Running Across Germany: Joyce Hübner’s 495-Marathon Mission

A New Frontier in Ultra-Endurance

Ultra-runner Joyce Hübner is no stranger to extreme feats. After circumnavigating Germany and completing a full loop around Mallorca, she’s returning to the road with her most ambitious goal yet: running 495 marathons in 495 days to link every town in Germany.

This endeavor begins June 1 and spans roughly 1.5 years—demanding not only physical endurance but logistical precision and mental resilience. With the start of the project just around the corner, Joyce is relying on a tried-and-true routine, a small but effective support team, and COROS technology to guide her effort.

Building a Sustainable Training Base

Joyce spent the past year methodically increasing her training volume. Her Base Fitness score—an indicator of how much training her body is adapted to—rose from around 100 to 170. This growth came from steady, progressive overload after a deliberate off-season. "It was important to me to create slow but steady growth," she explains. "With this foundation, I can have a sustainable taper into the project."

Monitoring her Training Load and Recovery was essential. Joyce used Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and the COROS Recovery metric to adjust effort levels. "The heart rate variability is always a very good indicator and mirror for my personal feeling. I also always like to look at the recovery forecast. Both have always 100% reflected my own body feeling," she says. Her approach is intuitive but backed by data—an ideal blend of experience and technology.

For athletes looking to better understand Base Fitness and Training Load, this guide explains how to use those metrics effectively.

Supported by a Lean Team and Smart Tools

Joyce is supported primarily by her partner, Sven, who manages vehicle logistics, supplies, and daily transitions. She has also established small logistics hubs with friends across Germany to swap gear and restock food. "They only have a small share of project support, but it is indispensable for us," Joyce says.

To track the project, Joyce had several requirements for her tech: "I place particular emphasis on good GPS reception, precise data acquisition, accurate navigation and a long battery life."

The VERTIX 2S’s long battery life—up to 118 hours in standard GPS mode—means she doesn’t need to worry about recharging mid-route. Joyce also carries the COROS POD 2 and Heart Rate Monitor for real-time biomechanical feedback and accurate HR tracking, particularly important as fatigue sets in over time.

Navigation as a Daily Necessity

Joyce meticulously planned all 495 marathon routes in advance and synced them with her COROS watch via the app. “Navigation is one of the most important functions for me,” she emphasizes. "I meticulously planned all routes of the 495 marathons in advance. During the upcoming marathons, I will run daily and exclusively with navigation."

Staying Mentally Focused Over 495 Marathons

When asked about her motivation, Joyce is candid: “My ambition and stubbornness help me. Once I make up my mind on something, I will follow through.” Her drive comes from a desire to show what’s possible: "We don't have to be professionals or competitive athletes. Our body is able to do too much if you really want it. I want to prove this to people."

Her daily routine—run, eat, rest, repeat—leaves little time for distraction. Social media updates and recovery fill the rest of her day. “There’s hardly any room to lose focus,” she says.

Why It Matters

Joyce’s project is a blueprint for what’s possible with careful planning, self-awareness, and the right tools. While she tests her endurance, she also inspires others around her. In her previous projects, she's been joined by other runners for parts of the journey. "My project is there that everyone can participate. Simply run without the stopwatch or any pressure behind it," she explains. "You meet people to whom you would not have had access to in normal life."

Whether you’re training for your first race or pushing the limits of endurance, her story is a powerful reminder that consistency, commitment, and resilience are key.