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„I want to run New York“
After her sensational race in Gothenburg Ulrike Maisch speaks about European victory and the next goals
2006-08-15
Ulrike Maisch got her first European title in Gothenburg.
© Photo Run / Jiro Mochizuki
You are the first German to have won an international
marathon title. How does it feel?
When did you realize that you would win the
gold medal?
Ulrike Maisch: „First I had not thought about gold. As I saw
the third runner in front of me I wanted to pass her so badly since a fourth
place would have been the worst place. When I passed her, I knew that she
wouldn’t be able to overtake me again. I know that if I pass somebody she is
not able to pass me again. Then I suddenly saw the second placed runner and I
couldn’t believe it. When I then saw the leading Russian I chased her and
finally took the lead. I then realized that I would win the race and thought
about my family in the stadium and my friends in front of the TV. Then I
suddenly saw the stadium approaching and almost started to cry.“
The conditions of the race weren’t that good.
Was it nevertheless a perfect race?
Ulrike Maisch: „Definitely. There couldn’t have been better
conditions for me. It just rained slightly and the wind wasn’t a problem since
I had run in the group for a long time. There I was protected from the wind. When
I started to run alone the wind wasn’t that bad anymore. The course was great
for me. I like it when it is a bit hilly and here in Gothenburg the course was
hilly. The initial pace was very slow and that was as well perfect for me.”
Weren’t you a little bit alarmed when the
Russians increased the pace?
Ulrike Maisch: „No, because I knew that I would have to run
my own race and I wouldn’t have run with them anyway. I thought they would be
faster at the beginning. But it was good for me that they didn’t, so I was able
to get them in the end. If I would have stayed with them I wouldn’t have been
able to keep up in the end.”
How did you prepare for the European Championships?
Ulrike Maisch: „I have trained in St. Moritz in Switzerland. That was good since I already
trained in a hilly environment. That paid off here. I was running about 150 k a
week, but I have to say that I am a runner who does not do high mileage. I
rather go hiking or do aqua jogging. I was in a very good shape and I proved it
here.”
You were running your first marathon in 2000.
What did you do before?
Ulrike Maisch: „I did multiple track events first and my dad
used to coach me. Then the wall came down and somehow I stuck with running. It
was the event I liked the most. When I was younger I used to run between 3,000
and 10,000 metres on the track. My first marathon was in Berlin in 2000. I
clocked 2:40 and my coach said I should continue running marathons. He said
taking into account the limited preparations I did the result was very good. So
that is why I am running the marathon now. So far I was able to improve my
personal best at every single marathon I ran.”
Ulrike Maisch: „First of all I have to realize that it all
real. I know that those chances, to win an international title, won’t come
often. At World Championships or Olympic Games the Asians as well as the
Africans are too strong. I will prepare now for my next marathon. I want to run
the New York City Marathon. I always wanted to go there once so as I am invited
now, I should take the opportunity. My goal is to clock sub 2:31 hours and the
hilly course in New York should suit me. Sure I know that I won’t be able to
run for one of the first positions, but maybe I can finish within the top ten.“
You don’t look like the typical runner. Is that
an advantage?
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