Žan, 32, can’t understand a Finnish TV show – “Do you really watch it?”

Žan Rudolf asked Aino Paunonen an everyday question. That was the beginning of a beautiful love story.

When Aino Paunonen, 32, turns on the television on Independence Day, her Slovenian husband Žan Rudolf, 32, can’t believe his eyes.

The Castle festivities are on the screen. Another thousand people are walking in line and taking turns shaking hands with the President of the Republic.

– Are you really going to watch it for two hours? I could never do it myself, Rudolf is amazed.

The couple’s background is in athletics. Paunonen ended his Finnish Championship-level running career in 2019, and European Youth Championship medalist Rudolf still works as a hare runner in top competitions.

The couple moved back from Finland to Slovenia a couple of weeks ago, where their older son Oscar, 5, will soon start school. Their younger son Matias was born last summer.

Culture shock

In an international family, there are big cultural differences.

– We Balkans show more emotions. When we moved to a new house in Slovenia, the neighbors immediately invited us over. In Finland, I didn’t even say hello to some of my neighbors. People are so closed off, Rudolf says.

A visitor to Slovenia may also encounter another surprise.

“Aino once tried a Slovenian dish, and she could still taste it in training three days later. We eat such heavy meat dishes,” says Rudolf.

Rudolf and Paunonen met at a training camp in South Africa in 2016. The relationship didn’t start right away, but as the two met more often, sparks began to fly.

– I first asked Aino out for a run. It was the easiest way to start a conversation. Then we started running together more often. Of course, I didn’t think at the time that we would ever have children. We lived so far apart, Rudolf recalls.

– I went back to Slovenia and Aino went to Finland. Then we bumped into each other again and a year later we were together.

Money burned

Rudolf currently works full-time as a hare runner, meaning he keeps pace in middle-distance athletics and helps his fellow competitors achieve better results.

You don’t get to be in the limelight in your profession, but you make a nice living. When the Slovenian was still doing a “normal” running career, all the prize money went to racing trips.

– I’ve said many times that it’s a shame I didn’t start this earlier! But I believe I can continue for many more years. One of my colleagues is also 38 years old.

Being a rabbit and helping others brings Rudolf great joy. However, the work also comes with great pressure.

– If I fail, I ruin everyone else’s race too. It’s stressful, especially in the Diamond League.

Miracle ability

The hare race is highly regarded by other competitors. Many also marvel at Rudolf’s special ability to run at exactly the right speed.

– There are many faster runners than me, but when I talk to them, they say they don’t have the same feeling in their feet as I do. I always know exactly how fast I’m running.

So-called light rabbits, which circle the edge of the track, are also often used in running races. However, the invention does not threaten the Rudolph profession.

– If it’s very sunny, you can’t see the light. Plus, you never know what condition your competitors are in. If they can’t keep up, you have to be able to change the pace.

The hardest part of running is the travel. For example, in June, a Slovenian runner completes 12 races in 30 days.

– I pay for the trips myself first, and after the race I get the money back. But if I get sick, I’ve already paid for many trips in advance. Then I’ll lose money, he says.

After his current career, Rudolf dreams of becoming a football coach.

– I love football more than athletics, he announces unexpectedly.