Preparation is the most important thing if you want something to go well. It doesn’t matter whether it’s running a marathon or realizing a professional project. That is the common denominator of policy explainer Peter Filzmaier and Oberbank general director Franz Gasselsberger in the OÖN double interview. Despite the best preparation, both will work up a sweat on the Sunday marathon. Filzmaier as a sports reporter in the ORF studio and Gasselsberger as an active member of the large running group of the main sponsor of the marathon.

OÖ Nachrichten: We know that Peter Filzmaier used to want to be a sports reporter before he “turned off” to another profession. Did you ever have an alternative dream job in mind to the job of bank manager?

Franz Gasselsberger: I actually wanted to be a farmer. But my father didn’t give me the farm. I asked him: ‘Is it true that I won’t become a farmer?’ Young Franz’s question was surprising and disarming at the same time. Because I wasn’t meant to be. And then I would actually have liked to become a forester. But my mother didn’t allow it. At least she pushed my school education forward.

Their common denominator is a passion for running. What is the current status of this sport and how has its importance changed over time?

Gasselsberger: Running has been incredibly important for decades. I started when a friend of mine wanted to take the entrance exam for physical education. He asked me to train with him. And that’s when I realized for the first time how good it is for me. And now, no matter where I am, I always have my running shoes with me. If you want, you can always do that. And as long as I run and take part in running competitions, I will also do this job at the Oberbank. Even if some might now see it as a threat.

Peter Filzmaier: I can confirm that running can be done by anyone, anywhere. Personally, however, I ended up running as a result of an accident. I had a skiing accident, both elbows were damaged and sports like tennis were just no longer possible. But I got into it in such a way that I imagined I had to run a marathon. I did that twice, please don’t talk about the time. Only then did I really learn to walk systematically. I am still fascinated by the ordering of thoughts. Running has never changed for me.

Peter Filzmaier is known for getting to the heart of complex issues and making them very easy to understand. How would he bring the fascination of running closer to a no-sports fundi in a few sentences?

Filzmaier: Of course, there are three points: Almost everyone, with the exception of severe orthopedic damage, can do it. Whether it’s a city tour or one around the lake, you can really do it anywhere and it is compatible with any professional or family situation. And it’s wonderful for organizing your thoughts. Of course I’m not talking about interval training. Then you think about breathing.

The Linz Marathon is celebrating its twenties. Not only the Oberbank as a sponsor, but also Franz Gasselsberger as an active participant was always a reliable pacemaker. What are your personal top 3 moments of the Linz marathon?

Gasselsberger: Well, definitely the first time 20 years ago, the premiere of the Linz marathon. A cold spring day that I fondly remember. The second big moment was definitely my best time. A little more youthful back then, a time under 1:34 for the half marathon. And then after the years of my injuries, when I really did everything to be able to walk again. When everyone told me to stop. But I didn’t give up and it was a great joy to be able to run a half marathon again without pain and in a reasonable time.

We know that Franz Gasselsberger always prepares very seriously for his run in Linz. How is it with Peter Filzmaier in his function as a TV expert?

Filzmaier: There is basically no difference between political commentary and Linz marathon commentary. Preparation is everything. And that also means preparing for things that nobody really wants to know about in the broadcast anyway. Before the Linz marathon, I’m busy for days analyzing best times and races. I also look at possible performance potential.

What distinguishes politicians or managers who run regularly from their non-sporting counterparts?

Filzmaier: There are certainly non-runners who are good managers, you have to be that fair. But of course the runners are better. Because: I need goals and long-term strategic planning. Sport helps in general and running in particular. I can’t get any further with hasty actions. Even a manager cannot rely on his talent.

Gasselsberger: I believe that with regular running training you are a little more balanced, and goal orientation is essential anyway. Eighty percent is preparation, twenty percent is implementation. And if you don’t prepare properly, you can’t expect miracles on the day of the competition. And also in everyday work you notice immediately when someone is not properly prepared, when they think they can do everything from scratch. You also prepare yourself for things that won’t come anyway. This enables spontaneity and creativity. That’s perhaps what’s missing for those who don’t exercise regularly.

Filzmaier: Perhaps a small example of preparation: If I forced Eliud Kipchoge to only train once a week, then I might have had a small chance against him at my best. And so managers cannot afford to say: I don’t need to prepare.

Gasselsberger: And it’s very important to have fun preparing. And periods of rest. Both at work and when running.

Filzmaier: I can only agree. If you do interval training every day, you’re not a good trainer, you’re an idiot.

What sporting achievement do you admire most?

Gasselsberger: I’m a big fan of athletics. The Olympic Games, a world or European championship or a proper meeting, that’s something very special. Unfortunately, track and field athletes are often overshadowed by other athletes, but what they achieve, they have my great admiration for.

Filzmaier: Beyond athletics, it’s Michael Jordan and how he plays basketball. In athletics, it’s the 400-meter hurdles that always fascinate me. And Daniel Komen’s world record over 3000 meters. It’s from 1997 and so good that no one even tries to surpass it anymore.

Do you have sporting goals on your planning horizon, if so, which ones?

Gasselsberger: My sport year is always divided into two. From late summer to the marathon, which is usually in spring, I subordinate everything to the event. Then it’s the mountains. For next year I have something in mind again in the Alps.

Filzmaier: My goals are much more modest. After a serious illness in 2018, I just want to go running regularly again. And it’s best if I don’t always look at the mileage on the clock.