On the Run – Fernanda Maciel
Fernanda Maciel is well known for standing on a fair few podiums in recent years. But It’s her White Flow Projects which set her apart from many rivals and compliment her abilities as an athlete and lover of all things outdoors and adventure. Just before she kicks off the racing season at Tarawera Ultra Marathon, we have a brief chat with her.
Word to live by?
”We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
“The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give it away.”
What do you do for recovery in between training?
I use my Compressport full leg compression socks to recovery my legs. I drink water with electrolytes and I eat well. If I have 2 or 3 trainings [in one day] and I’m feeling really tired I drink 1/2 can of Red Bull + 500ml of water… or I drink 2 cups of coffee.
Are you coached? if so, what are the benefits?
Yes, I have a coach. I like because he helps me to organise my race season and to give to me a balance in my training, recovery time and work.
What is the most important session you do all week?
I like to do the long training. I don’t like too much the fast and sprint series but I do 2 or 3 times per week to improve my run.
What does your rest day look like?
Sometimes I can have 1 day off, but it’s not usual. Usually, my rest day is the gym day, where I do some exercises to make sure all my body is strong and flexible to run.
Do you have an ‘OFF’ season from running?
Yes, just 10 days of holiday (any sport). And 30 days of holiday off running (I can climb, swim, cycle, ski, etc).
How would you describe your everyday nutrition? Do you stick to a specific nutrition plan?
Yes, I eat a lot of natural food, lots of fruits, eggs, tofu, mushrooms, and fish.
Why trail running, why ultra running?
Because I love the movement of running, the silence and I love to be outdoors. If I can spend more time enjoying nature, better for me, for my emotions and spirit.
What is your favourite food in a race?
Banana.
What are your other passions outside of running?
I love to swim in waterfalls. I love to make chocolates. I love to draw pictures with pencil.
What are your plans for 2017?
I will race in the Ultra-Trail World Tour (UTWT): Tarawera 102km, New Zealand; Marathon des sables Stage Race, Morrocco; Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Italy; and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), France. My next dream will be in Tanzania to help the local children and try the speed record up and down Mt. Kilimanjaro. The name of the project is White Flow Kilimanjaro.
More info on Fernanda and her expeditions can be found at her website http://www.fernandamaciel.es/en/
And she in on Social Media at Facebook ( @ferultratrail ), Twitter ( @FerUltraTrail ) and Instagram ( @fermmaciel )