First Mass competitions of this season took place on August 2 in 80 cities of our country. About 100 thousand athletes took part in track and field events. Metro builders did not remain aloof from such a large-scale competition. The MS correspondent asked them about their first running victories and the results of the last Race 2020.
JOY FOR YOUTH
The best result among the metro builders who took part in the race was shown by TO-6 veteran Andrey Zemtsov. He covered a distance of 21.1 kilometers in 1 hour 33 minutes and 26 seconds.
Andrey Zemtsov covered the distance in 1 hour 33 minutes and 26 seconds
“It was the first mass race after the pandemic, and everyone was in incredibly high spirits,” he said. – Special thanks to the organizers: everything was organized perfectly in Moscow. Athletes had access to locker rooms, volunteers helped with storing things, people supported the runners at the start and along the entire length of the running route, and food points were organized.
According to Zemtsov, every year more and more young people take part in such sporting events. Just ten years ago, very few young guys took to the competitions. He knew everyone in the first hundred. And now everyone is strangers, well prepared, a lot of girls.
“I myself didn’t set a goal to run with a certain time or take first place,” the athlete shared. – The main thing is to have fun. I've been running for probably as long as I can remember. The countdown can be started from the first grade of school; I never gave up running. In the past, I easily covered marathon distances and took part in daily races. He devoted a lot of time to skiing and winter racing.
Zemtsov promises to spend the upcoming season skiing again. In the warm season, he runs with special sticks. This is a kind of imitation of skiing on terrain.
TRAIN AT COMPETITIONS
Leading design engineer of the Inzhproekt Institute Andrey Ryabchenko was second among metro builders in time at the last half marathon with a result of 1 hour 40 minutes and 18 seconds.
Andrey Ryabchenko at one of last year's marathons
– I’ve been running marathons for three years now. Before that I preferred skiing. I’ve had this hobby since school,” he said. – The skiers are well prepared. I thought, since I ski 50 kilometers, it would be easy to master 21.1. Although the technique is different from running, these disciplines have one thing in common: the ability to keep pace and be patient.
Andrey participates in most running events in Russia. Traditionally, they are held on weekends. A plane or train ticket, and Ryabchenko is already at the start somewhere in St. Petersburg, Sochi, Ufa, Lipetsk or Vladimir.
– I like to overtake and accelerate, although the last 800 meters of the same half-marathon turned out to be difficult. You run for half a kilometer, endure it, and for the last 300 meters you make a dash,” the athlete admits. – I don’t count on first places, let others fight for them. Emotions and a sense of drive during long distances are important to me. The half marathon itself turned out to be bright and festive.
In the running table of the last Moscow Half Marathon, Ryabchenko was 1644th. A decent result among men. But his main goal is to get into the top 100 runners in Russia running. To achieve this, the athlete constantly trains and learns new techniques. Classes are usually held in parks. You also have to train endurance during marathons or half-marathons.
FIRST TIME
Leading lawyer of the contract management department of Mosmetrostroy JSC Alena Menshina participated in the mass race for the first time. I chose the most optimal distance for the girls – five kilometers.
Alena Menshina took part in the mass race for the first time
– It turned out to be a good sports festival. Although it was not easy to run, this is my first experience,” admitted Alena. – I have many friends who run. They constantly participate in such marathons. We all try to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and try ourselves in various challenges.
Alena is still new to running. She usually trains in the gym, but at an open distance for the first time I decided to test myself, to test my strength.
“It’s nice to run in good company.” There are those nearby who support and can cheer you up at the right time. “I overcame my first “five” in 38 minutes,” the girl added. “At the finish line I had almost no strength left, and the impression of being awarded the medal was a little blurred. But when my friends and I moved to the photographic zone, I felt a sense of belonging to this wonderful sports festival.
Alena called her participation in the race a small victory. He plans to continue participating in marathons.
– Most likely, I will continue to prepare for the running season and, perhaps, run a longer distance – ten kilometers. Time will show.
At the finish line, all participants were given commemorative medals for participation in the “Race 2020”
HOLIDAY IN OTHER CITIES
As Nikolai Akimov, head of the Mosmetrostroy Sports Club, said, the first race of this season was a good warm-up for those athletes who were forced to take a break during the coronavirus pandemic. Metro construction workers take part in sporting events, attend various sections, and exercise in open areas.
Mass races take place not only in Moscow. Thus, another metro builder, Timur Kashin (Tunnel 2001), took part in the half marathon held in the city of Tula.