Uphill and down dale

Edith: The run extends over a period of seven days. Therefore, it is very important to pace yourself every day in order to “survive”, so to speak. Running well for a day is one thing. Persevering for seven days, staying healthy and physically fit is another matter. That’s the big difference.

Martin: It's not about winning the first stage. We are on the trail as a team and we have to do well. Tactics as well as harmony within the team play a major role - everyone in the team has their strengths and weak points and these must be taken into account.

Martin actually wanted to tackle this trail run together with Edith's boyfriend. But when he renounced because of his passion for cycling, Martin didn't think twice and asked Edith if they wanted to start as a mixed team. Being in two minds about doing it, finally she decided to take up the challenge.

The new team found out about the right training plan for such a challenging run, as well as all other requirements and the necessary equipment. In the meantime, both are really looking forward to their first competition as a team.

Martin: As ambitious amateur athletes, we do endurance sports all year round. Of course, you have to have a certain basic level of fitness - that's the be-all and end-all! In mid-May we started to prepare specifically for this competition. Five times a week there is intensive training - not only running, but also cycling.

On the one hand to compensate, on the other hand to protect the body. The training units also comprise coordination and balance exercises as well as strength training. We master long running units together so that we can get used to each other and coordinate everything - that was very important to us. We are currently training at full throttle, we only shift down a gear one or two weeks before the competition. We have also coordinated all the other running competitions in the preparation phase for this event.

Sölden is part of the challenge for the first time this year. On 07 and 08 September, the village located right in the middle of the route joins in as a further stage destination along the 240 kilometer long challenge.

Although Martin and Edith do not expect a home advantage here, they have it a little easier when it comes to the preparation due to their proximity to this stage. The toughest part of the stage with the destination “Sölden” are, as always, the weather conditions. A snow field at high altitudes on a steep mountain - whether uphill or downhill - is an unknown chapter even for the most experienced marathon runner.

Edith: We are lucky that we can return home to Ötztal on most of the stages after reaching the finish line. On the way back we stop at the Health Hotel in Umhausen and visit the cold chamber there. Even if it doesn't seem like it, the body can perfectly regenerate at minus 110 degrees. We are very grateful for this wonderful support by the Health Hotel.

• 7 daily stages with a total length of 247.2 kilometers
• Start: Garmisch-Partenkirchen - finish: Brixen
• For safety reasons, the participants start in teams of two
• The teams are obliged to carry certain items of equipment: emergency equipment, navigation watch