Running Confident: Maria Flórez on Why ‘Bad Days’ Make Her Marathon-Ready
Running a marathon is a difficult business, and takes more than just speedy feet. Most people can't say they've accomplished a 42km run, but Colombia’s has a few of ‘em under her belt – a pretty impressive feat for someone who only started running after the pandemic.
Flórez is a New Balance ambassador, and this past week was flown from her home city of Bogotá to hit NB's Melbourne pop-up space at Federation Square for the Australian Open. We sat down with her to chat marathons, confidence and her favourite shoes right now.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
Running is very important to you, but it wasn't always so. Walk us through your journey in the sport.
I have always loved sports, but I started running during the pandemic. [In Bogotá], we were able to go out for only a couple of minutes or hours per day – so I decided I was going to run, because I really loved sport and that was the only way I could exercise. And after that, I joined a running team in Bogotá.
What about marathons?
After I joined that running team, New Balance offered me a chance to run the New York City marathon – my God! I wasn't an influencer at that time, I didn't have the followers I have now, but they still offered it to me and I accepted. After running the New York City marathon, I fell in love with running and with a 42-kilometre distance.
How has running changed your life or your outlook?
From the moment I started running, I felt like I knew myself better.
Most people haven't run any marathons – how many have you chalked up?
Five marathons!
How do you prepare for such a long distance, do you have any rituals?
I mean, during training I run mostly every day, except on Mondays. And there’s multiple days – good ones and bad ones. The bad ones are the ones that really hit you. Like, they really teach you how to perform, and how to act, and what to do if you're in a race. Overcoming those challenges during training is the process.
Why do you think the 2020s have brought such a big boom to running's popularity?
I think it's because it's such a social sport, and has allowed people to meet more people, hang out with friends, and use running as an excuse to go out and have a breakfast or brunch. I think that's one of the reasons running is becoming more popular with all the new runners out there, and that keeps the sport growing and growing.
What advice do you have for runners about building confidence and staying consistent?
One piece of advice I would give to others is to not compare yourself to other people. Your own processes are individual and unique. It doesn't matter how fast you run – the pace doesn't matter and the distance doesn't matter, either.
Have you ever personally struggled with running and confidence?
Yeah, of course. When you run, you can get injured, and after that happens and you cannot run – that’s not easy. But overcoming those hard days is what makes you the most powerful.
Do you think having the support of New Balance has boosted your confidence?
Yes, definitely. It feels good to be supported by such a brand.
What are your favourite shoes to run in at the moment?
I have two! The 1080 – the v14, only because the v15 just came out. Actually, the 1080v11 were the shoes I ran my first marathon in.
Wow, which year was that?
Yeah, that was in 2021. My other favourite is the FuelCell Elite. I love them, especially for fast training.
What are you most excited for this year?
I'm looking forward to running the Chicago Marathon!
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