Offizielle Webseite Christo Foerster: https://www.christofoerster.com/
There are people, projects, or moments that touch you deep inside – and sometimes give you the final push to finally get going. For me, that moment came with the film „Abenteuerland“ by Christo FoersterIt wasn’t just a film – it was a catalyst.
I want to share here why this film moved me so deeply, why I find what Christo has done so incredibly inspiring – and how it all connects to my own journey and this blog.
Setting goals – and then following through
I’ve always been someone who set big goals. For me, it was never exciting to just go as far as the first bend – I wanted the whole mountain. Sure, that path is harder, sometimes longer, and often paved with doubts. But precisely because it demands so much, it also gives so much more in return.
I never understood why I should “keep a goal small.” To reach it faster? And then what? Then it’s over – before it even really began. I believe we grow through big challenges. Not in the comfort zone. Not at 20 kilometers when the real goal could be 100.
Then came "Abenteuerland“
It was my wife who suggested I watch the film. I’ve been a passionate stand-up paddler for a few years now – and since we live in Potsdam, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. So I said: Sure, let’s check it out.
I watched it twice. Once just as a regular screening – and then a second time, at a showing where Christo Foerster himself was present. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to speak with him – the crowd was huge. But his energy, his project, his attitude… all of it sparked something in me.
Plan – and then just do it
What fascinated me most: this guy had an idea. Totally crazy for many. From the south of Germany all the way to Sylt on a stand-up paddleboard. Sounds impossible. Sounds insane. Sounds... just right.
He didn’t just talk about it. He sat down. Planned. Thought it through. And then he did it. Not because he had to. But because he wanted to. And he didn’t let anyone stop him. Not opinions. Not doubts. Not obstacles.
That mindset – I know it well. It lives in me too. For as long as I can remember. When I want something, I follow through. Even if it takes time. Even if it hurts. Even if others say, “Why go so big right away?”
What Set Me Back – and What Helped Me Get Back Up
Why is this blog only happening now? Some time ago, I had an accident. Dislocated shoulder, long rehab, months without sports, without movement, without balance. It was tough. And it changed something in me. Golf – once my passion – is no longer an option. Too risky for the shoulder.
But then hiking came back into my life. Or rather: I found my way back to it. And what I love about it, I’ve already described in one of my earlier blog posts. Hiking grounds you. Hiking brings focus. Hiking heals.
And that’s exactly when *Adventureland* came into play – right as I was rediscovering my passion. I saw Christo struggle. Persevere. Keep going. And I knew: this is the way. Not his way. My way.
The 100 Kilometers – My Personal *Adventureland*
I’m now training for my 100-kilometer march. And yes – I’ve heard the same voices as I did back when I chased other goals:
- "Does it really have to be that much right away?"
- "Why don’t you start small first?"
- "Why do you set such high goals for yourself?"
Because I need it. Because it’s my path. Because I won’t settle for 20 kilometers when I know I could go 100. Because I want to know what it feels like to truly reach my limits – and go beyond them.
And this blog is part of that journey. It doesn’t just document kilometers, but emotions, setbacks, small victories. It’s my digital *Adventureland*.
Thank you, Christo. Truly.
I don’t know if you’ll ever read this. But if you do: thank you. Your film, your idea, your mindset – they struck a chord with me. Not as a fan, but as a person writing his own story. I tip my hat to your project – and at the same time, I’m setting out on my own.
Because in the end, one realization keeps growing louder inside me:
“I can’t afford *not* to do this.”
Conclusion:
This blog isn’t just a collection of hiking tours. It’s an expression of mindset. Of willpower. Of the belief that we don’t have to wait for someone to “allow” us to get started.
Because as Christo says so beautifully in the film:
“Adventure begins where everyday life ends.”
Then I’m heading out now. My everyday life is on hold.
2 Responses
Hallo Thorsten, das klingt spannend. Ich kenne eine Frau, die auch die Langstrecken wandert, auch über 24 Std und mehr. Wenn Sie erzählt ist das total spannend, man merkt wie wichtig ihr das ist und die Power. Sie hat einiges im Leben zu stemmen und scheint hier für sich etwas gefunden zu haben.
Aber ehrlich, es ist nicht meins.
Liebe Grüße, Ruth
Hallo Ruth, ja ich finde solche Geschichten auch immer spannend und inspirierend. Ich habe mich oft gefragt, was Menschen dazu bewegt, solche langen Strecken zu gehen – sei es aus persönlichen Gründen, zur Verarbeitung, zur Herausforderung oder einfach aus Neugier. Wenn man selbst mal auf dem Weg ist, merkt man schnell….Jeder nimmt etwas ganz Eigenes mit. Genauso ist es völlig in Ordnung, wenn das für einen selbst nichts ist. Jeder hat seinen eigenen Zugang zu dem, was Ihm oder Ihr Kraft gibt.