Shortly after retiring from professional tennis, Barbora Strýcová developed a passion for endurance running. Last year, she completed the Prague International Marathon as part of the RunCzech series, and now the two-time Wimbledon doubles champion is preparing to line up at the Generali Prague Half Marathon, which will take place on Saturday, March 28.
“Running gives me something I can’t even describe. Maybe it’s a kind of therapy or escape, but it’s also a sport where I know I’ve done something good for myself, and it leaves me pleasantly tired,” Strýcová described her relationship with her new hobby.
Last year, you completed Prague International Marathon as part of the RunCzech series, and at the finish line you said you went through a bit of a crisis on the course. How do you remember your experience?
First of all, I’d like to say that I’m an amateur runner. And I think it’s completely normal that I experienced a lot of crises out there on the course. Around the 32nd kilometre, that crisis was really big — I was even thinking about whether I would finish at all.
But you did finish. You completed your first-ever marathon in a very solid time of 3:18:39…
Anyone who finishes a marathon is a huge hero in my eyes. Everyone I know who has run a marathon confirmed to me that they also had moments of crisis. And that shows you just how mentally strong you are.
So all of that didn’t put you off running?
No, it didn’t. Of course, a few days after the marathon it felt like, “I never want to run again in my life,” but on the other hand it motivates you in such a way that you immediately start looking for the next marathon you could run.
But it hurt, right?
Yes, pain definitely comes with that race. And I’m not someone who would just run “for the sake of it” — I always want to have some personal goals.
After finishing your top-level tennis career, has running become your main sport? Or even a passion?
It definitely hasn’t become a passion. But running gives me something I probably can’t even describe. It may also be a kind of therapy or escape, but it’s also a sport where I know I’ve done something good for myself and it leaves me pleasantly tired.
And it’s the simplest thing — you just put on your running shoes and you can run anywhere, in any weather. What I enjoy about it is that, from a practical point of view, it’s the most comfortable sport.
How often do you run these days? What do your training sessions look like?
Last year, from October onwards, I was running almost every other day, at least 17 kilometres each time. But then I was sidelined for a long time by a stress fracture in my ankle, and it still hasn’t healed.
I run according to the running app, which also prepared me for last year’s marathon, and I have to say it suits me really well so far. I’m someone who likes to prepare — that has always been true for me. Even though running is just a hobby for me, being prepared gives me confidence and makes me feel ready.
When you run for fitness, are you usually alone, or do you enjoy training in a group?
I definitely run alone — I don’t want to run in groups. I like training groups, but not running ones.
Do you work with athletics coaches?
Not at the moment. I worked with athletics coaches during my career, but now I don’t really seek out coaches anymore. Running is a hobby for me, and I focus more on races that I find enjoyable rather than chasing fast times.
You went into last year’s marathon with a knee injury. How are you now?
My knee was worn out from training — maybe I overdid it. And this year it may actually be even worse, because I’ve gone through that stress fracture in my ankle, which still isn’t fully healed.
I don’t think I’m well prepared for the half marathon, so I honestly don’t know what to expect out there on the course. I want to finish, but I’m not setting any goals.
What are your expectations for this iconic half marathon, with 17,000 runners at the start line?
First of all, I’m really, really looking forward to the race, because I’ve already heard from so many people what a beautiful event it is. I just hope my ankle allows me to complete it.
I’m excited because a lot of my friends will also be running, although I won’t really be running alongside them, because they also prefer to run alone. The atmosphere will be wonderful.
On the day of the Generali Prague Half Marathon, you’re also celebrating your birthday — and a milestone one. How do you feel about that?
Of course, it will be a special day for me, because turning forty is one of those milestones that deserves to be celebrated. Sport is a big part of my life, and now running is too, so racing around my birthday feels really nice.
Will you have more supporters, friends, and family members along the course because of the birthday celebrations?
No, I actually won’t have almost anyone along the course, because someone has to stay at home with the children, and that will be my partner and my mum.
But I’m not really the kind of person who would invite all my friends and say, “Come and watch my race!” No — I’ll experience it on my own.
Can you remember the most interesting sporting event you experienced on your birthday?
I usually spent my birthdays in America, because the Miami Open was taking place. And if not directly there, then I would usually already be back home after Miami, like I was around my 30th birthday.
