Rok Bratina

Skyrunner from Slovenia and a big lover of the mountains. Put on your shoes and follow me! :)

How I start running?

After primary school I joined local cycling team. I started training cycling and it was great. I was very motivated. I never missed a minute of training! So for the upcoming season I was prepared very well. I was in a good form with a lot of power in my legs. That was my second season and I wished to show how strong I am. In April I had my first race of the season. It started great. After 30 kilometers of racing I was in a leading group of 10 cyclists and fighting for a win. We rode very fast. Before the finish line a very steep downhill were waiting for us. Suddenly I felt of my bike. For me it was the end of the race. I lost my unconsciousness and opened my eyes no earlier than in the hospital. I also broke both wrists, so I couldn’t went on training. I was talking with my coach and we decided that I must recovery. After two weeks I started with short runs. I ran day by day with two plasters! My hometown is located in a beautiful valley, surrounded with mountains, so I ran mainly uphill. After 1 month I put both plasters off and I felt lighter and because of that I ran faster. I was very optimistic and said that I will start racing on a running competitions. I said my dad if we went on a national championship in mountain running. When I came, nobody knows me, but I won and classified for the European championship. I finished the race 6th and after the race I decided, that mountain running is a sport for me. I still ride a bike, but only for my pleasure and after hard running training. I also still have my old coach. I trust him and his training plans. I believe he is my key for success!