On the way to Cortina: Lavaredo Ultratrail 120k

The first big goal for 2026 is set: My first participation in the Lavaredo Ultratrail 120k. Join me on my journey in this blog post.

Lavaredo 120k

A trail run through the UNESCO World Heritage of the Dolomites . What could be better? I have read a lot about it, heard enthusiastic feedback from the trail running community, watched videos... Now I want to experience it for myself. I know Cortina d'Ampezzo; I've been to South Tyrol before... a long time ago as a student. But certainly not for running. It was about climbing steep routes, about alpine adventures on multi-pitch climbs... but please, no long approaches! Other runners in the mountains seemed rather strange. Why run away from such beautiful walls? Why run uphill at all? My interests have changed over time: I love long distances, lots of elevation gain in breathtaking surroundings, running on challenging trails through the night, into the sunrise...

But there is still much to be done before then.

Training status (December 2025)

My fitness level is more like that of a Christmas cookie. Lying comfortably in a tin, surrounded by warm scents, but going out in this cold weather...?? Just the thought of it makes everything hurt.

The only solution is a plan and the motivation to implement it:

• Strength training, flexibility, stability (I do not want to face the same injuries as last season)

• Slow, continuous runs

• Interval training (it's a nice feeling to be faster for a change)

• Training in and with a group (motivation comes naturally this way)

  
  

But please don't take it too seriously, the focus is on fun.

Intervall training trail-maniacs Oberwallis

December 20, 2025

New Year's resolutions

The great thing about training plans is that you can delete them if needed. Nobody will complain, the world won't end.

This allows you to enjoy the beautiful trails in Valais in good company.

January 6, 2026

Medical certificate

A medical certificate may be required for an ultra-trail race abroad. That's fine. However, the requirements for Lavaredo 2026 are exceptional: Medical check-up, resting and exercise ECG, spirometry...

The run seems really intense. I'm curious to see how it goes. At least I passed all the tests. The adventure can continue.

January 18, 2026

Motivation

Where does the motivational slump in January come from?

At the beginning of the year, goals are still ambitious. You imagine yourself crossing the finish line of your first ultra-trail, you've reached your target weight, you've finally managed to stick to your training plan, and you're getting faster and faster on the track...

Then reality sets in. You've never been this slow, the only change is the excruciating pain in your knee (the training load was increased far too quickly), and your target weight has never seemed so far away. With that, the initial euphoria vanishes – why all the effort and exertion?

The list of excuses for giving up is long (too cold, too wet, too tired, too much work...). What's needed here is a clearly structured plan and clear rules. It's not a big deal to postpone a training session once in a while, but not twice in a row. If I don't have enough time for the planned training, or if the conditions are too bad for the planned trail (finally fresh snow, but only ice on the paths), I'll adjust the training; I won't cancel it.

But most importantly: Don't be too hard on yourself. Don't feel like jogging today? No problem, a beautiful ski tour can be so motivating, a tour on the ice, a cross-country ski track, a cool running partner... There are so many possibilities. The main thing is not to lose the joy of running.

February 8, 2026

Change of plan

Ski holidays are wonderful. There has never been so much snow. A powder paradise. But not without its dangers. The avalanche situation is precarious, but danger lurks even in hidden places: Concealed beneath an innocent fluff of snow crystals: The ice! It is well known that ice is slippery, both in ski boots and running shoes. But are you really lucky if you fall twice, landing on the exact same spot on your thigh? With the agility of a tortoise, your initial training quickly turns into a workout to maintain your current fitness level until you realize that being able to run again would be a goal in itself. You find your new sport: "walking run". It takes a practiced eye to still be able to discern the nuances of jogging. The slower pace allows you to rediscover and absorb the beauty of the landscape. There is time to say "hello" to the surprised badger and to capture the less agile parts of the scenery in photographs. A dream world, which the Valais region offers in abundance.

February 27, 2026