Word of Francesca Canepa: run in Val Formazza!

The first Italian woman to win the UTMB was, in 2018, at the end of an extraordinary performance, Francesca Canepa; before triumphing in what is universally recognized as the Ultra Trail par excellence, the strong athlete had also won BUT Formazza; could we not interview her?

The triumph at the UTMB, the two victories at the Tor Des Geants, successes in trail and ultra trail all over the world; you are one of the leaders of the international trail movement, yet you started running late… maybe this is the secret of your success?
Well, I think it contributes, those who have been running for a long time can face wear more easily; however, I have always been an athlete (before dedicating herself to running Francesca was a snowboard champion, ed) and this certainly had a positive influence when I approached running. Furthermore, I have a conservative approach, I don’t kill myself in training, I try first of all to listen to my body.

You have defined yourself as “White Wolf”: how much and how has this desire of yours not to conform, to follow your instincts, not to take anything for granted, affect your career?
It certainly had costs, it required more energy, more attention, more strength to get my results; if you’re not part of a pack, you have bills to pay. But I am like this, what I think is not suitable for me I do not. I’m not part of any group, I don’t share the dynamics that are created, I prefer to act following my thoughts, my instincts: in this way the efforts and sacrifices don’t weigh me down on an emotional level and I finalize my energies where needed.

If you don’t conform, you expand, you grow, which is what interests me: I also play sports to improve as a person. In short, I want to be in control!

For example, I also decided at the last minute to participate in BUT last year. But when I put my mind to something I do it! Otherwise what’s the taste?

Throughout your sporting career, have you had moments in which you said: is that enough? And where did you find the strength to fight back?
Enough of playing sports I would never say it: I was born an athlete and I want to be an athlete, daily training has been my bread since I was in dance school as a child. I say enough to situations, when they no longer have anything to give me, as happened with snowboarding: although I deserved it amply, and the results are there to prove it, I was not selected for the Olympics, and I decided to change, first with skiing bottom and immediately after with running.

Even in running, who knows, if I get to a point where I feel fed up, I’ll stop; I certainly won’t stop playing sports.

Instead, you find the strength to carry on in motivation: if I have chosen to do an activity and I feel this within me, it vibrates with me, I still carry on!

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to enter the world of Ultra trail?
Don’t listen to clichés, from long dresses to shoes, not following the masses in preparation; many people say: I’m afraid. TRY and see what happens, with an open mind, go at your own pace, so that your experience gives you something good; you have to LISTEN to yourself!

This is how I started: I first ran a 26 km, then immediately after a marathon: I jumped in and saw that I could do well. Clearly the results can be different, but it is the approach that counts.

Last year you were a great protagonist on the BUT Formazza trails, what did Val Formazza leave in your heart?
It is certainly very beautiful! I really liked the course even if, to be honest, I don’t have much idea of what’s above my knee, I’m always focused on the course! However it is well organized and well signposted, plus I am at ease in the Walser communities, and I also liked the atmosphere in the start/finish area.

Going back to the route, I found it a great workout, it’s runnable but it alternates different stretches where you also have to walk. I recommend it!

During the winter you had fun with snowboarding, your first great love, with excellent results, but what will be your goals for 2019?
Snowboarding movements are part of me, something my body has learned and that still gives me great satisfaction, more than running, which isn’t always as fun…

Snowboarding involves a technical gesture that makes me concentrate and amuses me, and everything can be resolved in a few minutes.

Objectives: I’m riding off the cuff due to a tendon problem that should finally be resolved; immediately I should run at the Jiangle 100 Trail Challenge 2019, in China, if I manage to get the visa, then at the end of June there will be the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, where I already know I will suffer the pains of hell, literally: it will be very hot and it’s too runable for my characteristics, but I couldn’t not accept the invitation!

I would also like to go back to the UTMB: last year was an experience