X-Alps Top Athlete profile Yvonne Dathe (Germany)
Brought up in the mountains and living close to the German border of the Austrian Alps, Yvonne is a professional tandem pilot and Psychology Coach.
She has been flying almost every day for the past eight years and has been physically and mentally training in and around some of the toughest parts of the course.
Confident and completely unfazed by the male-dominated field, Yvonne has what it takes to push the “mind-over-matter” theory to its limits.
Having generously offered her time to answer some of Rock The Outdoor’s questions, I was able to find out a little bit more about Yvonne, what were her motivations for competing in this year’s XAlps, and how she is preparing for the challenge.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your age, where you live?
I´m 38 years and I live in Allgäu in Southern Germany, very close to the border of Austria in the foothills of the Alps.
What is your flying and mountaineering experience?
I have been flying since 1994. Not so much in the initial 10 years, but more intensely in the past 10 years. I try to fly every free moment that I have. Growing up in the mountains as a child means I am used to doing a lot of hiking.
What was the reason for you embarking on this challenge?
For me the X-Alps is a big challenge with, hopefully some great experiences and lasting impressions. During the X-Pyr last year I had a lot of great moments, which motivated me to taking it one step further. The XAlps route is more than double the X-Pyr, with difficult and interesting turn points like the Cima Tossa or the Matterhorn.
Can you introduce your Team Members to us, and what is each of their adventure backgrounds?
My main support is Thomas Ide, and is also my partner in life. He has over 20 years’ flying experience and is also in the German National Team. His brother, Günther, is my “Second”, and will also be assisting. Between us we have vast experience in mountaineering, skiing and biking, and I´m sure we will be a great team.
How long ago did you choose your Support Team?
From the start it was evident that Thomas would support me, and without him I would not do this race. Because he has a lot of experience and he knows my limits and what motivates me, he will be able to help me find the right decisions, and I trust him wholeheartedly. Ever since we received confirmation for the LAIKA Ecovip 309 as our support car, it was also evident that Günther would also accompany us. Working as a pair makes it much easier to manage all the many support tasks that need to be done.
What will each of their roles to you be during the race?
Thomas will support me in the decision-making, he will also accompany me up some of the mountains in the morning and take photographs and be responsible for the social media work. Günther will drive the car and take all the videos and some materials.
How long in advance did you, personally, start preparing for this event,: physically, mentally or practically?
We started training as soon as we heard the announcement that we were in. Since then, we have been running and mental training is a continuous process. Of course, I am also prepared for action plans for all kinds of situations. Even before the official announcement, we had started training just in case, but not as intensively as we are now.
How much training have you been doing and what type?
I run 4 times a week, and do core-strength training, pilates and of course I go flying as often as possible.
Have your changed your diet and usual habits?
I have been a vegetarian for the past 20 years so I eat a well-balanced variety of food, supplemented with protein preparations. I have not changed my diet or any of my usual habits!
Have you and your Team been training together? If so, Where and how often?
Thomas and I run and fly mostly together, and in January we were in Columbia for the World Championships. Back in Allgäu we are hiking, running and flying together as often as possible.
Yvonne, as one of the few female competitors, do you feel a lot of pressure from the media or from yourself with regards to your gender?
I am not the first female competitor. In 2005 Kari Castle and Niki Hamilton were the first women in the X-Alps, and this year Dawn Westrum will also participate in the X-Alps. Interest from some of the media about being a female still exists, but I do not feel a big pressure due to my gender.
How do you think, as a female competitor, you may have the advantage on competitors? For example: Smarter tactics, or stronger mentality?
I think women have a good mentality, some experts argue that women are better at exercising these powers. In endurance sports women should have an advantage because their bodies can optimally use the free fatty acids. But honestly, I think the race will be hard for everyone.
Have you got a back-up plan, or a “Plan-B” for anything that may go wrong?
We will have plans for both hiking and flying, and prepare plans for every imaginable situation.
There are many competitors that have considerable experience of previous years in the XAlps challenge. Have any of them offered you any tips or guidance?
Each athlete has been very open with regards to advice. If there is anything I have needed to ask, I have always received an answer from whoever that person was.
Has it been easy to get sponsorship and funding?
No, this is a difficult point. From my website, I gave everyone the possibility of supporting us financially, starting with small amounts from 10 € for a “digital thanks” in exchange. We also called a lot of companies, and have now secured some great sponsors like Pauly Consult, Haglöfs, Naviter, TopMeteo and LAIKA.
Tell us a little about your equipment, your paraglider, instruments and technical gear and clothing you will be using.
I will fly with the Ozone Alpina 2. It it perfectly suited to my weight range and is a good compromise between safety and performance. For navigation I will use the Oudie 3 from Naviter. The instrument is light and is simple to view air space and terrain. During the training and the race I will also use the Garmin Fenix 3 for physical body control. With clothing from Haglöfs I will wear many layers so that I feel comfortable but I also have lighter clothing too. I will also use Haglöfs trekking and hiking shoes.
If there is one item that you don’t already have, but really need, what is it?
We still need light glacier equipment like:
– climbing harness
– climbing iron
– sleeping bag
– backpack
– paragliding harness
– and much more…
You see, we still have to organize a lot!
Do you have a lucky charm and will it be with you from start to finish?
That remains to be seen…
Are you nervous?
Yes, I´m a little bit excited, but I think this is positive.
Thank you Yvonne, and we wish you, Thomas and Günther the best of luck!
Emma Casanova – Correspondent for Rock The Outdoor
DECOUVRIR
