ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Ultramarathon runner, coach, and entrepreneur Ekaterina (Kate) Preobrazhenskaya didn't start running to conquer mountains or complete 125-kilometer races. Like many people, she started simply to stay fit. Over time, running became a teacher—revealing lessons about ambition, balance, resilience, and the often-overlooked role of recovery.
In this conversation, Kate shares how she balances elite-level training with work, family, and life beyond sport. We explore why progress happens during recovery, how social media can pressure athletes to ignore their body's signals, and why making exercise your only source of fulfillment can become a trap. Kate also explains the difference between productive discomfort and damaging pain, and why learning to listen to your body is one of the most important skills we can develop.
If you're someone who constantly pushes for more, struggles to slow down, or wonders whether you're challenging yourself or overextending yourself, this episode will help you find the fine line between grit and damage.
About Ekaterina (Kate) Preobrazhenskaya
Kate is an ultramarathon runner and a UESCA-certified running coach with over 7 years of experience. She is a CEO and Head Coach of international running school Marathonica, and a cofounder of the running training app Hiiro.
Kate lives and works in London, and you can sometimes find her in Up&Running store in East Sheen, where she can help you find your ideal running gear. She also is a part of a local Barnes Runners running club and holds its record in half-marathon distance.
You can connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. Her running training app is
Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.
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