Want to learn more about what professional running means? Read Olivers′s Interview

Oliver: WHAT FASCINATES YOU ABOUT RUNNING?

“Puh, that′s a tough question. I think I can switch off really well. I have a normal job, I work in IT looking on a screen for 8 to 10 hours. After I go running. That′s when I′m able to switch off”

DO YOU THINK ABOUT RUNNING WHEN YOU RUN?

Well, in the beginning I did. Breathing, for example. You listen to every breath. Today it’s different. I can do it in my sleep. After five minutes I’m often so in the zone that after one and a half hours I realise, ‘Oh, I have to go home.’

IT’S THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER, YOU WAKE UP AT 6:00 A.M., IT’S TWO DEGREES CELSIUS OUTSIDE AND DRIZZLING RAIN. WHAT’S YOUR FIRST THOUGHT?

I’m already dreading autumn again. It’s a hard season. But running is like brushing your teeth: it’s not fun every day, but you always feel better afterwards. Of course, there are days when you have stomach pains or stress in your private life. But even then I go running, because I know that I always feel better afterwards. With that in mind, it’s not so bad to get out and start running. And if the drizzle turns into pouring rain, it doesn’t matter.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR RUNNING?

On a night out with friends I was showing off and said I could run a marathon. Then I had to prove it. But that’s not when the passion developed. Things clicked a few years later, when I tried it again ‘sensibly’. I prepared myself, read books: which shoes, which technique, which socks, which T-shirt, taped nipples and so on. Then with the right preparation came a second marathon. I was still proud of completing my first run, which I finished with bloody feet and cramps – but the pain was forgotten. The next time I was 35 minutes faster, but the best thing was: I had no problems afterwards. A bit of muscle ache, but you can take that. That was when things clicked: sensible preparation, better result.

BUT THEN IT WENT FURTHER?

Yes, I asked myself the question, ‘What can I achieve with even better preparation?’ Training four times a week instead of three. Then training five times, then seven times. Then came the triathlon, then the Ironman and so on. Finally, I wanted to win an Ironman, which I managed to do. I was the first across the line after nine hours. That’s when I found my inner peace. You can always improve, but I was satisfied with the Ironman victory. I’m also fighting age now, so now it’s about not getting any slower.

NOT INTERESTED IN ULTRA RUNS?

Yes, of course, I’ve done one: crossing the Harz Mountains, which also involves a lot of altitude. The length doesn’t bother me any more. It doesn’t matter whether you run for eight or ten hours. You just adjust your pace. By the way, I’ve also cycled across the USA.

TRAINING AND WORKING DURING THE WEEK, GOING TO RACES AT THE WEEKEND. IS THAT COMPATIBLE WITH A NORMAL FAMILY LIFE?

I do it because it’s fun, not because I have to. My girlfriend goes along with it, maybe she understands it. Actually, it’s difficult to understand, but she certainly goes along with it at least. But that’s how it is with every hobby – even if you collect stamps or something, you retreat into your room for two hours. When I come home after running, I’ve already processed a lot of the day. Everyone benefits from that.

IF YOU COULD MAKE A WISH FOR YOUR SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

More people should just try it out. Many never even get started, but starting off with, say, three kilometres would be great. And if it’s fun, you keep going. I think anyone could run a marathon. Anyone can work their way up to it.