2015 Regional Senior Master 35 Champion in the 5,000-meter race and 2015 Regional Cross-Country Team Champion: A one-on-one with Sara Paschina, a young runner from Cagliari born in 1980 who loves her homeland, adores pizza, and dreams of running the New York City Marathon. She recently joined Team Oxyburn and loves the combination of compression, comfort, and style in the products from the Brescia-based company.

Sara, could you briefly tell us a little about who you are in “everyday life”?
A mother, a partner, and a working woman.

Let’s talk about Sara the runner instead: when did you start, and why?
I started after having my son three years ago because I wanted to get back in shape as quickly as possible.

What types of running do you do? Why?
I mainly run middle-distance races because I love taking the time to be by myself, and that’s only possible on long runs (5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, 21 km), but I don’t mind cross-country races at all either… Sometimes it’s nice to get a little dirty… 🙂

How much and where do you usually work out?
I train every day with a very talented coach, and I usually run on the road, but I often run on the track as well… it depends on the type of workout I need to do.

How has your 2015 been so far?
I’d say that’s great! I’m the 2015 regional senior master 35 champion in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 19’24” and the regional team champion in the cross-country championships.

What other races have you already set your sights on for the second half of 2015?
I’ll soon be participating in the Forte Village triathlon relay in Sardinia with a determined all-female team, and in November I think I’ll run a half marathon, where I hope to set a new personal best.

Which race do you remember most fondly?
Maybe this year’s Solo Woman Run in Cagliari, because even though I only came in fourth, the crowd—and especially the women—cheered me on as if I’d won! Probably because the top three runners crossed the finish line together, and all three were top-tier professionals like Valeria Straneo, Deborah Toniolo, and our very own Claudia Pinna.

And which one would you absolutely love to run?
A classic: the New York City Marathon!

Do you follow a specific diet? If so, can you tell us about it?
No special diet—just common sense! I always make sure to include carbohydrates, because I need energy all the time, but I try not to overdo it, and of course, I prefer whole-grain foods. I often snack on fruits and vegetables, and every now and then, I treat myself to a little dessert as a reward.

What dish or food could you never give up?
There are so many (I have a sweet tooth), but I’d probably say pizza… it’s a no-brainer, but it’s always the best!

Can you tell us about your relationship with your city and with the island?
As a native of Sardinia, I am very proud of my roots and my beautiful homeland. What’s more, my city, Cagliari, is particularly well-suited to a sport like running: there are so many beautiful places where a runner can do what they love most, surrounded by fairytale landscapes—notably the Poetto, our coastline.

Last but not least, can you tell us about your relationship with Oxyburn technology?
Oxyburn has opened up a whole new world for me! I mean, before, I didn’t know it was possible to combine the benefits of compression with comfort and a touch of style—which is always a plus for a girl. I use Oxyburn products while running, of course (even on long runs), but they’re also really practical and comfortable during strength training at the gym.