Svenja Sommer: Summer in the name, summer in the heart.
"Summer on the Inside" is not only Svenja's favorite recovery track, but it also actually describes her attitude towards life. Because for the middle-distance runner, there is nothing more beautiful than training in "warm" weather and then bathing in the lake afterwards.
When Svenja is not at university or pushing through training sessions, she still enjoys being active in sports and also expresses herself as a content creator on the side. She'll reveal to you the type of content she prefers to capture in the following lines. And who knows: Maybe she'll be able to capture a snapshot of her great sports role model someday. ;)
"Do not underestimate the importance of 'regeneration' for athletic performance - both on a physical and psychological level."
Quick Facts
Name: Svenja Sommer
Reboots Product: Reboots Go Lite Pants 2.0 Set
Sport: Middle-distance (Running)
Nationality: Germany
Active since: 2017
Svenja is excited about
Reboots Go Lite Pants Set
Get back in shape faster with noticeably fresher legs. Be more efficient and beat your personal best.
Interview to Svenja
1. What sport do you practice and how did you get into it?
I'm a middle-distance runner, competing in the 1500m and 800m events. Originally, gymnastics was my main sport. There, I noticed that I could actually run quite well :) At around 8 years old, I joined the athletics group at my local club. Over time, my focus shifted from gymnastics to athletics. Initially, I tried various disciplines - from sprints to (long) hurdles, and even long jump, I enjoyed many different events... except for the throwing disciplines, I could never really warm up to those. At the age of 17, it became clear to me that the middle-distance area suited me best :)
2. What makes your sport special?
I think many runners would agree that tough tempo runs are a true love-hate relationship. The training is very demanding and tough, but it also creates a great incentive. Overcoming one's inner demons time and time again, and pushing through the session despite tired legs and bad weather, I believe, teaches much more than just running fast: it cultivates endurance, perseverance, willpower, and more. And the best part is: when it's done, you feel great.
3. What has been your biggest sporting achievement so far?
After achieving 4th and 5th place at the German Championships in the 800m and 1500m events during my youth, I landed sixth in the indoor season of 2024 in the senior category. Additionally, I have already won several medals at the South German Championships.
4. How do you deal with the "slump" after a big competition?
I give myself a small window of time to allow for a transitional phase. Then, it's important for me to quickly set myself a new goal (e.g., a competition) to work towards. This increases motivation and focus.
5. What is your favorite hobby besides your sport?
Besides my main sport, I actually love trying out other sports: tennis, volleyball, basketball, dancing, cycling, hiking, spikeball, and more. Through my sports studies, I have also come into contact with many different sports. Outside of sports, I love creatively decorating various types of bowls (and then, of course, sharing them on Instagram). Content creation in general is something I really enjoy.
Fun Facts
Which song do you like to listen to during recovery?
It changes very often. But one that always works is "Summer on the inside".
If you could exchange a day with someone, who would it be? Why?
I would be interested in experiencing a day in the training routine of Sifan Hassan. She is an absolute professional, and I'm sure I could pick up some tips from her.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
In general, all athletes who fight their way back to the top after major setbacks.
What is your hidden talent?
I think I'm pretty good at multitasking (haha).
Since we're among ourselves here: Tell us a fun fact about you that nobody knows!
My last name is "Sommer", and it seems to have also found its way into my DNA. I love everything related to summer: warm weather (preferably >30°C, even during training), lakes, iiiice cream...
Everything about recovery
1. What does perfect recovery look like for you?
Perfect recovery for me is something that can be done from anywhere, without depending on others (e.g., physios), and without significant effort or pain.
2. When do you prefer to use your Reboots?
I prefer to use my Reboots before and after training and competitions. To loosen up my muscles before training or competition, I like to use the Reboots about 1 hour before starting the workout. Here, I choose a lower intensity level. After training or competition, I use the Reboots for recovery, often opting for higher intensity levels.
3. How important is the topic of "recovery" to you?
Recovery is very central to me. With daily training sessions, I rely on recovering as well and quickly as possible. Otherwise, I cannot complete my sessions as desired.
4. What are your top 3 tips and tricks for preparing for training and subsequent recovery?
1. Aligning nutrition and fluid intake in the hours leading up to training. Training on an empty stomach or with a very full stomach is not enjoyable.
2. Previewing the training session beforehand and mentally preparing for it... as well as getting into the zone with a favorite motivational playlist :)
3. Taking sufficient time for cooldown and recovery-promoting measures to minimize muscle soreness, etc.
5. What do you do while using the Reboots?
It varies - if I'm with company, I enjoy chatting. Otherwise, I often eat, scroll through social media a bit, or answer messages and emails. Sometimes, I just relax a bit.
6. What does an optimal day look like for you?
Sunshine and >30°C, of course :) I would sleep in until around 8:30 am and then start the day with an easy run at the beach with my running buddies. Afterwards, we would prepare a delicious smoothie bowl. Then, it's off to the beach. In the afternoon, we would do a track workout and then go to a tasty bowl restaurant. In the evening, we would watch the sunset at the beach.
