Ordinary Individuals' Running Pursuits: The Motivation Behind Their Strides and Famous Athletes Mentoring Them
Runnin' the Game
Chatting with Olesya Krasnomovets, a multiple World Champ, Olympic Gold Medalist, and founder of Run4Life running school (Yekaterinburg)
A Sporty Pivot: Ditching Politics for Business
Instead of the typical post-athletic career path to politics, Olesya opted for the business world, leaving the Ministry of Sports behind. Here's her story.
"I wanted to join the ministry; they promised some things, making me consider retiring. I thought I could promote sports for youth and children. But it didn't work out. It was a bit of a shock, couldn't hide it, felt disappointing," she shared.
Turns out, the ministry needed an employee more in the financial field than sports. absence of accounting prowess led her to scratch the ministry idea. "Then I said not for me. And at that moment, an offer came to extend my sports career, participate in the Universiade as a student," she added.
This marked a swift and painless transition from her professional sports career, one she's grateful for to this day. "I'm a creative, not systematic person. Not about taking, but giving. This makes me joyful," Elena smiled.
Running Schools: The Genesis
15 years ago, Russia lacked running schools, and there wasn't much traction for light athletics or running as a popular form of exercise. The trend was imported from Europe and America, starting in Moscow with the first Moscow Marathon. The organizer later launched I Love Running School, a franchise in five cities where Olesya trained for two months—the inspiration for her own school.
Swimming Against the Tide
After gaining experience, Olesya changed the concept and ideology, causing a rift. She felt a responsibility for the people at I Love Running and worked with many of them for free, which felt uncomfortable. However, this experience nudged her towards her own path, realizing her motive was love, not money.
Finding Her Tribe
Olesya's students came with all sorts of goals. Some chased the competitive edge, others focused on health, and some aimed for results in their respective sports through light athletics.
"Track and field is versatile, multifaceted. It develops strength, speed, power, and speed-strength. If you just run, you're missing out on a lot this sport offers," she elaborated.
She also worked with kids as young as four, focusing on general physical preparedness, striving to counterbalance technology's grip on them.
Branding Traps and Stepping Stones
As her business boomed, Olesya found herself overwhelmed, leading to a new structure. "Until last year, it was a family business but post-divorce, we agreed to split it peacefully. My son helps out now," she shared.
Expansion was on the horizon, with a sports training center (STC) in the works. "At the STC, we'll hire a team of coaches, focus on selecting the coaching staff, and may even organize training for other specialists, like sports psychologists," she added.
The Power of Mentorship
It's crucial to find a mentor who inspires and motivates. Olesya was fortunate to find such guidance from Vladimir Kazarin, who improved her technique, leading to record-breaking results.
"I became the world champion and record holder in 400m in just five months," she shared. "The combination of student and teacher, both equally invested in each other, is key to success," she emphasized.
Spreading the Sporty Love
Beyond her clubs, Olesya stays active in sports events, warm-ups, and school physical education lessons, her life's motto: "Movement equals life."
She believes our sedentary lifestyle, despite technological advancements, contradicts our biomechanical nature. "We're all runners, all athletes," she underscores. "The universe doesn't let you give up on your favorite thing, it gives you opportunities."
The Monetary Questions
Although the club isn't primarily about business, Olesya laments the limited income during the off-season. To secure her financial future, she plans to launch merchandise and online courses soon, with the new project aimed at profit.
The Franchise Question
Olesya had considered franchising her concept years ago but felt it wouldn't work due to her personal involvement. Now, she's planning to finalize the structure for the new CSP, offering involvement in sports as a lifestyle.
The Athletic Dreams
A running enthusiast, Olesya is involved in organizing city children's lightweight athletics clubs and dreams of promoting lightweight athletics as a sport in Yekaterinburg.
"It's hard for coaches to work in professional sport—it's unclear why," she added, expressing her dismay. "For me, it's easy—I understand I'm fighting for the health of the person who came to me, for their well-being, for more joy and good emotions in life through sports."
"I'm not sure if expanding the education and self-development aspects of Run4Life can be accomplished through sports alone, as there might be a need for teachings in areas like business and management."
"Sometimes, finding the balance between physical training at Run4Life and personal growth through education-and-self-development could be challenging, but it's an interesting aspect to explore for catering to a wider range of students' needs."
