I stared at the screen of my laptop, hesitating for a moment. I filled out the form, added my bank details, and confirmed that all the data was correct. All that was left was to click “register.” I smiled as I pressed down on the mouse and confirmed my registration. I would finally run an […]
Different types of training runs for ultrarunning Read More »
So you decided to run an ultra. You (more or less carefully) selected your first race, marked the date on your calendar, and convinced yourself that spending most of your weekends running would be fun. But now that you have gotten your new pair of running shoes, a shiny GPS watch, and inordinate amounts of
“To be a great ultrarunner, you need to have 3 things. First, a high threshold for pain. Second, a short memory. And the third…I forgot.” – Unknown. I could barely move when I woke up. My body ached, and my feet were swollen. I lay in bed, mentally preparing for what I knew would be
Ultrarunning for Beginners Series: Part I Read More »
“I hate you! I hate you and your stupid ultramarathon race!” I was exhausted. Physically and mentally spent. I had just run 100 kilometers through the night along the Southern Swedish coast. Small single tracks, technical terrain, two steep climbs up the mythical mountain Kullaberg, and harsh weather had tested my limits. And now the
Kullamannen By UTMB Sprint Ultra – Race Report Read More »
“I have never fallen in love with a new place that quickly,” I thought as I sat on my hotel bed, thinking about the small town of Suhl and its surrounding mountains I had just explored. It was Friday, the day before my 2nd mountain trail ultramarathon. After dealing with severe hip and lower leg
Südthüringentrail Race Report Read More »
“Shit”, I thought. “I possibly can’t hike these muddy trails with that heavy backpack.” Panic and anger set in as I evaluated my options. The steepness of the trail wasn’t the problem. The problem was the ankle-deep mud I had just sunk into and the trees blocking the path. It seemed impossible to move forward,
Sachsentrail 2024 Race Report Read More »
My running journey started on the trails. I discovered my love for running in 2016 while living in South Africa for 6 months. Just 3 months after I had landed on the continent, I gained around 5 kg, which I disliked. And so I did what many people do when they want to lose weight
How Do You Train for an Ultramarathon When You Live in a Big (Flat) City? Read More »
Waking up with a headache was concerning. I felt it come on the day before but thought it would be gone after a good night’s sleep. And I slept relatively well. Almost seven hours, which was more than I had slept the night before the last race. I distinctly remembered having a beautiful dream (though
6 Hours German Championship – Race Report Read More »
After a disappointing running year 2023, I decided to explore as many races and distances as possible in 2024. Even though I won the 24-hour Mad Chicken Run in September 2023, overall, I was disappointed. I caught Covid-19 for the first time in March and canceled my start at the 100 km German Championships. And
Race Around Lake Werdersee 50 K Race Report Read More »
I didn’t expect to finish the race on the podium. In fact, just 2 days earlier, I didn’t expect to finish at all. Mysterious pains in my upper abdomen appeared on Thursday and made me question my decision to travel to the race. I had experienced these pains before. They appeared seemingly out of nowhere