The last post

When I started blogging back in February 2006, I never imagined it would carry me through so many seasons of life. Over the years, Iโ€™ve shared stories, thoughts, journeys, and adventures, and youโ€™ve been thereโ€”reading, commenting, encouraging, walking with me in your own way.


Now, at 44, I find that the urge to write here has grown quiet.

The trails call louder than the keyboard, the forest feels more alive than the screen, and I feel most myself when the mountains rise up to meet the sky.

This will be my last post.

I donโ€™t leave with sadness, but with gratitude. Grateful for the conversations, the friendships, the silent company of those who have followed along. Grateful that this small corner of the internet was a place where our paths crossed.

Iโ€™ll carry on, but not online. Youโ€™ll find me out there – on the trail, breathing deep the forest air, chasing sunrises from ridgelines, and listening to the stories only mountains can tell.

Thank you for walking with me all this time.

Until we meet again!

xoxo

Time to unplug and enjoy the view. ๐Ÿšด๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธโ›ฐ๏ธโ˜€๏ธ

Iโ€™ve decided to step away from posting on this page for now. Itโ€™s been a great space to share thoughts and moments, but lately, Iโ€™ve been craving more time offline โ€” more fresh air, fewer scrolls. ๐Ÿšด๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ

Before I go quiet for a while, Iโ€™m sharing a few images from my last trip to Switzerland โ€” mountains, trails, and all the things that make me feel most alive. โ›ฐ๏ธ

Thanks for following along. See you out there. โ˜€๏ธ

xoxo

Chasing Winter’s Magic: A Snowy Escape to Brilon

Sometimes, you’ve got to go find the magic yourself. That’s exactly what I did this weekend when I heard whispers of the first snowfall hitting Brilon. A quick 45-minute drive from home, and bam! I was transported to a winter wonderland. โ„๏ธ


Forget waking up to a gentle dusting, this was the real deal. Picture this: trees draped in fluffy white, the ground sparkling like a thousand diamonds, and that crisp, clean air that only a fresh snowfall brings. It was pure bliss.
My hiking boots were practically begging to hit the trails, and let me tell you, Brilon delivered. The forest paths were transformed into a snowy paradise, with each step crunching beneath my feet. Honestly, it felt like stepping into a snowglobe!


Here’s why this spontaneous winter escape was exactly what I needed:

  • Instant serenity: The world just seems to hush after a snowfall. All the stress and noise fade away, replaced by the quiet beauty of nature.
  • Winter wonderland vibes: Seriously, it’s like stepping into a postcard. Every corner you turn is another picture-perfect moment.
  • The perfect excuse to get cozy: After a day exploring the snowy trails, nothing beats warming up with a hot tea.

So, next time you hear that first snow is falling, don’t just admire it from your window. Grab your boots, bundle up, and chase that winter magic! You won’t regret it.

Mallorca’s Outdoor Paradise: Adventures in Calviร  and Estellencs

Mallorca, Spain’s largest Balearic island, isn’t just about beaches and nightlife. Its dramatic landscapes, especially in the southwest around Calviร  and Estellencs, offer outdoor enthusiasts a playground for mountain biking, hiking, and even some climbing.

Mountain Biking

Calviร :  Base yourself in Calviร  town, and you’ll find trails catering to various skill levels.  Head inland for challenging climbs and descents through the Tramuntana foothills. The area offers stunning views and varied terrain.

Estellencs: For more experienced riders, Estellencs is your gateway to the Tramuntana’s heart. Expect steep climbs, technical descents, and jaw-dropping scenery.

Hiking

Calviร :  The GR221 (Dry Stone Route) passes through here, offering multi-day treks with options for shorter day hikes. Explore the Galatzรณ valley or hike up to the Castell del Rei for panoramic vistas.

Estellencs: Hike a section of the GR221, taking in the rugged beauty of the Tramuntana. The trek from Estellencs to Banyalbufar is challenging but rewarding, with coastal views and terraced landscapes.

Climbing

While not as extensive as other destinations, Mallorca offers some rock climbing opportunities:

Calviร :  The cliffs near Cala Vinyes have some sport routes, great for beginners and intermediates.

Estellencs: More experienced climbers may find some trad and deep-water soloing opportunities along the coast.  Research and local knowledge are essential here.

Why Calviร  and Estellencs?

Variety: These areas offer a mix of challenges and scenery, suiting different tastes.

Accessibility: Both areas have good infrastructure, with accommodation, bike rentals, and guided tours available.

Authenticity: Experience the ‘real’ Mallorca, away from the tourist crowds.

Tips:

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities.

Prepare: Pack appropriate gear and check trail conditions, especially for mountain biking and hiking.

Respect the environment: Stay on designated paths and minimize your impact.

Mallorca is waiting to be explored. Lace up your boots, hop on your bike, or grab your climbing harness – adventure awaits!

xoxo

Skywalk Willingen: Soar Above the Trees and Hike the Upland

Germany’s longest suspension bridge isn’t just a thrill ride, it’s the gateway to a hiker’s paradise. If you’re looking for breathtaking views and trails to explore, Willingen’s Skywalk is your starting point.

Skywalk Spectacle:

  • Length: 665 meters of pure suspension bridge bliss
  • Height: Up to 100 meters above the ground โ€“ not for the faint of heart!
  • Views: Panoramic vistas of the Upland region, forests, and (on clear days) even distant mountain ranges.
  • Thrill Factor: The bridge sways gently, adding to the adventure.

Getting There and Ticket Tips:

  • Location: Willingen, Sauerland region (central Germany, easily accessible by train or car)
  • Tickets: Purchase online in advance to avoid queues, especially on weekends.
  • Entrance Points: Two options exist, each with its own advantages:
    • Valley Entrance: Requires a scenic uphill hike to reach the bridge.
    • Mountain Entrance: Accessible by car or a shuttle bus, minimal walking.

Hiking Beyond the Bridge:

Don’t just walk the Skywalk, hike it! Here are some trails to consider:

  • The Uplandsteig: This long-distance trail (155 km total) passes right by the Skywalk. Tack on a section before or after your bridge walk for a true hiking challenge.
  • Kyrillpfad: Named after a devastating storm, this trail loops around the bridge area, offering diverse forest scenery and viewpoints.
  • Ettelsberg Trails: Take a cable car up to the Ettelsberg peak (near the Skywalk) and choose from various trails leading down. These offer stunning views back towards the bridge.
  • Diemelsteig: For a multi-day adventure, this 110 km trail connects with the Uplandsteig, creating a huge network of hiking possibilities.

Practical Tips for Hikers:

  • Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are a must, especially if you’re tackling longer trails.
  • Weather: Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Pack layers and check forecasts.
  • Supplies: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a map (or GPS app) if you’re venturing off the main paths.
  • Fitness: Be honest about your abilities. Choose trails that match your fitness level.
  • Respect Nature: Stick to designated paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all trash.

Why Willingen is a Hiker’s Dream:

  • Varied Terrain: From gentle slopes to challenging climbs, Willingen caters to all levels.
  • Trail Network: Well-maintained paths are clearly marked, making navigation a breeze.
  • Charming Towns: Willingen itself is a lovely base, with accommodations and eateries to suit every budget.

Beyond the Hike:

After your adventure, Willingen offers plenty to do:

  • Mountain Biking: World-class trails for cyclists
  • Water Sports: Nearby lakes for swimming, boating, etc.
  • Winter Fun: Skiing and snowboarding in the colder months
  • Local Cuisine: Enjoy hearty German food and regional specialties.

Conclusion:

Willingen’s Skywalk isn’t just an attraction, it’s an invitation to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, the Upland region is waiting to be discovered. So pack your boots, charge your camera, and get ready to soar above the trees!

MTB trail National Park Veluwezoom

I went on a little road trip to the Netherlands. It was a short 90-minute drive to the national park Veluwezoom and I arrived right before sunrise.

I took my bike on a nice 2-hour ride and loved it so much. Though you will find more hiking trails at Veluwezoom, I totally digged the MTB trail: tree roots, mud, forest trails, uphill passages and a nice flow.

Will definitely come back.

xoxo

Thru hiking North Sea: 212.56 km in four days and 24 minutes

Holy cannoli, this was my most intense hike so far: hiking over 200km along the coast, mainly on paved roads.

The Route

I wanted to do the Stoertebeker trail along the North Sea coast. My crazy idea: to make it more challenging, I wanted to finish the whole trail within four days, without knowing the location, the conditions or anything in this region.

The training plan 

Together with a fitness coach, we created a four-week-training plan focusing on endurance and strength training, working out six days a week – on Wednesdays, I trained three times a day. Though endurance is key, you definitely need to integrate strength training, since this kind of hiking is a lot of stress for your body. Generally, long-distance hiking is an intense activity that requires some training. Don’t start such a trip without the proper preparation. Also, if you are new to long-distance hiking, you should go for a light, easy first tour.

These steps might help you to prep for your next ultra hike or thru hike:

I. Aerobic exercises: these kind of exercises are perfect for hiking, since they allow you to keep going for a substantial amount of time. Training your endurance will keep you going physically strong through your whole hike. I went for running, hiking and biking.

II. Walk: You need to walk on a daily basis. Walk to work, to the supermarket, your doctor’s appointment. Walk as much as possible.

III. Resistance Training: You need to build your muscular strength along with boosting your muscular endurance growing skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles connect to bones that move the mechanics of your body. Building these muscles are important for long-distance hiking due to the intensity of hiking on the body – especially on paved roads. I myself focused on my legs, hips and core and admit that I neglected my arms, chest and shoulders a little. I definitely should have included more strength training for my upper body. That is one big learning for me.

IV: Use your gear: Pack as light as possible and only take along what’s really necessary. This one is crucial. A loaded backpack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. For me, this is still too much, but when you have to take along your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag etc.), it is tough. Practice hiking and running with your gear, wear weights on your treadmill runs and train on similar terrain to figure out what works best for you. I tried all my different pairs of shoes and then had one pair customised for my feet so that I could manage it on paved roads. The same applies for the backpack: take the smaller and lighter version. You will regret everything else. Since every body is different, I can only share what worked for me: adidas terrex shoes and Ortovox Traverse 38 S (particularly suited for women).

V: Mental training: Believe me when I tell you that it is going to be tough and painful. But you need to prepare yourself and develop a plan to tackle possible obstacles, tiredness. I integrated meditation sessions and already knew how painful it can get. I just remembered my alpine crossing and knew how much it is gonna hurt at some point. You need to find your own way how to deal with it. In the end, for me, it was music. When things got rough, I listened to hard rock and metal, I even sang or rather screamed along. But, hey, it worked. So, you do you. But practice it, put yourself in uncomfortable situations and find out what works best to pull through. This is crucial because, honestly, about 30-40 % is your physical strength, the rest is your mental strength.

The check list 

You can find my pack list on Instagram. Make sure to check 2 days prior your starting date because weather conditions and circumstances can change. This is what happened with me. I had pretty bad luck regarding the weather conditions so that I had to take along my heavier camping gear. Since I was mainly camping and temperatures dropped to 5-6 degrees Celsius, including some rain and heavy wind gusts, I knew I needed to stay warm. Also, when you hike alone like I do, take along some legal self-defence weapon, first-aid kit, share your route with friends and family and enable GPS-tracking just to be on the safe side. Have regular check-ins, let your folks know how you are doing.

The stages

Stage I: Leer – Emden – Pilsum – Greetsiel: 51.73 km – Tuesday, 10 a.m. till 8:30 p.m.

I know “hate” is a strong word, but I hated it so much. Wind gusts of over 30 km/h, some rain showers, walking on the so called dike was not possible due to the heavy wind gusts. At one section I tried to climb over a fence but then got struck by the wind and almost fell. For me, that meant that I had to go road hiking with 15 kg on my back. Yep, the most painful of it all. 50k on paved roads, through strong winds and rain showers. I hated every single second. It really, really sucked. That was the moment when I made some adjustments to my first stage. I initially wanted to hike 90k through the night, but no chance in hell. So I stopped after 51.73 km and needed some rest and a hot shower. I think I slept for 3-4 hours. Boy, it hurt soooooo much and I was freezing like crazy. There were moments when I thought to simply screw the whole thing, forget about it. – I definitely needed some motivational messages from my friends. Talking, yelling and sharing a bit of self-pity helped. Actually, it helped a lot. I won’t name the people here on the blog, since they know that I am talking about them and how grateful I am for their support. ๐Ÿ’—

Stage II: Exploring Greetsiel – Norden – Norddeich – 31.43 km – Wednesday 5 a.m. till noon

I got up before sunrise and needed some coffee, explored the beautiful city of Greetsiel before I continued for the next 25k. This wind was killing me. AGAIN, strong winds, some rain, it was so freaking cold, my feet hurt. I told myself over and over again that I will pull through. It was mental. I needed my strong willpower, simply forget about the pain, just walk – just keep walking till you reach the beach in Norddeich. I reached it at around noon and wasn’t able to walk one single step further. I was just resting in my beach chair, couldn’t move, was just laying there in the sun, hoping to recover, afraid to look at my feet. But I knew at some point I had to take my socks off and take care of them. They hurt, blisters all over, man I felt like crying. So, I took out my first aid kit, used all the special foot care I took along and taped my feet. From this second onwards I knew that I will keep them taped till the end of my hike.

I was sleeping in a beach chair and it got really, really cold at night with some rain. Yeah, the images look romantic, it sure can be romantic, but not alone at night, when it’s raining, windy and about 5 degrees celsius. I woke up at around 2 a.m. and needed to put on additional layers cause it was so freaking cold – counting the hours till sunrise.

Stage III: Bensersiel – Neuharlingersiel – Harlesiel – 56.4 km – Thursday 4:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mentally, this was my lowest point. I did not get enough sleep, my whole body hurt, my feet hurt even worse and I just had to cry. I was a real pussy, couldn’t stop crying in the morning because of the pain and tiredness. After having walked for about 5k, I just sat on a bench and cried, I knew I needed to let it all out. I mean, I was alone anyways. For the whole trip, there were no hikers, no other backpackers, only sheep on the dike and some annoying e-bike tourists. And since it was still pretty windy, nobody would hear me cry. Once again the messages from some of my friends helped. And it helped that I could just send them voice messages. I needed some time till I could pull through. But then I did.

Generally, this stage was the most annoying route. Man, I cannot stand these special kind of e-bike tourists: a special tribe of people that looks a little unfit, they completely block the trail and are yelling at you when you are passing by foot. They were everywhere during this stage. So, I just put on my music and walked, just walked. At some point adrenaline and other stress hormones kick in, you forget about your pain and your body just functions. You become a robot. But it helps. It really is amazing what your body can do.

In the afternoon I finally reached a great camping spot, took a hot shower and fell asleep pretty early.

Stage IV: Carolinensiel – Schillig – Hooksiel – Schortens – 53 km

Sometimes I tend to make my life unnecessarily more difficult than it needs to be. On Google Maps I found this cute camping spot in the middle of some forest, right at a lake. So, I thought to integrate a little detour going to Schortens, checking out this pretty place instead of going directly to Wilhelmshaven. Yeah, the joke was on me.

In the beginning of my tour, I had the best time. I slept amazing, had some great coffee in Carolinensiel and walked on sandy beaches in Schillig, one of my most favorite places on this route. And guess what, I finally had wind gusts coming from behind and the sun was coming out. Man, I loved it and put on my Greenday and Guns ‘N Roses playlist, sang along and just walked, smiled, had fun. The fun part has been pretty rare in the first two days. I even had so much fun, that I missed a turn and accidentally did another detour, went back and stopped at the beach in Hooksiel. Afterwards, I went to Schortens, to this supposedly beautiful camping spot. Well, the images look nice, but the lake is right next to a German BundesstraรŸe (federal road): pretty noisy, the service was awful and when you had to use the facilities, you had to gag cause it was smelling like a sewer or cesspool.

This was another cold night and I just wanted to finish my tour.

Stage V: Schortens – Wilhelmshaven: 20k – finished Saturday at 10: 24 a.m.

Once again I got up before sunrise and just wanted to finish this trip. I hiked as fast as I could – like there was no tomorrow. Sometimes I was even jogging with my 15kg backpack. I so didn’t care and just wanted to arrive, which I did. I think it was by far my fastest route. Completely out of breath and extremely happy, I crossed my finish line – and then arrived at the hotel in Wilhelmshaven. Hallelujah!

Active Recovery: From Saturday till Tuesday, I stayed in a hotel and worked on my active recovery – daily swims and sauna, some relaxing walks, lots of sleep and some private time. Sauna, swimming and lots of sleep helped me to fully recover. Sunday was a special spa and personal day somewhere else: sauna, relaxation and private time all day long. โ˜€๏ธ

It was a lot of stress to my body. Sometimes I couldn’t really eat, in fact, today, Tuesday, was the first day where I could eat three regular meals. And it still hurts. I can tell that my digestive system needs a little more time. On other days during my tour, I needed to force myself to eat something, and then it was almost next to nothing. I definitely pushed my body, but am pretty darn proud that I managed it. It might not sound as tough to you, but for me, mentally and physically, it was. Walking on paved roads is insane, it hurts like hell, you really need the right gear and good muscle strength. And when you have strong wind gusts and rain, cold weather coming along, it’s just tough. It just is.

Of course, I lost a few pounds, but mostly water, also some muscle mass and fat, but after my first check-up today, things look good.

Accomodations

I only share the accommodations and inspirations I can really recommend.

Sleeping Beach Chair: This is a very neat idea and I totally digg the whole concept. BUT: I would pick a different time and location next time. It really needs to be warm and you need to make sure that you have enough privacy. That wasn’t the case in Norddeich – I felt like a tourist attraction. Also, in Norddeich you have to bring your own sleeping bag.

This sleeperoo was initially on my bucket list for this summer, preferably in a more romantic setting, but I found out that they filed for insolvency. ๐Ÿ˜ž

So, a romantic beach chair in Schillig or Hooksiel it is – but only during a hot summer night with enough privacy. ๐Ÿ˜Œ

Harlesiel Glamping: My host Markus was wonderful – excellent service beforehand, very accommodating, friendly and the lodge I booked was so warm and cozy. They really took care of the little details so that you could feel at home. And the facilities were just around the corner, all very clean and great taken care of, opportunities to cook and hang with others – really a great place. I would definitely come back. ๐Ÿ™ƒ

My favorite places

My four favorite spots were in Pilsum, Greetsiel, Schillig and Hooksiel. I will share all specs and details on these little beauties later this week here on the blog. These locations are definitely worth a visit and I am positive that I will come back.

Recommendation?

Will I do it again? HELL NO! NEVER EVER! This whole trail is not for hiking – seriously! For biking, yes, but even then, I wouldn’t pick this particular route. The stage from Leer to Emden was pretty boring to me. Though Leer itself has its charm, the bike route isn’t sexy. Also, I don’t like mass tourism and there were too many of these “special” e-bike tourists that will just get on your nerves.

Do I regret it? NO! I am proud of myself, that I pulled through – again, thank you so much to the special people that supported me, listened to my WhatsApp messages and helped me pull through. It is amazing what your body is capable of.

Did I have fun? Honestly, most of the time I hated it. I was swearing, wining, yelling – I did have my fun moments, though. ๐Ÿ˜…

Will I do another thru hike close to my new home? A sure yes. I was already looking for some trails where I can walk on sandy beaches or something more “hike-worthy”. The bucket list is still in the making, but Denmark is surely on it and I will look at other places along the North Sea coast as well.

So, this is it for my recap on my thru hike. If you have any questions or wanna know more, just drop me an email or a DM on my social channels.

xoxo

German interview with Gela Allmann

This is a German interview I did in May 2018 for my old magazine โ€œVโ€™s Worldโ€, which I shut down after my mountain bike accident. I decided to republish it here sharing a very important message with all of you: never give up! Donโ€™t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Fight for yourself, be kind to yourself live your dreams and make every single moment count. โ˜€๏ธ So this is for everyone who needs a little motivation when life gets rough. ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ

โ€œFight – Smile – Love!โ€

Das ist das Lebensmotto von Extremsportlerin, Coach & Model Gela Allmann. Fรผr mich persรถnlich ist Gela eine sehr groรŸe Inspiration. Sie transportiert so ein positives Lebensgefรผhl und inspiriert mich mit ihrer unglaublich motivierenden Art immer wieder aufs Neue. Wenn ich nach neuen Touren & Challenges stรถbere oder auch, wenn ich mal gerade ein Formtief habe, schaue ich mir ihre Instagram Stories an und alles erscheint so viel leichter und positiver. Es gibt einfach so Menschen, die einen begeistern, andere positiv mitreiรŸen โ€“ Menschen, zu denen man aufschaut. Fรผr mich persรถnlich ist Gela genau so eine Person.

Sport-Idol Gela Allmann: eine wahre Heldin

Gela Allmann wuchs in Markt Indersdorf auf und studierte Sportwissenschaft in Mรผnchen. Sie ist Diplom-Sportwissenschaftlerin mit dem Schwerpunkt Sportmanagement und verfรผgt รผber einen Master in โ€žSport, Medien und Kommunikationโ€œ. Als Profi-Sportlerin im Team Dynafit Germany war sie vor allem als Berglรคuferin sowie Skibergsteigerin aktiv. Zudem arbeitet sie erfolgreich als Model, Moderatorin und Coach.

Bei einem Foto-Shooting fรผr die Zeitschrift Fit for Fun verunglรผckte Gela im April 2014 auf einem Berg in Island schwer. Kurz darauf scheint ihr Leben als Sportlerin und Model zu Ende zu sein. Nach einem quรคlend langen Sturz 800 Meter รผber Felsen und Eis gleicht ihr Kรถrper einem Trรผmmerhaufen. Doch sie hat รผberlebt und begibt sich mit รผberwรคltigendem Kampfeswillen auf einen zรคhen, schmerzhaften Weg: von der vรถlligen Bewegungslosigkeit im Krankenbett, kleinen Etappenzielen wรคhrend der Reha bis zum ersten Berggipfel nach dem Unfall. Alleine beim Lesen und Schreiben dieser Zeilen bekomme ich schon wieder Gรคnsehaut.


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Doch sie hat es geschafft, nach diesem Schicksalsschlag neu anzufangen und hat sich mit ihrer magischen, positiven Art zurรผck ins Leben gekรคmpft.

Interview mit Gela Allmann

Als ich selbst wieder intensiver ins Training eingestiegen bin, habe ich es einfach mal als Gelegenheit genommen, Gelas Story zu erzรคhlen und mir zugegeben auch ein paar Tipps von ihr geholt.

Wie bist Du damals zum Bergsport gekommen?

โ€œIch gehe schon immer mit meiner Familie in die Berge, habe aber doch 1,5h Fahrt entfernt gewohnt. Mit Anfang/Mitte 20 als ich dann ein eigenes Auto hatte und selbst losfahren konnte, bin ich von Mรผnchen aus oft zusammen mit meinem damaligen Freund los. Irgendwann habe ich mich dann jede freie Minute ins Auto gesetzt und bin zum Berg gefahren, habe immer mehr Freunde mit gleicher Passion kennengelernt und bin selbst immer schneller die Berge hinauf โ€“ bald im Laufschritt, weil ich die Kombination aus Laufen und Berg- und Naturerlebnis absolut faszinierend fand.โ€

Was bedeutet der Bergsport fรผr Dich?

โ€œBerge bedeuten fรผr mich immer Freiheit, Naturerlebnis, Kopf frei bekommen, durchschnaufen, Zeit zu Reflektieren, eigene Grenzen austesten, Sport und Bewegung, SpaรŸ mit Freunden โ€“ all das, was ich liebe und mich auch sehr erfรผllt.โ€

Was sind Deine drei Lieblingsorte in den Bergen?

โ€œAch, am liebsten mag ich es direkt vor der Haustรผre. Ich lebe nun in Fischbachau, quasi zwischen Spitzingsee und Schliersee und liebe alle Berge, die ich gleich mal by fair means besteigen kann. Besonders angetan haben es mir auch die Dolomiten und ich liebe das Zillertal.โ€

Liebst Du eher den Bergsommer oder den Winter?

โ€œBeides ist gleich gut und es ist wunderbar, dass es beide Jahreszeiten gibt und Sommer wie Winter so geniale Sportarten bereithalten. Wenn es Neuschnee hat und der Schnee glitzert in der Morgensonne, du stampfst durch den frischen Powder, das ist groรŸartig. Aber genauso schรถn ist es in luftiger Kleidung und leichtem Equipment im Sommer mit Stรถcken einen Gipfel im Stechschritt zu erklimmen und die langen Sommerabende am Berg zu genieรŸen.โ€

Wie sehr hat der schlimme Unfall damals Dich verรคndert und woher hast Du die Kraft genommen, wieder hochzukommen?

โ€œDer Unfall hat mich in erster Linie kรถrperlich extrem beeintrรคchtigt. Mein rechtes Bein ist bis heute recht stark betroffen. Ich hatte einen Abriss des FuรŸhebernervs und habe hier keine volle Funktion mehr. Zudem fehlen mir im rechten Knie alle vier Bรคnder, der Meniskus und ich habe einen stark geschรคdigten Knorpel, was mir eine Laufbelastung derzeit nicht wirklich mรถglich macht. Ich gehe also mit Stรถcken bergauf und fahre mit der Bergbahn wieder hinunter oder mache eine Kombination aus Bike & Hike โ€“ steige wenige Hรถhenmeter wieder ab. Der Weg, รผberhaupt wieder dorthin zu kommen hat mich ein halbes Jahr stationรคren Klinikaufenthalt und eine Reha und Physiobehandlung bedeutet, die bis heute andauert. 

Psychisch und mental hat mich der Unfall in zweiter Instanz sehr geprรคgt. Ich bin sehr viel dankbarer fรผr jeden Tag, jeden Moment โ€“ ich habe die Endlichkeit des Lebens gespรผrt, da wird man sehr demรผtig vor dem Geschenk des Lebens. Zudem bin ich kompromissloser und ehrlicher mir selbst gegenรผber geworden. Ich weiรŸ, dass niemand anderes die volle Verantwortung fรผr mein Leben trรคgt als ich selbst. Damit liegt es auch an mir selbst, ob ich im Leben glรผcklich bin oder nicht. Ich kann mich jeden Tag mit meinen Gedanken und Handlungen aufs neue dazu entscheiden, genau das zu tun, um ein glรผckliches Leben zu fรผhren. Erst wenn ich wirklich glรผcklich und im Reinen mit mir bin, kann ich auch andere glรผcklich machen und Verantwortung fรผr sie รผbernehmen โ€“ das habe ich lange nicht verstanden.โ€

Woher nimmst Du Deine unglaublich positive Energie?

โ€œAlso ich muss sagen, ich habe eine ganz tolle und starke Familie hinter mir, die mir tolle Werte mitgegeben hat. Hier liegt definitiv der Ursprung meiner positiven Energie. Ich weiรŸ, dass ich nicht alleine bin โ€“ auch in der Zeit nach dem Unfall waren meine Familie, mein damaliger Partner und viele Freunde fรผr mich bedingungslos da. Das gibt unglaublich viel Kraft. Ich ziehe auch einfach sehr viel positive Kraft aus der tรคglichen Dankbarkeit fรผrs Leben. Wenn es mal nicht so rund lรคuft sage ich mir: โ€œSchlimmer geht immer!โ€ Und dieser Spruch trifft eigentlich auch wirklich immer zu. Ob wir Situationen positiv oder negativ einstufen, das liegt in unserem eigenen Ermessen. Ich hatte so unglaublich viel Glรผck bei meinem Unfall. Ich denke, ich bin ein Glรผckskind: Ich kann gar nicht anders, als Dinge positiv zu sehen. Ich bin am Leben und habe doch sehr viele der Fรคden selbst in der Hand. Scheitern, Hindernisse und Krisen gehรถren dazu โ€“ ich sehe sie als Lehrmeister, um an ihnen zu wachsen.โ€

Du bist nicht nur Skitouren-Profi, sondern auch eine Expertin in Sachen Trailrunning. Was muss man alles als Hobbylรคufer beachten, um in den Sport einzusteigen?

โ€œHahaha, ich war โ€“ das muss ich gleich dazu sagen. Man muss SpaรŸ daran haben und auf das eigene Gefรผhl hรถren, sich nicht selbst รผberfordern. Dann kommt alles andere von ganz alleine. Unter Druck und Zwang verkrampft man sich meist nur. Es geht ja beim Trailrunning auch darum, die Berge zu genieรŸen und wรคhrend des Laufens eins mit der Natur und der Bewegung zu werden, in den vรถlligen Flow zu kommen, die Gedanken loszulassen. Das ist genial.โ€

Welche Ausrรผstung sollte man sich zulegen und wie trainiert man fรผr seinen ersten Lauf am besten?

โ€œIch empfehle leichtes Equipment โ€“ jedes Gramm mehr geht am Ende auf die Gelenke. Wichtig sind gute grippfeste Traillaufschuhe, leichte Trail-Stรถcke, ein Headband oder Mรผtze, ein leichter Rucksack fรผr den Transport von den wichtigsten Utensilien: Trinken, ein/zwei Riegel, eine Sonnenbrille, Sonnencreme, evtl. ein Wechselshirt und immer eine leichte Windjacke oder รคhnliches, falls am Berg doch einmal ein Wetter aufzieht. Das darf man nie unterschรคtzen. Ich habe auch immer ein Handy fรผr den Fall der Fรคlle dabei โ€“ sollte tatsรคchlich einmal Hilfe nรถtig sein.โ€

Ich weiรŸ nicht, wie es Euch geht, aber ich habe schon jetzt wieder Sehnsucht nach neuen Outdoor-Abenteuern. Egal wo, auch ich liebe diese Ruhe, Gelassenheit und Freiheit in der freien Natur.

An dieser Stelle ein ganz groรŸes Dankeschรถn an Gela fรผr dieses tolle Interview. Fรผr mich ist und bleibt sie eine wahre Inspiration, jemand zu dem ich aufschaue und der mich immer wieder daran erinnert, wie viele Sachen eigentlich total nebensรคchlich im Leben sind. 

Das Leben ist nicht immer nur toll und positiv, vieles kรถnnen wir nicht selbst beeinflussen. Aber wir haben es selbst in der Hand, wie wir damit umgehen. โ˜€๏ธ

xoxo

photo credits: Martin Erd Photographer

featured image: ยฉMichael Mรผller Photographer fรผr Dynafit

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English Summary: Gela Allmann โ€“ German Athlete, Coach & Model

Gela Allmann is a German athlete, coach and model who was a successful professional Skimountaineering & Alpine Running athlete at the Team Dynafit Germany. For me personally, she is a great inspiration, always motivating others with her positive energy.

Her contact with skis was at the age of four. Gela has always been fascinated by mountains and by endurance sports like running. But it took her more than 26 years to discover her passion for the competitive sports Mountainrunning and Skimountaineering. In fact, she first started skitouring at the age of 26 when some friends took her to a skitour in the Alpbachtal โ€“ she was totally hooked, right from the start.

In April 2014 she had a terrible accident, falling down a descent over 800 altitude meters of pure ice and snow during a fotoshooting in Iceland. Gela broke several bones in her whole body, cut the main artery of her right leg as well as the nerve, which is responsible to lift her right foot. She was literally between life and death and had to undergo many surgeries, fighting for her life.

She truly had some guardian angels and came back even stronger, inspiring with her positive attitutude towards life. For me, she is a true heroine.

Check out this English interview.

Hiking Teutoburg Forest

The Teutoborg Forest is a range of low, forested hills in the German states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Outdoor and sports enthusiasts will love this area. Here are some impressions from my 6-hour hike: 25.7 km, accumulated elevation 579 m and a heavy backpack. 

We started at the Externsteine, then hiked to the Falkenburg Castle – including some detours – and ended up at the Hermann monument. The latter was actually pretty disappointing, especially since you had to hike on paved roads, but the area between Horn Bad Meinberg and Berlebeck was beautiful. ๐Ÿ˜Œ

So, if you are in this area, pick any of the endless MTB or hiking trails and enjoy yourself.

xoxo

NFL Munich Game Highlights 2022

Wow, what an epic event: the NFL Munich Game – the first game in Germany. My brother and I joined the full football experience in Munich, celebrating five days of American football, hanging with the Patriots and the Bucs – our two favorite teams.

Pats Nation with Sebastian Vollmer

On Thursday evening, we joined the Patriots for an awesome kick-off to the game week in Munich. At the German pub Herrschaftszeiten, the Pats invited all fans for a nice gathering, simply hanging with the football family. It was very smooth and relaxed, great food and drinks, awesome games and talks, simply a pretty cool atmosphere. In my opinion, it was one of the best fan gatherings hosted in Munich.

Bromania

On Friday night we got together with the Football Bromance community at the Audi Dome – a unique fan event with international NFL stars, American TV hosts and lots of interactive fan games. I don’t think there was anything similar at other international games. The fandom in Germany is amazing, pretty sick.

Go Bucs

Some of you may already know that my brother and I are huge fans of Tom Brady and Gronk. We grew up with the Pats and when the dream team started playing for the Bucs, we got immediately hooked. And let me tell ya: Now, after hanging with American Bucs fans in Munich, cheering for the “pirates”, we are very fond of their fan culture. Check out my Instagram Highlights for a little recap of the game.

There are no words to describe it. I still need to digest this freaking awesome game week, still get goosebumps thinking of all the stuff we experienced, the great and kind people we met. For a few days, the current world’s craziness was paused and people from all over the world came to together as a football family: peaceful, friendly, cordial and lots of great times. Something the soccer world has been missing for many years now.

My brother and I are already planning our next football trip and I for myself am currently redecorating, starting my personal football hall of fame.

xoxo