Leonardo: The Art of Staying Loose
A Berlin-based runner and creative, Leonardo is refining his edge on the city’s historic pavement, finding a new gear by prioritising rhythm over force.
Leonardo is sharpening his speed on the wide, flat boulevards of Berlin, where every training session is a lesson in fluidity. As part of the PB Protocol, he is preparing for the HOKA Semi de Paris with a specific mindset: speed shouldn't feel like a struggle. For Leonardo, hitting a personal best is about finding that "sweet spot" where high performance meets a relaxed stride.
“I try to stay relaxed in every session to keep my ambition in check. I've noticed in the past that if I'm too tense or over-focused, I have trouble hitting faster paces.”
His race strategy is simple: keep it light and fun. By focusing on smiles and effortless rhythm during his hardest intervals, he trains his body to move fast without the friction of tension. This mental shift allows him to navigate the toughest parts of a race with a sense of playfulness rather than panic.
“Now, I try to have fun, smile, and keep things loose, which I then try to replicate in the race.”
When the pressure rises or the legs feel heavy, Leonardo leans on his training bank. He recalls the moments in Berlin where he managed to stay calm under stress, using those memories to loosen up and find his flow again.
“When a difficult situation arises during the race, I recall those training moments, try to loosen up again, and perform better.”