Running
Here’s how to get into mind of an endurance runner
Want to attempt a long run? Florian Neuschwander offers his advice for Wings for Life World Run.
4 min
Flo Neuschwander's distance-running tips
Get into the mindset of an ultrarunner with these mental tips from Flo Neuschwander.
With his thick-rimmed glasses, hipster moustache and care-free attitude, Florian Neuschwander doesn’t look like your average athlete. He certainly knows what it’s like to run against the Wings for Life World Run Catcher Cars though.
This year, he’s hoping to beat the astonishing 74.5km that threw him into the spotlight in 2015.
This is his rundown of what a runner can expect to go through as they grind out the kilometres. “Everyone makes it to five, six or seven kilometres. Even those who have never run can just come along and see, ‘How far can I go?’”
Testing your limits is what Wings for Life is all about, seeing how far you can run as you raise money for those who can’t.
Find out more about the Wings for Life World Run in the video below:
2 min
Wings for Life 2017 World Run teaser
Wings for Life 2017 World Run teaser
The unique chase element provided by the Catcher Cars can push even amateurs to the extremes. Novice Elise Molvik shocked even herself when she made it over 50km to win the 2014 women’s race in Norway.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves “Don’t take off too fast,” advises Neuschwander. Before three or four kilometres, we should have an idea of our target pace. Once you’ve found it, stick at it.
“There’s not much more to think about in the first 10 kilometres. If you make it to the half-marathon mark, you’re doing really well.”
After that, things start to get interesting. With a moving finish line, pacing is crucial. “You need to concentrate. 80 percent to 90 percent of it is mental. Once you’re into it and have switched off, you don’t even think about problems that may have been and you just run.”
Florian Neuschwander tackling mountains in Austria's Kleinarl
© Ydwer van der Heide/Red Bull Content Pool
There's nothing quite like the sun on your back to give you a running boost
© Ydwer van der Heide/Red Bull Content Pool
For the few who manage to get past 30km, the pressure begins to pile on. You’ve got to be hitting under five minutes a mile. Any slower and the car will catch you.
Neuschwander doesn’t have the strictest food regimen – when asked by German publication ISPO if he had a nutrition plan, he promptly replied, “Sure! I eat everything! Meat! Fries! A glass of wine or beer once in a while. I do the same thing eating as I do running. I keep it how I feel like.”
When he’s in the competition however, he takes more care. He recommends refuelling every eight to 10 kilometres, warm drinks aren’t just for when you get home either, but will provide that extra oomph.
For Neuschwander, it’s not until the 50km mark, when everyone else running alongside him has long given up, that thoughts of dropping out start to arise.
“But it’s for a good cause so you continue.”
Everyone makes it to five, six or seven kilometres. Even those who have never run can just come along and see, ‘How far can I go?’
That doesn’t mean the competition is over either. This is a World Run. “On the other side of the world, there are still others running that you can’t see but you’ve got it in your head and it somehow motivates you to beat your imaginary opponent.”
The beauty of the event is that you don’t know when you’re beat. “Even though you no longer have a direct opponent next to you or in sight, you’re still motivated to just run until you can’t go on.”
And the best thing about it?
“Simply to stop running. In the end, you’re happy to be able to just stand still.”
Wing for Life World Run takes place at the same exact time all around the world on Sunday May 7 – with events in multiple countries as well as the chance to take part wherever you are using the Wings for Life World Run app – and all the action will be shown live on Red Bull TV.
For more information, including how to take part, visit WingsForLifeWorldRun.com.
