Carola Dörries

From swimming to trail running - Carola Dörries found her passion for trails in the foothills of the Allgäu Alps. For her, it's about much more than speed or distance: she wants to immerse herself in nature, switch off from everyday life and feel alive.

For Carola, nature and the varied landscapes are a retreat full of peace and inspiration - far away from the stress of everyday life. The weather and conditions don't matter to her - on the contrary: "For me, the outdoors means boundless freedom on the trails. Being outdoors means braving the elements - whether it's bright sunshine, icy wind or muddy trails." Every trail tells its own story and harbours new adventures - a feeling of lightness and liveliness for Carola.

CAROLA DÖRRIES,

DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL?

"From a sporting point of view, Felix Neureuther, Michael Phelps and Femke Bol."

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO START TRAIL RUNNING?

"Take it step by step, don't choose distances that are too long or too technical and preferably always in good company (safety, entertainment protects against over-pacing ;))"

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME YOUR INNER PIG DOG WHEN TRAIL RUNNING?

"Choose a nice route, set yourself intermediate goals on the route (e.g. a short stop or tasty refreshments), reward yourself after the session (nice cool drink or cake or ice cream ;))"

WHAT DO YOU DO JUST BEFORE A COMPETITION? IS THERE A SPECIAL RITUAL?

"I'm not a big fan of rituals, I'm too worried that I'll get too involved if I can't do a ritual as usual ;) That's why I prefer to freestyle a bit ^^"

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU REACH THE FINISH LINE?

"Stop the clock ;). And then sit down, cool down and drink."

WHAT DOES YOUR PERFECT DAY LOOK LIKE?

"Sleeping in, spending time with my favourite people and a nice trail run in the best weather, ice cream after training and good food in the evening :D"

WHAT DOES HAPPINESS MEAN TO YOU?

"For me, happiness primarily means being healthy, happy and content and spending time with people who are important to you."

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL FOR?

"Being healthy."

WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON?

"If you give up today, you'll never know if you could have made it tomorrow."

What other hobbies do you enjoy - apart from running?

"Spending time with my dog, hiking, ski touring, cross-country skiing, skiing, cycling, cooking and meeting friends!"

WHICH TOUR OR RUNNING ROUTE CAN YOU RECOMMEND?

"The route of the Arosa Trailrun AT33, the Andechs Trail or the Gebirgstälerlauf in Oberstdorf."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOWA SHOE?

"LOWA Citux"