospital. My next challenge would be seven marathons in seven emirates in seven days, which shall be dedicated to the Syrian refugees’ kids. That’s what I am preparing for now!
What level of difficulties have you worked at?
I like the idea of fitting challenges in a particular time frame as I have done in my previous two 24 hours challenges. So for me the challenge is always to complete the number of kilometres before my time runs out. It is not easy to cycle or run 24 hours almost non-stop making sure that your current pace will allow you to complete the challenge within the allocated time. But I think all that matters here is good preparation: physical, mental and logistical.
Which places have you covered in the UAE? Which has been your most memorable of all these and why?
My first challenge for charity was solo cycling across the seven emirates, the most memorable place being Fujairah. I started my cycling on October 29 at 4:00 a.m. and by 1:00 p.m. the same day I had completed my first leg of 200km cycling from Dubai through Al Ain to Fujairah. I took a two hour break before my next 200km ride and went around the city. Fujairah turned to be a small but amazing city. I cycled around the main road with lots of greenery amidst a zero car scenario. After the 200km ride through desert and mountains, this small city became the most memorable stop point in my seven emirates cycling journey.
What makes running and cycling in UAE more interesting?
I do not understand when people say that they don’t find it interesting to run or cycle in this part of the world due to the monotonous landscape. In my seven emirates cycling trip, I went through a variety of landscapes including desert, oasis, mountains, small local villages and every place had its own beauty. I think having a goal and motivation makes everything more interesting. When you are truly motivated you will be running and cycling regardless of the outdoor conditions.
How has running impacted your life?
Running has made me more confident. The running challenges have brought about a self-realization that there are no limits to improvement in life. You can always do better if you have a goal and dedicate yourself to achieving it!
What would be your dream run event?
My dream run would be to run across the globe!
Do you do any special workouts as a part of your preparation for running and cycling?
The way you do your exercises and prepare entirely depends on your goal. If my goal is to run ultra-marathon I have to focus on long distances, lower pace and endurance. If my target is to complete a 10km run in the minimum possible time, I focus on pace improvement and sprinting exercises. But in general, regardless of the type of the running event, one should do a combination of long run, sprints, gym, pace improvement, etc. I would also recommend training under a professional trainer.
How would you like to inspire the would-be runners?
I am not a professional athlete, I am a working in business development and spend most part of my day in front of the computer. However, I spent around 3 months preparing for my 24-hour 200km run and I could successfully complete it. For starters, my best piece of advice is never to give up. In every run, try to perform better than the previous run. Monitor your performance; get in touch with like-minded people and the sport will become more motivating and fun. All I know is that there is nothing impossible as long as you have a goal. My advice is to set a goal and stop looking for an idol or motivation. Try to become a motivation for others!
Age: 25
Nationality: Russian
Occupation: Business Development Assistant at Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
Interview By: Bandana Jain
Photos By: Maahiya Jain
