International Master of Sports Galina Yakusheva usually competes in race walking. That’s what makes her recent victory so remarkable — she won in a running event at the half marathon in Ekibastuz.
On June 8, Galina Yakusheva won the 5-kilometre race — one of the distances included in the half marathon program in Ekibastuz. Her winning time was 19 minutes and 43 seconds. The prize money amounted to 100,000 tenge. In an interview with qazathletics.kz, Galina shared some details about her "temporary switch" from race walking to running.
– Congratulations on your victory! How did the race go for you?
– Thank you. It was tough — I’m coming back from an injury. But thanks to my determination, I managed to win.
– What was the most difficult part of the race?
– The third kilometre was the hardest.
– What mindset did you have at the start line?
– I just went out there to run…
– Were you aiming for a win or simply running for the joy of it?
– I was hoping to make it into the top three.
– Did you expect to take first place among nearly 200 participants?
– No, not at all!
– How did you prepare for the race?
– I didn’t. No preparation at all. I just went out and ran.
– What was the first thing that went through your mind when you crossed the finish line?
– My first thought was: is it really over, and am I in first place? (laughs)
– How would you describe your race day in Ekibastuz in just three words?
– Weather — wow, victory — wow, prize — wow! (laughs)
– Do you have a role model in running or someone who inspires you?
– Yes, I do — Zhanna Mamazhanova, a Kazakhstani marathon and long-distance runner.
– What advice would you give to those just starting out in sports?
– Don’t rush it! Longevity in sports is great. I’m 37, and it’s awesome!
