European Championship marathoner Žūsinaitė-Nekriošienė: Age is not a barrier today

V. Žūsinaitė-Nekriošienė was the sole representative for Lithuania at the European Championship marathon in Birmingham, completing the 42.195 km race in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 47 seconds, securing 29th place among 52 participants.

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I am truly happy that I finished. I am satisfied with the result and the place, because the course was really not easy. Of course, it was the same for everyone, but I feel I did everything I could.

Despite the demanding course, characterized by numerous hills, descents, and turns, Žūsinaitė-Nekriošienė expressed satisfaction with her result and placement. She noted that the weather conditions were nearly perfect, with no wind and a comfortable temperature, but the course itself presented significant challenges. "The course was difficult, I would say," she stated, describing how the terrain, particularly in the latter half, tested her endurance.

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The weather conditions were ideal. There was no wind, and the temperature was good. Truly super.

The 38-year-old athlete acknowledged experiencing physical discomfort, including ankle pain due to sharp turns and calf cramps in the final stages. She admitted to being cautious with her pace to avoid further injury. However, she found the lap-based format of the course enjoyable, comparing it favorably to the extensive laps she ran during COVID-19 restrictions.

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Running was like getting annoyed. I thought: hill, downhill, turn. So the course was really difficult, I would say. The first half was somewhat easier, but towards the finish, completing that lap, it cut so much that you run into the next lap and think: well, that's it, I can't anymore. But then you pick up some speed.

Žūsinaitė-Nekriošienė shared that running currently brings her immense joy, a sentiment she attributes to her long career. She emphasized that age is not a barrier in modern athletics, highlighting her continued passion and commitment to the sport.

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There was no flat section, there was no way to maintain your steady pace. I still felt the turns because my ankle started to hurt, so I was turning carefully. From those hills, with two laps left, my calf started to pull a bit, and my feet too. I thought, it's scary to even speed up a bit and chase someone ahead, because if I cramp up, I won't be able to run at all.