705 – 1.840 km

France

France was not only a physical challenge but also a mental one. After a phase full of highs and lows, marked by dark thoughts and the constant battle with my inner demons, I slowly found my rhythm again in Paris. I ran a half marathon every day to get back into the flow. After the Olympic Games, where I had the honor of being the face of the German national team, I started rerunning ultramarathons. But France kept pushing me: kilometer after kilometer on long country roads, passing risky encounters with drivers. Every step was a small victory over the pain that I felt in every cell of my body.

1.841 – 2.394 km

Spain

Spain posed an entirely new kind of challenge: This is where the battle against the mountains began. Each day felt like I was endlessly climbing stairs that never seemed to end. The paths were rocky and sandy, up and down, without mercy. The heat pressed relentlessly on me as if the sun set the land on fire. Encounters with snakes and other animals seeking shade in the unforgiving heat reminded me of how wild this landscape indeed was. But the most significant battle was within myself – against the constant temptation to give up. Every ultramarathon was a duel with my willpower, one I was determined not to lose.

2.395 – 2.662 km

Portugal

Portugal continued the challenges seamlessly; only the mountains became steeper, and the distances were shorter but tougher. The sun scorched the asphalt mercilessly; the air was still – no wind, no shade. With every step, the heat seemed to steal my breath while snakes and other animals fought the same relentless battle for survival. But the euphoria grew: we were approaching Porto, the goal of this stage. The psychological pressure was immense – every day was a battle against exhaustion, fatigue, and the inner voice telling me to stop. Yet the thought of finishing the European stage gave me the strength to keep running.

2.663 – 3.149 km

New York

It was the final stage of a journey that had pushed my body and mind to the limit. Over 2,500 kilometers were already in my muscles, and now, on a new continent, the destination was within reach. America - the vastness, the roads - everything led to New York. There were moments when my body wanted to give up. But my spirit remained strong. This was the biggest challenge of my life, and to overcome it, I had to focus all my remaining energy. Every step brought me closer to the moment I had always imagined: the last few meters through the streets of New York. Blood, sweat, tears and broken bones couldn't stop me. And then it was time: New York baby!