This is the first part of our Tips & Tricks series. First up, an interview with Finnish Dressage Champion Alisa Aarnionmäki.
How long did you spend preparing for the event and what kind of training did you do?
“I usually wake up for active training between August and September, and start training for the course as soon as it is published. I take a week or two break from track training throughout the spring. My side training is basically just the occasional trip to the gym but I might spend long periods of time stretching and bodyweight training! I also like to play tennis, but it’s basically my summer training break.”
What motivates you to exercise?
“The challenge of the final race and the excitement of race day. It’s always really fun to take on the challenge of a long, hard course because solving new problems and improving your course performance while training is always really rewarding. My soul is also always in the race arena; it’s one of my favourite places to be under all the pressure. I want to prepare for day so that my final performance is a nice experience for me.”
Where do you train?
“Thanks to my job description and the support of the municipalities, I have the privilege of being really comfortable: I always train indoors as a matter of principle. In Sipoo, where I also train and store my equipment, and in Helsinki on the campus of one of my schools. I only agree to go outside when it’s at least +15 degrees and it’s not raining or windy.”
When was the last time you experienced failure and success in a sport?
“The worst failure in the recent past is definitely when I trained too hard. After an intense week of training and another track session during that day’s training, I started riding the upcoming SM dressage program, which was already too much for me when I was tired. It didn’t go well, but it reminded me to listen to my body again. Since then, every brisk training session has felt like a success, especially now that after a few days of inactivity, the movement just seems to get better!”
Free word: e.g. cheers & tips!
“It’s definitely better to go for your best and not the best of everyone. That way you get the most out of yourself and keep your head cool on an exciting race day.”
You can find the rest of the questions and answers in the latest Instagram post!
