Although Tshireletso is an extremely talented runner, her hard work, commitment and sacrifice cannot be underestimated. But what always stands out for me is the absolute joy with which she runs and the depth of her feelings when she does. The very act of running has a transformative power over her, and she is truly at her happiest on the run. On 8th January 2023, she ran a spectacular 81km trail in Italy. In an inspirational two-part interview, Tshire is extremely vulnerable with us as she shares what inspired her to run here, her thoughts and emotions on the trail and her intense connection with God as she traversed the at-times terrifying terrain, in the dark and cold, emerging forever changed. Let’s start at the very beginning…

What inspired you to run La Corsa Della Bora Ultra Trail? I run to be happy. I run for those who would like to run but cannot. The past few years have come with so many events in my life that overwhelmed me. I felt I needed time and space on my own and in nature. I thought of going on holiday in Italy but also running there. Not just any run… a challenging one. Looking for trail races, I came across La Corsa Della Bora. I was over the moon because it isn’t far from my hometown in Italy – so fewer travel expenses. I also thought I could do with a good run to start the New Year with positive energy. I clicked on the race to see what it offered. I loved the fact that there were six different distances to choose from. I opted for 81km. I looked at the race name again – La Corsa Della Bora. Quickly, I remembered the Bora Tale: it’s one of the good tales I have read and still read to my kids sometimes. The tale inspired me.

Once there was a girl called Bora. She was the most precious, beautiful daughter of Vento (God of the Wind). Vento and family lived a nomadic life. One day when they were wandering around, they found great highlands by the sea. Bora loved the place so much, she decided to run away from her family to explore the area. She had fun running and enjoyed running in the forest. When Bora got far away, she felt tired and found refuge in a cave where she met the brave hero Tergesteo resting and fell in love with him. They stayed together in the cave in deep passion. When Vento, Bora’s father, found them, he killed Tergesteo leaving Bora crying and hurting. Bora started to run and blow desperately. Her tear drops turned to sharp rocks. Tergesteo’s blood turned to red trees decorating the area today. His body turned to the highest hill in the forest. At the foot of this hill, Trieste (Triesteo) city was born.

I imagined myself running in the beautiful Trieste like Bora but tirelessly. I was sold. I signed up for the race before I even bought plane tickets.

How would you describe Trieste and its surrounding countryside? Trieste is a seaport city at the end of the north-eastern part of Italy, between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia. The six races start at different places in Trieste City (21km – Montegrisa, 32km and 42km – Trieste, 57km – Basovizza, 81km – Sgonico, and 164km – Nova Gorica). The routes are different but all cross ONE finish line in Porto Piccolo, a province in Trieste. (During the time of the race, the setting is called Bora Village after Bora Wind – hence, the name of the race ‘La Corsa della Bora’).

Depending on the elevation and breeze from the sea, the cold temperatures vary from one zone to another. The mornings in winter are long, dark and covered with mist, whereas the days are very short with early dark evenings. It rains a lot in winter and the climate is cold with lots of humidity but when the Bora wind blows, it severely changes to dry freezing temperatures.

From my start point, I hit only 2km of tarmac in Sgonico before reaching the countryside which is heaven for trail running. I felt like I was a forest fairy. The terrain and landscape are spectacular with unending and varying scenery – the high mountains, river, forest, sea, to name a few, offer a very unique experience. This area borders Slovenia so as I ran in those forests I got in and out of Italy a number of times. I could tell from the flag painted on stones which country I was in! The terrain has extremely challenging areas that require a fully attentive mind.

I also ran under a beautiful canopy of trees with very long narrow passages while stepping on a carpet of slippery and sharp-edged stones followed by mud and shrubs – the demands of the unforgiving terrain. I crossed a total of five villages and towns with amazing historic sites. Our five checkpoints were in those places and that’s where we found a few spectators, if lucky.

I’m already so engrossed by what you have shared. But let’s step back – as a road runner from Botswana, how did you prepare for such challenging and diverse terrain in Italy? Trail running is a different beast from road running. My key preparation was mental, acknowledging that trail is different from road. Therefore, one of my main concerns was to develop a tough mindset to meet those aggressive and discouraging trail demands. Even though trails are drastic, it does not mean they are not manageable. I strongly felt that if I invested emotionally (in addition to the training), I was more likely to do better. I visualised the terrain as the most difficult, challenging one and visualised myself trying my best to tackle those obstacles. So, I was not shocked by all challenges I came across, it’s like I had known them before. I had imagined most of it!

In terms of training, I mostly did road as compared to trail running. I had done two long trail runs between Phakalane and Ruretse and a few short ones. I also had a very beautiful walk with my friends Tapiwa and Shathiso in Mokolodi Nature Reserve. I know it’s not really trail but I ran a lot on the dirt side of the tarmac. I didn’t feel safe running on trails around Gaborone, especially solo. I would rather do what is best for me than compromise my safety. It’s a pity as Botswana has really nice countryside! I did lots of strength training as well. Given that I had never done an ultra-trail race, yet alone at such altitudes, I decided to go to Italy way before the race. I spent just over two weeks training there. I familiarized myself with the weather and similar elevations to the ones I was going to face during the race. The trails were breathtaking!

Throughout my training, I ensured that I used the correct gear. Road gear is different from trail gear. For better performance, every activity requires the right kit and gear, it’s vital. For my long runs, I carried food and water with me, hydration and nutrition are essential even during training. Although my training trails could not be very technical (another limitation), I trained at varying times under harsh weather conditions. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. But I eliminated negativity and set an intention! I took a deep breath when it got hard. I cried; it always helps me. I laughed; it helps me too. To achieve a goal is not instant gratification; you go through challenges, but the value of the experience always outweighs the trials. I felt I got to my race prepared to suffer but knowing that it was doable.

What specific gear did you need given the unique conditions you’d find? I wore a long-sleeved vest as a first layer and a winter trail running set (lightly padded/therma-fit long tights with their long-sleeved top and winter trail socks). The outer layer (pants, jacket, shoes, gaiters and gloves) was all made of Gore-Tex material to protect me from the rain and harsh weather. As for varied surfaces of terrain, I found it important to invest in getting not just Gore-Tex but a tough pair of trail running shoes. I needed shoes that would shield my feet from the abuse of uneven, bumpy, aggressive trails whilst helping to avoid slipping and feet damage from sharp stones and rocks. It’s important to be weatherproof to enjoy a race. Everything put together – gear, kit, things that were mandatory (hiking sticks, headlights, spare batteries, emergency blanket, power bank, first aid kit, collapsible cup, rubbish bag, etc.) was everything I needed. It was light and manageable to carry. I was happily equipped and ready to go!

And what about fuelling? Whenever I prepare for an ultra-run, food is the one thing I sort before anything else. Food is fuel and motivation. To me it serves as reward and encouragement. Knowing that there were going to be only five fuelling stations, I brought food along. Nuts, fruits, cookies, energy bar, protein bars and water. I like rewarding myself with my favourite nourishment when I run. I enjoy both savoury and sweet stuff. I carried my hydration pack, together with my waist pack small bottles. I topped them up at every checkpoint.

What an incredible amount of preparation and innovation given the unique conditions you’d find in Italy! So, you get to the Start. What are you feeling? I’m intimidated mostly because of the weather. I’m nervous and my heart is racing, pounding my chest so loud. Everyone looks nervous though. I’m standing still, convinced I’ll hear everyone’s heartbeat. Instead, I hear the clock tick. It’s just 5 minutes before 5am, the start time. It’s dark and it’s cold. This guy who is to bang the gun, is the only one who doesn’t look nervous. He has all the energy you can think of. His outfit is fascinating: it’s a skirt, boots, and black shirt. He is waving a black flag with a picture of a skull. He is walking around in front of us like a wrestler, giving us his back and front. The little light provided under the Start line together with our headlights as we face him is enough to see only him well.  His right hand is holding a microphone. He is singing along to the music. He is a good singer, but I don’t think he is a runner at all. He is giving us good moves between his meaningless idling. That alone is enough to keep us focused on him. I’m trying to get my pulse rate under control, I don’t want a heart attack. I keep my eyes fixed on our entertainer. This weather is daunting. I’m praying hard that the temperature doesn’t drop further – it’s -2˚C and I don’t want rain today. Brrrrr, he takes off his top! Completely unexpected! It’s freaking cold!

I take courage in his action. I do. I tell myself I will withstand the weather and all other conditions. They are playing Eye of the Tiger by Saviour. I ease a bit more then. Yes, my mind gets the luxury of picturing a perfect day ahead. I love this idea. I’m suddenly feeling good. I’m getting emotional, I realise a few sweet tears. I’m starting to appreciate that life is a grand adventure. The greatest gift. Instantly, I feel like the kind of life I’ve dreamt of is this very same one. With absolute certainty, I feel my purpose: runner. I belong right where I am standing. This is my time. There isn’t any person I would rather be. The clock is ticking, I don’t want it to. Can someone freeze this moment please? How do I move my life in slow motion? If life is a dream, I don’t want to wake up. Being here is glorious. I feel happiness overcoming me! In my heart, I feel a series of special blessings. There must be more across the start line. Perhaps it’s a good thing that the clock is ticking? In my lifetime, I have felt happiness so many times that now I no longer have the slightest doubt I’m going to experience more ahead. I feel grateful to be standing here. I’m excited. The music goes off. I hear the countdown, 5… 4… 3… time for my ritual, a little prayer. BANG! I closed my prayer with a cross sign, crossing the start line. What a coincidence!

Exhilarating! Take us through the first part of your race… Right from the beginning, we went uphill. I hit plenty of stones, tripped on surfaced roots, almost fell countless times. The terrain was taxing! Less than three km from the start I fell, then instantly I knew my pace was too fast for this setting. My headlight went off, my mind switched on, ‘There are lots of rocks, shrubs, mud and other objects waiting to trip you, most of the trail ahead is so technical, take it easy’. I thanked my mind, switched on my head light again and took it very easy. It was not a bad fall as I landed on thick lawn-looking grass that felt like a cushion. I had escaped a very big sharp stone that was half buried. I’m sure hitting it would have been the end of my race. It looked dangerous! Unknowingly, I lost my only energy bar and cursed a lot 38km later when I found out. The good thing with this race is that I was mostly alone. I met other runners at checkpoints and passed a few, so I could swear and curse loud without being heard or judged.

I was overjoyed and felt at home when I reached my first cut-off point, also a refreshment stop, outside the village of Monrupino in Repen, on top of Tabor Hill, inside a historic catholic church called Chiesa Della Beata Vergine Assunta. I had some hot coffee and a fresh croissant in that church. A few steps before exiting the church door to pursue my dream, I deeply wished for the Holy Communion. I went back in again. I went to the tray with cookies, picked a round one, dipped it half in wine, and put it all in my mouth…I smiled at my foolishness. Taking advantage of being in church, I took a lengthy prayer and left. I continued with my run thinking positively and hoping that my next checkpoint would not be a historic cemetery!

If ever there was a cliff hanger, it’s this one! Coming up in Part 2, Tshire takes us on her journey as she continues to navigate treacherous sections of La Corsa Della Bora Ultra Trail, pleads and negotiates with God a number of times and discovers some of her greatest strengths.

Previous Guest Blogs/Interviews with Tshire:

• Running Comrades in 2022 – Part 1
• Running Comrades in 2022 – Part 2

I’m joining Kooky Runner and Zenaida on their link up, Tuesday Topics. Be sure to read their blogs and catch up with other runners from around the world.