“Enjoy and forget about time”, advice of Tariku Novales for the Madrid marathon

Tariku Novales is one of the main characters of the Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid 2024. The 26-year-old Galician athlete, national marathon record holder and the first Spaniard to go under 2h06 in 42K, will run the half marathon distance as a preparatory test for Olympic Games in Pariswhere he will go this summer with the national team in pursuit of his dream: to be among the finalists of the Olympic marathon.

In this interview he tells us how he is preparing for the Games and what his expectations are for this Sunday’s race, in which he arrives as a public favorite.

How do you get to this half marathon?

I have just arrived from a long concentration at altitude at the Sierra Nevada high performance center, where I managed to combine several weeks of activity and good work, especially focused on the Olympic Games, but this is why I arrived at a rather interesting way in this half marathon of the Madrid marathon.

I am excited and excited, especially as a test, it will be very useful for the rest of the preparation for the Olympic Games. I think I will play well and I am looking forward to it.

What is your goal this Sunday?

I don’t have a set time but I think I can run 1h02 or 1h03 if the sun and energy are good. It is true that the circuit is not the fastest in the country by any means, but it is more emblematic and adapted to the pleasure of passing through emblematic areas of the city. I think I can be the first Spaniard and fight to be in the top 5 overall and have a good time.

How difficult is the route?

It’s true that the circuit has changed quite a bit, especially from two years ago to now. I know it very well, the first part is a bit uphill and then there is a long downhill section with an uphill finish so you have to arrive very strong to face the last part.

But it is a very beautiful and emblematic circuit that passes through some very special areas of Madrid, especially with the change that makes it go through Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, making it even more special for the public who can go and drive famous athletes and runners to feel supported. It is very beautiful and enjoyable.

How is your altitude preparation in the Sierra Nevada?

I spent about 7 weeks, which was mainly about creating the base, doing a lot of strengthening and doing hills and unevenness to start the specific phase after the half marathon in Madrid. In recent weeks, we have completed several kilometers of racing and I feel very good about the track series.

What goal have you set for the Paris Olympics?

Right now I am taking it with a lot of patience because it is time to create a good base and with a lot of enthusiasm and ambition. The next three months before the Games is the time to focus all efforts on preparation, train as hard as possible and take care of the details to avoid injuries and get in the best condition for this event, which is of utmost importance for in a team. sportsman

I haven’t defined the objective yet, it will depend a lot on how the preparation goes, but I would like to fight for a finalist position.

Can Spain do a good job in the Olympic marathon?

Yes, we have a pretty powerful team, although it is not a team competition but rather an individual one. Spain can have a very prominent role within European countries. In my case, I hope to be the first European athlete to cross the finish line and why not fight with the best Africans for finalist positions.

What shoes will you run in on Sunday?

I do not know. I’m between the Pro 3 and the Evo 1. I’m one of the lucky ones to have this model and I’d probably choose them to make a good record. I will decide on the day of the race based on the weather.

The Evo 1 is incredible, it is the lightest shoe I have on my feet and the sensation is almost nothing and at the same time the foot is protected and there is a feeling of reactivity that is unmatched. No shoe can compete with them in quality and lightness. I broke the Spanish marathon record in Valencia with them and they are very stable, comfortable, reactive and very light.

Any advice for the 40,000 famous runners who will be running this Sunday in Madrid?

This is a race to enjoy. The atmosphere that exists in the streets of Madrid, especially in this marathon that hosts many rock bands, makes the trip even more enjoyable. And this is a race to have a lot of patience. The first part will make it very calm because the second part, with all its slopes and climbs, can be difficult if you go far from the start. Be patient, enjoy and explore the city from a sporting point of view. The whole city is closed to runners and that’s why you have to enjoy it and forget about the time for a bit, with the certainty of reaching the last kilometers strong.