Tips to start Long-Distance Running with Manni Ovola

GO GETTER MANNI – MY WAY INTO LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING

We caught up with Emmanuel Ovola – member of the Nike TrackMafia and keen marathon runner – to find out about how you can make your way into long-distance running and the benefits of running for yourself and the community.

Emmanuel ‘Manni’ Ovola is a former footballer turned physio who took up running marathons after seeing Stephen Kiprotich win the London 2012 Olympic marathon. He is a keen marathon runner who competed in marathons such as Boston and Berlin, a member of the Nike TrackMafia and works in his local community centre in London Peckham to give back to his community by spreading his passion for running. Manni now aims to encourage a younger generation to run in London, and believes the level of competition could grow if more inner city children picked up the sport. His ambition is to set an example of long-distance running from a city perspective, using running to explore the capital stories, sights and sounds.

ㅤ

ㅤ

WHAT IS YOUR SPORTING BACKGROUND AND WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I’m a physiotherapist who has worked in the NHS and now work in Central London building stronger runners and working with any injury that comes through the door. I have a specialist interest in runners but enjoy treating all conditions. I endeavour to get people to their physical best.

My sporting history is diverse; I started playing football at an early age but also excelled as a swimmer and a Rugby player. I swam and played rugby at County level. At a certain point I had to choose one sport and I chose football, it was a real passion. In doing this I pursued a career to a semi professional level. Unfortunately at one point during the short career I suffered an ankle fracture. It was difficult to diagnose and with this injury hampering any further progress I decided to investigate how I could help myself. I had a new found passion for the way the human body works. I went on to study Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy so that I could be in the best position possible to provide support for the people I see. I wanted to help athletes reach their best.

ㅤ

ㅤ

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO START RUNNING?

Stephen Kiprotich who won the London 2012 Olympic marathon is someone with a relentless determination; he is the youngest of seven children. He had little support and was ill from 12-15 with an undiagnosed illness. He didn’t actually concentrate on the running until he was 17 when he moved to train with Eliud Kipchoge in the rift valley in Kenya and won gold at London 2012 over the marathon. For pure spectacle one of the best things to watch to get you motivated to run is ‘’the duel in the sun’’ – a clip of the Boston 1982 marathon or Sammy Wanjiru’s Chicago 2010 marathon finish. Both are exhilarating and inspirational as they portray the feats of human endeavour in an undeniable form!

WHY DO YOU NOW RUN AND WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR RUNNING?

I enjoy running marathons and the process behind getting to race day, I see it as a creative process that can provide me with clarity. Each process for a race is about keeping as much consistency as possible with the challenges of day-to-day life. I enjoy the endorphin rush of the sessions as you keep ticking them off; the build creates an unparalleled level of fitness and endurance. You feel strong and more resilient as the training goes on. You look younger and feel lighter inevitably as you lose some extra pounds.

My ambitions for running are to keep enjoying it and run a marathon as fast as I physically can. I aim to encourage a younger generation to run in London, I think running is actually an underutilised form of exercise. I think the level of competition could grow if more inner city children picked up the sport. I also believe it provides this element of ‘Flow’ which is useful to anybody. I would like to set example of long distance running from a city perspective, a way that I use my city for exploration on my feet.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS AND ROUTES TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO GET OUT AND RUN FOR THE FIRST TIME OR RE-ENGAGE WITH RUNNING?

Start by using time as a gauge rather than distance. Choose a simple route close to your house, time yourself and keep completing the same route over 4 weeks. Your mind will start to recognise the route even on days when you may find it difficult. Familiarity is important for your body. It allows you to concentrate on the task of putting one foot in front of the other. Take some friends with you on your route and plan a dinner after, make a social thing out of exercising. Join a group in London there are numerous you can choose from. Lastly equip yourself, it is proven if you have the right gear you’re more motivated.

Follow Manni on Instagram here, and explore the new Nike Epic React 2 he is running in at SportsShoes.

ㅤ

Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.