Kimi Schreiber: Ready for Mont-Blanc
Kimi Schreiber is one of the leading figures in the German trail running scene. Approachable, professional and an absolute star athlete over short to medium distances. Yet she is constantly pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, racing through the most demanding mountain terrain. “The races are incredibly challenging: steep climbs, exposed terrain, alpine conditions and a long course. Just recently, at the Alpine Trail in the Schnalstal valley, I hesitated briefly before heading to the start line, but I wanted to take it on as a challenge. My courage paid off and I won the race! Looking back, I’m very grateful that I pushed myself.”
With her return to the UTMB Mont-Blanc, the next steep challenge in the Swiss-French high mountains is already awaiting Kimi.
Infobox: The UTMB Mont-Blanc
- Distance: 60 kilometres covering over 3,500 metres of elevation gain through alpine terrain, steep ascents, open paths and trails with views of the Mont Blanc massif
- Start: Orsières in Switzerland, finish: Chamonix in France
- Highest point: Tête de Balme at 2,321 m
- Climate: In August, temperatures in the Mont Blanc region can reach over 30 °C or drop to as low as -10 °C above 2,000 metres
- Weather: Rain, hail or even snow are possible
- Exertion: Combined with the climb, pace, altitude, wind and fatigue, every breath can feel harder
A change of perspective: It’s not just about the challenge
Kimi keeps finding routes that inspire awe in others. What is it about the challenges in the mountains that appeals to her?
“I don’t think it’s always just about the challenge itself for me. I simply love going for a run on my own. And when I can do that amidst beautiful natural surroundings, it makes it even more special for me.”
Control vs. presence
It’s about much more than just the result. No matter where the trails take Kimi – she doesn’t just want to come home with another medal in her suitcase. For her, it’s about the adventure behind it all. Even if she can’t quite shake off her desire for control just yet.
“I keep realising that I sometimes take the joy out of my work because I want to do everything perfectly and keep everything under control. My job is about discovering new countries and cultures, meeting fascinating people and experiencing unique opportunities. I want to embrace that more again and stop rushing so much from one moment to the next.”
BLACKROLL: How do you manage to stay true to yourself amidst all the hustle and bustle?
Kimi: “I want to allow myself to be much more present, instead of constantly looking outwards or thinking about tomorrow. Everything has become so fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in your own expectations. I want to break free from some of that pressure.”
BLACKROLL: Do you have a little routine that you simply can’t do without?
Kimi: “I enjoy my first coffee in the morning, no matter where I am. It makes me feel like I’m starting the day well and feeling relaxed. Without this ritual, I get grumpy and lose motivation.”
A glimpse of everyday life behind the scenes / What Kimi goes through.
Kimi’s consistency is no coincidence. Her training routines are tightly scheduled and provide her with a clear direction that, ideally, leads to success. It’s a plan she consciously sticks to, even though it demands a lot from her.
“I don’t really have any holidays. I train every day, apart from two weeks a year. For me, getting up early, going for a run, establishing routines and everything that goes with it is an integral part of my life, not just a job I can switch off from in the evening. That has its pros and cons.
I don’t have public holidays, holidays or weekends in the traditional sense, but in return I have much more freedom than many others.”
In a sport that constantly pushes the body to its limits with steep climbs, prolonged exertion and alpine conditions, Kimi consciously invests in Recovery. Not as an extra, but as an integral part of her Routine. That is precisely what helps her maintain her Performance over the long term.
Info box: Kimi’s go-to recovery tips
Recovery after running: “Those few minutes of stretching and exercises after every run are the key. Not glamorous, not exciting, but still important.”
Your go-to reset: “I’d take my BLACKROLL®, lie on it on my back, feel the stretch, close my eyes and breathe in and out slowly. That releases tension in my Upper body and helps me to achieve relaxation.”
Sleep whilst travelling: “The RECOVERY PILLOW, because sleep can be a real challenge, especially when travelling.”
Recovery for the legs: “The Compression Boots, because my legs feel like new afterwards.”
Listening to your body: “Sometimes my head and body feel as if they’re wrapped in cotton wool, and I feel tired and unmotivated. If that feeling doesn’t go away or something starts to hurt, I scale back my Training a bit.”
The bigger picture
“I keep going through phases where I question everything. Especially when things get difficult or don’t go as I’d hoped. But as long as I keep choosing to believe that what I do fulfils me, I’ll continue. And that’s exactly when I know: that’s why I do all this.”
