No Category selected Model Runner: Queen of Chess Makes Her Move

    Model Runner: Queen of Chess Makes Her Move

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    She’s the undisputed Queen of Chess.  Alexandra Kosteniuk is the reigning Women’s World Champion.  Wife, mother, chess prodigy turned legend, Model, Internet icon, Alexandra is also a high performance runner.  I sat down with her last week to talk Chess, running, and how she manages it all.  Alexandra, what is your favorite Chess opening and why?

     

      

     

    I used to always play the Sicilian defense as it fit my attacking style very well, but then I matured and now prefer the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy Lopez helped me become Women’s World Champion last year, I played it very often with both the white and black pieces.

     

     

     

    I also use Ruy Lopez although I like to call it Spanish Torture.  Tell me Alexandra, you are also famous for your running accomplishments.  You have a 5K PB of just over 21 minutes.  How does running influence your chess? 

     

     

     

     

    Running is very important for my overall well-being. I try to run every morning, regardless of where I am and whatever the weather is. After I run I feel good and it puts me in a good mood, I’m ready for my chess training or anything else I have to do.

     

      

     

    Do you set goals for running like you do for chess?

     

     

      

     

    Yes I always set goals when I run. But since I am not a professional runner, my goal is simple, always to run faster than the day before 🙂 Of course I set a base time at the beginning of the training season, and a deadline day, for example the day before an important chess tournament.

     

     

     

    You have a family, are the best female chess player in the world, you run very fast, you have a successful website and podcast… how do you manage your time?
     

     

     

     

     

    I just don’t waste time doing useless things. To be serious I also have the help of my family, my husband for the web and my Mom for helping with the baby, without them everything would be much harder.

     

      

     

    By useless things I hope you are not referring to the hours I spend cutting and pasting our heads onto chess pieces.  Tell me Alexandra, who is your chess idol?
     

     

     

     

     

     

    I don’t have any chess idol, I admire all world champions and try to learn from all of them.

     

     

     

     

    Thank you for your time.  And thank you dear readers.  I would like to recommend Alexandra’s podcast to you.  You can find it at www.chessiscool.com

     

     

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