Daniel Pattis closed the last season on a high note scoring a 5th place overall in the Golden Trail World Series. He completed another step in his development process. In the past three years, his results had a steady growth and he is now ready for the new season. We sat down with him to learn more about his past season and what's ahead.
Let’s start from something not strictly related to running. You are involved with Protect Our Winters Italy, an outdoor community aiming to protect the environment. How are you involved in their work?
I’ve been involved in their work for a few years, after I saw their work on social media and a documentary they produced. I could see the climate change with my eyes so I wanted to do my part and I reached out to them. I am involved in their events and spread their message how I could.
On the environmental topic, I try to do my part as a single person. I try to minimize my impact when I travel, but it is not always easy when you compete internationally. For example, last year I went to Chamonix by train for UTMB. I know it’s small but it is something.
Last year you came 5th in GTWS overall classification. Will you try to get a podium finish this year?
Yes, I will try again. Finishing in the top 3 three will be very hard because there are other strong athletes like Patrick, Philemon and Remi.
Speaking of competitive races, you haven’t been able to enter the top10 at Sierre Zinal yet despite being very close. What do you need to improve to get there?
I am close but it’s not easy. If I look at my previous races, I need to improve in the first part during the climb. After that section I am always way behind, like 30th place. Then, in the second part I caught up with many runners. So I need to work on my climbing skills.
Are you changing anything in your training this year?
Well, I have a coach now. I didn't have any before and I managed all my plans by myself. I added more intensity training this year and one of the goals is to compete in the Barcelona Half Marathon in February. My objective is to run close to 1h05.
You have been focused on shorter distances, up till the marathon. Do you have any appetite for longer distances?
Well, this year I’d like to compete in the Lavaredo 50k. Then, the year after my objective is to qualify for OCC. For the future, longer races definitely can be fascinating but at the moment I don’t see myself there yet.
What is your main objective for 2025?
My main objective is to prevent injuries and not lose my passion for running. In terms of races, the World Championships later in the year.
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