The Pill Nike Trail Special EN by The Pill

LDV | 1979

ESCAPE | 1984

AIR TERRA ACG | 1991

A I R R E VA D E R C H I I I | 1 9 9 3

AIR TERRA SERTIG | 1997

AIR HUMARA | 1997

A I R T E R R A G OAT E K | 1 9 9 9

AIR TERRA TRIAX | 1999

AIR TEOCALLI XCR | 2002

AIR ZOOM ORIZABA | 2005

NIKE AIR ZOOM TERRA KIGER 2 | 2015

AIR ZOOM WILDHORSE 3 | 2016

AIR WILDWOOD ACG | 1989

AIR PEGASUS A/T | 1991

A I R R E VA D E R C H I | 1 9 9 3

AIR TERRA ALBIS | 1997

A I R T E R R AVO R E | 1 9 9 8

AIR TERRA HUMARA | 1999

AIR TERRA HUMARA 3 | 2000

AIR TUPU | 2002

ZOOM WILDHORSE N7 | 2013

NIKE ZOOM TERRA KIGER | 2014

AIR ZOOM TERRA KIGER 3 | 2016

AIR ZOOM TERRA KIGER 4 | 2017

PEGASUS TRAIL 2

Nike Trail Special T E X T S I LV I A G A L L I A N I

Nike’s adventure in the world of trail running is dated back to 1978. That year, some of the American best mountaineers reached the top of K2, the world’s second-highest peak, wearing Nike running shoes. Birthed in the Pacific Northwest, a love of the outdoors has always been a part of Nike’s DNA. And as trail running was emerging, Nike employees were some of the earliest adopters. Nike’s former CEO Mark Parker in fact designed the companies first official trail running shoe because he was looking for running shoes uniquely suited for the sport he practiced. From the beginning, Nike has had all the right components to bring to trail running. Lightweight, traction, materials innovation, lacing and methods of make that create minimal invasiveness from the elements have been core to Nike’s outdoor and trail products from the beginning. And in many ways, the outdoor athlete mindset aligns more closely to Nike’s ethos than most sports. Uncompromising and driven, Nike Trail is at the heart of what makes Nike, Nike. Nike’s belief is that trail running can be an antidote to running. Traditionally running has been all about the time split on the watch, races and medals. Then comes trail, where races are a big thing, but getting out

there and detach from the present is far more important. Pace isn’t that relevant when running on trails, not as much as the efforts that you put in can be. On trails, pace and distance are relative to where you run: sharp bends, dense forests, winding pathways, steep grounds. So in the end, what truly matters are the emotions that come with trail. It is mainly about the experience, not the end line. It’s the journey, not the destination. Trail running is also made of its community, mountaineers and outdoor lovers. And as well as in all Nike communities, it is a diverse and inclusive group where your color, race, social background, origins do not define you when running. At the same time, all are equal and welcome to run on trails. Respect the environment, protect the planet, make it your playground and keep it clean are the main values of trail running, and that’s what makes it sustainable. Just choose your trail running shoes based on different terrains, bring multiple layers of apparel, pack your outfits and you’re ready to go.

Trail is freedom, trail is power. It’s for everyone. 2

Contents 6

NIKE TRAIL GENE ALOGY

NIKE TEAM STORIES

CESARE MAESTRI

FRANCESCO PUPPI

THE TRAILS ARE FOR E VERYONE

D O R A AT I M

VA L E R I A M A R G H E R I TA M O S C A

I L A R IA & STE FA N O

NIKE TRAIL FOOT WE AR CO LLECTIO N

LAST WORD

PRODUCTION The Pill Agency www.thepillagency.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Denis Piccolo denis@hand-communication.com E D I T O R I A L C O O R D I N AT O R S Davide Fioraso, Silvia Galliani, Tommaso Bernacchi E D I T I N G & T R A N S L AT I O N S Silvia Galliani

C O M PA N Y E D ITO R Hand Communication, Via Piave 30, Saluzzo CN 12037, Italy hello@hand-communication.com PRINT L'artistica Savigliano, Savigliano Cuneo - Italy, lartisavi.it ADVERTISING hello@hand-communication.com +39 333.7741506 FOLLOW US

ART DIRECTION George Boutall | Evergreen Design House Niccolò Galeotti, Francesca Pagliaro

www.thepillmagazine.com www.facebook.com/thepillmagazine Instagram.com/thepillmagazine

THEPILLMAGAZINE .COM Camilla Pizzini camilla@hand-communication.com

The Pill is a bimonthly magazine registered at the court of Milan on the 02/29/2016 with number 73

Nike Trail Genealogy T E X T S I LV I A G A L L I A N I

Nike’s trail running history started in 1978 when a team of America’s best mountaineers hiked to basecamp on the world’s second-highest peak K2, wearing Nike runnings shoes.

In fact, Nike's first true trail running shoe was born almost unitended. In 1978, John Roskelley and Rick Ridgeway were among the members of the first American expedition that reached the top of K2 unassisted by oxygen. Nike decided to donate $10,000 to their project despite not yet having a line of outdoor or trail product, on the other hand it provided everyone with a pair of its newest running shoes, the Nike LDV, for the 110-mile hike to basecamp.

The hikers found that the LDVs breathed better, were more comfortable and the increased flexibility made them function better than a more traditional trekking boot. Roskelley and Ridgeway came back enthusiastically from the expedition with many suggestions for Nike on how to adjust designs for lightweight hiking shoes. Back in the days, Mark Parker, footwear designer and trail runner enthusiast, was looking for unique running shoes for the discipline he loved. He was the one who designed the company's first official trail running shoe, tested by trail runners.

The LDVs were light and comfortable as opposed to traditionally heavy, leather hiking boots. The trail was pretty rough.

But we we should wait until 1984 to have the first shoe specifically designed for an outdoor/trail use. We are talking about the Nike Escape model designed by Mark Parker himself. Trail running was emerging, and Parker and his fellow trail runners were wearing the sturdiest shoes they could find, which at the time were stability shoes.

In a few years trail running grew as a sport and athletes needed a more serious off-road shoe. In 1989 Nike launched his second model specifically designed for this discipline. The Nike Air Wildwood ACG unlike the Escape, differed for its bright colors by presenting a sole built for rough terrain and an entirely synthetic upper perfect for rain and mud. The materials were light, ideal even in wet conditions, while the micro-perforated panels ensured breathability.

“I literally laid paper out on the hood of a car and sketched the shoe” Parker explained later. He applied the learnings from the Pegasus, which he had recently designed, adding a heavier outrigger and more durable upper to the Escape. Parker realized some samples and passed them out to a few fellow trail runners who immediately loved them. After earning those the rave reviews, the Escape was dropped into the line for the following season.

From the beginning, Nike has had all the right components to bring to trail running: lightweight with traction, innovative materials, lockdown, ergonomic lacing. 8

In 1993 it was the turn of Nike Air Pegasus RD that combined the best features of the Air Pegasus model with greater robustness ideal for outdoor environments. Incorporating waterproofing materials, beefing up the outsole and reinforcing the toe, the Pegasus RD was the ideal shoe to go from the road to the trails.

allowing the foot to react and respond to uneven surfaces. Air Terra Albis had the same characteristics but available in a low cut version. Last to close the millennium was the Nike Air Terra Goatek, in 1999, which featured a unique and innovative outsole technology called G-Tek sticky rubber. The sticky rubber was constructed into pads, a pattern that resembled the hoofs of a goat climbing steep mountain cliffs, from which the name Goatek also comes from. The shoe also featured a full heel to toe medial posting and an upper resistant to water and abrasion.

In 1997 Nike Air Humana, designed by famous designer Peter Fogg, was the first trail shoe to incorporate a fabric wrap around the midsole. Highly innovative the fabric midsole provided an abrasion resistance sidewall and stability. The forefoot flex grooves provided maximum flexibility combined with the bidirectional traction configuration provided support during steep uphill or downhill runs. The Air unit in the heal and the forefoot Zoom Air made it a highly comfortable cushioned shoe, comfortable on the trails as well as the city streets.

In 2005 Nike Air Orizaba ushered in a new era of Nike Trail Running. This shoe was named after Pico de Orizaba the highest mountain in Mexico and the thrid highest in North America and featured innovative materials like Gore-Tex XCR which created exceptional waterproofing and was laminated so as not to impact breathability. Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot made for a super runnable shoe with ample cushioning and shock absorption.

The Nike Air Terra Sertig and Air Terra Albis models, also by the same Peter Fogg, are from the same years. The first model combined elements of a trail running shoe with a hiking boot, thanks to the abrasion-resistant tip and mudguard and heel breathable mesh upper. Very low profile midsole with the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and a large volume Air-Sole unit in the forefoot, combined with the special podular construction, offered stability

Let’s arrive to nowadays with the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 and Nike Wildhorse 7 models, now in their last edition, and Pegasus Trail 3.

NIKE AIR HUMANA

NIKE AIR ORIZABA

The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 is a shoe designed to be used on difficult and rocky terrain, thanks to the multidirectional traction lugs with a clear and decisive shape and the soft rubber tread that facilitate contact with the trails and offer greater traction on wet surfaces. The mesh upper delivers a lightweight feel and enhanced ventilation.

Last addition to the Nike Trail family is the Pegasus Trail 3. It features the same cushioned comfort you love, with a design that nods to the classic Pegasus look. It's got tough traction to help you stay moving through rocky terrain. More support around the midfoot helps you feel secure on your journey. Nike React foam from heel to toe provides responsive and stable cushioning for comfort and smooth transitions on rocky terrain.

Nike Wildhorse 7 is a trail shoe ideal for tough and extreme trail runs. The upper delivers durable ventilation with support where you need it. Nike React foam offers a soft, smooth ride that adds a little spring to any step. Multidirectional traction lugs in the outsole are made from high-abrasion rubber. Up to date it is probably the best known trail running shoe from the Oregon company and the preferred choice for mountain runners.

The perfect arrival point of a story that began years ago thanks to the love for outdoor life that has always distinguished the brand's DNA and that contributes to making Nike what it is still today.

NIKE AIR ZOOM TERRA KIGER 7

NIKE WILDHORSE 7

NIKE PEGASUS TRAIL 3

Nike Team Stories

Cesare Maestri INTERVIEW DENIS PICCOLO & PHOTOS ANDREA SCHILIRÒ

because of the pandemic. What do you feel about running in places close to you that you may not have known before? It has been a particular year, difficult in many ways, especially at the beginning because I couldn't do what I was used to. I started to rediscover some places near my home and that I had never explored well, I invented trails and discovered all the existing paths close to home. Although I was in known places, I felt like an explorer. The most positive thing I've learned is that without taking the car and polluting you can go out and run, finding everything you need.

An engineer immersed in the Brenta Dolomites with a great dedication to mountain running. A great commitment as an engineer and as a person to the environment and the desire to convey what he is passionate about. Athlete of the Italian National Mountain Running Team supported by Nike, Cesare Maestri tells us about his trails and his thoughts. Hi Cesare, tell us something about yourself. My name in Cesare, athlete of the National Mountain Running Team and world vice champion. I live in Trentino and for me trail running is the perfect symbiosis between the two things I love the most, running and the mountains, as well as pure freedom. I divide my time between here and Trento, where I work as an energy engineer in the field of renewable energy. At 17 I started running thanks to my first coach, Marco Borsari, who noticed that I run fast even if I didn't do athletics, he pushed me to start running seriously. It was love at first sight and I never stopped. I think I could now consider myself a good athlete who wants to continue improving and expressing himself to the maximum in competitions, in training and in life.

What are your favorite trails? Surely those on the mountains near home, in the Adamello-Brenta Park, because when I run there I feel truly free, light and at peace with myself. My favorite one is called Giro dei 5 Laghi, starting from Madonna di Campiglio and passing by five beautiful alpine lakes in front of the Brenta Dolomites. When and why did you start running in the mountains? I started running relatively late, around 17 and 18 years old, because I used to practice cross-country skiing before. But when I started running I immediately began doing that in the

In the past months we haven't had many opportunities to travel away from home

I started to rediscover some places near my home and that I had never explored well, I invented trails and discovered all the existing paths close to home. Although I was in known places, I felt like an explorer.

mountains: it was a natural process given the place where I live. It was love at first sight, the first races went well and from there on I never stopped.

thanks to the Air Zoom technology which allows you to push hard and always guarantees the right energy return when you have to run fast. I hope this shoe will accompany me in many races and help me achieving good results.

What feelings do you experience running surrounded by nature? The main feeling is freedom, because it's just me in an uncontaminated and beautiful environment with nothing more that my shoes and clothes. Another feeling I experience is lightness because I feel free and with no constrainment, with no unnecessary thoughts either. Running in nature brings me relief, I can disconnect from everything and rework the thoughts I had in the previous days, it helps me to reflect and understand my role in the world.

What will be the first thing you’ll do once the pandemic is over? I don't think there will be one thing in particular that I will do but I think it will be rather gradual. From a sporting point of view I miss a lot of things: training in a group and sharing those moments with friends, I miss the chance to see the public at the races because it gives me so much motivation, I miss partying after a competition. Once the pandemic is over, I hope I will be able to start doing these things that I have been missing in the last year.

How important is the feeling with the shoe? It is certainly important since you do not have many running equipment, the main one you have must give you good feelings. The shoe must be comfortable, it must protect you in the most difficult sections and it must have the right reactivity when you need to push, helping you feeling the effort a little bit less.

Any future projects? A goal, or rather a dream, is to win a European or World Championship. It will not be easy and maybe not even possible but I am motivated and I will try to work at my best. Then I would like to introduce this sport and the lifestyle that derives from it to those who do not know it because I believe it is accessible to many. I would also like to repeat something like what I did together with Francesco Puppi and Nike in Cima Tosa to convey a message that goes beyond performance, disconnected from the competition context. My goal as a person in general is to do my best in my work to make the environment we live in better, have a lifestyle with low consumption and make the most of renewable resources. This is most important thing for me.

You’ve recently run with the new Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7. What are your feedback? Terra Kiger 7 is the shoe that will accompany me this year in the most intense competitions and in training sessions. I feel good because it has all the features I look for when I run in the mountains: lightweight, good cushioning, a drop that allows you to run at your best, a multidirectional grip that ensures good grip both uphill and downhill, great reactivity

Running in nature brings me relief, I can disconnect from everything and rework the thoughts I had in the previous days, it helps me to reflect and understand my role in the world.

Francesco Puppi INTERVIEW FILIPPO CAON & PHOTOS CAMILL A PIZZINI

Francesco is not only a guy who runs fast (very fast), but also one of the few Italian athletes who strives to share culture. In recent years we have often read several articles written by him in different places, not just on social media. He also has a blog, which is very unusual in the Italian scene.

steps of my growth. Many times I feel hypercritical towards what I do or to the strange dynamics that our sport follows. Trail and mountain running, especially in Italy, are a small environment, often a bit limited and self-referential, and this is a shame. I sometimes feel that that’s not enough for me, and that’s why I tend to take a stand and also expose myself on uncomfortable and usually publicly avoided issues.

Hi Francesco, how's it going? This afternoon, returning from the Aosta Valley, I had time to sleep for half an hour and now I'm getting ready for a bike ride, could I feel better?

In a post, Hayden Hawks said that we often have the myth of the distance, but a 30k can be as tough and competitive as a 100 miles. In other words, what matters are not the terrain and the distance, but the race itself and the attitude you run with. You represent this transversality very well, passing from tartan track to stones with particular ease. I think this is exactly the essence of Hayden's post. What matters is the style, the attitude with which you face a certain race. The value of a performance is directly proportional to the energy and time that you as an athlete decide to invest to run it, regardless of the distance. I like difficult things, attention to detail, lonely kms, athletes who know how to inspire with their performance and style.

As an athlete, you take a daily position on various issues, expressing yourself on social and gender issues, or those related to nutrition, ecology, doping and sports ethics. All of this is important but also very rare. Without pretending to shift who knows what balances or dynamics, I feel involved in the environment in which my activity as an athlete takes place. Athletes are public figures, and for this reason they have various means of communication available to make their voices heard. Sometimes, even though I am aware of my mistakes and risks, I believe it is important to do so. Social media are a tool, the blog is more of a diary where, year after year, I try to describe some

I feel involved in the environment in which my activity as an athlete takes place. Athletes are public figures, and for this reason they have various means of communication available to make their voices heard.

One thing that fascinates about running is its tradition. Indeed, a historical trail has a completely different charm compared to another one who hasn’t. Is there a race you dream of ? The relationship with tradition is important. I think it is essential for an athlete to know the history of a sport to understand its developments and have a deeper awareness of one's position within it. Without Vanoni, Snowdon Race, Mount Marathon there would be no UTMB, LUT, WS, etc. There are historical races, with routes that today we would find it difficult to define beautiful, but their quality that cannot be ignored. It's good that relatively new races are also growing and becoming very popular, of course. We must not be too conservative, I think it is useful to be aware of tradition. And respect it. There are many races that I have not yet reached, for now I will tell you only one name, Zegama.

routes and on particular trails are significant, or on the most iconic peaks of our mountains, in reality they are a typically American thing, also because over there trails often have a name and a well-defined trailhead, a thing that we don’t even know what it is here. The ones of which I am proud but that almost nobody knows are two: Como-Bellagio through the ridge of the Lariano Triangle, which I ran at 22 at an absurd average time per kilometer, and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York in 2017, shortly after my marathon debut. By history and blazon, Nike is maybe the brand symbol of running. But beyond this, in recent years it has found the strength to express and take positions on social issues as well. What does it mean for you to be part of this team? I am happy that Nike has taken clear positions on social issues such as inclusion, gender equality, skin color, and is contributing to the breaking of stereotypes about women's sports or the acceptance of one's body. Over the years Nike has often been criticized, I also believe it has made some mistakes, but I think the positive impact it has had on communities and on many people is more relevant. I feel that I share these values in an essential way: for me Nike is not just about wearing a logo on a shirt, it is bringing inspiration and expanding this potential through sport.

Last year you had an FKT parenthesis, with the ascent record of Cima Tosa, in Brenta, together with Cesare Maestri. I don't ask if you’re targeting any FKT, but is it a kind of race that interests you? Campiglio – Cima Tosa – Campiglio is not just a record, it was a way to share trail running with Cesare, a great friend of mine and a point of reference in running and in life. What mattered, more than time, was the idea, the message we tried to convey through our experience and our racing style. FKTs appeal to me but they belong to a slightly different dimension of the trail from the one I'm trying to focus on. I think those on long-distance

What shoes would you take with you on a desert island? Against the tide, I’ll say Nike Zoom Vomero 14, the most versatile and daring shoe I've ever worn.

What matters is the style, the attitude with which you face a certain race. The value of a performance is directly proportional to the energy and time that you decide to invest to run it, regardless of the distance.

The trails are for everyone T E X T S I LV I A G A L L I A N I

People with different features and backgrounds, but united by one great passion: trail running. They are Nike athletes, who fully share values and vision of trail running as a discipline open to all, a true community of outdoor lovers who gather on trails to share an experience and transform the surrounding environment into their own playground. Nike promotes a message of inclusion, supporting runners by giving them the best equipment to use on different types of terrain. What matters is not the time split on the watch, nor the medals won in races. On mountain trails what really matters are the emotions that a run in contact with nature can give you, better if faced with the right tools. Sharp bends, dense forests, winding pathways, steep grounds. Everyone chooses their own pace. Everyone is the same and welcome to run on the trails. As long as they respect the values of the environment that hosts them. Running surrounded by nature becomes a cathartic moment of re-appropriation of yourself. Trail running is fun, enjoyable, tough, tiring, rewarding. It is freedom and democracy. Because what matters, in the end, is

the experience itself, not the end line. It is the journey, not the destination. And if the destination is a peak, it means that everyone can try to reach it, in their own ways and at their own times. Trail running is a lifestyle that makes no distinction of social background, origin, skin color or gender. All of these aspects do not define you when you run on trails. An approach to running that more and more people are discovering, also because or thanks to the difficult time of restrictions we are experiencing that has "forced" us to rediscover the trails close to home, giving us the opportunity to understand how much running in the middle of nature can be cathartic and liberating from everyday stress.

We can all become trail runners, there are no entry barriers, there are no times or results to be respected, all you need is a pair of shoes and to walk out the door. 30

Dora Atim The ultra black runner I N T E R V I E W S I LV I A G A L L I A N I & P H O T O S A M A N DA F O R DYC E

London-based Dora Atim has a long experience in the world of running. From short distances to trail running and ultra races, Dora never stops pushing her limits. She is a Nike Run Coach and in 2020 she founded Ultra Black Running, a community that aims of increasing the participation of black women and black non-binary people in the world of running. Hi Dora! When and why did you start running? Around 2013. I had been doing boxing for many years and my coach told me that to improve my boxing skills I would have to start running. It was a whole new world for me but I got very into it. How did you become a Nike Run Coach? And what does this mean to you? It was a very long journey that started when I joined the Nike Run Club years ago. At the time I was already coaching and working on various sports projects developed around running. I joined different communities in the following years, I met many different people and had great relationships. And that’s how it ended up here.

Tell us about your experience running the insane The Speed Project, a non-stop relay 340-miles from LA to Las Vegas. Even today I can not believe I’ve done it twice! The first year I literally launched into something completely unknown. I went along with a couple of friends and it really opened my mind! Running in the forests, practically always off-road, was the most challenging experience I have ever faced in terms of both physical and mental demand. It was a really intense challenge that left me with great memories, especially meeting people from all over the world in the middle of nowhere, sharing our personal advices and stories was amazing.

In these times of restrictions and less freedom, how can running help us maintain a sort of balance? I think lockdowns in the UK prompted a lot of people to start running, I ran all day every day too and soon I started to change the way I was used to look at running. I used to run because I had to train for races, but suddenly there were no more races to participate in and my whole world changed. I started giving myself small daily goals such as running to go to the bakery or to say hello to friends while keeping the right distances. In this way it has become a way to better deal with the lockdown. You founded Ultra Black Running, what has been the inspiration behind it? I’ve always wanted to do something for black women and black non-binary people but I didn’t know what. I was staying in the countryside during the lockdown, it was the time of the Black Lives Matter movement and I was running in the forest every single day to try to

cope with what was happening that often made me feel overwhelmed. Until one day I suddenly thought the world around me was so noisy that I decided to take a break from social media and go for a run without thinking about anything. For the first time, I was so happy that I wanted to share that moment with everyone. Eventually it became a real virtual community. Do you think that trail running is a heavily male-dominated world? What can be done to bring girls closer to the world of trail running? Unfortunately yes, I also noticed it from the numerous negative comments I get from men who think I am crazy for having started something for only black women and black non-binary people. Unfortunately, there is still a lot to be done. I believe that to reach more and more girls you need a good storytelling and there are already many brands that are telling inspirational stories and in which people can relate.

We need authentic and positive models that can be relatable for girls so they can think "if she is doing it then I can do it too!"

Valeria Margherita Mosca The forager INTERVIEW & PHOTOS DENIS PICCOLO

Forager, environmental researcher and trail runner. Valeria Margherita Mosca is this and much more. In 2010 she founded Wood*ing, a food lab that studies the use of wild food for human food and nutrition. The plant samples that she analyzes are collected by herself in the woods and in the uncontaminated natural environments where she loves to run. Hi Valeria, when was your passion for the outdoors born? My passion for the outdoors, for nature and for exploration have been part of me since I was little. Both my grandmother, who was a collector by profession, and my parents passed it on to me. I am the daughter of an enduro athlete so I spent all the weekends of my childhood in the woods waiting for my father to finish a race, while my mother has always loved walking. From them I certainly learned empathy and the need to spend a lot of time outdoors. When did you discover foraging? And what is your workflow? Foraging and environmental exploration have always been a great passion of mine and I immediately decided that they would become my job. At the university I studied anthropology and later tried to make rapid and intense experiences to create a wealth of expertise that would give me the

opportunity to open what is now Wood*ing. I do scientific research, consultancy and more popular activities such as writing books or participating in events. Furthermore, thanks to the advent of that attitude that has expanded in recent years to seek synergy with the environment through outdoor activities, what I do has started to become a symbol of sustainability and connection with nature and this has led to work with many brands. What does being sustainable mean to you? I believe the word sustainability is one of the most abused of the last decade. Sustainability means "bearable", but how can we claim to be sustainable if we are immersed in a system that is not bearable? It is something very complicated, almost an oxymoron, so I think it is more correct to speak of sustainable development. First of all it should be a personal development, that means evolving as an

individual to become bearable with respect to the system in which we live. How to do this can only be told by a scientific and rational observation of what we have around us. The key for me is educating: learning, observing and then choosing responsibly. When did you first approach trail running? I have always enjoyed running. I was part of the athletics team at school and I went to the mountains a lot since I was a child, so I think that running in the mountains has always been an essential combination for me. What could be done to bring more and more girls closer to the world of trail running and the mountains in general? If I had to give an advice on how and if to approach trail running I would have no doubt. It is an exciting sport where fatigue is rewarded by what is around you and that offers you unique sensations. Practicing trail

running leads you to run on different terrains, without the monotony of running in the city on the asphalt. I would say that it also gives more peace in a certain sense, especially if you listen to the sounds of nature that are always different: birds, the flow of water or my own footsteps on different terrains. There is no need to listen to other music than the one of the mountain itself. Any future projects? I live a lot in the moment and thinking about what I will do even in just a week makes me feel terribly anxious! I must say, however, that this aspect leads me to live the present quite intensely and in the evening when I go to sleep I am always sure that I have given my best. However, I know one thing for sure: even in the future I could never think of living far from nature. When I am away it is something that I physically miss, I am a true outdoor animal.

Trail running helped me learn more about my body, about my limitations and weaknesses and taught me how to train more sensibly for better results.

Ilaria & Stefano Run on the wild side I N T E RV I E W D E N I S P I C C O LO & P H OTO S PAO LO SA R TO R I

She is an osteopath who has recently discovered a passion for running in the mountains. He is a personal trainer who also runs an online fitness platform. They are Ilaria Magistri and Stefano Bianchi, friends and partners on mountain trails, united by a strong love for trail running. For them, training and competing together means supporting each other and sharing this strong passion that unites them.

Ilaria, when did the two of you start practicing trail running and what is your relationship with it? I started trail running in 2019, Stefano instead started practicing with some friends who have a sportswear store specialized in trail running. For me, running means freedom, and running in nature is the greatest form of freedom I can imagine. Can you tell me about your relationship and what the other represents for you? We met while attending the same university, but in reality we developed our connection while running. We have a great connection, we always manage to find many things to talk about during our training, this means that we never get bored of each others’ company. We are very profound sometimes, telling each other a little about our lives, in addition to all this, together we share the beauty of the mountain and its silences. It is very difficult to find a partner to run with, what is the reason why you train and compete together? The reason why we train and compete together is because we always have a similar pace, sometimes it happens that one has to wait for the other but then we always reach the finish line together. Ilaria, how did you fall in love with trail running? I fell in love with trail running while hiking, and my love

for running led me to integrate the two things that now find their perfect union in trail running. How does trail running fit into your professional and personal life? One of the great advantages of being freelancers is precisely that of being able to include sport and free time as we wish in our professional life, and that also includes training and trail running. Stefano, in your opinion, what does trail running give you that road running does not? What I like the most about trail running is that, unlike road running, I am not tied to looking at the clock, to keeping pace or set times. I prefer to run following my feeling, according to my body and listening to my heartbeat. Furthermore, the breathtaking views that this fantastic sport offers are incomparable to those of road running. What does running in nature mean to you? It means connection, both with ourselves and with what surrounds us. It means taking some time for ourselves. It is a time in which we can isolate and disconnect a little from work and daily life, reconnecting with ourselves and everything around us. Stefano, what is the most incredible place where you ran? I’ve traveled a lot, both for work and for leisure, and I have been lucky enough to be able

to run in Peru, in the Colca Canyon. Ilaria, on the other hand, has always told me about the trails in the Courmayeur area, around Mont Blanc. You tested Nike Pegasus Trail 3. What feeling did it give you? We had a great time! Pegasus Trail 3 proved to be a fast, highly cushioned and comfortable shoe. Both on rocky terrain and in changes of direction it proved to be reactive and performing. We both think it's a truly cushioned, comfortable model that guarantees grip and support on all types of terrain. What is your best advice on getting started with trail running? What is your best trick to stay injury-free? The best advice for those wishing to approach trail running would be to focus on excellent footwear and invest in quality equipment, such as technical clothing ideal for every season. While the best way to avoid injuries is the shoe and the gradualness of training, it is certainly recommended to follow the advice of experienced sportsmen and professionals who can best recommend you about this activity. Ilaria, a dream you would like to achieve? On a sporting level, I would like to run the Tor de Geants one day. Stefano, what about you? Competing in Patagonia, in Tierra del Fuego.

Nike Trail Footwear Collection WILDHORSE 7 Ideal for the toughest and most extreme off-road races

thanks to its sturdy construction. The mesh upper offers

consistent breathability and support where it's needed most while the leather on the toe provides durability on

rough terrain. The Nike React foam midsole offers cushioning and responsiveness for a soft, smooth ride. The

multidirectional traction lugs on the abrasion-resistant

rubber sole help improve grip on downhill and uphill. Finally, the Dynamic Fit system on the medial area wraps and supports the foot for runs on rocky trails. UPPER MESH MIDSOLE NIKE REACT FOAM DROP 8MM WEIGHT 328,4G PRICE €1 19,99

PEGASUS TRAIL 3 A model that offers resistance and responsiveness to runners, trail runners and outdoor lovers. Its Nike

React foam from heel to toe gives responsive stability, ensuring cushioning for comfort and smooth

transitions on rocky terrain. A dynamic band system around the midfoot gives you secure support as you tackle uneven paths. Mesh in key areas of the upper ensures breathability and improves circulation by helping to drain water. The rubber sole features a shock wave pattern and is inspired by bike tires. UPPER MESH MIDSOLE NIKE REACT FOAM DROP 9,5MM WEIGHT 321,4G PRICE €139,99

AIR ZOOM TERRA KIGER 7 Fast and light, this shoe offers a breathable and stable fit

on rocky trails. The multidirectional traction lugs on the heel give stability even downhill. Features Nike React technology, a lightweight and durable foam that ensures

a responsive ride. The Zoom Air unit in the forefoot of-

fers improved responsiveness and optimal energy return

along the trails. Upper in mesh and synthetic material, sturdy flat sole on the heel that protects the foot on rough

terrain and wrapping and cushioned collar for comfort, softness and an essential look.

UPPER MESH + SYNTHETIC MIDSOLE NIKE REACT FOAM DROP 4,5MM WEIGHT 309,4G PRICE €139,99

Last word Tracing a history of any sport is difficult. And running is perhaps the most difficult of all to study from a historical perspective. How can you define a starting point when humans have been doing it for millennia? After starting to walk upright, running became almost an innate behavior, evolved for survival and hunting. While this is not so much the case in the present day for most, the essence of competition exists as it did then: the fastest or strongest ones who could keep running for the longest time guaranteed their survival. Trail running is nothing more than running in a natural environment, generally on trails, no matter if in the mountains, desert, woods or hills. It runs on generally unpaved terrain and with significant steep gradients. Following this simple definition, trail running can be considered the oldest activity practiced by man. There are numerous reports of running that come from the ancient world. In the pre-Christian era there are many traces of competitions, ancient Greek society held running races in its Olympic games, what we now know as ultra-marathons perhaps date to the messengers of the ancient world. In the 12th century, servants had to follow their masters’ carriages on foot, running and walking for long distances. Over time, pitting two servants from separate households against one another became a popular way to wager money. This practice has evolved to become a real sport in the late 1700s where they were no longer the only servants to compete. Eventually, this kind of racing would be taken up by runners, birthing the modern track event, but it was very much an off-road affair. Nowadays, “trail running” is a term that we use to cover a lot of forms of

running, with the only constant really being that it takes place off-road, on foot. From short runs on mountain trails, to steep descents, to multi-day ultra running races and much more. Trail, from an activity practiced by many in the ancient world to a niche discipline in the modern world, has now further evolved regaining the right place it deserves under the spotlight. Today more than ever, what matters is the person who runs, rather than the eventual winner or loser. Trail running involves and triggers debates on various social issues ranging from inclusion, the overturning of gender stereotypes, sports ethics, up to environmental sustainability. Athletes today are redefining their goals by focusing on what running in contact with nature offers in terms of experiences and quality of life rather than on the competition itself. Because if it is true that the concept of running has changed so much over the centuries, what has never changed is how much this activity can change your life.

Ready to Run? Discover the Nike Run Club App The NRC App will give you the guidance, inspiration and innovation you need to become a better runner. Here you will find all the details you need about pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate and mile splits, in addition to many Guided Runs that will become a voice inside your head showing you that you can do it. Join the NRC and have some fun along the way. Find out more here! AUDIO GUIDED RUN