Ann Johansson is an ultra-marathon runner and founder of BoomBoom Athletica, a luxe active wear brand that combines both style and functionality. StyleNest spoke to her to find out more about the brand, her exercise regime, and how she stayed motivated through an incredible 12 marathons!

Before launching BoomBoom Athletica you were an ultra-marathon runner. This sounds like intense exercise! What exactly is ultra-marathon running?

Ultra-marathon is technically anything over a marathon distance of 42.2km, but usually ultra-marathon races can be anything from 50km – 100miles. There are day races as well as multi-stage race options, and road races vs cross country. The training for an ultra is fairly similar to a marathon except longer. My weekend runs could be anywhere from a 4hr -6hr run, with a 1.5-2hr spin session beforehand. In terms of distance this means that every week for a few months we would run a minimum of marathon distance during a training run. We would also run for 2+hrs once or twice a week. Cross training and stretching/yoga are also key part of training to avoid injury

You´ve now run a very impressive 12 marathons. How did you become interested in running, and what led you to start training for marathons?

Not sure there was a particular moment I decided to like running, I just always ran… I swam competitively as a child and used running as cross training.   I like the simplicity of running, there is something nice about only needing some shoes and kit to go for a run anywhere you are in the world. With regards to running marathons, I wish I could say I had spent years thinking about running one, but not really. We had family friends where the women were strong runners, and one day I spoke to our neighbour, who had run numerous marathons after starting running in her fifties and had later become a coach, to ask if I could tag along. The only condition I asked was that she would call me every Saturday morning to wake me up as the training started between 5-7am in the morning. I was lucky to have a running group when I first started to train, because it makes the long distance so much easier to do. It helps with motivation and pushing through when your body feels like giving up. I made some fantastic friends through running and ever since my first marathon I got a bit hooked.

Have you experienced any low points when training? How did you stay motivated?

Getting injured is always a low point in training, because it jeopardises your goal, and it is usually at a stage when you are already so committed. Staying motivated is really tough, because your priority is taking care of your injury but still train without creating further problems. I usually try to cross-train and work with a physio that can work with me to get me back on track. I try not to think of the negative, but rather move forward. Nothing can be gained from dwelling over an injury. It is what it is… depending on the severity of the injury I might have re-evaluate my goal, but I rather do that and keep on running than not run at all. Trying to understand the cause of the injury is also important with a view to avoiding a recurrence of the injury.

And what have the high points been? Any special moments that are particularly memorable?

A high point can be reaching a new distance in training, knowing you pushed through and made it. It is never a pretty sight when done, but it is a nice high to know you did it. One of my most memorable runs was a training run we did from London to Brighton where we started to run at midnight and finished in the morning sun at Brighton Pier. The run was tough, dark, cold, we stumbled, got lost, thought numerous times we were crazy, but finishing that run meant we were ready for our first ultra marathon. That was an epic run we still talk about today.

Do you have any expert tips that you have learnt from your own training that you can share with us to make training a little easier for StyleNest readers?

Cross train to stay injury free, that includes weights, stretching, cycling anything to help your body be stronger, limber to help with your running. And when I need some motivation, I remind myself that I have never regret going for a run. Whether you can go out for a 30min or an hour, it is always worth it.

How do you like to keep fit now? Are you still running?

I am still running, I am also doing a lot more cross-training including conditioning, strength, stretch and cardio. I have had a lot of injuries so making sure I am strong in my core and legs helps with my running, and I tend to train to run, as running is still my passion, what I love to do. I am also a bit of a gym rat and love trying new classes and getting into the social side of gyms. Many of by greatest friendships have originated at the gym.

What about diet, do you have to be strict about what you eat when training?

I think it is important to eat well. Exercise and especially running is hard on your body. You have to make sure you fuel yourself accordingly. I do have a massive sweet tooth and I am not strict about what I eat when I train as long as I am feeling strong and fuelled I am happy.

What was your idea behind launching BoomBoom Athletica?

The idea behind BoomBoom Athletica was that I spent way too many hours on the road in kit I did not really love that much. It was either very tech specific but lacked the design, or the other way around. I wanted kit that had all the properties but looked a bit chic.

Here at StyleNest we love the sleek designs, but what else do you think sets the brand apart from others?

I think there are some excellent brands out there that focus on various aspects of training and working out. The design goal was to combine authentic well-thought-through technical features wrapped in an edgy sleek visual identity. I wanted my workout clothes to be able to be worn through tough workouts such as HIIT or a run, but be equally functional for a headstand in yoga or a pilates move. The fabric I have used in this core collection is compression, which makes the leggings very snug to get on, but when they are on, they feel like a second skin. I included silicone tape in the build in bra top so that it would stick to your leggings and not ride up. I wanted to create a flattering neckline for women that needed to provide their own sportsbra but still wanted to look chic so made sure it was as square neckline with mesh detailing in the back. I made the tops a bit longer for a flattering silhouette look, with a hoody that is warmer in the front, but streamlined in the side, t-shirt with breathable mesh. I want the clothes to earn a place in people’s wardrobe, I want it to be their favourite pair of leggings they miss when in the wash, or the tank that hardly makes it in to the closet before being used again.

Where does your inspiration for the design come from?

Part of the inspiration is working out, I always think of what I would like to have, what is missing in my wardrobe, and the other part comes from friends, customers, travels, artist, fashion, sports and culture. I look a lot to the really advanced technical features, fabrics and techniques say in cycling and back country skiing garments to see how these can be utilised in our contemporary edgy sleek silhouette.

BoomBoom Athletica garments are suitable for a range of different sports, not just running, and you product test all of them. What do you look for in the perfect sportswear range, and what should our readers look for when choosing a product?

You should feel comfortable in it. You should be able to move, bend, without compromise. Make sure the fabric is breathable, and has enough elastic and shape retention so that you do not get baggy knees and the clothes goes back to original fit after wash. Check that the leggings have full coverage so that you do not show more than you had intended. My first collection was made with high compression and longer fits, which came about because I could not find anything that was stylish and a bit chic while working out. I also felt I made my first range high compression because I liked the technical features on them, and it does also help that it makes you look slimmer. I personally look for fabrics that have a nice hand feel, I can move in them, and they look good when wearing them.   Today you do not need to choose between style and comfort – you can have both, so try different fabrics, cuts and brands to find what works for you.

What challenges have you faced launching your own business and sportswear range? Any advice for StyleNest readers that are thinking about setting up their own business?

Be passionate, love what you do, believe in your idea, business concept. Your hours of work are no longer a business day, it is all hours of the day for you, so it helps to love what you do. Also try to have as much research and knowledge before you jump into your new venture, as things always take longer and cost more than you anticipate

BoomBoom Athletica is based in Notting Hill. Any favourite places from your London address book that you can share with us?

Granger is great for brunch, but be prepared to wait on a weekend. 202 is a good alternative, you can people watch while drinking your morning coffee. Pizza East (West) or Electric on Portobello road, and Eat Tokyo is not well known but has great sushi and is very casual, and Gelato Mio for a spot of ice-cream. I love Westbourne Grove, and Portobello Road is fun for browsing, and for working out there are some great studios in the neighbourhood including BodyWorksWest, Bootcamp pilates, Form Studio, Gymclass, Heartcore Fitness, Pilates, Core Kensington, and Ten Pilates. Both Holland and Hyde Parks have also tennis public courts, and we cannot forget running in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

When you´re not working out or working on BoomBoom Athletica, how do you like to relax?

Working out is relaxing for me, I do my best thinking when running, and going to the gym I meet up with friends and have an impromptu catch up. Otherwise I relax by meeting friends, and reading.

And finally, any future plans for BoomBoom Athletica that you can share with us?

We are currently working on our next collection, which will introduce some more colours and styles and even sport specific garments, and we are imminently launching free shipping and returns

Shop the BoomBoom Athletica range now at www.boomboomathletica.com