Motivation

Paris Marathon 2024: Interview with French elite athlete Adrien Toucas

We had the privilege of closely following the exceptional journey of French athlete and SportsShoes ambassador Adrien Toucas during the Paris Marathon. His determination, endurance, and talent propelled him to the forefront of the race, seeing him cross the finish line as the first Frenchman and twelfth overall.

Congratulations to Adrien for this remarkable performance, which speaks to his commitment to his sport and his exemplary work ethic. We are proud to support him in his endeavors.

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Get ready to discover his training tips, as well as the highs and lows of his race, and the impact of the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS shoes on his performance.

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Can you tell us about your training routine before the race and how you prepared mentally?

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My training regimen spans several weeks and includes intensive sessions that can total up to 237 km per week. For instance, on Tuesdays, I do intervals of VMA (Maximal Aerobic Speed) with repetitions of 30 x 400 meters at a 5 km pace. Thursdays are dedicated to speed work with sets of 15 x 1,000 meters, and Sundays are reserved for a long run consisting of an active 12 km jog followed by sets of 4 x 5,000 meters at marathon pace. To complement these intensive sessions, I do recovery runs of 12 to 18 km on other days and in the evenings after my workouts. Much of my preparation takes place solo, which strengthens my mental determination and resilience to face the challenges of the marathon.

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Participating in a marathon with the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS must have offered you unique advantages. How did these shoes contribute to your performance during the race?

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Wearing the brand new ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS truly transformed my experience during this marathon, allowing me to run under optimal conditions. Thanks to these innovative shoes, I was able to approach the second half of the marathon with renewed energy, enabling me to accelerate and achieve a faster second half-marathon time than the first. Moreover, the METASPEED SKY PARIS greatly helped to reduce my muscle fatigue, allowing me to maintain a steady pace and finish strong in the last kilometers of the race.

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What sets the METASPEED SKY PARIS apart from other running shoes?

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The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS stands out for their lightweight design, exceptional comfort, and excellent grip. Their cushioning and forward bounce capability are also remarkable, providing runners with the ability to accelerate and maintain increasingly higher speeds. These combined features make the METASPEED SKY ideal shoes for those seeking optimal performance in their races.

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Did you encounter any difficulties or obstacles during the race?

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Despite a promising start alongside four other runners, aiming for a pace of 3'10 per kilometer, I quickly encountered difficulties at the 5, 10, and 15-kilometer aid stations, where my planned water bottles were unfortunately missing. This setback forced me to stop at the 5th-kilometer aid station to inquire about my bottle, a pause that cost me precious seconds, during which I saw the rest of the group pulling away. Despite my efforts to catch up, the headwind and my frustration veered me off my initial race plan, leaving me navigating solo for much of the race. At the halfway point, I finally regained my bottle, which gave me a renewed sense of energy and determination. Despite heavy legs, I gradually gained ground on my competitors, catching up to some French, Ethiopian, and Belgian runners at kilometers 23, 27, and 30. Knowing I was leading among the French runners, I drew upon my mental and physical resources to maintain a steady pace.

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Despite the difficulties encountered towards the end of the race, I managed to maintain a fast pace and obtain my refueling at kilometers 30, 35, and 38, even though the labels had come off. Knowing that I wouldn't beat my personal record didn't dampen my motivation to give my best until the very end: I still had the hope of becoming the first Frenchman to cross the finish line.

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Crossing the finish line as the top French runner in Paris must have been an incredible moment. Can you describe your emotions and thoughts when you reached this significant milestone while wearing these shoes?

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As I glimpsed the long stretch leading to the finish line, the distant cheers of the crowd adding to the electric atmosphere, a rush of emotions washed over me. Pride surged within me for completing this journey, mingled with the relief of nearing its end, and the tangible sense of accomplishment for every kilometer conquered. Tears welled in my eyes as I reflected on the grueling training sessions, the sacrifices made, and the challenges overcome in preparation for this moment. Crossing the finish line, a wave of joy swept over me, amplifying the intensity of the experience. I savored this unique moment, knowing it would be etched into my memory forever.

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As an elite runner using innovative gear like ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS, what advice would you give to runners looking to improve their performance through the advanced technology of this pair?

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This shoe is suitable for both elite athletes and amateurs because it remains accessible in terms of price and offers innovative technology that is beneficial for slower paces (from 13/14km/h).

It's best to prioritize this shoe for VMA sessions and specific training for 10km/half-marathon/marathon distances.

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Beyond personal achievement, marathons often symbolize resilience and determination. How do you think your experience at the Paris Marathon 2024 reflects these values?

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The marathon truly embodies the very essence of running, both physically and mentally. The Paris Marathon, renowned for its challenging elevation, presents an additional hurdle, making the quest for a personal best even more challenging.

I relish tough races that require mental fortitude and pushing beyond one's limits, and that's why I love the Paris Marathon.

The marathon is a life lesson: there are ups and downs, but one must never give up and keep fighting no matter what; as long as you haven't crossed the finish line, anything is possible

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Do you have any future goals or aspirations in the world of marathon running, and how do you envision the role of cutting-edge shoe technology, such as ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS, in achieving these goals?

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My next major challenge will be the Valencia Half Marathon in October, followed by the Valencia Marathon in December, with the aim of getting closer to the ambitious goal of 2 hours and 12 to 13 minutes. The continuous evolution of shoe technology further motivates me in this quest. Indeed, advancements now allow for lighter shoes while still providing optimal shock absorption through innovative foams. This reduction in ground impact contributes to increased physical preservation, thus enabling running at higher speeds while limiting the risk of injuries.

I am confident in my ability to achieve my goals without increasing training load, while pushing my limits to run even faster.

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We would like to express our deep gratitude to Adrien for sharing his journey with us. His passion, determination, and dedication to running are a source of inspiration for us all. We wish him the best in his future challenges, including the Valencia Half Marathon and Marathon, and we look forward to following his upcoming accomplishments.

Thank you once again, Adrien, for your time and generosity.

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And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.