Milan: Speed meets heritage at the Arena Civica
When the HOKA PB Protocol arrived at the Arena Civica, it was not just about hitting splits; it was about uniting three cities under a single, disciplined vision. From the first stride on Milan’s most historic clay, the mission was clear: transform individual potential into a collective force ready for the HOKA Semi de Paris.
The Arena Civica possesses a different kind of energy after dark. As the city of Milan slows down, the red track becomes a stage for those looking to push past their limits. This first meet-up served as a national hub, drawing runners from three distinct corners of the Italian running scene. The local Milanese HOKA community was joined by the Rome-based Souplesse Running crew and the Velvet Runners from Senigallia.
The track doesn't lie. It forces you to confront your pace and find a level of focus that the open road often hides.
The session was designed to be as demanding as it was precise. Guided by coach Carlo Muhr, the athletes were pushed through a ladder of intervals that tested every gear of their aerobic engine. The workout began with 3 x 1 km repetitions to find a sustainable tempo, followed by a 1 x 3 km sustained effort that forced the group to maintain their form under mounting fatigue. To close the night, 6 x 0.5 km sprints demanded a final injection of speed, sharpening the legs for the specific intensities of a half-marathon finish.
A collective session is a multiplier; when the group accelerates, the individual finds a strength they couldn't access alone.
Expertise was woven into every lap. While Coach Muhr dictated the pace and strategy, the presence of local osteopath Marina Mambretti ensured the athletes remained balanced and biomechanically sound. This high-touch approach allowed the runners to focus entirely on the effort, knowing that their physical integrity was being monitored by professionals. It was a shift from simply "working hard" to "working smart," ensuring that the intensity of the night would translate into sustainable progress on the road to Paris.
True performance is found at the intersection of professional guidance and the raw energy of the community.
As the floodlights eventually dimmed, the fatigue on the track was matched by a new sense of purpose. For the Milanese, Roman, and Senigallian runners, this night at the Arena Civica wasn't just a workout—it was the moment the preparation became real. The first strides toward the HOKA Semi de Paris have been taken with intention, and the collective is now moving with a single, unified rhythm.