Most people know Marcela Joglová as a top marathon runner, but now she’s taking on a new role as ambassador for the IRONMAN 70.3 race in Hradec Králové. How did this connection come about?
“To be honest, IRONMAN was actually my original big motivation at the beginning of my athletic career. I’ve always loved challenges, and when I decide to do something, it has to be worth it,” Marcela Joglová said at the beginning of the interview.
The Olympian and marathon runner hasn’t focused solely on running in recent years—she’s also taken steps toward triathlon. But where did the idea to try triathlon first come from?
“I was searching for a direction and came across a book by Chrissie Wellington – A Life Without Limits. As I read it, I could feel it stirring something inside me. I felt emotional, and a plan slowly started forming in my head. Then I bought a book by Petr Vabroušek, and I vividly remember that was when I actually started preparing and planning—like occasionally jumping into a pool and realizing I needed to buy a bike. I started looking for a half-distance triathlon in a beautiful location and found one in Prague on my birthday. Naturally, I took it as a sign and signed up—no turning back,” she laughs.
“The preparation was very relaxed. Running and swimming were still dominant and mostly for recovery rather than systematic training, but I treated it as a springboard. During that time, I tried various running races and even did a marathon—which went well. That opened a new question for me: should I fully commit to marathoning, since there was potential for world-class events and the Olympics? Quitting my job and taking such a big risk, hoping my performance would really improve, was tough, but I was completely drawn to it. I knew I would return to triathlon one day and fulfill my dream of racing the iconic IRONMAN in Hawaii.”
Starting triathlon wasn’t easy—how did the preparation go before her first races?
“I really enjoyed the training, even though it was incredibly time-consuming. I was basically training during lunch breaks and any available free moment. It wasn’t very systematic, but if I had a tough run, I’d go for a recovery swim and sometimes ride my bike. It was still mainly run-focused, but I can say that the variety of the three disciplines actually helped my body recover better than with pure run training.”
“I definitely see swimming as the hardest part. At first, I was terrible, but that’s not surprising since I was only swimming continuously, not doing any structured training. That changed after an injury, when I started swimming regularly with a coach—and my times got significantly better. Running has always been my thing—I love it—but in triathlon, I ranked it behind the bike. I really enjoyed cycling during races and still do. Thanks to it, I’ve discovered beautiful places and met new friends,” shared the Klatovy native.
“What I love about triathlon is the atmosphere and the community around it, but especially the diversity—not just in training but in the races themselves, and even from a spectator’s point of view,” says the Olympian with a smile.
Where does she see the biggest differences between running and triathlon?
“Triathlon is more demanding time-wise and in terms of gear, while running is a very free sport. The training in triathlon is more varied because you’re stressing different muscle groups, which makes it a great form of cross-training. Also, in a marathon, if you feel like you’re struggling early on, it usually doesn’t end well. But in triathlon, one discipline might go badly, and another could go great—it balances out.”
Now, specifically about the IRONMAN in Hradec Králové.
“I went to cheer on my friends during the inaugural year, and my boyfriend also raced. The atmosphere completely captivated me. The energy on the course was unbelievable—the fans’ passion and the athletes’ determination kept me fully engaged all day long. I was blown away by the athletes’ performances and deeply inspired. I saw lots of familiar faces and got to cheer for them. It was clear that IRONMAN isn’t just about sport—it’s about determination, passion, and the strength of community,” Joglová admitted.
This year’s race will again feature athletes who made a name for themselves in other sports—like Zdeno Chára, who is expected to compete. What motivates athletes from other disciplines to try triathlon?
“I think it’s mainly the challenge. Professional athletes have competitiveness and the drive to push their limits in their blood. Triathlon is a whole different ball game, and for many, the change of discipline can be a huge motivation and a new impulse to dig deep again,” the Czech Olympian reflected.
Marcela Joglová will be one of the race ambassadors this year. What made her take on this role?
“IRONMAN is a huge event with a big name in the world of triathlon and sport in general, so when it first came to the Czech Republic, it was a clear choice for me. I wanted to be part of something this big, to inspire others, and show that sport has the power to bring people together,” she explained.
And what about her own participation in the race in Hradec Králové?
“Due to my ankle surgery, I’m cycling more these days, so I’ll be competing in the Road Classics cycling series. I’ll most likely show up at a triathlon in Poděbrady, and I hope to find someone for a charity relay. I expect to be in Hradec again for the IRONMAN, but I can’t fully prepare for the whole race right now—I’m still considering doing the relay. Other events will come up too.”
Does the Czech Olympian draw inspiration from any particular triathletes?
“I admire everyone who stands at the start of an IRONMAN. But I have to say I’m really inspired by athletes who approach the sport with humility and enthusiasm, whether they’re pros or amateurs. I admire older athletes who stay active and want to compete—to be part of it. That’s the beauty of triathlon: everyone stands side by side at the start line, and everyone has their own powerful story. I enjoy following athletes like Lucy Charles. Among the men, it’s Patrick Lange and Kristian Blummenfelt. I also like watching the Czech scene and am curious where it will go. Barča Besperát posts strong times, and last year’s winner Petra Kuříková is exciting too—so we’ll see,” Marcela Joglová concluded.