PIOTR BABIS’, FROM POLAND, TO CANADA, TASMANIA NOW BRISBANE
PIOTR BABIS’, FROM POLAND, TO CANADA, TASMANIA NOW BRISBANE, PIOTR IS CHASING INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE. WE’VE HAD A CHANCE TO CATCH HIM TO SEE WHAT INSPIRES HIM TO RUN.
Piotr Babis’ interest in running started many years ago but it wasn’t until late 2016, when he was living in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, that he discovered his passion for trail running. This in turn followed into his first ultra trail. The stunning Canadian landscape inspired him to run, being rewarded by the beautiful scenery with every climb, he was also rewarded with a serious increased of cardiovascular fitness. This positive feedback loop of combining a challenge with beauty was what got him hooked to trail running and in particular tough mountain running.
Piotr says his favourite thing about trail running is the ability to explore trails, and to see his speed get faster. Every race is for him a new and exciting opportunity to test himself and to explore new places around the world.
His highlights of the past 2 years include:
2021
1st place overall and course record, Gone Nuts 101km
2020
1st official crossing, Double Overland Track 164 km
2nd time overall, Frenchman's Cap, Australia, Winter FKT
1st place, Gone Nuts 101km
2nd place, Tassie Trail Fest 52.5km
Piotr is getting ready to discover Brisbane trails for the first time and is excited about what he will achieve when he takes on the BTU 100 Mile Spartan Trail World Championship. The BTU team was excited about Piotr’s performance on paper, yet after having this chance to have a chat, we are even more thrilled to see what he accomplishes in July.
BTU: How do you combine and fit elite training with other activities in your daily life? How does this impact your personal life?
Piotr Babis: It is not always easy while working full time, it requires some compromises. I think dedication and time management are the most important aspects to make it all work.
When it comes to Piotr’s training strategy, he started training with a coach 2 years ago, which makes his preparation much easier. They work together to design an optimum plan for him to be in the best shape for the priority race. At the same time, he fits his own special projects and adventures to his training plan to keep it fun. Piotr trains usually 5 or 6 days a week, combining running with cross training and gym workouts.
BTU: What drives you every morning to train and prepare for these events?
PB: The desire to get better and compete with top athletes.
BTU: What makes trail ultra and long distance running so special to you in comparison to road running?
PB: Both the terrain and landscapes are much more diverse and interesting to me running on the trails. There is no monotony and you need to be focused at all times.
Although he did have a recent sprain on his ankle at Ultra Trail Australia, when it comes to injury prevention, Piotr managed to stay injury free for years, which he attributes to a good diet and supplemental training.
BTU: What type of emotions do you feel when you are running such long distances and how do you manage them?
PB: There are many ups and downs during long runs, so the emotions are changing too. Sometimes there is a self-doubt, but I try to stay focused and motivate myself. Finishing a long run or a race is always very satisfying.
BTU: What are the biggest challenges that you face? How do you keep a positive mindset when you encounter these challenges in your runs?
PB: During most runs fatigue is going to hit you at some point, which might be quite demotivating. I think it is important to stay positive and push through those low moments. It’s usually just the mind trying to resist you, while the body still has plenty of reserves. My external motivation is my favourite playlist or podcast.
BTU: According to your experience, what advice would you give to someone who is starting their journey in the Ultra Trail world? What makes a successful trail ultra athlete?
PB: I am at the beginning of my ultra-journey and definitely would not describe myself as successful, but I think the most important thing is to have fun training and racing. This discipline takes a lot of time and effort so you better enjoy it!
I also think new to the sport should gradually increase the distance and not over train. It is easy to get excited and want to run every trail and get to every summit. I have made this mistake myself , for example running 3 ultra-distances within 10 days. Luckily I didn’t get injured, but it is not the best practice for longevity in the sport.
PIOTR SAYS THAT TRAIL RUNNING HAD DEFINITELY MADE HIS LIFE MUCH MORE MEANINGFUL.
HE WAKES UP EVERY DAY MOTIVATED TO GET BETTER AND EXPLORE NEW TRAILS.
There is nothing more exciting for him to have an important race or an adventure in his calendar. He hopes trail running can inspire people to challenge themselves and explore new places, as well as their own backyard. If he could inspire people with his feet, he would like to be seen as a person who always has the ability to set new challenging goals and sees trail running as an amazing way of life and exploring the world.
BTU: What do you like the most about the community? What is the best lesson for your life that you’ve taken from the world of Ultra Trail?
PB: The Trail Running community is absolutely amazing. People are always friendly and very helpful. Once you experience kindness from other people you're more willing to help others.
BTU: What are your must haves for races? Do you have a preferred race kit?
PB: I am pretty easy with gear. Just a comfy shorts, t-shirt and favourite pair of Altra shoes will do the job for me.
Travelling from Tasmania to Brisbane for the Brisbane Trail Ultra will be Piotr’s first time in the Sunshine State’s capital, and he is very excited about discovering new trails. He expects an amazing race and a fast time on his performance, and the BTU team can’t wait to see what he achieves next month.