Christian Belz has dominated the lane and road running scene in Switzerland for more than 10 years. As a result, he has won 18 Swiss championships and made two appearances at the Olympic Games. Today, the Bernese is still active in the sports scene as the Country Manager for Switzerland at PowerBar.

You ended your impressive career 6 years ago. What would you do differently if you could turn back time?

You’re always wiser in hindsight. My answer is therefore purely hypothetical. I would have made adjustments in two areas: on the one hand, I would have taken a more consistent approach to my periodization, setting blocks and building up more intensity in my training. On the other hand, I would have made more use of scientific expertise. For example, in the areas of nutrition, supplementation, and recovery.

Since the end of your career you are still active in the sports environment and take an interest in sports nutrition. What are the three most important tips that you would like to give to athletes?  

• 2.
  Your basic diet should be balanced, seasonal, and if possible, local.
• 4.
  Balance supplements with sports nutrition products.
• 6.
  Enjoy eating!

The sport of athletics is currently cast in an unfavourable light. The doping issue is omnipresent. In your eyes, what needs to change so that good performances do not automatically come under suspicion?  

In an ideal world, the controls would be applied with the same rigour everywhere and would be organized the way they are in Switzerland. What’s more, the media and general public should recognize and appreciate the performance itself and not just the result.

What tips do you have for all those wanting to successfully take part in a road race this year? Can you give us 3 tips for the preparation and 3 tips for the race itself?

My tips for the preparation:

• 2.
  Follow a structured training plan
• 4.
  Schedule enough preparation time
• 6.
  Set realistic and ambitious targets

My tips for the competition:

• 2.
  Be well prepared = no experiments during the race
• 4.
  Have a plan for the race
• 6.
  Have fun!

Foto: ZVG