[KAMAL] Hi Indrek, welcome to the podcast. I'm very glad to have you here. [INDREK] Thank you for having me. [KAMAL] To start with, maybe you can share your background. [INDREK] I'm from Estonia. In my profession, I'm a chemical engineer with a PhD in chemistry. I worked most of my life as a development manager, developing different chemical industry projects. I've been doing sports almost all my life - started with volleyball, then got into long-distance sports like cross-country skiing, orienteering, and multi-sports events. Running and fitness training have mostly been my focus. I got into long-distance running maybe 25 years ago and did my first marathon 25 years ago. [KAMAL] Since you played other sports, how was it getting into long-distance running? [INDREK] I did inline skating 25 years ago, which was my main sport. I trained for long-distance events like 100K in New York and 69 miles in Georgia. With that training, I thought I had good fitness to try a marathon a month later, which was my first marathon 25 years ago. [KAMAL] You just decided to run a marathon a month before based on your inline skating training? That's amazing! [INDREK] Yes, I was running a couple of times a week anyway, but never specifically training for a marathon until that last month. [KAMAL] This year you did the Berlin Marathon, your 10th one. How is inline skating training different from marathon training? [INDREK] Inline skating is more intensive but shorter, around 1 hour 20 minutes. You also get the benefit of drafting in a group, so it's easier than running a marathon. The training involves different muscles and is more technical. [KAMAL] Did you skate in a group this time? [INDREK] Yes, until 30km I was in a group, then passed them but couldn't keep up the speed, so had to wait 8km for another group. [KAMAL] That's interesting, using the group momentum. How do you see marathon training being different? [INDREK] For inline skating, you need more strength training and dry land exercises in the winter to train the right muscles. Some muscles are the same, but more strength is involved compared to running. [KAMAL] Are you still doing triathlons? [INDREK] I started triathlons in 2008 and did a couple, including Ironmans, every year until last year. This year was the first time in a long time I didn't do any triathlons. [KAMAL] The cross-training from other sports like swimming and biking probably helps with the longevity of your running career. [INDREK] Yes, part of it. I never did just running training until preparing for these recent marathons. [KAMAL] You're probably in the Berlin Marathon's Jubilee Club now, getting automatic entry. [INDREK] Yes, next year will be in the Jubilee Club with the automatic entry advantage. [KAMAL] How was your experience at this year's Berlin Marathon? [INDREK] Since I've done the inline skating event there 17 times since 2001, the route is very familiar. The weather was nice this year, and there were big crowds as always. It's special that world records are often broken at this event. [KAMAL] What keeps you continuing to run marathons after all these years? [INDREK] It has become part of my life. After my second marathon in 2014 Chicago, I realized the World Marathon Majors and started collecting those. It took me almost 10 years to complete them all by 2023 Tokyo, since it was difficult getting entries from Estonia. [KAMAL] Congratulations on the World Marathon Majors! What's next for you? [INDREK] I haven't decided yet, but I'm looking at new challenges. Running a marathon in every European country is a long-term goal I'm considering. For now, I'll definitely run Berlin again next year. [KAMAL] I'm sure you'll find an exciting new goal. Having a support system is important for chasing running goals over many years. How has that been for you? [INDREK] Family supported me a lot, especially for Ironmans which require more support. But for regular marathons, I can do it alone now since I'm familiar with the events. [KAMAL] Have you seen race organizations evolve with technology and support over 25 years? Any areas for improvement? [INDREK] Berlin has been well-organized throughout. One positive change is splitting the start into three groups to reduce crowding early on. A downside is being passed by faster runners later if you start in the last group. But overall it's a great event. [KAMAL] Anything else you'd like to share? [INDREK] No, you've done a great job connecting with different people and sharing running experiences.