Olympic steeplechaser Jenny Simpson is no stranger to hurdling obstacles during a race. But navigating stairways within rustic Italian watermills, over slippery cobblestone roads, and through muddy chicken farms? Not so much.
Last weekend, Simpson competed in the Cinque Mulini (or "Five Mills") cross country race in San Vittore Olona, Italy. Simpson nabbed third place behind Kenya's Faith Kipyegon and Gemma Steel of Great Britain, finishing the 6K course in 22:34. The fabled course (men run just over 10K) literally goes off the beaten path, passing through and beside a series of five watermills. The unusual event has been held every year since its creation in 1933 and has since hosted numerous world-class numerous runners like Frank Shorter, Lasse Viren, and Grete Waitz. Simpson, who used the race as a tune-up before launching into the spring and summer track seasons, spoke about her experience.
Why did you decide to compete in the Cinque Mulini?
There are so many high-pressure races throughout the summer, and while I love the thrill of intense competition, I thought it was time for something a little different and fun. Cinque Mulini has such an incredibly rich history, having hosted the best athletes in our sport for over 80 years and providing some of the most unusual photos and memories. I wanted to be a small part of the story and experience the race for myself sometime during my career; this winter seemed like the perfect chance.
What was it like running through buildings and up stairs? How was it different from other cross country races you've done?
It was unlike any running I've ever done in my entire life. I had an idea of what it would be like in my mind, and my imagination wasn't even close! The course was so much harder than I expected, and the venue was unique in every aspect. I have never done any training that was very applicable to what I faced, but that almost made it more fun.
Did you do anything in training to prepare for this race specifically?
I thought I had done a few workouts to prep for the race. I did some traditional cross country grass field work, but the actual race was such a departure from even that kind of running that I'm not sure it made any difference.
What were your goals going into this race?
To try to be competitive and come home with some fun photographs. I also wanted to return to the spirit of what got me into the sport: fun community racing and to enjoy an event without the pressure of call rooms, split times and mixed zones.
What was it like running in the footsteps of the greats like Frank Shorter?
That experience was the reason I made the trip. When you flip through the race program, it is awe-inspiring the number of legends of our sport who have passed through the mills. I love tradition and value people, like the meet organizers of Cinque Mulini, who work hard to keep a race like this alive. Shared experience is an important part of what ties the past with the present. I really feel like I got to share a small piece of history with some of the great champions of running.
Is there anything else you'd like to add about the experience?
If I ever return to race again, my winter training will have to look a lot different in order to be competitive! It was difficult and wild but some of the most fun I've had racing in a long time!
On February 8, Simpson will compete in the two-mile at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston.
