Podcast "Live Smarter": "You don't have to be athletic to run

Live Smarter # 13: How Paul motivates himself to run after work

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In the first Berlin marathon 45 years ago, less than 300 runners reached the finish line. Last summer there were more than 44,000. The number of participants in fun runs across Germany has been increasing for years.

"It is now relatively normal to go running," says Paul Schmidt-Hellinger, doctor and athlete. He has won the Barbados Marathon twice and holds the German record over 50 kilometers. He started athletics when he was a child and he had talent. But that's not what matters to Paul: "You don't have to be athletic to run - it makes you so."

Since the couch just looks more relaxed than a walk through the park, it can be difficult to motivate yourself - especially at the beginning. "A small competition goal is great as a re-entry," recommends Paul. Beginners in particular should not overwhelm themselves. Company runs, which are usually three to eight kilometers long, are particularly suitable for beginners. "And so five kilometers, anyone can do that."

On the other hand, Paul advises against the popular half marathon, at least in the first months of the training: "Ten kilometers makes much more sense as a goal, because then you basically work on the speed and general ability to run."

So how should you start training? What equipment is useful? And what motivational tricks help Paul to get a run after work?

Answers to this can be found in the new episode of the podcast "Live smarter".

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