It's been more than two months since Californian Jason Pecoraro was here and ran 100 miles at the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley , and a month before that he also ran the same distance in Croatia at the 100 Miles of Istria , an event he has been attending for several years.

Jason, I read somewhere that you prefer running in fog and rain to sunshine. It seems that your wish came true at UTVV, as the weather was exactly to your taste. What are your memories of your spring visit to Slovenia, its nature, people, Vipava Valley and UTVV?

Yes, it's true, I enjoy running in bad weather. Being from Southern California, I see sunshine at least 300 days a year. So unlike most, I love fog, rain, and snow.

My first visit to Slovenia was great! I started in Maribor, on Pohorje. Then I went down to Ajdovščina and the wider Vipava Valley. The topography and landscape of your country are exactly to my taste. I love the forest and the hills, and then some steep mountains with breathtaking views... I'm up for it right away!

UTVV and the beautiful route around this magnificent valley - starting in the old Roman town, crossing the Hubelj River, 30% ascent/descent, vineyards and technically demanding rocky sections... I loved everything, even the part that whipped my ass before I got to Italy. Every refreshment stand was amazing, and the people were enthusiastic. But my favorite parts were the castles and churches along the way. Amazing!

How do you prepare for such long and demanding trials?

How do I prepare for such a long race? Well, to be honest - I don't 😊 I understand the challenge, the distance and the duration of the feat, but I put in enough effort and work with daily training to seize the opportunity and run such a race. I don't study the rankings, I don't ask for advice, I just show up and go. Of course, I rack up the miles when I'm not racing, I also train a bit in the hills, but - more than anything, I like to have fun. That's why I try not to get too deep into the training itself. As far as I know, the instructions for the adventures haven't been written yet 😊

You say that you are not interested in collecting points and results. That this kind of running is essentially life in miniature – a journey on which you sometimes have to get lost and suffer. It is known that effort can lead to special states of consciousness, some runners say that it is an addiction, others that it is a way of purifying oneself. How do you experience long-distance running yourself? What happens there and why do you go on this path again and again? Is the 100-mile run like some kind of modern vision quest ?

I often get asked how I view long-distance running. I understand that people need a compelling reason to run a 170-kilometer course.

For some runners, it's meditation or perhaps an antidepressant. For others, it's a great escape from the everyday stress of life.

For some, it might be a way to reconnect with family and friends. Is there someone you haven't seen in a long time that you'd like to reconnect with? Ask them to support you in your challenge. Will they say no? Probably not.

I don't see it that way myself.

Most of us don't compete, we just want to survive this competition. So along the way we make new friends, see new parts of the world, and simply enjoy the experience.

I take pictures and chat with everyone nearby. Everyone has their own story and knowledge. If I learn some parts of local history and folklore, laugh a little, try my hand at local trails, on which I of course also have some difficulties, I actually become a part of this culture in a small way.

In the RTV report on UTVV, you said that it is necessary to suffer while running. Can you explain your view on this a little more?

During a race, no matter the distance, you will suffer. The more you push your limits, the more discomfort you will experience. But in a 50km or longer race, in this case 170km, you will definitely suffer. Your legs will be bruised, you may have stomach problems, or your body may not want to support you in the effort you are experiencing. That is when it is your mind’s turn to help you persevere. You have to be able to endure the pain that comes after 50km, or after you twist your ankle or fall, knowing that you still have 120km to go. Maybe you are running out of water or food, maybe it feels like everything is crumbling in front of you – that is when it is important to be able to endure a little more suffering; in the hope that your feelings will turn for the better. If you cannot endure suffering on a deep level, then you never really see those magical moments that build your foundation. Without a good foundation, your foundation for hope is weak. When you've suffered enough and decide to give up, a little magic can help you switch back to persistence. You usually know when it makes sense to give up and when to keep going.

You amaze people with your looks and outfits. It seems like tattoos have a special place for you.

My look is mine, for sure, but I'm not alone in that. I've had tattoos since the early 90s, because I consider myself an outsider . The music scene and the profession I do have shaped my personal image. But I also come from a ski town in Southern California. At the beginning of the snowboarding explosion, it was about standing out and being defiant. My look is also about safety. As a skier or a cross-country skier during hunting season, or a runner or cyclist on the roads, it's always good to be seen. But when you add your own flair and style, you become you!

When I first heard that you run in a kilt, I thought it was related to your roots. Then I realized that it is also a running product! Since it is not that popular here, it is the first time I have heard of it. Is the running kilt more well-known among runners in America?

In my experience, running kilts are not popular anywhere 😊 At first I wore a kilt to cover the tight shorts I was running in. Then I realized that a kilt is lightweight and very easy to move in. The freedom of movement helps when running on dirt roads or climbing over fallen trees. In winter, it provides an extra layer of warmth and eliminates the need for leggings. Since I prefer not to wear leggings, a kilt was the logical choice.

People seem surprised that you don't run in sneakers. Why is that so strange? How come it doesn't feel more natural to actually be barefoot or in shoes that give your feet more freedom? You started running in barefoot running shoes. How come you then decided to wear sandals? What are the advantages of running in sandals? What features should sandals have to be suitable for running? Do you see any disadvantages?

When I switched to long distance running, I knew I had to be as efficient as possible. I found that the quickest way to do this was with barefoot running shoes. I love them, I would still wear them if I hadn’t fallen into the trap. Since they are thin, I added inserts to them for extra cushioning, and when I got tired, I would hit my heels just like I would in regular running shoes. One day I was looking at Luna sandals and noticed that they had a thicker sole. I thought that such a sole could protect me from rocks, but my toes would still be able to move freely. I said to myself, I’ll give it a try and see how it goes. It took me 18 months to get used to it a bit, and I haven’t looked back since. Of course, it’s not all rosy, of course there are problems. When your feet sweat or get wet, your foot moves around on the platform, which is quite uncomfortable. Otherwise, your feet and platform can dry out quickly, but you should know that it can happen. When you’re out on wet, muddy trails, for runners in sneakers who are slipping all over the place – it’s really not fun! That’s when you have to change your pace or get off the trail. Most sandals don’t have the extra grip, so you need to understand your foot placement and strike speed. Some races require shoes to participate in, like the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley or the Transylvania 100 , so I have a pair or two in reserve for those events. When I have shoes on, the way I contact the ground changes. I lengthen my stride, land with more force, hit my heel and hit something more often. Shoes can provide rock protection, cushioning, better grip and toe protection. But they also increase the strain on your joints. If you’re taking risks and want to be fast, then wear sneakers. But if you want to reduce the strain on your joints and be efficient at the same time, try sandals. They’re not for everyone, but they might be for you.

Your idea about people looking at you one way or another, even if they see you for who you are, fascinated me. I guess no one ever asked Freddie Mercury why he dressed like that. He was just uncompromisingly authentic in who he was. Have you always had this attitude towards your appearance and the impact it has on the people around you, or did it come with time?

When you show up to a race, any race, most people look the same. The shirts look the same, the shorts look the same, the runners look the same. They’re dressed in whatever the industry has to offer. The only options you have are to mix and match colors. Or you can switch to something else. Some people run short distances in costumes for fun. That’s great! The truth is, running is a sport that you should always feel comfortable in. At some point, you’re going to try to chat up an attractive person along the way, and you’re going to want to be cool —who you are. Even though you have gel residue and dirt on your face, you want to make the best first impression. So, you might as well look like you for a start. Except for skiing, I always looked like all my friends: shorts, a T-shirt, a beanie, and a hoodie. Just like the culture of the Southern California punk and metal scene. After I entered the running scene, I usually looked like someone who was at the back of the pack 😁 Until I went to the race in England, I was the only one without a shirt and covered in tattoos. People looked at me strangely here and there. I thought: "Wear things that make you stand out. Then crack jokes and use them to break the ice." Now I'm used to having cameras pointed at me.

I see that you are very active on social media. When I look at your profile, it seems to me that you are not only an ambassador of sports, but also of travel. That you have that spark of a curious child in you, with the whole world to discover and report on. Do you ever travel, even if you don't attend a match?

Haha, yes, I love it! I travel because it’s fun. My approach is really childish, because I don’t know what’s around the next corner. Every step is completely new, every smell is unfamiliar, and every street is exciting. I never explore in advance, I always discover while wandering. For me, taking part in a race means something new and unexpected. I don’t need a race to run, because whatever I do, I do it my way. I’ve been to Rome, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, parts of England, and Bucharest; all without races. But mostly I go and explore by running. When the locals find out what I’m doing, they’re drawn to my enthusiasm. They tell me about interesting spots to see, sometimes it’s the other way around – I remind them of places they haven’t been to in a long time. I basically go everywhere alone. I meet people, but I’m self-sufficient when I travel. I like to look at old things, because I love history. But I see that people often experience things indirectly through me, and they also like to see someone enjoying their home or neighborhood. If I only saw the basic touristy things, nothing would change in me, I would just follow the schedule. But sometimes an adventure is the best way to experience life. Not seeing all the tourist attractions, but running on a mountain trail that travelers usually don't get to. I didn't go to Ajdovščina to see Otliška Okno, to Maribor to see the Pyramid, to Zagreb to go to Sljeme, or to Split to see Brač. But I saw it all, and the few people I met were thrilled that I did it my way. Especially my Slovenian and Croatian running friends.

What are your plans for the next running races? And of course the most important question - are you returning to UTVV next year?

At the end of July, I am registered again for the Ouray 100-mile endurance race. A small town in the middle of big mountains! Compared to the other participants, I am like a steam locomotive in this race, but I am participating anyway. It is an absolutely wonderful, but difficult test, a dream of every runner. Apart from the climb and the beautiful views, I would also like to see some seasoned Vipava and Biokovo runners by my side. But rest assured, whether I finish this race or not - your boyfriend from California is returning to Slovenia for UTVV next year - and in sandals! 😎

I hope there will be some American runners with me.

Thank you for your time and broad view of the world!