Bauerfeind Moves Us
10 questions for the 10-times Rennsteiglauf race winner
How Christian Seiler combines passion and innovation
In our exclusive interview, Christian Seiler talks about his journey from elite athlete to his work at the Bauerfeind Innovation Center. He provides deep insights into what drives him personally, his daily training routine, and the noticeable influence his sporting career has on his work.
Christian Seiler, with a personal best marathon time of 2:18:11 and as the 10-times Rennsteiglauf race winner, is one of Germany’s absolute running elite. Christian has been working at the Bauerfeind Innovation Center for 13 years.
Our running products for your best performance:
Hi Christian, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us.
Hi, thank you – I look forward to our chat.
1. Let’s start at the beginning: where did you grow up and how did you get into running?
I grew up close to Zeulenroda, in Pöllwitz to be precise. Even at school, I was really into sports. I started with football – people would always say “Wow, you’ve got a lot of endurance.” But then I discovered my passion for athletics. Being a member of the athletics club in Zeulenroda and going to a specialist sports college in Erfurt laid the foundations for my later path.
2. When did you notice that you were faster than others?
That became obvious during competitions at school. Even without targeted training, I was always one of the best. My coach saw what performance I could deliver, so I started studying at Erfurt Sports School. After a year, I joined the Federal squad. That was the moment when I realized I was faster than many others. At that time, I was thinking of going pro, but illness and injuries put paid to that dream. Things like social media and self-marketing didn’t exist then. So that wasn’t an option.
3. Many people ask themselves: do you see yourself as a professional athlete or as an amateur at an extremely high level?
In the past, when I completed up to 12 training sessions per week and I got minor sponsoring requests, I did see myself as a professional runner. But for the last ten years, I have been feeling more like a hobby athlete, though at a very high level. My passion for running remains the same, even though my time has to be shared between my job, family, and training.
4. How has your training developed over the years?
At the beginning of my career, I was able to benefit from 100% trainer support, which helped me lay the foundations. Over time, I learned to develop my own training plan. So in the following years, I made a transition from strictly guided training to mainly being in charge of the planning myself. This continuing development and constant testing of what works and what doesn’t, helped me optimize my performance in the long term.
5. You have achieved impressive personal best times and you’ve won various competitions. What has been the greatest achievement for you personally?
The 2009 Berlin Marathon was a very special moment for me. As the fastest German runner, I was accompanied through the streets of Berlin by a support vehicle. A truly unique experience. I was able to achieve my personal best time of 2:18:11 there – which meant ranking 17th out of more than 35,000 finishers. However, this success was also a turning point for me in a way. Shortly after, I had to deal with a serious work injury where I had broken my ankle joint in three places so I wasn’t able to train for three months. At the same time, I completed my studies in Synthetic Material Technology, which gave me new priorities and eventually led to me starting trail running.
6. You’re in your 40s now but you’re still running at a great pace. Do you notice any effects of aging on your training?
Definitely. With increasing age, the recovery phases are becoming more important – regeneration is now a priority and it also takes a lot longer. I try to go on two fast runs during the week and on a long one at the weekend. I also focus my training more on a specific project or competition. That means I don’t work out like mad for the whole year but just in the weeks before an important event. This optimized effort planning is crucial to retain a high level.
7. As an intensive athlete, the risk of injury is always present. Have you often had problems caused by your training, and how have you dealt with those?
Unfortunately, injuries have always been a part of it over the years. My great ambitions often caused tendon irritation and once I even had a fatigue fracture. But I wouldn’t go to see a physician straight away, instead I’d just dial it back a little and see how the situation develops. Patience has always been my most important ally in this, even when it hasn’t been easy just to rest.
8. How has your professional life developed alongside your sporting career?
During my studies, my full focus was on training. But when I started to work, this focus changed significantly. Having a family also changed my priorities. Previously, I would have two training sessions per day. Now it’s a balanced week with intensive workouts. In my mind, I’m still hungry though. I still really fancy challenges and running in general, even if my capacities are now limited.
9. You have been working for Bauerfeind for 13 years now. How did that come about and how does your work influence your exercise – and vice versa?
After my studies, I initially worked in the area. A vacancy then brought me to Bauerfeind where I have been working since April 2012. Overlapping sports and work is completely natural for me. The performance mindset that drives me as a runner is also reflected in my professional life. When developing products, I use my sporting experience: based on numerous wearing tests and many years of practical experience as an athlete, I have a good feeling for which products work and what requirements they have to meet.
10. A very important question at the end: which Bauerfeind Sports product is your favorite?
Without a doubt, the Bauerfeind Sports Trail Run Mid Cut Socks – their tighter fit and comfort properties are exactly what I need. With these trail running socks, you notice immediately how important even minor details are in sports.
