CLUB PROFILE - 2km's with Mirjana dragutinovic

Mirjana is heading back to her native homeland in the coming month so before she goes we get to spend 2kms with her getting to know about how she got into and developed a love for running.

​What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?
St Lucia Parkrun on Saturdays, long walk/jog on Sundays, and a good book or a documentary on military history. 
 
What type of music are you into while running, if any?
Something fast paced with a good rhythm, anything from AC/DC to David Guetta. 
 
What was the best running vacation you ever took and why?
Considering that I started running last September, I have not had a running vacation yet. 😊

Where’s the next place on your running travel bucket list and why?
Vienna Marathon in April 2020. I may decide to do my first half there. 
Kipchoge will also be attempting 1:59:00 Vienna in October. Since I’m moving back to Europe shortly, I’m hoping to be there to witness it. 
 
How did you get into running?
I’ve been surrounded by runners since moving to Brisbane two years ago, it was only a matter of time I started running, too. 😊
Additionally, I had put on quite a bit of weight in the last couple of years, I wanted to get back into shape. 
 
What was the last race you’ve done?
Sunshine Coast 10km last weekend.
 
Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert, and how does it relate to your running?
I’m very much an introvert, so I mostly run/walk solo. Perfect time for self-reflection, contemplation or making major, life changing decisions, such as moving back home after 16 years.  
 
What’s your favourite thing about running?
Constantly challenging myself, longer distances, faster times. Also, I suffered an arm injury over 10 years ago so most of other sports have been off limits. Running is one sport I can do comfortably, without having to see a physio every week. 
 
What annoys you most?
Can’t say that I have any major pet peeves when it comes to running. 


What’s the running highlight you’re most proud of?
Simply the fact that I am doing it and that I enjoy it very much. 


 Do you think you’ll stay at your current distance awhile? Why or why not?
My current distance is 10km. I feel a have a half in me, I’ll just need to work a bit more to get there. 
 
What race is next for you?
Sydney 10km on Sept 15. It’ll be my last race on Australian soil. Then I’ll be conquering tracks in Europe.
 
Are you more of a “run to relax” or a “run to get it done with” type of person?
Run to relax. 
 
How much time do you spend running in a week?
4-5 hours which is about three long walks/jogs of around 10km each. 
 
What is your favourite regular course and why?
Riverwalk, or anywhere near the water. I find water really calming. 
 
Were you running growing up?
Not at all. Basketball was my sport of choice.
 
What is your definition of a perfect run?
Dry weather. Coming from continental Europe, I just can’t get used to the QLD humidity. 
 
What (running related) are you most proud of in the last year?
Simply the fact that I’m doing it. It took me a while to get to this point.
 
What runs makes you feel most accomplished?
Long, slow runs, when I don’t pay attention to pace and time, just the distance. 
 
Who (running related) do you admire most in the world?
Cross country running is very popular in Serbia, and one man who defined the cross country back at home was Goran Raičević. Sadly, he died in the bombing of Serbia in 1999. 
To this day, when we talk about running we mention his name first. 
 
If you were to win a race price money, what would you do with it?
Sign up for the next race (yes, I have been converted 😁).
 
What race or run do you regret not doing in the last year?
I was in Europe in May when Noosa marathon took place. I would like to have done it. 
 
What race or run is on your bucket list?
Belgrade marathon. I hope they bring it back. 

If you see a puddle on the ground, do you run around it, over it or get straight into it?
I’d love to say I’d go straight into it, but that ain’t happening. I’d go around it. 
 
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Teleportation! Alternative is a 22-hour flight home. 😩
 
If you could go back to anytime in history, where would you go?
1920’s 
 
If you got to name a new race, how would you decide what to call it?
I’d ask my 3-year-old niece to help me with it.
 
What would be the title of your running book?
‘I’ll slow down after the next kilometre.’ 😁

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