Christina Hering on mental strength and external help: "Didn't want to wake up sleeping dogs"

Created: 08/17/2022, 12:39 p.m

By: Jacob Alschner

German hope over the 400 and 800 meters: Christina Hering from Munich.

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As a Munich native, the European Championships are something very special for her.

Christina Hering on the mental strength that running requires - and external help.

Munich – 400m and 800m runner Christina Hering, 27, reached the semi-finals at the World Cup in the USA two weeks ago. As a Munich native, she is fighting for precious metals at the European Championships as a local hero.

In an interview, she talks about her "everyday work", tips and tricks on the track and talks about the struggle with running in the head.

Ms. Hering, you studied sports science and sports management.

As a top athlete, do you have an advantage because you know the scientific side?

Christina Hering:

Yes.

I find it exciting what, for example, nutrition can influence.

I now know my body and can judge when I need a break.

But of course the mental component also plays a role.

Physical performance is very similar among athletes.

The head decides on victory and defeat.

This has led them to win the German championships again.

Does that give you a boost?

Christina Hering:

It should give me a boost.

Also because it was a relatively sovereign victory.

Internationally, it's all about progressing one round at a time.

I will try to get as far as possible, also at the European Championships.

The final is in.

Do you have any rituals or tricks that you use?

Christina Hering:

That's mainly my routine.

In the days leading up to a race, I always try to have the same procedures.

That gives me security.

I can gain a lot of self-confidence from good training sessions.

Especially over the 800 meters, over which I really have to push my physical limits.

Over this distance it's a neck-and-neck race and you have to be wide awake.

Mental toughness is important, which is why I enlisted the help of a sports psychologist.

What are you discussing with him?

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Christina Hering:

Everyone has to find that balance between focus and relaxation.

Now I can tell when something is wrong in my head.

Then I take a break, drive out into the mountains or to a lake.

In many sports, the treatment of mental illnesses, when they are already there, is becoming increasingly important - especially in team sports.

Is it similar in individual sports?

Christina Hering:

There is a rethinking that the head is just as important as the body.

It takes courage to open up.

How was it for you?

Christina Hering:

Six or seven years ago, people around me advised me to do so.

But that didn't work at all.

I had the feeling that I didn't need the help at all and I was also afraid of it.

I didn't want to wake sleeping dogs.

Then I stopped it again.

Only two or three years later did the pressure become too great for me.

He took all the fun out of me.

There were times when the pressure was so high that I couldn't even remember them after the races.

I was just functioning - like on autopilot.

Then I tried again with a psychologist.

And?

Does it help?

Christina Hering:

Yes, super good!

It's very nice to have someone external to whom you can really tell everything.

I've learned to handle the excitement better and to keep my focus constant during the race.

I'm currently good at doing that.

They run over 400 and 800 meters.

Stupidly asked: why?

You could have it shorter, couldn't you?

Christina Hering:

(laughs) In fact, I would like to run the 400 meters more often, but I don't have the basic requirements compared to other countries.

My options above 800 are greater.

Even as a child, I ran both distances, so it depends a lot on which distance the trainer prefers.

And now to change .

.

.

it's too late for that.

Although I would like to, I have to say.

Interview: Jacob Alschner