Andreas Hoidn is a passionate recreational runner and has been volunteering for the savings bank association of Sparkasse Langenlois for two years. His mission is clear: to champion the savings banks idea and to inspire others to stay active and healthy at the same time. Along the way, he’s had his share of #believeinyourself moments and has proven his endurance.
© Sportfotograf
You’re a marathon runner. How did you get into that? Was there a #believeinyourself moment?
Absolutely! The memory is still fresh in my mind. I ran my first marathon at the age of 22 with minimal preparation. When I hit the 30 km mark, cramps set in and I wasn’t sure how I would make it through the remaining distance. But with a lot of #believeinyourself and driven by an iron will, I managed to cross the finish line – utterly exhausted. That #believeinyourself moment, although rewarding, left me with severe knee pain, so I decided to hang up my running shoes and take up cycling instead.
After almost 25 years of regular bicycle training, I gradually returned to running, starting with shorter distances before eventually working my way up to longer runs. The initial 10 km challenge paved the way for the half-marathon distance, and finally, 30 years after my first marathon, I decided to face the same challenge again.
This time, I was determined to be well-prepared for the 42.2 km distance. But was this even possible for me, especially after a less-than-ideal first marathon experience? My approach was one of cautious optimism.
Midway through my training, a personal stroke of fate forced me to delay my plans by a year. In 2023, fully prepared, I positioned myself at the starting line of the Vienna Marathon, ready to confront this extraordinary challenge. Would I be able to reach the finish line with my strength intact and my spirits high? Could I accomplish what I set out to do?
How did you overcome your doubts?
Rediscovering my love for running, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. Positive thoughts and fond memories of my father, who had passed away the year prior, gave me the strength and motivation to achieve my goal.
I completed the marathon in just over 4 hours – dressed in a Sparefroh costume, no less! I was very proud of myself. It was great fun, and the fantastic atmosphere along the route made it even more enjoyable.
Running a marathon is quite a challenge, and you did it in a Sparefroh costume – how did that happen? Was it a #believeinyourself moment, too?
Every year, my hometown of Langenlois hosts the Weinstadtlauf, an event with races for children and various distances for adults. In 2018, my savings bank advisor came up with the idea of running as Sparefroh in the Weinstadtlauf to champion the savings bank idea and at the same promote the joy of running. Designing the Sparefroh costume took some creativity and experimentation.
And of course, I had my doubts: How would Sparefroh be received? Wouldn’t it seem silly? Could I even run in a costume?
How did Sparefroh become a runner, then?
My aunt, a skilled seamstress, sewed me a costume that was suitable for running. The first trial runs took place the night before Sparefroh’s debut at the Weinstadtlauf in 2018.
What was people’s reaction to Sparefroh running?
The kids were ecstatic to see Sparefroh running alongside them. I made sure to run at the back of all the children’s races to ensure that every child made it to the finish line safely. The many positive comments, such as “Without you, Sparefroh, my child wouldn’t have reached the finish!”, and the joy in the children’s eyes reassured me that I was doing the right thing. It was an incredibly rewarding and motivating experience.
But Sparefroh doesn’t just run in my hometown; he’s also been seen in Vienna, Salzburg and the Wachau region, bringing joy wherever he goes. After a run in Vienna in the Sparefroh costume, I was even approached by someone telling me, “Hey, Sparefroh! I only kept going because I saw you were running too!” Mission accomplished!
What message do you have for our readers?
Keep fit, but always listen to your body. Train mindfully for running events, especially before a marathon. Enjoy the experience and prioritise your health over your finish time. And most importantly, if you believe in an idea, go for it! There’s always a way! And to reach your goals, keep yourself in good shape, both financially and physically!
Our best wishes for the Vienna City Marathon on 6 April! This time, Sparefroh will be running the half marathon. Hope to see you there!