Today we talk to Sophie de Malet Roquefort. Sophie got into canicross after adopting her rescue dog 'Blanca' from southern Europe. Blanca is a Pointer with a high prey drive. Sophie was unable to let her off lead but she still needed a good deal of exercise. One day at the local park she met a group of runners from canisports Edinburgh. She joined soon afterwards and have been canicrossing ever since.
Q1. What do you like about Canicross ?
A1. The freedom and wonderful relationship I have from running with my best friend. It is also a fantastic community and I get to meet lots of wonderful people from all over the country.
Q2. What don't you like about Canicross ?
A2. The training. I am quite competitive and always want to do better but there are days when I really don't feel like doing a run, especially iv it is cold and wet. There are also days when Blanca really doesn't feel like it too.
Q3. What are your canicross ambitions for the future ?
A3. I would love to represent GB in my age category. Having taken my inspiration from Susan Fraser, I know it is possible if I put in the training and work hard but I still have a long way to go. I would also love to do one of the big races abroad. The trophee Sud Bourgogne looks amazing!!
Q4. What are your thoughts approaching our first World Cup, and competing at an international level ?
A4. Scary. I managed to get quite far in the last knockout tournament but this is another ball game with so many new people from all over the world taking part.
Q5. What strategies do you think you will use during the tournament ?
A5. Try not to start too strong so I have more left in the tank and can improve as the competition progresses.
Q6. What do you think the secret is to winning a knockout ?
A6. I don't think there is a secret. We can only run as best as we can on the day. Just need to focus mentally and push hard.
Q7. How do you think you will prepare both mentally and physically for competing in a tough knockout competition ?
A7. Keep up with my training but make sure I don't burn myself out. I am definitely feeling my age just now so I need to ensure I give my body a chance to recover so that I am in my best form I am also starting to do a bit more strength training so I hope that will help.
