The Milan Marathon weekend wasn’t just about fast-paced relays or casual runs among friends through city streets. It went far beyond that: culture, meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and above all, a special spotlight on women’s running culture.
Cascina Nascosta became the ideal meeting spot, transformed for the weekend into a genuine hub by the Crusher Running Club in collaboration with New Balance. It was a place where runners could gather to discuss and explore all those essential running-related topics that often take a backseat when everyone’s fixated solely on timing and performance.
Immediately after Saturday morning’s shake out run—a relaxed jog that loosened up conversations more than muscles—the focus shifted entirely toward running culture with an emphasis on female runners. And it wasn’t just abstract talk, but practical, meaningful discussions centered around everyday running experiences.
At noon, there was a talk that drew a lot of attention, dedicated entirely to nutrition and fueling strategies for racing and training. This wasn’t the typical nerdy, overly technical discussion that usually dominates running forums. Instead, it was an open conversation among runners—including Mattia Bretoncini from Team Trail New Balance—who directly shared their personal experiences. Practical advice was offered on managing fatigue and maintaining energy levels, always keeping in mind the joy of running. After all, let’s be honest—not everyone runs to win (actually, almost no one does). Most of us just want to enjoy the journey, and this discussion provided plenty of valuable insights for exactly that.
In the afternoon, the vibe shifted again. Outside, you could clearly feel the growing tension and excitement for the next day’s marathon. Inside Cascina Nascosta, however, the atmosphere was relaxed, almost zen-like. It was a unique and wonderful feeling that proved running isn’t only about stress and competition—it’s also about peace, community, and mindfulness.
That sense of calm deepened even more during a yoga and mobility session designed specifically for runners. It was a moment dedicated not only to physical wellness but also mental well-being. A gentle reminder that running is ultimately about inner balance, listening to yourself, and respecting your own rhythm.
The day wrapped up with another significant event focusing on the relationship between training and the menstrual cycle, featuring Olympic athlete Rebecca Sartori, who specializes in the 400-meter hurdles. Finally, this crucial topic is receiving the attention it deserves, highlighting the importance of deep self-awareness. Because running well means truly listening to yourself and understanding your own body—and your cycle isn’t something to overcome but rather something to understand.
It was an entire afternoon dedicated to a fresh, different approach to running, turning the sport into an opportunity for culture, self-awareness, and, why not, a perfect excuse to meet new people, exchange ideas, and simply have a good time together.
To finish on a high and cheerful note, there was, of course, a carb-loading session. The ideal moment to laugh, share stories, and remind ourselves once again that the best part of running isn’t always just about the running itself.