New altitude, same attitude: Robert Farken takes on Colorado

Robert Farken isn't just chasing faster times - he's chasing dreams. The German middle-distance star has packed his bags and joined the OAC in Boulder. Why he took this step - and how his life has changed since then.

Words: Lukas Motschmann
Photos: Florian Kurrasch

We meet Robert during his first visit home to Leipzig for performance diagnostics at the Institute for Applied Training Science (IAT). Here, the middle-distance runner has already completed dozens of tests to determine his current fitness level and, above all, the training speeds for the upcoming weeks. Today, however, is the first check after he said goodbye to his long-time trainer Thomas Dreißigacker. "I have spent almost half my life with Thomas and I have memories from that time that will last a lifetime," he says. Under Dreißigacker's guidance, Farken became a world-class runner who not only achieved success but also cemented his passion for the sport.

Leaving OAC Europe behind, where he had trained and made friends for the past three years, was not easy either. But Farken had bigger things in mind.

A bold step: Farken moves to Boulder

In November, Farken announced he was moving to Boulder, Colorado, to train with Dathan Ritzenhein and the On Athletics Club (OAC) elite team. "I can't even express how excited I am to be part of this group of world-class athletes," he says. After just a few weeks, he already feels really comfortable. "My teammates made it super easy for me - they were super helpful."

He describes Boulder as a mix of "quality of life, fun and expensive!" Nevertheless, he seems to be thriving. He has rented a new house and now drives a classic Mercedes 560 SL to explore the streets of Colorado. "I'm ready for the next 100 years," he laughs, relaxed and seems as if nothing can upset him.

Training in the USA: Everything different - everything better?

The move to Boulder was more than just a change of scenery - Farken also wanted to take his training to a new level. "The daily routine, the weekly schedule, the training philosophy - everything is completely different," he says. And that was exactly his goal: "If not much had changed, I could have stayed."

At the OAC, the focus is on listening to your own body - and that suits him. "The training here is much more intuitive," he says. "If you feel good, you can go full throttle, and if not, it's completely okay to slow down." The strict adherence to blood lactate tests is history, which makes for a more relaxed atmosphere.

He especially loves the longer units that combine different intensity levels. They start in the threshold range, increase to the anaerobic level – and then it gets really tough. “That gets the machine going before things get serious,” he says enthusiastically.

The data also speaks in favor of the change. The results of the performance diagnostics are better than ever. But is it all really that simple?

“The privilege of a lifetime”

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are,” believes Farken – his personal motto in life. For him, this means appreciating every experience, whether good or bad, because it shapes you. “You have to take the lessons with you and carry on,” he says thoughtfully.

But the move also had its price. "Leaving my family and girlfriend behind was really hard," he admits. Nevertheless, he knows that it was the right step. "You only have one career in running," he says determinedly and wants to make the most of this unique opportunity.

One bright spot: As soon as his girlfriend finishes her studies in sports marketing, she plans to move to Boulder. "Then we can write the next chapter together," says Farken with an optimistic smile.

Looking to the future: faster, stronger, braver

Farken has clear goals for the coming year: to run faster and give something back to the running community. "I want to share my experiences and contribute something positive," he says. His tip for other runners? "Accept setbacks - everyone has them. The only thing that matters is to accept them and keep going."

Despite his ambitions, Farken remains down to earth. "I don't think I'll change much in a year, but of course I hope I'll run a lot faster - and maybe I'll have a few new tattoos or a different hairstyle," he jokes. "But at heart I'll remain the same. Just a few more experiences. We'll see."

For Robert Farken, one thing counts above all: the journey. And he approaches it with determination, style and lots of dreams.