#26 Amina Maatoug: On 'Maatoug Mode', running for Leiden Atletiek, Duke University and (now) University of Washington

Halo!

Amina Maatoug, who has recently moved to the University of Washington, as a student athlete, is one of the most popular athletes of Leiden Atletiek. She is renowned for her game face and fast finishes in which she generally picks off whoever is in front of her. Amina won the Dutch short track 800m in 2022 and, over the last few years has been based in the US: first at Duke University and now in Washington. 

In this conversation, I talk with Amina about her running mentors, her training programs, her recovery from injury and how she manages to keep running fun and light, despite the pressures on performing well. Amina also shared her deep admiration for Muhammad Ali and how he stood by his principles in the face of much institutional hostility. 

It was a lot of fun talking with Amina. Sure enough, it was a thrill to see her back in Leiden and tearing up the track over the summer break, which has now come to an abrupt, windy and rainy end. We wish Amina the best for the coming cross country season and for more good times at her new base. 

Fijne dat je luistert, ik ben Andy Fuller, en de dag is Dinsdag tien September. Everyday Runners is een podcast van Reading Sideways Press. 

doi doi!

Episode Outline: 

• On Harry Potter
• Who is Amina Maatoug? 
• Transition from Leiden to Duke
• The hills of Leiden
• Consulting with her Dad over possible race times
• Transition from Duke to Washington
• Getting to know her new coach
• Recovering from injury
• Favourite running routes in Leiden
• Upcoming Plans
• Reflections on injury
• On Muhammad Ali
• On Faith Kipyegon