My personal inspiration: Gela Allmann – German Athlete, Coach & Model

(click here for English summary)

“Fight – Smile – Love!” – das ist das Lebensmotto von Extremsportlerin, Coach & Model Gela Allmann. Für mich persönlich ist Gela eine sehr große Inspiration. Sie transportiert so ein positives Lebensgefühl und inspiriert mich mit ihrer unglaublich motivierenden Art immer wieder aufs Neue. Wenn ich nach neuen Bergtouren stöbere 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 mitreißen – Menschen, zu denen man aufschaut. Für mich persönlich ist Gela genau so eine Person.

Sport-Idol Gela Allmann: eine wahre Heldin

Gela Allmann (34) wuchs in Markt Indersdorf auf und studierte Sportwissenschaft in München. Sie ist Diplom-Sportwissenschaftlerin mit dem Schwerpunkt Sportmanagement und verfügt über einen Master in „Sport, Medien und Kommunikation“. Als Profi-Sportlerin im Team Dynafit Germany war sie vor allem als Bergläuferin sowie Skibergsteigerin aktiv. Zudem arbeitet sie erfolgreich als Model, Moderatorin und Coach.

Bei einem Foto-Shooting für die Zeitschrift Fit for Fun verunglückte 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 quälend langen Sturz 800 Meter über Felsen und Eis gleicht ihr Körper einem Trümmerhaufen. Doch sie hat überlebt und begibt sich mit überwältigendem Kampfeswillen auf einen zähen, schmerzhaften Weg: von der völligen Bewegungslosigkeit im Krankenbett, kleinen Etappenzielen während der Reha bis zum ersten Berggipfel nach dem Unfall. Alleine beim Lesen und Schreiben dieser Zeilen bekomme ich schon wieder Gänsehaut.


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

Interview mit Gela Allmann

Da ich selbst gerade wieder intensiver ins Training einsteige und bald als großer Outdoor-Fan in der Schweiz die Trails erkunde, habe ich es einfach mal als Gelegenheit genommen, Gelas Story zu erzählen und mir zugegeben auch ein paar Tipps von ihr geholt.

Wie bist Du damals zum Bergsport gekommen?

“Ich 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 München 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 – bald im Laufschritt, weil ich die Kombination aus Laufen und Berg- und Naturerlebnis absolut faszinierend fand.”

Was bedeutet der Bergsport für Dich?

“Berge bedeuten für mich immer Freiheit, Naturerlebnis, Kopf frei bekommen, durchschnaufen, Zeit zu Reflektieren, eigene Grenzen austesten, Sport und Bewegung, Spaß mit Freunden – all das, was ich liebe und mich auch sehr erfüllt.”

Was sind Deine drei Lieblingsorte in den Bergen?

“Ach, am liebsten mag ich es direkt vor der Haustüre. 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.”

Liebst Du eher den Bergsommer oder den Winter?

“Beides 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 großartig. Aber genauso schön ist es in luftiger Kleidung und leichtem Equipment im Sommer mit Stöcken einen Gipfel im Stechschritt zu erklimmen und die langen Sommerabende am Berg zu genießen.”

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

“Der Unfall hat mich in erster Linie körperlich extrem beeinträchtigt. Mein rechtes Bein ist bis heute recht stark betroffen. Ich hatte einen Abriss des Fußhebernervs und habe hier keine volle Funktion mehr. Zudem fehlen mir im rechten Knie alle vier Bänder, der Meniskus und ich habe einen stark geschädigten Knorpel, was mir eine Laufbelastung derzeit nicht wirklich möglich macht. Ich gehe also mit Stöcken bergauf und fahre mit der Bergbahn wieder hinunter oder mache eine Kombination aus Bike & Hike – steige wenige Höhenmeter wieder ab. Der Weg, überhaupt wieder dorthin zu kommen hat mich ein halbes Jahr stationären Klinikaufenthalt und eine Reha und Physiobehandlung bedeutet, die bis heute andauert.

Psychisch und mental hat mich der Unfall in zweiter Instanz sehr geprägt. Ich bin sehr viel dankbarer für jeden Tag, jeden Moment – ich habe die Endlichkeit des Lebens gespürt, da wird man sehr demütig vor dem Geschenk des Lebens. Zudem bin ich kompromissloser und ehrlicher mir selbst gegenüber geworden. Ich weiß, dass niemand anderes die volle Verantwortung für mein Leben trägt als ich selbst. Damit liegt es auch an mir selbst, ob ich im Leben glücklich bin oder nicht. Ich kann mich jeden Tag mit meinen Gedanken und Handlungen aufs neue dazu entscheiden, genau das zu tun, um ein glückliches Leben zu führen. Erst wenn ich wirklich glücklich und im Reinen mit mir bin, kann ich auch andere glücklich machen und Verantwortung für sie übernehmen – das habe ich lange nicht verstanden.”

Woher nimmst Du Deine unglaublich positive Energie?

“Also 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 weiß, dass ich nicht alleine bin – auch in der Zeit nach dem Unfall waren meine Familie, mein damaliger Partner und viele Freunde für mich bedingungslos da. Das gibt unglaublich viel Kraft. Ich ziehe auch einfach sehr viel positive Kraft aus der täglichen Dankbarkeit fürs Leben. Wenn es mal nicht so rund läuft sage ich mir: “Schlimmer geht immer!” 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 Glück bei meinem Unfall. Ich denke, ich bin ein Glückskind: Ich kann gar nicht anders, als Dinge positiv zu sehen. Ich bin am Leben und habe doch sehr viele der Fäden selbst in der Hand. Scheitern, Hindernisse und Krisen gehören dazu – ich sehe sie als Lehrmeister, um an ihnen zu wachsen.”

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

“Hahaha, ich war – das muss ich gleich dazu sagen. Man muss Spaß daran haben und auf das eigene Gefühl hören, sich nicht selbst überfordern. 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 genießen und während des Laufens eins mit der Natur und der Bewegung zu werden, in den völligen Flow zu kommen, die Gedanken loszulassen. Das ist genial.”

Welche Ausrüstung sollte man sich zulegen und wie trainiert man für seinen ersten Lauf am besten?

“Ich empfehle leichtes Equipment – jedes Gramm mehr geht am Ende auf die Gelenke. Wichtig sind gute grippfeste Traillaufschuhe, leichte Trail-Stöcke, ein Headband oder Mütze, ein leichter Rucksack für den Transport von den wichtigsten Utensilien: Trinken, ein/zwei Riegel, eine Sonnenbrille, Sonnencreme, evtl. ein Wechselshirt und immer eine leichte Windjacke oder ähnliches, falls am Berg doch einmal ein Wetter aufzieht. Das darf man nie unterschätzen. Ich habe auch immer ein Handy für den Fall der Fälle dabei – sollte tatsächlich einmal Hilfe nötig sein.”

Ich weiß nicht, wie es Euch geht, aber ich habe schon jetzt wieder Sehnsucht nach den Bergen. Auch ich liebe dieses unglaublich tolle Gefühl auf dem Gipfel, die Ruhe, Gelassenheit und Freiheit in der freien Natur.

An dieser Stelle ein ganz großes Dankeschön an Gela für dieses tolle Interview. Für 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 nebensächlich im Leben sind. – An meine männlichen Leser: Tut mir leid, Jungs. Gela ist glücklich vergeben und zwei bezaubernde Jungs in ihrem Leben. Aber ganz ehrlich: Wenn es jemand verdient hat, dann sie. Ich wünsche ihr und ihrer kleinen, zauberhaften Familie alles Glück auf dieser Welt, mit vielen magischen Bergmomenten.

xoxo

photo credits: Martin Erd Photographer

featured image: ©Michael Müller Photographer für Dynafit

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English Summary: Gela Allmann – German Athlete, Coach & Model

Gela Allmann (35) 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 – 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.

Winter Trail Running in Deep Snow


Oh man, I LOVE the winter season. While others stop running as soon as temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius, I get more and more excited. I spent the weekend in Davos and went on a magical trail run in deep snow. It was my favorite kind of running weather: cold, lots of snow, challenging conditions – out there all alone.

Trail Running in Deep Snow

No matter what time of year, running on trails has a lot of physical and mental benefits. I myself prefer running in winter, being able to hit a new PR. Given the more difficult conditions – snow-covered ground, slippery, sloppy, icy… – my body is working much harder than it usually would, so that I become much stronger. Also, my heart works a bit harder pumping blood to the muscles, which means: in the end I will get fitter with less effort.

My muscles need to adapt to uneven terrain and thus become stronger, more responsive and resilient. I just love pushing myself to the limits during winter. Running through some of the toughest, hardest and challenging conditions makes me mentally tough, getting ready to tackle the new season with increased vigor and a solid base of fitness.

The right running gear

Wearing the appropriate gear, being seen in the dark and staying warm and protected in the face of dangerously cold conditions must always be a runner’s top priority. As you know, it is all about the right layers. When it is not too cold, yet, I simply wear two layers. But as soon as it hits 10 to 15 degrees below Zero Celsius, I need to put on a third layer.

During fall and summer season, I love my Dynafit running gear and for this winter season, I wear Kari Traa: winter running tights, Kari Traa Rett running shirt (it is the ultimate hybrid base layer for high-energy outdoor activities  always keeping you dry and warm) and the Kari Traa Tove running jacket. It combines warmth and weather protection with high breathability. For dry feet in any condition, I wear my Salomon Speedcrosss Pro, together with my Gore Tex waterproof running socks. – Since I get cold hands quite easily, I wear two pairs of gloves: Gore Tex windstopping gloves and some fleece gloves on top. For my head, I need a warm wool hat with fleece lining.

No matter what you decide to wear, make sure not to save at the wrong end and always wear functional sportswear to stay warm and protected.

Staying safe during winter trail running

Winter running is first and foremost about safety and comfort. Weather, snowpack structure, terrain, and time of day are factors in determining safety during the “snowy” season. Always check your route and the weather conditions before going on a run in deep powder – especially when you are running out in the wild. Knowledge of these factors will help with reading avalanche terrain and conditions to increase safety in backcountry travel.

I myself always run out in the wild, sometimes taking ski touring routes, which means it can happen that I tend to gravitate towards avalanche terrain. That is the reason why I needed to learn to assess conditions, the snowpack, weather and wind banners while I am out there by myself. Of course, I always prepare beforehand checking the local forecast and any warnings, but sometimes things can change and conditions are not what they appeared to be on paper.

BTW: For every winter trail runner, I highly recommend taking an Avalanche Research and Education Level 1 course!

Winter Trail Running in Davos Klosters

This weekend I was still suffering from a cold and was knocked out with a high fever for two days. I looked and felt like crap. But although I am still not fit as a fiddle, I needed to get out there the next day, as soon as I felt a little better. Many runners probably know this feeling. When I cannot run, it feels like torture. Hence, I decided to go out on a relaxing recovery run.


Man, there was so much fresh snow. I felt like I was in heaven and had fun running up the mountain, taking short fast steps with high knees. When the snow was too deep, I simply used my feet and legs as a “shovel” and was singing Christmas songs. Although breaking a trail on fresh snow requires a great deal more effort, I was smiling, having fun. Mainly, it is all about a proper technique: shorten your stride and speed up your cadence, practice looking at the trail placing your steps quickly and work on a forefoot or midfoot strike. These little tips really make the difference.

After a while the conditions changed. Heavy snowfalls, strong winds. First I thought I could keep going, but as soon as the lighter snow caused me to sink fairly to my hips, I knew it was time to turn around. With changing winds and snow structure it would not have been safe to keep going up. Thus, I turned around and ran back down.

Definitely the right decision and all in all, a great recovery run – total elevation gain: 600m. Not too exhausting, but not too easy either. And I had this huge smile on my face afterwards.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Trail Running Tip: Latschüelfurgga – Strelapass – Weissfluhjoch

During my private vacation in Switzerland I focused on my trail running training and simply wanted to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Although I have discovered mountain biking as a new sport, which I LOVE, I will always be a runner. Running up steep, high mountains, testing and challenging my personal limits, running farther, higher, faster. This is my biggest drug. I am a running addict!

Latschüelfurgga – Strelapass – Weissfluhjoch

For those of you who are looking for a nice 20k run in alpine terrain, I got this special tip for you. Magical, beautiful and empowering. I started in Davos Platz and ran/hiked up the way to Latschüelfurgga. There were many snow fields up there, which slowed me down, but it was also amazing. Most of the time I was all by myself, wearing a tank top, enjoying the sun, taking in these beautiful surroundings and just running through snow.

Then I took the route to the Strelapass. This time it was a bit too crowded for my taste. Too many hiking tourists so that I ran pretty fast in order to be alone again. But nevertheless, it is always gorgeous.

At the Strelapass I decided to run along the “Felsenweg”, all the way up to the Weissfluhjoch summit. I have seen magical images of the mountain ranges from some mountain bikers and so wanted to see it for myself. I loved the rocky surroundings, it was a bit rougher than the Strelapass, exactly what I needed. The way up to the Parsenn Station and then to the Weissfluhjoch summit is pretty steep. When trails are steep, breathing becomes harder, legs fatigue more quickly, and you tend to feel every painstaking step. Shortening your stride and taking quick steps help maintain efficiency on climbs. Short strides also help keep you in a more upright position, always standing tall – which I did.

WOW – the views up there are heartbreakingly beautiful. I saw the spot where they build the igloo village during winter season and some of the most magical mountain ranges. The Weissfluhjoch summit itself was rather disappointing, since it is a major tourist attraction. My recommendation: don’t take the funicular, hike or run up the summit. It is so much better. The same applies for going down. And if you are lucky, you get to see a group of alpine ibex climbing cliff face.

Up there – just breathe. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath in and out, then opened my eyes and had this huge satisfying smile on my face. All in all, it was a 20k run with an elevation gain of roughly 1,324 m. A magical tour!

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Swissalpine Irontrail 2018

“Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go. So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why. It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time. It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right. I hope you had the time of your life.” (Green Day) – At the Swissalpine Irontrail 2018 I definitely had the time of my life. I initially had different plans, taking along one of my readers, wanting to run a new PR at the Swissalpine H21 in Davos. Well, since I got stood up by my reader Maria on Thursday night, I had to rearrange everything. And as it turned out, it was one of the best experiences ever.

Trail running for beginners

One of my best friends asked her husband to join me on this trail running adventure. René spontaneously took off half a day at work and decided to hit the road, meeting me in Davos. I have never run a competition with a friend before. Nor with a friend who is a total newbie, not working out AT ALL. René and I were both like: “What the heck – let’s just have a blast together.” We did not think, we did not make any plans. Well, that is not all true. I actually put together a little schedule for the H21, setting a time limit, but screw this.

The H21 is generally a pretty easy, relaxing hike. You start at Davos Platz, hike to the Stafelalp, climb up the Chörbsch Horn, run to the Strelapass and back down to Davos via the Strela Alp and Schatzalp. (21.3km │ +/-1074m)

I would say it normally is a 5-hour hike. I already ran this tour in the end of May, having to take many detours due to loads of ice and snow. Back then it took me over four hours, since most of the trails were still covered with snow and I had no clue where to go, needed to take several detours crossing huge ice fields.

Thus, I actually wanted to run this tour in about 3 hours. Well, screw any plans. In the end, it was so worth it.

And you wanna know why? I took along a very good friend who hasn’t been into any outdoor sports before, who does not train, who does not hike and who does not run. René has been playing soccer for many years and is also into Mountain Biking – but only sporadically. Thus, he only has a certain minimal fitness. And running in alpine regions surely is a challenge when you have NEVER ever done it.

1st stage from Davos Platz to the Stafelalp

Boy, I was  so happy that we started during a rain shower on Saturday morning. The day before was just way too hot for me. We took it pretty easy in the beginning till we reached a nice hiking trail in the forest. I tried to give René some advice for steeper parts and gave little tips regarding his technique so that he could go easy on his strength.

The summer hiking trail to the Stafelalp is just so incredibly beautiful that I just wanted to run. And guess what: René started running as well. That was probably one of the best parts of the whole competition. Seeing my friend running up the mountain, jumping over stones, crossing bridges, smiling and having fun. I will never forget this huge smile on his face. His first steps in trail running. Hence, we reached the first post after 90 minutes getting something to drink. I was so happy! WE were happy!

2nd stage from the Stafelalp to the Chörbsch Horn

I think I call it “René’s worst nightmare”. I gotta admit: when you never hike and are not used to alpine regions, the ascent to the Chörbsch Horn can be pretty challenging with its steeper passages. René was definitely leaving his comfort zone, wishing it would end. There was one point when I felt really bad and questioned myself. Was I reckless taking him along, was it irresponsible?

We went up very slowly and took many breaks in between. René was definitely going beyond his limit but I made sure it was never too much and that he could manage it. I am pretty sure, during this stage, he probably cursed me several times. Which is totally alright. He can be so proud of himself that he managed it. It took about two hours to reach the Chörbsch Horn, but honestly, time was not of the essence. I wanted René to enjoy it! Then, at the Chörbsch Horn we took another little break, taking some beautiful pictures.

3rd stage from the Chörbsch Horn to the Strelapass

This is actually my favorite route, totally loving the trails. I just needed to run, wanted to jump, to play, to have fun. Thus, I just went and ran for a while. Only for a little bit ’cause I wanted to finish the race together with my friend. But for those of you who run, you will LOVE it. It’s playful, very easy, with breathtakingly beautiful views. When you are in Davos, make sure to try it.

René was at his lowest point and I knew that if he was giving in now, he would not make it. This was the only time I pushed him, helped him to get out of this runner’s low. I mean, every runner knows this feeling. You have two choices: either give in and give up or overcome it, gain new energy and finish it. I looked at him and he told me he wanted to finish it. He maintained good circulation, his muscles weren’t shaking. Thus, I gave him an energy bar and pushed him just a little bit till we reached the Strelapass. It was good!

Last stage from the Strelapass back to Davos, via the Schatzalp

At the Strelapass we took a longer break. Seriously, picture this: someone who is neither a runner nor a hiker, not used to alpine terrain, just did this tour, left his own comfort zone and took out all his strength. Everyone should cheer for him – I am so darn proud of him. And between us, he was actually fitter than he gave himself credit for.

The last 5k back down were tough, though. René had to undergo several knee surgeries in his past so that the steeper descent from the Strelapass was pretty challenging. But he is a quick learner, using the right technique going back down. I could tell that he had just one goal: reaching the finish line, wanting it to end soon. I could feel his pain.

Before reaching the finish line, he took out all the power and strength he had left and just ran. Together we freaking ran through the cheering crowd and finished it together. He did it! Finish time: 6:49. For those of you who now want to judge it: don’t you dare! For me, it was one of the best running events ever. Participating in the Swissalpine Irontrail 2018 with a good friend. A friend who has never done something like this but was eager to try it because he is friends with a crazy outdoor girl like me. René freaking rocked and he can be so proud, showing the medal to his wife and daughters back home!

So, as you can see: no matter how old or how fit you are, just get out there, enjoy the great outdoors, walking, hiking, running or biking the trails. Just have fun! René is living proof how much fun it can be leaving your comfort zone, enjoying mother nature. Running the Swissalpine Irontrail 2018 with a friend was much better than doing it by myself, wanting to run a new PR.

Special thanks to Tina and René for being such awesome friends. It’s the little things in life that matter – my friends are my family! Hence, I spontaneously went on a little road trip with René back home to Munich, instead of staying in Davos. Tina and René: You are one of those people who make my life better just by being in it. Love you!

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel