A guest on the Innsbruck Lebenslauf podcast
During the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck, I was a guest on the Innsbruck Lebenslauf podcast. Episode 18 asked an intriguing question: How do you become an ultra trail runner?
My journey was anything but a straight line
The honest answer is that there is no straight path. I was not sporty at school and had no athletic background. I only started running at 30, after my workaholic lifestyle had driven me into a wall. And I failed spectacularly at first.
What followed is a story of perseverance, curiosity and a willingness to keep redefining my limits.
World Championship atmosphere in Innsbruck
The podcast was recorded in a special setting. The 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships brought more than 1,500 athletes from over 64 countries to Innsbruck and the Stubai Valley. Taking part in a home World Championships as an Austrian athlete was a special moment.
What makes an ultra trail runner?
In the podcast, I discuss the qualities you really need:
- Patience: ultras last hours or days, rather than minutes
- Mental strength: your body can do more than your mind allows it to
- Humility: the mountains are always stronger than you
- Finding joy in suffering: it sounds paradoxical, but it is true
Listen on the Innsbruck Tourism website.
Interested in a talk?
On stage, I bring together my experiences as an entrepreneur and ultra trail runner: decisions under pressure, responsibility, and balancing performance, work and family.
Enquire about a talk
