“I enjoyed the Prague Half Marathon like never before,” says running legend
She brought fame to Czech sports at five Olympic Games – three times as a cross-country skier and twice as a marathon runner. Though Eva Vrabcová Nývltová’s professional career was effectively ended by long-term health issues, the European Championship bronze medalist in the marathon has overcome them and is back in the running scene. At the Generali Prague Half Marathon, she impressed with a time under 80 minutes, finishing third among Czech women – and celebrated the victory of her athlete, Michaela Čepová.
Before the Generali Prague Half Marathon, you said you weren’t aiming for a specific time and just wanted to enjoy the race. In the end, you ran under 1 hour 20 minutes and came third among Czech women. Were you more surprised by your time or your placement?
Honestly, both! At best, I was expecting around 1:23. There must be something magical about Prague. The atmosphere was electric, and I enjoyed it more than ever before. Although it was much more painful – I could barely walk for two days afterward and had to cancel Monday’s training sessions with my clients.
Did you have a chance to work with anyone during the race?
Not this time. I started way too fast and gradually slowed down. The runners who overtook me were going at quite a different pace, and I couldn’t keep up. The first 10 kilometers felt great, but after that, it was clear I just didn’t have enough training behind me.
Since you’re no longer chasing records and titles, can you enjoy races more and soak in the atmosphere? What stood out to you on the Prague course?
I high-fived spectators along the way, took in my surroundings, and kept an eye on how Míša (Čepová) and Anka (Aneta Císařová) were doing. Spectators even shouted to me that Míša was in the lead. Unfortunately, I was also very aware of how tough it was and how far I still had to go.
How has your approach to road racing changed now that you’re no longer a professional runner?
I wouldn’t say it’s changed much. Martin and I constantly try to educate ourselves and follow trends from abroad to make training as effective and manageable as possible for everyday runners – people who have full-time jobs and other responsibilities. We’re careful with them. Road running is still my number one. There are more top-level races nowadays, so it’s easier to succeed because the competition is spread out more.
Your athlete Michaela Čepová was the fastest Czech woman at the half marathon in Prague – a surprising result for many. Were you also surprised by her win and her time of 1:15:38?
Not really. I believed she could fight for the win. Kája Sasynová is a strong competitor and kept pace with Míša for a long time. I thought if everything went perfectly, she might hit around 1:15:40, but since it was her first major race, we would’ve been happy with 1:17:18.
You clearly prepared Míša well physically. What advice did you give her before the race, which can be mentally challenging too?
It was definitely mentally tough for Míša. The Generali Prague Half Marathon is a big event, and the atmosphere can sweep you away. I give my runners a lot of advice, but I like to keep that to myself… That’s my little bonus for my people. The mind is a powerful thing – for better or worse. That’s why I wanted to be there at the start to support both Míša and Anetka. Sometimes I agree with one of my runners to pace them during a race and offer guidance along the way. That’s when they learn the most – under fatigue and race stress. If I’m there with them, I can help a lot and teach them things for the future.
What did you think of Patrik Vebr’s performance – he was the fastest Czech man in the Generali Prague Half Marathon for the third time in a row?
Honestly, I was hoping he would do it. Patrik is an excellent runner with a bright future ahead. After all the ups and downs in his preparation this year, I really wanted him to win. He needed a boost, and I hope this helps him keep moving forward and reach new levels.
This weekend, the European Road Running Championships are taking place in Belgium. Martin Zajíc will run the half marathon on Saturday, and Damián Vích the 10K on Sunday, both from the RunCzech Racing Team. What are their chances against Europe’s best?
Damián is just starting out on the road and doesn’t have many races under his belt. But on the track, in the 3000m steeplechase, he’s shown he can be among Europe’s best. Martin Zajíc is improving a lot, and his personal best definitely shows promise. They’re both young and this will be a great experience. I believe they can work their way into the top ten in time.
