Running

April 3rd, 2021 was the day I truly fell in love with running. Before that, I had tried jogging in city parks, but I found the repetitive loops boring and felt exhausted after just a few minutes. I was on the verge of giving up on the idea of running, but then I decided to try something different. That day, I set out on the hills of Bologna, and the moment I started to ascend, something clicked.

The rolling hills, the fresh air, and being surrounded by nature gave me a jolt of motivation I'd never experienced before. Every step forward felt purposeful, and with each breath, I felt more alive than ever. From that moment, running was no longer a chore; it was a passion.

A few weeks later, I signed up for my first race—a "short" 24-kilometer run—and it was just the beginning. The hills of Bologna had ignited a fire in me, and I was soon seeking out longer and more challenging distances. I went from one race to the next, constantly pushing my limits, and now, I'm tackling ultra-marathons, even the daunting 100-mile races. 

Now, I run almost every day, no matter where I am. Whether it's for work or a vacation, I always make time to lace up my shoes and explore the surrounding area. I find running to be a beautiful way to get to know a new place—its hidden trails, stunning views, and unique character. What started as a simple desire to run has become an incredible journey of self-discovery and a passion for exploring the world, one step at a time.

You can see almost all of my races on my UTMB profile, and if you're curious to see more of my daily adventures, feel free to add me on Strava! (https://www.strava.com/athletes/123645612)