He is Raffaele Milione, aka Leppe, historic ambassador of the SPORTLAB Milano team who, after more than 10 years spent on a bicycle, decided to test himself on a completely different terrain: running.
In just over a year he has realized a dream that seemed far away by completing his first marathon in 2024, the Rome marathon, and demonstrating once again that with passion and determination every goal becomes possible. We had the pleasure of interviewing him.
From cycling to running, what pushed you to take on this new challenge and aim for your first marathon?
I am a person always looking for new adventures and stimuli. I love cycling, but after 10 years I felt the need for something new. During the summer holidays of ' last year I started running, almost for fun. All ' beginning, I never imagined I would get to a marathon, but training after training the results improved, and so I decided to sign up for my first race. After just four months of running, I took part in my first half marathon in Milan. It was love at first sight and, from that moment, I started to think that 42 km were not so unattainable after all.
How did you prepare for the Rome Marathon? What were the most challenging aspects and what were the nicest surprises along the way?
Not having a coach, I trained "by feeling". During the week I dedicated myself to strength work, while on the weekends I focused on long runs, progressively increasing the distances. However, a month before the race I had an injury that made me doubt whether I would be ready in Rome. I managed to run a maximum of 30 km a couple of weeks before the marathon and I didn't know if it was enough. Despite the doubts, I was still aware that I had given my best in preparation.
What was the most difficult moment during the marathon and how did you overcome it? ' did you overcome? Was there a moment when you felt invincible?
I remember like it was yesterday the moment I passed the 30km sign. From there on it was unfamiliar territory: I had no idea what to expect from my body. All around me I saw other runners stopping, suffering from cramps, and I thought it would soon be my turn.
But no. I was spared from the dreaded “ marathon wall” and, with just a few kilometers to go, the real show began. In the last kilometers, running along the streets of downtown Rome, people of all nationalities cheered from behind the barriers, shouting my name (just writing it still gives me chills!).
The most emotional moment was seeing my family in front of the Colosseum, less than a kilometer away. ' I'm coming. It was at that moment that I felt truly invincible.
How did you feel when you crossed the finish line of your first marathon? Was it what you imagined?
I crossed the finish line and, without even thinking, I leaned against the barriers and burst into tears. It was a cry of pure joy, a ' emotion never felt before. At a certain point I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned around and there was Marco Cinquantini who, seeing me with tears in my eyes, hugged me, congratulating me and saying " Go get this medal ". I will never forget that moment, one of the most beautiful of my life.
Which SPORTLAB Milano products have been fundamental in your sports routine?
Both during the preparation and in the race, SPORTLAB Milano products have always been by my side. WARMUP CREAM and COOLDOWN CREAM have been my faithful companions in every training session. Even on the grid, just before the start, I had a single dose of WARMUP CREAM with me, essential for preparing the muscles for an intense effort like that of the marathon.
And now that you have achieved this milestone, what are your next goals?
Good question! For now I have already set an important date: on my birthday I will run the Zurich Marathon. I would also like to participate in the Bologna half marathon and then... who knows! I certainly have many events related to the world of running ahead of me, and I am ready to live them to the fullest.
And we can't wait to accompany Leppe before, during and after all his upcoming adventures!