“ Time stops while I run ” he writes under one of his latest posts, but what never stops is his highly contagious enthusiasm and his innate ability to give smiles through sport.
We had the pleasure of having a chat with Antonella Cottone, ( @antonella_therunner ), runner and new entry to the SPORTLAB Team, who started running during the pandemic and hasn't stopped since.
You started running during the pandemic, when many people found it difficult to find the motivation to stay active. How did this passion arise?
In the middle of the pandemic, everything stopped, I was going crazy at home, I wasn't used to sitting still. I needed an activity that gave me the opportunity to get really tired and that freed my head... so three years ago I put on my first running shoes for the first time and from that moment it was a real love at first sight. Running changed me inside and out, it made me a confident person and thanks to running I started to see the world with different eyes.
Two years ago I signed up for the first race, I wanted to get involved, surpass myself and have the chance to learn about another aspect of running. The preparation phase and the day of the race give you incredible emotions, passion, happiness, sharing and many smiles.
When did you realize that running would become a fundamental part of your life?
Running has changed me inside and out, it has changed my days and helped me face them differently. Running and sport in general for me are pure oxygen, energy, physical and mental well-being. It's that moment when you can clear your mind and face the days in a positive way, even when the days are bad, and the people around me benefit from it too. Running gives me uncontainable smiles and many moments of indescribable emotions.
And today, if you had to describe the race in just 3 words, what would they be?
Happiness , freedom , adrenaline.
Is there a race that you remember with particular emotion?
My first marathon. I remember every single km travelled, I remember the joy and tears of the last 200 metres, an indescribable emotion.
We know that you are also very active and followed on social media. What drives you to share your passion with your followers?
Sharing my passion on social media has allowed me to meet many people and also find friends with whom I can also share lunches, dinners, drinks and lots of laughs :-)
Every time I run I can't stop smiling, it's an indescribable emotion, it gives me mental and physical serenity and it's nice to share these emotions with other people. Day after day there are many who, thanks to my emotions, have found the strength to start walking/running and this fills me with joy.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?
Lace up your shoes and go outside, observe nature, listen to the birds, greet passers-by and smile. Run by feeling without looking at the clock or the running pace, but simply enjoy every single run and all the emotions it can give you.
Do you have any races or sporting goals planned for the next few months?
My next goal will be to start and complete races on the Superhalf Marathon circuit. It is a circuit of 6 half marathons to be completed in 60 months to obtain the super medal. I will start in October with Valencia and then in April with Berlin.
Finally, what is your favorite SPORTLAB Milano product, the one that can never be missing from your #sportcare routine?
W ARMUP CREAM and COOLDOWN CREAM have officially become an integral part of my training and racing.
And we at the SPORTLAB Milano team are happy to support Antonella in her running challenges and to have become part of her dirty routine!