Credit: PUMA

At just 20 years of age, Konstanze Klosterhalfen became the world's youngest athlete to break three records in the 800 m (under 2 mins), 1500 m (under 4 mins) and 5000 m (under 15 mins). Since then, she's made a name for herself on the scene and has won World and European Championships medals on the track, indoors and in cross country.

What would you say is the key to your success?

I think my success is owed to the fact that I built up gradually and the people around me placed high value on continuous improvement.

You've had a new trainer since spring. Can you give us an insight into your everyday training? 

Changing trainer has really given me a fresh outlook. After several forays into longer distances, we've now turned our focus to speed and intensity, which is what I want to benefit from this season. I've got a great group of people around me that push me during the different training sessions. We're working more on explosiveness during strength training while still putting in plenty of mileage.

Can you describe your favourite type of training session?

Each training session has its own appeal, I think. It might be a long run out and about in nature to focus on the motion of running or intensive interval sessions on the track to push your limits. Alternatively, there's strength training in the gym where you're just happy to see slight progress from one session to the next.

However, I particularly love intensive interval sessions with the whole team where you can feel the sense of focus and a certain degree of tension before you even start.

What are your three most important training tips for amateur runners still wanting to participate in a race this year?

1. Consistency is more important than individual sessions or even personal times.
2. Specific strength training or simple stability exercises can make a huge difference to your running economy and help prevent injury.
3. It’s really important to have fun while chasing your goal, too! Having the right people around you helps.

Do you have an insider tip with regards to training, equipment, nutrition, or recovery? 

Running is a straightforward sport so there aren’t many secrets. At the moment, I'm trying to focus on the 'insider tip’ that is sleep. I'm generally trying to get enough of it and recover properly between sessions.