“Emotions are the most driving”: Stupak about participating in a half marathon, 30-degree heat and fatigue at the finish line

Performance in new types has become a popular trend of the year in the world of domestic sports.

For example, figure skater Alexandra Trusova took part in athletics competitions, and hockey player Alexander Ovechkin made his debut for Dynamo football.

Skiers are also willing to experiment.

So, at the end of August, Alexander Bolshunov plans to start at the Ageev Brothers Cup in rowing, and Yulia Stupak ran the Europe-Asia Half Marathon 2022 in Yekaterinburg.

The first experience turned out to be successful for the winner and three-time medalist of the Olympic Games.

She covered the distance of 21.1 km in 1 hour and 28.46 minutes.

Moreover, the girl did not have quite a bit to get into the top 10 - she took 12th place, losing more than ten minutes to the winner.

Nevertheless, the skier was pleased with the result and shared with subscribers on social networks a photo taken with her husband Nikita Stupak after the finish.

“To be honest, there are dozens of girls in cross-country skiing who run much better, but for me it was more important to challenge myself.

Emotions are the most driving!

So friends, run!

Get ready, strive to improve your results and start!”

Stupak wrote.

About how the race went for Yulia, how easy it was for her to prepare for it and whether she plans to try herself in the marathon, RT asked the athlete herself.

When did the idea of ​​running a half marathon come about?

- She came when the coach of the Russian national cross-country skiing team Yuri Borodavko gave the task to perform certain running work.

Then I thought that I could do it during the race.

I asked my husband what kind of cross-country races will take place in Yekaterinburg in the near future.

He told about the international marathon "Europe-Asia".

Immediately passed the registration, and on Sunday was at the start.

- There were no fears that you might not be able to cope with the distance, given that this is still not skiing, but running?

“There was definitely no fear.

Rather, it is correct to call my feelings at that moment interest.

Yes, I didn’t have to run so much before, because I don’t specialize in this sport.

But, believe me, in training, skiers do not perform such volumes - we run a lot.

So I was not the first time.

- As a professional athlete, it was easier for you?

Again, this is nothing new for me.

Cross-country skiing is a familiar activity for skiers, especially considering our training and intensity.

We can say that after running a half marathon, I had quite a high-quality lesson.

Did you need any special preparation for this?

- Not.

Of course, it was impossible to spend extra time and effort on a half marathon.

I just wanted to do a special intense workout, run 21.1 km.

Why were you interested in this?

It's always interesting to try something new and different.

I also really liked the atmosphere that was during the event.

She was really nice and friendly.

All participants had a positive attitude.

All charged, smiling.

Some recognized, approached and wished good luck.

That is, there was an exchange of good energy.

You also experience a special feeling when you go directly to the start.

How did you feel physically?

— Despite the fact that I am a professional skier, it was still not easy.

Clearly, I gave my best.

There was severe physical fatigue.

Plus, the weather has taken its toll.

On the day of the race, the temperature in the city reached 30 degrees Celsius, and there was not a cloud in the sky.

The wind didn't blow at all.

You can imagine how hard it is to run in this heat.

In addition, I did not drink the required amount of liquid and did not replenish the water balance, which created additional difficulties.

- Usually at such competitions they put "power points".

- We also had them, but you need to understand that this is still a serious race.

When you're running at your limits, you don't have time to stop and drink.

Therefore, you can pour a maximum of water on your head from a bottle.

- Did it feel like the most difficult start in your life?

- Of course not.

This is far from the most difficult race in my career, but just a good training, although, of course, it was not easy.

But I did it.

- What was the hardest part of the race?

- It is difficult to name any specific moments.

It's just that when you work at the limit for 21.1 km and give it your all, firstly, the muscles begin to acidify.

Secondly, general well-being worsens.

Forces leave you literally with every step and it is very difficult at the finish line.

- Was there a moment when you wanted to quit everything and stop?

- I definitely don't.

Still, I am a person prepared for such loads.

But this can not be said about all the participants.

Yes, people have been preparing for a long time to overcome a half marathon, but you never know how the body will behave at a distance, and even at 30 degrees of heat.

Literally in front of my eyes, one girl could not continue and stopped.

Everyone's inner feelings are different.

- In the first half marathon in your life, you showed the result of

- I am completely satisfied.

Didn't expect better.

To be honest, I didn't expect anything.

But, when I went to the start, there was a desire to run out of an hour and a half.

The problem was solved even with a margin.

Therefore, I am absolutely satisfied with the time.

- Do you think about trying yourself in a marathon?

- Definitely not yet.

You need to understand that this is too harsh a test.

After overcoming the distance of 42.2 km, it will take a very long time to recover.

As for further participation in half marathons, this question is also not raised yet.