Athlete Marta Galimany (Valls, 1985) broke the Spanish distance record on Sunday with a time of 2h.26:14 in the Valencia Marathona score he sees himself being able to beat again if there is another perfect day as he still sees room for improvement and has the ability to start the exam faster.
In this interview with EFE, Galimany, who set the record in 1995, when Ana Isabel Alonso set it at 2:26:51, also talked about his next two big goals: the 2023 World Cup in Budapest and the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
Question: How many sacrifices has this record given you?
Answer: For me they are not sacrifices because living is a dream. Before I studied and worked (he was an environmentalist) combining it with my athletic life. Being able to devote myself 100% to training is a dream. Although it is true that you will not see family and friends as often as you would like. You have a life dedicated to it. But this is what I decided to live for and I love it.
Q: In fact, until the beginning of 2021 it is not possible to dedicate 100% to athletics.
A: Yes, in December 2020 I quit my part-time job. I had this opportunity (Adidas offered him a contract) and I took advantage of it.
Q: Is this fact the key to raising your level and reaching the record?
A: It’s everything. I have gradually improved as an athlete over the years. When I started running, I was in college and had very little training. Then there was a time when I was working eight hours a day away from home. I will arrive at my house at 7:30 pm, in Valls (Tarragona), and start training. Then I was able to change to a part-time job in Valls and I started to train and rest more.
Q: Why does long distance appeal to you?
A: I adapt well to long distance. In a short test I didn’t have the ability to go that fast. But the marathon is a test where you have to have a lot of respect. As an athlete I like to train for shorter distance trials first. When I debuted in the marathon I quickly fell in love with the event. From its hardness, from its environment, from the emotions that come to you when you cross the finish line.
Q: When you got up on Sunday morning, did you feel like it was going to be a record day?
A: I had this record in mind, but I didn’t want to obsess over it because then it doesn’t come out. You have to go calmly, to work done and not think too much. Whenever I’m looking for a brand, I ask Jordi Roca, my coach and my partner, if he thinks I can run at that speed. And that’s what I did on Saturday afternoon. He looked at me and said: “I am completely convinced”. And I answered: “Well, if you believe me, I will believe me and it has to come out.”
Q: Did everything go well on Sunday?
A: Yes, we found the day to be perfect. Everyone around me told me yes. The day was perfect and the people were accompanied.
Q: When did you know you were going to get the record?
A: The one for the Valencia Marathon is a very flat circuit, but there is a small difference in altitude between kilometers 29 and 34. From there, it is favorable. For me, as an athlete, maybe the climb is harder for me and the descent is better for me and I get my rhythm back. Jordi told me that I had to fight from 29 to 34, that from then on I would fly. When I was in that most difficult section, I kept repeating to myself how little was left to reach kilometer 34.
Q: And what happened when you reached kilometer 34?
A: I told myself that I had done what was difficult in theory. I still feel like a long marathon, I feel very strong. He tells me that today is the day, that I did not miss it. And I tried to rest. I convinced myself that I couldn’t escape.
Q: In those last kilometers, is it harder to manage physically or mentally?
A: The marathon is a combination of everything, but for me it is important to put positive thoughts in my head. In other marathons when I hesitate, negative inputs come into my head and, when that happens, the body doesn’t follow. If you have any questions or problems, you will lose the whole marathon. The head is the boss. Although you are not safe from suffering physical problems. That’s why I don’t want to risk the descent towards the finish line in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
Q: Do you see it possible to beat the record again?
A: Why not. But it was clear that another similar day had to be provided. On Sunday, I felt so good that I could run more than the last kilometers. If I could have squared that off, started a little faster and kept the pace to the end, I think I could have shaved off seconds. I think I have room for improvement.
Q: On the horizon are the World Cup in Budapest in 2023 and the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. What are your expectations?
A: I have the minimum for the World Cup, but I still need to know the federation’s criteria and qualify. The goal is always to try to improve my competitive level within an international championship. The last World Cup in Doha was an incredible experience, I managed to finish sixteenth. Improving that position is complicated because there are special circumstances. And, in Games, both. They thrill me. I’ve been to Tokyo, which is special and we’ll never forget, but I want to experience a pandemic-free experience.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Jason Root, a professional writer working with Today Times Live, the premier news website. I specialize in sports writing, covering the biggest stories in the world of athletics. With an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I provide engaging and informative articles that capture the key elements of any event or issue. My work has been featured on numerous respected websites and publications around the world.
