A few years ago, I visited the ruins of Heisterbach Abbey. I was already quite limited in my mobility at the time and could only manage the short circular walk around the grounds with some difficulty. At the edge of the adjacent car park, there are signposts indicating the route to Oelberg and Löwenburg. And I’ve always wanted to walk that route one day.

That was motivation enough to at least give it a go.

A good 4 kilometres of constant uphill. I had to give up on my first attempt after just a few hundred metres. The next time, I managed a few metres further. That’s how I gradually increased the distance. Each time, I was in agony from terrible hip pain and sometimes couldn’t walk a step for days afterwards.

But eventually I made it to the Oelberg. It took me three hours to cover a good four kilometres. I must have taken at least ten breaks along the way to relax my hips and glutes. But I fought my way up and back down again. Over and over.

“Real success comes from trying consistently”

Then one day, the time had come. I was standing on the Oelberg again. This time, though, without a break on the ascent. Straight up from the monastery ruins. And in the distance, the Löwenburg beckoned….

And from that moment on, it became my go-to training route no. 1.