Patrick Wieser ran the marathon for Switzerland at the European Championships in Zurich. One year later he participated in the World Mountain Running Championships in Zermatt. The athlete from Thurgau is successful, regardless of whether the route is flat or uphill.  

You have been able to celebrate many road and mountain running successes. What does your training look like? Do you train specifically or is your basic physical condition enough to beat the specialists?  

In principle, I focus on a flat marathon in the spring and on mountain runs during the remaining months. I thus develop my basic speed during spring and afterwards specialise in mountain runs.

Since I live in the lowlands, I can’t really do any proper mountain running training in my usual training ground. However, I deliberately incorporate hilly endurance runs and hill runs into my training all year round and, if time allows, travel somewhere where I can run uphill for 30 to 45 minutes in one go. As a rule, I also practice running downhill during these training sessions because I see it as an important training stimulus

What are your most important tips for a successful mountain run?  

Will, ambition, and a love of mountain runs are paramount. The following points are then important:

• When you can no longer go any faster, simply keep going. You should never give up and lose sight of your goal.
• Incorporate longer ascents and descents into your training in order to prepare your cardiovascular system and muscles for the strain.
• Approach the training step-by-step, for example, by completing a short ascent of 2 kilometres several times consecutively and then lengthening the ascent over the following weeks.
• Practice running on uneven ground. Those fit in technique are better able to develop their performance.

You work full-time as a policeman and constantly need to juggle training and recovery. How do you organise your training and working life so that neither one nor the other comes off badly? And what are the most important tips you can give all working hobby runners in order to fit everything in?  

My work gives me the necessary structure. I plan my training around it. In my opinion, it is crucial that you are committed to your hobby or goal and then rigorously pursue this path, which means mustering the will to prioritise your training. These are my tips:

• Set yourself a specific goal and plan fixed training sessions in your weekly schedule. You can then be assured that you are training sufficiently for your goal.
• The early bid catches the worm. Those who train before work are in a good mood all day.
• Switch off during the day at least once for 10 - 15 minutes and recharge your energy. This gives you good balance.

Dividing the competition up well is the key to success. How do you divide your races? What tips do you have for runners?  

Since I can usually run for victory, I adapt the race to my opponents to a large extent. I always try to play off my strengths and therefore run relatively fast on the flat sections of mountain runs.

For those not running for victory, I recommend that you pace yourself to start with, divide the race up well, and particularly on mountain runs, enjoy the nature, the scenery, and the spectators.

In terms of catering, you shouldn’t experiment during a competition. Everything should be tested in training beforehand.

Foto: ZVG