It works for Inge Herl

Created: 10/13/2022, 1:00 p.m

By: Alexandra Anderka

Inge Herl (number 734) started the marathon in Munich with a beaming face.

"Inge crosses the finish line with the same happy face," says her husband Georg Stöger proudly.

© Georg Stöger

Walked 42 kilometers - and the next day Inge Herl is in a really good mood again.

Jaibing - A radiant and cheerful Inge Herl opens the door.

For the interview after her marathon in Munich the day before, she asks the editor to go to the first floor, the petite 62-year-old hops up the stairs like a young deer.

Doesn't she have sore muscles at all?

"Now not at all, just a little Ziang in my thigh." And one toe is sore.

"I cut it too short," she says, laughing.

Inge Herl comes back from the marathon in Munich with a time of 4:23 hours and is fourth best in her age group.

She celebrated until 11 p.m. the night before.

Husband Girg, son Christian and friends celebrated the landlady of the Hofgalerie Jaibing.

Mrs Herl, how are you today?

Great, I'm fine, I'm overjoyed.

How did you come up with the idea of ​​running a marathon?

In 2018 I attended a lecture by Joey Kelly in Landshut.

The extreme athlete said at the time: "You can achieve anything, you just have to want it." That appealed to me.

I met a friend at this lecture.

Albert Huber from Velden.

He told me at the time: “Next year I will be running my tenth marathon in New York!

"Will you take me with you," I asked him spontaneously, "then I'll run my first".

Everyone around me just shook their heads and asked in amazement: "Why are you the first to choose the toughest city marathon in the whole world?"

Did you run then?

Just a little, I used to hate jogging.

I've always wondered, "Who could possibly like something like that?"

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Anyone who knows Inge Herl knows that she is not just a woman of words, but of deeds.

Of course, she ran the New York Marathon in November 2019, along with Albert Huber, who thought his acquaintance's announcement was little more than a joke.

A year later she had planned Munich, but then Corona came (Editor's note).

How long did you prepare for the marathon in Munich?

Around a year.

But it didn't really start until February or March.

From then on I ran a total of around 60 kilometers three to four times a week.

At the same time, I changed my diet: no alcohol, hardly any meat or sausages, very rarely fish.

What motivates you when you don't feel like training?

The nice people I always meet, cheer me on and encourage me.

Sometimes I'm also approached by guests: "We saw you running again, in the pouring rain.

All respect.” That is a great incentive.

My husband and my son are also a great support.

They're so proud of me, it's a good feeling.

So you were never tempted to abandon the plan?

No, that was no longer possible either, because I had already told so many people.

How many pairs of shoes have you gone through?

I always use three pairs alternately.

I need new ones every 500 kilometers.

So I definitely buy more running shoes than pumps.

Were you excited before the run?

I was brutally excited, got up at five o'clock and had breakfast right away so that going to the toilet would also work.

What did you have for breakfast?

Two toasts with jam.

What?

No longer?

No, because it's better to have an almost empty stomach than one who has to work.

But the week before I ate a lot of carbohydrates in the form of rice and potatoes with vegetables and I ate well the night before the run.

What happened after breakfast then?

The starting shot was fired at 9:10 a.m.

I walked my dog ​​into the forest for another 45 minutes to wind down with a forest bath.

That's where I gathered my strength.

At home I drank another cup of coffee, although you shouldn't really, but I just need it.

At seven o'clock we set off towards Munich.

Did you set a time?

Yes, 4:30 hours.

Every minute faster was a treat for me.

The finisher certificate provides information about the placement and mileage, here from Inge Herl.

© private

What was your strategy?

I lined up with the two pacemakers with 4:15 hours.

(Pace makers are runners who run exactly ahead of the specified time, editor's note).

I learned from New York that it's better to run in the last group with the better time limit than in the worse one at the front.

Then you have to overtake all the time.

That takes time and concentration.

Then I try to run as evenly as possible, like clockwork.

I accelerated for the first 20 kilometers, then I fell in line with those behind and switched on the turbo again for the last two kilometers.

I was really good at the finish line.

Did you eat or drink anything during the run?

I don't need anything for the first ten kilometers.

Then I drank two sips of water at each station, every five kilometers.

It wasn't hot.

But that's important, otherwise you're not resilient.

I swallowed one energy gel after the half marathon, i.e. after 21 kilometers, and the second after 32 kilometers.

Have you ever thought about giving up?

No!

People with disabilities walk along, some even with crutches.

Many of them made it, some two hours after me, when there were no spectators left to cheer them on.

That deserves my utmost respect.

Then what reason should there be for me to give up?

I am also a believer, believe in a power from above.

Do you only run for yourself?

I run for myself, but also for my loved ones, my husband and my son, who are so proud of me.

And for Sandra, my late daughter.

I always have your death picture with me during the run.

That gives me strength.

Have you been cheered on a lot?

Yes, the people of Munich were great!

There weren't as many as in New York, it's a bigger event there.

But those who were there were great.

A few even ran along.

Munich is the city with a heart, I felt so good.

How were the last kilometers and the arrival at the destination?

Kilometer 41 took forever, it didn't want to end at all, but when you run the last few meters, your heart beats in your lower jaw.

I was so proud and happy.

It's a bit like giving birth.

In labor you think to yourself, "Why are you doing this to yourself?" When the child is in your arms, all is forgotten.

The emotions when you make it are so great.

All the drudgery is forgotten and you will be rewarded for every kilometer of training.

It sounds like this wasn't your last marathon...

It could be... (laughs mischievously).