Chasing 2025: My Vision for the Year of Running Ahead
A personal forecast for running and life in the year ahead
You’ve seen enough year-end reviews to last a lifetime. Let’s flip the script and look ahead.
Imagination is a mighty tool, and wishes and a positive outlook are a powerful engine. Picture this: crossing the Zugspitz Ultratrail finish line after 100 mountain kilometers, or running side-by-side with your family after years apart. These are just two of the moments I’m envisioning as I chase my 2025 running dreams.
A New Year, a Renewed Bond on the Run
For me, the new running year starts on 31 December already, with the obligatory New Year's Eve run. Instead of a new personal best, or at least the consolation prize of breaking 40 minutes, this time it's about something much more important: family.
I will be running the legendary 10 km through Munich's Olympic Park together with my dad. It's an event we haven't done for 3 years. First he was injured, then I was injured. On Tuesday, however, we will both be ready and running side by side. What a great way to start the new running year!
Rodgau 50k Ultra: A January Tradition
The second highlight will be the Rodgau 50k Ultra at the end of January. Why is that? Because it has been a highlight every year. The atmosphere and community at this special, low-key race is simply unique. I am really looking forward to meeting old and new friends there in the freezing cold.
I doubt I will be running 50 kilometers that day, but if there is one race where that is okay, it is the Rodgau ultramarathon. Everyone as he/she feels.
Rebuilding Structure and Consistency
What I am most excited about is getting structure and consistency back into my training. I can't say I've been inactive the last few months, but it hasn't been an orderly, progressive regimen.
After the injury, I got annoyed that my form disappeared so quickly. But at some point it didn’t matter anymore, especially since I was not racing anyway.
What I didn't consider, though, is that structured training gives me stability. It gives me a direction and organizes my day, my week, my life. It's not even about training 'hard' or 'a lot'. It's about regularity. I'm eagerly awaiting to rediscover these old/new routines and running in good order again.
New Adventures in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Our move to the mountains in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GaPa) at the end of January will change a lot. All aspects of my life will be affected, including running. Although I already know the area very well as a runner, it will be different to run the first laps as a "resident". What will be my home course? Where can I run flat? Will I master snow running, or will I end up with more bruises than miles? Will I need a warmer running jacket? Do I need a headlamp for every run after work?
Winter in the mountains will be an exciting challenge for me, but I am ready to explore the run in GaPa for myself.
Reclaiming Confidence, One Downhill at a Time
But one day the snow will be gone, revealing the endless beautiful trails of the region. An exceptional test of faith awaits me here.
If you have ever injured a knee you know that the biggest hurdle in healing this complex organ is not the physical one. It's the mental one. There is hardly any other part of the body where the brain is so anxious to return to normal use. Even months after the knee has healed, almost all runners are still cautious and reserved. They have trust issues with their knee.
I tried to prevent this phenomenon during my rehab already, by visualizing myself running steep downhills at full speed with my legs wide open. Picturing myself running confidently, free of hesitation. All out, unrestrained.
The day will come in 2025 when I will put these visualizations into practice.
My Unwavering Commitment to Sierre-Zinal
Sierre-Zinal, my love. I had to cancel the race this year because of my bad knee (speaking of steep downhills...), which hurt a lot. Especially since it's not that simple to get one of the coveted starting spots.
But I'm looking forward, not back, and will try again in 2025. I will not let go of the Course des Cinq 4000 until I am back at the starting line in Sierre as a "touriste" or "coureur".
The Mountain Mission: Zugspitz Ultratrail 100km
But the absolute highlight of 2025 will be another race: the Zugspitz Ultratrail (ZUT). I have written a lot about this event. Also about my reasons to start at the 100 km distance in 2025 and why I feel so connected to this race.
At the moment, it feels like a trip to Mars when I imagine running a 100km ultramarathon. But I know it will become more and more realistic as I get closer to the day. Training in the mountains and on the racecourse will not only make this project more attainable, it will bring it to life. This will be great.
Nurturing a Fulfilling Relationship with the Sport I Love
But what I'm most excited about in 2025 is running. Just running. Free and joyous.
It sounds simple, but it's not a given. Just like in a relationship, you have to do a lot of self-reflection and work on yourself if you want to be happy and fulfilled.
Or to put it more simply, we all have a relationship with running. I'm willing to do my part to make it a happy one.
Everything Not Running
Please take one minute of your time to complete a short mini-survey. This will help me to make Das Z Letter 2025 even better. I also appreciate your feedback in the comments below this article.
On Repeat
GREY AREA will never be regarded one of New York's best known hardcore bands. Despite their prominent line-up with ex-members of WARZONE, TOKEN ENTRY, BLACK TRAIN JACK and NO REDEEMING SOCIAL VALUE and their record deal with the hardcore label of the 90s, Victory Records, they were always overshadowed by bigger names like Agnostic Front, Sick of it All and also the musically very similar H2O.
And yet, with their self-titled debut album, they have pulled off an absolute masterstroke. GREY AREA combine the spirit and drive of New York hardcore with unmatched turbo-melodic hooklines and choruses. Singer Ernie Parada's voice, which already made BLACK TRAIN JACK an unforgettable band for lovers of sung hardcore, goes right through you.
For "On Repeat" I choose the song "Before Me". Why? Listen to it and you'll know why.
To make you (and myself) feel less sad about the 0 % favoring writing: Although I responded that I'm most interested in personal running blogging, I am second most interested in writing :)