Eric Walenta
/
Austria
FOLLOW ME
www.philipp-reiter.de/
Date of birth:
1991.07.20
Hometown:
Bad Reichenhall,Germany
Sponsors:
Salomon,
Overstims,
Black Diamond,
Dynafit,
Hobbies:
Photography, Adventure Books
Favourite athletes:
There are so many fascinating characters that it’s impossible to name them all. I admire those who don’t give up after a long injury, an accident or a heavy disease and work hard for their comeback.
BIO
My parents have always taken my two siblings and me away from the TV and computer games into the mountains to show us the beauty of nature. Hiking, climbing, biking, ski touring – but it was not competitive at all only “outdoor adventures”. At the age of 15 I saw an advertisement for a ski mountaineering race close to my home and decided to take part there.
I really liked to challenge myself, to overtake older guys with obviously better equipment and to “give it all”. So infected with the “virus”, I started to train more seriously and did some mountain runs in summer. At the age of 18, a local shop dealer asked me if I wanted to be his team partner for the Transalpine Run, an 8-days-alps-crossing by foot, and this was when I found my passion for trail- and Sky running…
INTERVIEW
What would be your greatest achievement?
To find the perfect trail. I know that this will probably never happen but I think it’s the goal of all trail-runners to run THE PATH – to feel the speed, the gravity in the turns, the grip of the shoes that cut through the terrain, to breathe the fresh, energetic air and to ride as light as a feather.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
I am a mountain lover and like to enjoy the brilliant views on the top. My motivation is to feel the energy of nature, just to hear the bench cracking under my feet, the birds singing and my heartbeat pulsing. The mix of physical exhaustion and absorbing from the beautiful surrounding makes me feel happy. If you can share this with friends it’s even more great…
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
During the week I usually train alone in the mountains around my hometown Bad Reichenhall but at the weekends I try to make longer runs or cycling loops with friends.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
I think that I don’t have a real recipe (and I would not share my top-top secret ;-). No, honestly, it’s discipline and hard work day by day. Spending a lot of hours on the mountains makes you better and increases your endurance…
What are you most nervous about when competing?
That I will reach the finish at all. In long ultra races in alpine terrain it’s so easy to twist your ankle, to have a bad fall or to collapse that my main goal is always to cross the finish line. But of course on the start line I hope I have chosen the right clothing, packed all the mandatory gear and took some toilet paper (for emergency ;-))
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
It’s my parents. Without their support I would not have received what I already have and couldn’t continue as I do. It’s not only their help of organizing things, motivate me if I don’t feel good or cheer along the race course. It’s that I do know that they would do everything for me if I am in deep trouble.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
Listen to your body! As an athlete it’s important to work together with your “engine”, to take care of it and not overuse it. Your body is your friend and not your enemy!
What are your future plans?
I want to explore more trails around the world and run some of the most iconic races on the globe. On my to-do-list are e.g. UTMB, Diagonale des Fous, Hardrock and a few more. And as I am a student at the moment, I want to finish that too to get my university degree in teaching (mathematics and biology).
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Start slowly, take your time, listen to your body and don’t try to push over your limits even if you are over motivated. The body needs time to adapt and all the tendons, muscles, bones,… need their time for building up.
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