Let's meet Claudia, the runner?

Cláudia has worked at Contisystems for 25 years and is an Account Manager in the Payment Solutions area. She recently took up a new passion: running, or rather trail running, which has given her new energy. We wanted to hear from her to see if she can infect us and get us all running!

Hi Claudia, thanks for taking the time to get to know us better.

For those who don't know you, tell us, where do you come from?

- I'm from Cartaxo, but I've lived in Lisbon for a long time, since I started working at Contisystems 25 years ago.

Did you start working at Contisystems straight away when you finished your studies?

- No! I've had a lot of previous experience, mainly as a Medical Information Officer. But it's always been in the commercial area, which is where I feel comfortable. When I joined Contisystems, I also joined the commercial area, where I still am today.

What about sport? Has it always been a part of your life?

- Yes, sport has always been very important for my balance. Gymnastics always accompanied me and along the way I played basketball, where even though I was short I did very well, and I played tennis, which I loved. Unfortunately I had to give up tennis because of a shoulder injury.

What about running? I was hoping you'd tell me about running as an old passion...

- No, it's not old at all. Running is a very recent passion, it only appeared last year. I started doing some treadmill classes, then I started doing one treadmill and one street workout a week and a few months ago I was challenged by a friend to do a trail race. It was love at first sight, I've done several races in the meantime and my training has become more intense. Nowadays I do two days of gym and two days of street running a week.

What makes trail running so exciting?

- Road races are very monotonous and faster, trail running requires more concentration and physical effort, because you never know what you're going to find in the next few kilometers, it's a race along paths, trails, mountains, forests, streams, it's also an orienteering race that has a charm because you have closer contact with nature. At the same time, it's a huge feeling of overcoming, especially when you get a podium place, as I have.

Congratulations! What do you feel the race has done for you?

- I notice that I've dried out a lot and that I have a lot more muscle mass, but above all, running helps me to rest my mind and gain energy. What's more, running organizes your thoughts. It's true, you think about everything that's bothering you .... and when you get home, all the stress is there, dripping off in the sweat that fell on the way. It's hard, your feet hurt, but it's good, it's really good.

And what would you say to those who are thinking about it but haven't yet plucked up the courage to start running?

- Don't start running without doing a physical first; Buy some good sneakers; Articulate with gym classes, weight training; And start slowly, little by little.

Thank you so much for your time Cláudia, and congratulations on your attitude and energy!