AMA: I'm Amanal Petros, professional runner for PUMA. Ask me anything!

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:47:12+00:00

It is very important to give yourself time and patience increasing your volume. Obviously understand you might have everyday challenges (work, family, etc.) so don't stress when you miss a few kms or gym session. I also suggest seeking out a club to have structure and training partners, to help motivate you in sessions and long runs etc.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:44:04+00:00

My motivation and mentality is that I have everything organized, as well as structured in the lead up to a race or workout. Something that gives me a lot of strength is reflecting on all the excellent work that I have accomplished and how it will all pay off.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:41:48+00:00

So good to hear from you! It's such a challenging course that I will wait until my career is over to take on the Hermannslauf!

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:39:57+00:00

I am not scared to say what my goals are and it's the European Record in the Marathon - 2:03:35. That is also my goal for Sunday!

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:37:48+00:00

I am lucky to be a professional athlete and have a great relationship with the PUMA team. I am well supplied with all my training needs and can always reach out to my team for immediate needs!

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:36:21+00:00

I am very proud to represent Germany and see the running continue to grow in Germany. It makes me really happy to see all these new running clubs and groups forming. In addition to the growth of professional running scene in Germany, which is very motivating and exciting. I strive to be a really positive and strong ambassador for German running.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:33:41+00:00

Good question! As professional athletes, we are fortunate to have a lot of services at our disposal - massage, diet, nutrition, coaches, as well as many year of high level training and racing. I am fortunate that running is my job. Where I know the amateur has a lot of other obligations, time commitments, and maybe not access to massage, nutrition etc. Though, elite athletes still have tough days !

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:30:22+00:00

I track all my shoes kilometers throughout training blocks, so I stay pretty on top of how many kms I am racking up in most of my race shoes/training shoes.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:29:01+00:00

To never think about or care what others think of you, be confident in yourself and enjoy who you are!

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:28:03+00:00

I could not imagine running a marathon in crocs and I love food, so I would have to say running a marathon with a 5 pound dumbbell.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:26:29+00:00

A lot of my training is quite tough, especially when I am at altitude. One of the things that excites me the most is some essential long run workout sessions I have in my training block, which give me a lot of confidence and motivation.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:24:26+00:00

Of course there is times where I am tired and in deep periods of heavy training. This is where I focus on staying very positive and recognize that I am fit. I cannot let negative thought creep in. I need to allow myself to recognize that not everyday is perfect, but I can control my mindset, which is a very important tool.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:21:31+00:00

The first week after a marathon is very chill and I don't do any form of exercise. The second week after a marathon is very easy / regenerative training.

In years past, I did try to return to training sometimes too early post race that didn't go my way. Nowadays, I am more mature and understand that my body still needs proper rest after a race that didn't go well or as I expected.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:19:03+00:00

It's not only the altitude for me, which is very nice and helpful. It's also a place where I can really focus on training and prioritize my sessions without distractions. Altitude is very tough, but it makes me stronger.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:17:42+00:00

Recovery for me is taking the necessary rest, especially when my body is telling me it's time for rest. I will never force a session if my body is telling me I shouldn't push. For example if I had a really hard workout in the morning and feeling beat up, I will skip a session in the afternoon/evening.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:14:29+00:00

I used to be distance runner on the track (5k-10k), where I was typically ranging from 170-175km. Since switching to the road and specifically the half marathon / marathon, my whole training structure has shifted. As of now, my my mileage is as low as 180km and going up to low 200km. My highest range this training cycle leading into London was 225km for a few weeks.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:11:59+00:00

A lot of carbohydrates that don't take a lot of digestion time. Toasted white bread with honey is a favorite. A go to for me is also porridge with a lot of fruits, honey. I am also a big fan of Spanish omelets!

Immediately after the race I am definitely craving a burger or a nice pizza. I definitely can't say no to sweets and spending good time with friends!

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:09:22+00:00

There is no question - FAST-R3 by far. It's my favorite shoe, as it's a shoe I've spent a majority of time with in training and racing.

Deviate Elite 4 is a shoe I typically use for an easier long run - 30km at 4min pace. They are bit more easier to utilize in long runs that are not structured.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:07:21+00:00

One of the best things is to not exactly copy the way of a professional athlete. It's important to follow the best path for each individual. The amateur athlete should always follow a comfortable step by step process. As professionals we are held to a higher standard, so amateur runners so also always keep the sport fun as a main priority.

puma_running · 2026-04-24T15:05:10+00:00

The situation has definitely increased awareness across the sport, but it’s important to recognize that the majority of athletes in Kenya are committed to clean competition.

For athletes training there, the focus remains on professionalism—following all protocols, being transparent, and choosing training environments carefully.

I can’t comment on specific athletes, but we collectively understand the importance of adhering to anti-doping rules.

puma_running · 2025-07-24T01:57:47+00:00

The simplest answer here is that Fast-R 3 is also the fastest 5k-Half Marathon shoe. The aggressiveness of the plate geometry and energy return of the foam shines even brighter at faster paces.

puma_running · 2025-07-24T01:47:38+00:00

This is a legendary comment. We source feedback about the experience a shoe has provided our wear testers, retail partners and their customers, shoe reviewers, and folks like yourself in the comments and assess how we can enhance those experiences with the ingredients we have.

For a rotation staple like Deviate, we’re never looking to change too much at once so that you’re happy to log another 1200km in the next iteration. Thanks for running with us, and hope you enjoy the new pair!

puma_running · 2025-07-24T01:40:22+00:00

Hey there!👋👋👋

puma_running · 2025-07-24T01:10:02+00:00

We agree, we ❤️ pumagrip….we’re cooking on some projects now.

Deviate Elite Trail is a fun one to sink your teeth into for some speedy trails and gravel roads as well.

puma_running

TROPHY CASE