Fernanda Lopes: Running, Body, and the Pursuit of Balanced Sport

In the world of high-performance sports, where the pursuit of results and overcoming limits are constant, journalist and athlete Fernanda Lopes brings an essential perspective: the importance of finding balance between performance and well-being. For Fernanda, life, both on and off the track, should allow space for 'play,' a way to prevent the excess of obligations — be it in work, motherhood, or relationships — from swallowing up lightness and pleasure.

Lopes emphasizes that sport, for adults, is a great form of play, but that we often stray from this essence when we are sucked into the culture of performance and comparison. The key, she says, is to listen to one's body, a practice that goes against the idea of forcing the pace at any cost. 'The day I'm tired, the day I'm injured,' she exemplifies, reminding us that even elite athletes, like Kenyans, don't train when they're sick. This connection with the body is fundamental to preventing burnout and maintaining longevity in sports.

Running, in particular, offers a unique experience of self-discovery and power. Fernanda describes the pleasure of realizing that the body is capable of previously unimaginable feats, whether it's reaching a podium in a marathon or simply crossing the finish line of a distance that once seemed impossible. It is in this process that many discover the true strength and capacity of their bodies.

However, there is a paradox: this discovery of power coexists with the reality that the body is 'in command'. We don't have total control over it; it dictates its own rules and limits. Recognizing this sovereignty of the body is crucial for a healthy and sustainable relationship with sports, allowing running to continue being a source of joy and overcoming challenges, and not just another source of pressure.