DAM IMPRESSIVE

28 // COMPANY
// AlPIne eMPlOyeeS And
THeIr SPOrTS
Johann doRneR // Group leader, Road Building East
Triathlon (swimming, cycling, running), mountain biking, skiing
I train in the evening between one and three times each week, and when preparing for a race I also go for a run in
the morning. Sometimes I take a break for a few weeks, but sometimes I train for as much as 20 hours a week –
depending on the time of year and the season. // Sport has taught me that you can achieve many things in life.
If you set yourself realistic objectives and believe in them firmly, then your subconscious will make these objectives
into reality.
AIM: I’ve already achieved it: finishing an Ironman. I managed it in under ten hours last year at Klagenfurt.
Ruth WalCh // Assistant, Tyrol branch
Running, mountaineering and trekking, swimming, skiing, tobogganing in winter
When I’m preparing for a race (e.g. half-marathon) I run four times a week for around 3.5–5 hours. At other times
I run for about one hour, two to three times a week, simply because I enjoy exercise. Mountain hikes are mostly
whole-day affairs on the weekend. // I simply need to exercise out of doors, it’s a part of me which I cannot do
without. Regular exercise and outdoor enjoyment is a release of energy which does me good.
AIM: I have been attracted to deserts for several years. It all began with two short trekking tours (Sinai Peninsula,
Morocco), then later I traversed the Taklamakan Desert in western China on foot. My greatest wish would be to
cross the Gobi Desert.
thomaS falleR // Budget & Cost Control manager
Diving, cycling, skiing, tennis
You don’t need to train regularly to dive, but it does demand physical fitness. At the moment I take two or three
days off every month to dive (9–10 dives). Because I am stationed in Singapore, Asia’s best diving areas are within
easy reach. I have completed around 600 dives in total, the deepest of which finished at 65 m. // Diving makes me
happier and calmer. It increases my stress-resistance level, because under water you have to deal with stressful
situations. You also have to learn to consciously relax, because relaxing means you need less air and you remain in
charge of situations.
AIM: My biggest sporting aim is to swim with a great white shark and to dive to more than 100 metres.
PeteR gfReReR // Branch manager for Bulgaria, director of Hydroelectric Power Station Con.
Running
Around 10 km, three or four times a week // You can run anywhere, even abroad; all you need is a pair of trainers.
// It makes me more resilient, more relaxed and calmer. It has also helped me to overcome my weaker side. I have
prepared myself for a marathon four times now, which demands considerable discipline and time management skills.
The mental attitude required for long-distance running helps me to deal with long-term projects; you learn to cope
better with the highs and lows, and you realise that it will eventually come to an end.
AIM: This I have already achieved with the marathons I have completed.
tobiaS SChRamm // Office-based technical support, ALPINE BeMo Tunnelling
Mountain biking, jogging, spinning, skiing, Nordic skiing, mountaineering
One to four times a week // Sport is an absolute necessity for me. With sport you can achieve mental balance and
detachment from the external demands of the day. As well as physical fitness, it also helps regulate your physiological
state. // I am also convinced that sport can influence team building at work. Team spirit among colleagues can be
boosted considerably by joint outings such as company runs, mountain walks and cycle tours, toboggan nights, ski
days and so on.
AIM: Training for a particular aim is a short-term matter. To me it is more important to maintain a good fitness level
over the long term.
kaRin göSChl // Salzburg Call Centre
Cycling, skiing, walking, yoga
As often as time allows // I cycle to work, for instance (around 30 minutes). On the way I take in my surroundings
and it makes me feel awake and fresh, and after work it helps me relax. On the weekends in the warm months of the
year I like to hike and enjoy the countryside in the mountains. In the winter I go on day ski tours in Salzburger Land
and Bavaria. // Regular yoga, at home and in classes, keeps me feeling balanced.
AIM: My aim is to stay fit and full of energy.