Trailrun Route Posbank 14km / 400hm (GPX)
Trailrun Posbank 14 km met 400 hoogtemeters. Download het GPX-bestand en ontdek één van de mooiste trailroutes van Nederland in Nationaal Park Veluwezoom.
februari 23, 2026
Trailblazer: Christiane Schwarze
Inhoudsopgave:
[scroll down or click here for English start interview]
De definitie van trailblazers volgens Girl on the Run: mensen die hun eigen paden creëren, óók wanneer het leven al vol is van zichzelf. Christiane Schwarze is zeker een trailblazer!
Over Christiane
Vanaf de buitenkant lijkt haar leven op een perfect plaatje: een gezin, een huis vol met meerdere generaties, werk dat lekker doorloopt en ze behaalt óók nog grote sportprestaties.
Daarachter schuilt meer: vroege ochtenden, lange trainingsuren en de voorbereiding op één van de zwaarste trailruns door de Alpen.
Afgelopen jaar stond ze samen met haar man aan de start van de Trans Alpine Run, een 7-daagse trail door de Alpen met in totaal bijna twintigduizend hoogtemeters. En ja, ze kwamen ook samen over de finish. Een bizarre prestatie!
Keuzes maken
In dit interview neemt Christiane je mee in hoe ze dat doet. Niet alleen fysiek, maar juist ook in het dagelijks leven. En wat dit interview zo mooi maakt, is dat ze eerlijk laat zien dat balans niet iets is wat je vindt, maar iets wat je steeds opnieuw creëert.
Iedere keer keuzes maken en bijstellen. Tussen gezin en ambitie. Tussen rust en uitdaging. En soms… tussen een volle wasmand en een moment voor jezelf.
Ik ben Christiane super dankbaar dat ze deze Trailblazer-rubriek als eerste aftrapt met haar eerlijke verhaal.
Pak een kop koffie of thee, gooi je benen omhoog en laat je inspireren. ☕✨
PS: Christiane woont in Duitsland, vandaar dat dit Trailblazer-interview nu in het Engels verdergaat.
A few basic facts of Trailblazer Christiane
Name: Christiane Schwarze
Age: 41
Nationality: German
Sports:
Trail running, running, strength training (functional & HYROX), Pilates
Training: ±10–13 hours/week
Favorite sport:
I love trailrunning.
Family:
Married to Matthias (together for 15 years)
Three children: Olaf (8), Ida (6) and Liv (18, bonus daughter)
We live in a multi-generational household with Matthias’ parents.
Work:
Sports therapist (20h/week)
Freelance personal trainer, Pilates instructor & lecturer
Biggest achievement:
That was definitely the Transalpine Run 2025. Matthias and I lined up at the start together for the third time and ended up on the podium in 2nd place in the Master Mixed category. It was a dream come true.
Most meaningful achievement:
It wasn’t anything major, but it was a really lovely moment – or rather, event. Last year, we took part in a regional half-marathon that also included a kids’ race. It was the first time our whole family stood together at the starting line for an event like that. It filled me with such joy because we were able to share the fun of this sport with our children.
This is how Christiane unwind the fastest:
Put on my running shoes and workout clothes and head out. Whenever I’m feeling really out of sorts or stressed, my husband sends me out and won’t talk to me again until I get home 😉
Her favorite quote:
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always remain what you’ve always been.” – Henry Ford.
I have to remind myself of this from time to time, and I always try to convey this message in my work with people.”
Movement in a Full Life
How much do you train on average per week?
“On average, I work out 10–13 hours a week. It’s a mix of running, Pilates, and strength training. That number can vary quite a bit depending on what the day or week has in store.”
How do you make this work with a family?
“To be honest, that requires a lot of organization and sometimes a bit of spontaneity, too. Like taking advantage of unexpected free moments for a 20–30-minute strength workout.
I don’t have to force myself to work out. Instead, I look for time slots to fit in my workouts. Of course, that sometimes means the floor stays unmopped and the laundry stays in the hamper.”
Were you already very active before having children, or has that changed?
I’ve been doing sports for as long as I can remember. As a child, we were always in the mountains hiking and climbing, and staying active at the sports club was just part of life.
In fact, now in my early 40s and with two kids, I’m currently in the best shape of my life. That’s not because I’m doing more, but because I’m training effectively.”
What does it require from you to train a lot while also being present for your family?
“I get up early and go for long runs. I also take advantage of the kids’ sports events, for example, by running home from a soccer tournament while my husband drives the kids back. We do the same thing the other way around, too.
Or one of us goes hiking with the kids while the other runs to a playground where we meet up and spend time together. Now the kids can even join us on their bikes. So we run to a pump track for the kids or other cool spots.
The important thing is that it’s a win-win for everyone. But I also spend a lot of time on the treadmill in the basement when the kids are asleep.”
Do you notice that your athletic choices impact your children and/or your environment?
“I hope to be a role model for my kids when it comes to staying active. That doesn’t mean they have to go running. It just means that being active becomes a natural part of their lives. Right now, it seems to be working out.
I have a lot of friends who aren’t quite as into sports as I am. I’m usually the first one to leave a party or a wine night because I want to go for a run early the next morning. But by now, my friends all know me, and to them, it’s normal.”
Do you ever experience feelings of guilt? Or have you experienced that in the past? How do you deal with that?
“Oh yes! There are moments now and then when I feel like I’m not doing enough for my family, especially when I let things slide.
What helps me is realizing that I’m a much more balanced woman and mother when I also think of myself and make sure to put my own wishes and needs first.”
What is your golden tip for people who feel like they “don’t have time” to exercise?
“People probably find it much harder to take advantage of spontaneous free moments. I’d recommend scheduling time for yourself.
At the start of the week, sit down and take a look at the schedule and how the week is structured. Then deliberately set aside time for exercise. It doesn’t always have to be a long run. Thirty minutes of exercise is a good start.”
Do you have days when you simply don’t feel like it?
“No, I’m always happy when I manage to work out.”
The Challenge: Trans Alpine Run
The Transalpine Run is a stage race through the beautiful mountains of the Alps. It lasts 7 days. Each day, participants run between 35 and 50 kilometers and climb between 2,000 and 3,000 meters in elevation.
In some years, a mountain sprint takes place halfway through the race. That covers 9 kilometers with approximately 1,000 meters of elevation gain. Every year, a different route takes runners across the Alps. This ensures that “repeat participants” won’t get bored.
How did you come up with the idea to do the TAR? Had you done something similar before?
“Before I participated for the first time in 2016, I had been following the TAR as a supporter for many years. My husband had already run it three times before with a friend.
For me running the TAR was something unimaginable. I admired and cheered on all the participants so much. I was very active along the course, running to different points to support my husband. But actually participating seemed like a distant dream.
In the two years leading up to my first participation, there was a race across the Alps called 4Trails. It consisted of four days with stages ranging from 35 to 45 kilometers and 2,000 to 3,000 meters of elevation gain. I gave it a try and was able to finish successfully twice.
After that, I felt confident enough to take on the TAR.”
What did this challenge mean to you?
“For me, this is a very special race. The Alps have been part of my fondest vacation memories since I was a child. I love trail running. So it’s a perfect match. Plus, it’s very challenging to be at the starting line for seven days straight.
There are so many intense moments and challenges during the race. After my first TAR, I felt invincible. 😉 You can do anything.”
Can you describe a scene during the TAR, that was extremely challenging? What made you continue?
“Oh, there was a situation during my first time participating. On Day 3, I had a minor breakdown after 4 kilometers. It happened right as I was about to enter a beautiful trail. There was still morning dew on the meadows, and it smelled of fresh, cold air. It was going to be a sunny day.
You’re supposed to keep a relatively brisk pace during the first few kilometers to avoid getting stuck in a line on the trail, which often run along roads and forest paths.
That stressed me out so much that I couldn’t run or breathe anymore. I started gasping for air and cried.
My husband was very understanding with me (even though he was probably totally annoyed ;-)) He spoke encouragingly to me, hugged me, and gave me time.
Last year, there were a few days here and there when I had to struggle mentally. But it helped that there were two of us and that we know each other well in stressful situations.”
What did the preparation for the Trans Alpine Run look like, both physically and mentally?
“In 2025, I planned my entire year around the TAR, including the races I did leading up to it. Every three months, I chose a 50-kilometer race and trained for it. I also did some hill intervals on the treadmill. My husband and I drove to a nearby ski slope once a month and hiked up it 3–5 times quickly with poles and ran down fast to do pole training and downhill training.
Basically, I placed a lot of emphasis on quality workouts and not so much on endless weekly mileage.
Block sessions were also part of the plan. So, 18 km at a brisk pace on Fridays, 30 km of trail running with elevation gain on Saturdays, and a more relaxed 20–25 kilometers on Sundays.”
How about mental training?
“My mental training consisted of juggling everything. Other than that, I didn’t do much in that area. I would do things differently next time, though. I think that’s a very important point.
Strength training also played an important role. I incorporated that into my routine 1–2 times a week.”
This is how an average week looked like during the months leading up to the race:
Mondays: After the kids left for the day, I went for a relaxed 60-minute steady run in the morning. Afterward, I drove to my job as a lecturer and picked up the kids on my way back. In the afternoon, I had time to drive them to their activities or have friends over to play.
Tuesdays: I usually did hill intervals on the treadmill in the morning and then worked from home. Afternoons are always dedicated to the kids. That evening, I also led a Pilates class as a coach.
Since I work early on Wednesdays, I’d manage at most a 30-minute run while walking the dog in the evening.
Thursdays: Strength training after work.
Fridays: Work leaves me little time for training and family. So it’s always family. In other words, a rest day.
Weekends: My husband and I usually split up the training so that one of us was always with the kids.
Some days they did something fun with their grandparents, and we were able to drive to the Harz Mountains for a trail run.
Or one of us would drive ahead and do the workout, while the other followed with the kids to do something together, then do the workout later.
That requires a lot of logistics and, if we’re honest, not much rest.
Which routines helped you through that period?
“It really helped me that my weekdays always followed a similar schedule. My work is predictable, the kids’ schedules are set, and that allowed me to establish a good routine for my workouts.
And over the months, a solid routine has developed. I like to get up early to get ready for the day. That included prepping the meals early in the morning so I’d have time for my workout later.”
Do you experience fatigue during periods like this?
“I was really productive during the day, but in the evenings I was often exhausted and sometimes went to bed early.”
How do you recognize your limits? And how do you protect your boundaries?
“When I get minor injuries and have to take too long to recover after workouts, I try to take it down a little bit. In my experience, if you recognize this early on and take it seriously, you’ll bounce back just fine.”
You completed the TAR together with your husband. What was that like as partners, both athletically and relationally?
“My husband is in slightly better shape than I am. But he’s very good at pacing himself. Since he has much more stamina during the race, he took care of refilling our drinks at the aid stations and made sure we still had enough food. He took my poles when I didn’t need them and even pushed me up the hill when I couldn’t go any further. When he noticed I needed a moment to myself, he ran ahead.
We’ve known each other for so long now and know each other really well. For me, each of the three finishes with him was something very special and has brought us closer and closer together.”
How did you balance both of your training volumes in combination with work, family time, time together and time for yourself?
“Sports counts as my personal time. My husband makes sure we don’t neglect our time together as a couple. I’m very grateful to him for that. So we sometimes go out to dinner or to the movies together.
We include the kids in our sports activities. We take them to competitions and run with them. Trail running is a part of who we are, and so are the kids. It just makes sense to combine the two.
I’m lucky enough to be able to work mostly while the kids are at school and in preschool. And that’s when the structures I described earlier come into play.”
Where did your children stay during the TAR, and how did you experience that?
“The kids were at home. Our son goes to school, so it would have been difficult to take him out of school for a week.
Matthias’s older daughter moved in for the week and helped out the grandparents. She did a really great job with her siblings, and I’m so grateful for that!
We video chatted every day and told each other about our days. The kids had a really great time with their big sister and Grandma and Grandpa.”
Are there risks involved in your sport?
“There are various risks associated with trail running. These include injuries such as twisted ankles, falls, or overexertion. Or, when running off-road, on slippery or very technical terrain.
You may also experience navigation issues or, especially in the Alps, altitude-related problems.
The weather can also be challenging at times. Heat, cold, and sun should not be underestimated. Physical strain, such as exhaustion and loss of concentration, or mental factors, such as overconfidence, can also come into play.”
And how do you deal with them?
“I am aware of these risks and would not attempt something like this without proper preparation and equipment.
It is just as important to check the weather regularly. Anyone who spends a lot of time in the mountains knows that the weather there can change quickly.
That’s why you should always carry certain mandatory gear and a first-aid kit.
However, the regulations for events like the Transalpine Run are also very strict. This means that every morning before you enter the starting box, your gear is checked. Every evening, there’s a detailed route briefing.
In case of adverse weather conditions, the route is adjusted or even canceled for the safety of the participants. You can download the GPX data for the route and use it in addition to the route, which is actually very well marked.
During the TAR, I really didn’t worry at all about our safety.”
Do you ever experience fear?
“No, I’m not afraid. Or rather, I don’t put myself in situations that scare me.”
We often see someone “alone” in the finish photo. But who stood behind your finish?
“What a great question! Because without the people behind me, there wouldn’t be a finisher photo.
My family, especially my husband and his parents. My husband, because he knows what sports – especially trail running – mean to me. We both support each other so we can stick to our training. Above all, there’s a lot of understanding, and in my opinion, that’s absolutely crucial.
I think it’s important that your partner knows you’re not “escaping,” but rather doing something for yourself and drawing energy for everyday life from your sport.
My in-laws also often make it possible for us to hit the trails together. I especially love those moments!”
Mental Strength & Balance
You combine entrepreneurship, training and a young family.
What keeps you motivated, even on difficult days?
“For me, running and the training that goes with it isn’t a struggle. Instead, I look for opportunities to run.
But there are also days when I just can’t seem to fit it in. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that it’s not going to happen. In those cases, I’ll skip a session before it becomes too stressful.
After all, it doesn’t do any good if I’m stressed out. That’s why I’m happy when I can get back to it the next day or the day after.”
Do you ever doubt yourself? About what? What do you tell yourself in those moments?
“Yes, I do. Both in sports and in my personal life.
When it comes to sports, I have to take a more nuanced view of the whole social media world. When you look at your feed, it feels like the “world” is constantly on the move, setting one personal best after another and competing in every event out there.
You really have to make an effort to stay true to yourself and see all the amazing things you can do with what you have.”
How do you make sure sport continues to give you energy instead of becoming extra pressure?
“By staying true to myself, and by focusing on myself and my capabilities. I haven’t found my sport to be a burden so far.
Perhaps that’s also due to the moderation with which I practice it.”
What does a “normal” day and/or week look like in your household?
“It’s similar to how I prepared for the TAR.
On Mondays, after I drop the kids off, I can do my strength training and/or a light run. Later, I take care of the housework and then work. In the afternoon, I have the kids’ hobbies and appointments.
On Tuesdays, I can usually go for a run early in the morning. Then I often do intervals or a tempo run. Then work, the kids’ hobbies/activities, and in the evening I teach a Pilates class. On Wednesdays, I drive to work after the kids are taken care of. By the time school and daycare end, I’m home, and then we make plans; if things go well for me, I can go for a short run with the dog in the evening.
Thursdays are similar to Wednesdays. But in the evening, I like to do a high-intensity session, such as hill intervals. Matthias and I take turns with that. Or I hit the treadmill when the kids are asleep. Friday is always a rest day because I’m out for work all day.
On Saturdays, I get up early because I start my long run at 6 a.m. Then we all have breakfast together and do something as a family. On Sundays, we go for a relaxed run with the whole family (the kids on bikes), followed by another workout and another family activity.”
Nutrition, Gear & Inspiration
What do your nutrition choices look like during heavy training weeks?
“Generally speaking, I eat everything, and I’d say my diet is very balanced. I try to eat healthy, but I also enjoy a glass of wine, pizza, and chocolate every now and then.
During periods of intense training, I notice that I get hungrier. In those cases, my meals get bigger, or I have an extra snack. I try to eat very intuitively during those times.”
What is your ultimate endurance-sport snack?
“I’m actually a huge fan of “fancy” food, like gels and jellies while running. By now, I know exactly when and how much I need.
Before a run, I love having peanut butter on bread with a banana. Afterward, I drink a protein shake with carbs and a supplement.
I also have some tasty bars that I like to eat before a run if it’s been a while since my last meal.”
And your ultimate cheat snack?
“M&M’s”.
Which item is indispensable for your performance?
“My sports glasses. I never go for a run without them. I’m nearsighted and usually only wear contact lenses on the trail and during races. Otherwise, I have prescription lenses in my sports glasses.”
Which shoes do you run in and why?
“When it comes to street shoes, I prefer ASICS. The GT2000 is my go-to for everyday use. On the trail, I like to wear the Salomon Genesis.
But I also enjoy trying out new shoes. My husband really keeps me well-stocked in that regard. He always knows which shoes are currently in style. And to be honest, I don’t really think about it that much. I also ask him quite often which shoe he recommends for which activity.”
Do you read or listen to anything that inspires you?
“The German trail running podcast “Höhenmeter pro Kilometer” with Ida-Sophie Hegemann and Kim Schreiber. I find them inspiring, motivating, and genuine. I really like that.
Otherwise, I really enjoy listening to true crime podcasts when I go on long runs.”
Who inspires you?
“I don’t have any one specific person who inspires me. But I find it inspiring to see other women who are successful in their sport while also balancing family and career, and who openly acknowledge that they can only do it as part of a team with their partner, family, and friends. I’m inspired by authentic people. People who aren’t always perfect.”
Who do you enjoy following on social media?
“A prominent example in the trail running world is Emelie Forsberg. I like her posts and how she lives with her family, and how competitive sports are making a comeback in her life. There’s an unvarnished truth to it, too. I like that.”
Where do you find inspiration for new adventures and challenges?
“I often go hiking in the Harz Mountains (our local low mountain range) with my twin sister and our very good friend, and we can spend hours exploring the trails. We’ve also planned some amazing trips together and actually gone through with them.
For example, in 2023 we went to Scotland together and hiked the West Highland Way in five days. It was such an incredible experience. We draw inspiration from our conversations and the time we spend together. That’s how I do it with my husband, too.”
Reflection
What would you like to share with people who long for more movement in their lives, but find it exciting or difficult to begin?
“I actually deal with this every day at work. Many people don’t have a “why.” They don’t really know why they should exercise, no matter how much they’re suffering. Motivation has to come from within. They need to find their “why.” What makes it worth it.
It often helps to find a workout partner at the beginning, someone you can exercise with. Or to join a group. In my work, scheduled appointments are helpful. That way, they get a good, solid start on a routine.”
How do you hope to look back on your life in your 80’s?
“My father will turn 83 this year and is still in great shape. That’s what I hope for myself, too: to be hiking in the mountains at 80, going to the gym regularly, and taking the occasional trip. Matthias and I dream of owning a mountain cabin in South Tyrol.
I want to look back on my life and tell my children and grandchildren, time and again, with a sense of satisfaction, what a wonderful life I’ve had.”
Are there any dreams left?
“My biggest dream is to hike across the Alps with my children someday. I want to share with them the wonderful experiences I’ve had so far and embark on many new adventures with my family.”
Wil je de avonturen van Trailblazer Christiane blijven volgen? Je kunt haar vinden op Instagram via @christiane.schwarze.
En ben of ken jij een trailbazer? Laat van je horen via dit formulier voor de Trailblazer rubriek.
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