Chris Zehetleitner's Blog, page 7

The Lost Art of Being a Rookie

The Runner's Rookie Mind

One of the best decisions I made in my early years as a runner was willingly embracing the role of beginner, rookie, padawan.

I wasn't too proud to ask "stupid" questions — and I asked many. I was forgiving with myself when I made mistakes. And I existed in a constant Alice in Wonderland state of mind as I discovered new aspects of the running world or tried something for the first time. This happened almost daily.

Showing yourself as a beginner isn't something to be taken...

2 Year Anniversary

Dear Running People and Loyal Readers,

Today marks a special milestone:

Das Z Letter turns TWO!

That's 104 consecutive weeks of running stories, reflections, and slightly breathless musings (pun absolutely intended). For two full trips around the sun, I've shared my running journey with you all, including a bit of "Everything Not Running" and my dubious "On Repeat" music recommendation.

Thank You

Writing this newsletter has become one of my greatest joys. It has gone from something I do to something...

Das digitale Laufband (SPRACHNACHRICHT #117)

In der Sprachnachricht #117 geht es um den problematischen Umgang von unser Läuferinnen und Läufern mit dem Social Web, allen voran Instagram und Strava. Eine ehrliche (Selbst-)Reflexion wie wir uns im Spannungsfeld zwischen Vergleichsgelüsten und Unzulänglichkeitsgefühlen das Läufer*innneleben schwer machen.

Viel Freude beim Hören.
Chris aka Das Z

Shownotes

Passender Das Z Letter “The Digital Treadmill”

On Repeat Empfehlung: TRC “Moaner”

“On Repeat” Spotify Playlist

Gefällt dir das alles hier? Dann s...

The Digital Treadmill

This is going to hurt a little, but someone has to say it: we runners have a questionable relationship with social media.

In a world where every run is tracked, every route is shared, and every personal best is broadcasted to hundreds of followers, we've somehow transformed the simple act of running into a theatrical performance for a quasi-invisible audience.

This may not be "big news". But that doesn't stop me from reminding myself (and everyone reading this) of the unreasonably high price we a...

Fearless. Female. Runners.

Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women's Day.

Women’s equality has suffered some serious backlashes in recent months. Patriarchy has reared its ugly head and many of the gains of the feminist movement have been rolled back or reversed altogether.

But what does all this have to do with running?

Quite a lot, actually.

Running Towards True Equality

Running is often described as a form of freedom, an act of pure physical expression. But for women1, it has always been more than that. Running is a co...

Warum Training besser ist als Joggen (SPRACHNACHRICHT #116)

In der Sprachnachricht #116 erzähle ich, warum ich gerade im strukturierten Training das größte Glück finde, anstatt einfach vor mich hin zu joggen. Dazu beschreibe ich exemplarisch eine typische Trainingswoche.

Viel Freude beim Hören.
Chris aka Das Z

Shownotes

Passemder Das Z Letter “Why Training Beats Casual Jogging”

“Hauptsache Raus” Podcast

On Repeat Empfehlung: KILLER BE KILLED “Wings of Feather and Wax”

“On Repeat” Spotify Playlist

Das Z [+] Abo holen und Unterstützung leisten

Die Das Z - Sprach...

Why Training Beats Casual Jogging

Back At It

I have been back in structured training for a few weeks now. Currently my training weeks are as follows:

Monday: Rest day.
When the boredom gets unbearable, I get on the bike.

Tuesday: Not-so-easy easy run.
A typical 3/10 effort run that usually feels quite powerful due to the rest day.

Wednesday: Intervals.
Since the local track is closed until April, I usually do time intervals on wishfully flat dirt roads. These are short, intense peaks to get back into the swing of running fast.

Thursd...

[+] A Runner’s Gratitude

Things I do without much thought.

(Photo by Björn Lexius)

After every run, whether it's an unspectacular jog or a momentous race, I stop, look up at the sky, and give thanks. To whom or why I can't say, but that's not the point of this ritual. What matters is the gratitude I express.

I give thanks for the breath of fresh air, for the embrace of nature, and for the company of the elements that invigorate my spirit.

I give thanks for the beauty of the experience itself. Even when the miles feel heavy ...

[+] Dankbarkeit eines Läufers

Dinge, die ich ohne viel Nachdenken tue.

(Foto von Björn Lexius)

Nach jedem Lauf, sei es eine unspektakulärer Jog oder ein bedeutendes Rennen, halte ich inne, schaue in den Himmel und sage Danke. Bei wem und warum, kann ich nicht sagen, aber das ist auch nicht der Kern dieses Rituals. Was zählt, ist die Wertschätzung, die ich dabei zum Ausdruck bringe.

Ich danke für die frische Luft, für die Umarmung der Natur, für die Gesellschaft der Elemente, die meinen Geist erwachen lassen.

Ich danke für die Sc...

Lauf-Update (SPRACHNACHRICHT #115)

In der Sprachnachricht #115 weiche ich vom Protokoll ab und fasse nicht den aktuellen Das Z Letter zusammen, sondern spreche frei über das Laufen in den Bergen und den NNormal Tomir Schuh. Der Grund: Manchmal lässt sich der Das Z Letter schlecht bis gar nicht übersetzen.

Viel Freude beim Hören.
Chris aka Das Z

Shownotes

Aktueller Das Z Letter “The Invisible Miles”

“Consistency is Key” Kollektion von Willpower

On Repeat: THE EXPLOITED “F*ck The USA”

Das Z [+] Abo holen und Unterstützung leisten

Die Das Z...