Triathlon season review 2021

An exciting, successful and injury-free season now lies behind me. It was long and exhausting, partly because I was able to take part in more races than I had expected at the beginning of the year. Triathlon is definitely back after a year out of competition! And I’m incredibly happy about that.

But first things first:

My race season started relatively spontaneously at the Challenge St. Pölten in mid-May. As it became more and more likely that this race would actually take place, I signed up immediately. The race was perfectly organized and the safety of the athletes and supporters could hardly be bettered. That weekend made me realize that triathlon events are still feasible in times of Corona and I was damn happy about that. I was finally able to show what I had been working on with KickAss Sports over the last few months.

Inspired by the euphoria of finally being able to race again, I was able to deliver a great race. By the way, you can find my detailed race report here. I improved my half marathon best time by several minutes and that showed me right at the start of the season that the work with the KickAss coaches is definitely paying off. My good result made me want to do more and I registered for the Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkel again at short notice.

I’ve already competed here several times in the relay and also did my first middle distance in 2018. If you haven’t been there yet, this race is highly recommended. Swimming in the crystal-clear Walchsee, surrounded by the mighty Kaiser Mountains. Cycling on a very hilly bike course with many small and winding roads. The half marathon leads four times around the Walchsee, also slightly hilly, but always with lots of spectators along the route and all this in a picturesque landscape. I was able to achieve my first podium finish of the year in this race. It’s going well!

Before the next competitions were just around the corner, I spent a week in St. Moritz. First and foremost as a vacation, but also to collect a few more kilometers for the second half of the season. Next up was my home race at the Rothsee Triathlon. Despite a significant improvement on my performance in 2019, I had to settle for fourth place for the second time in a row. Not so bad, because the joy of improving in all three disciplines prevailed and I was once again able to win the title that probably only exists in the triathlon-crazy region around Roth – namely: fastest in the district.

One highlight followed the next. The Allgäu Triathlon. Legendary. Brutally tough.

I knew many stories and tales about the Allgäu Triathlon and yet my youthful recklessness prevailed and I thought to myself: “How hard can it be, it’s a triathlon like any other”. I was wrong. I had massively underestimated the course of the Allgäu Triathlon. I already had to lose a lot of energy on the bike due to the steep climbs and then there was the hilly running course with the notorious Kuhsteig. I was so exhausted at the finish that I couldn’t really celebrate my fourth place in the women’s field. However, after a plate of cheese spaetzle and a good portion of Kaiserschmarrn, I was overjoyed and very proud of my achievement. I also won my age group and took home one of the coveted cowbells.

The Challenge Roth followed two weeks later. As I come from the district of Roth, it is to a certain extent a matter of course to take part in this mega event. Whether as an individual starter, relay team or volunteer. As at the last event, I started again with my family relay team and the goal was clearly defined. After second place in 2019, we wanted to win this year. My cousin (swimmer) and my mum (runner) delivered great times, and I was also able to set a strong bike time with a 35.8 km/h average. In the end, it was actually enough for the long-awaited victory.

Last but not least

My fourth and final middle distance was actually only a week after Challenge Roth (yes, it’s called THE Challenge) – namely the Ingolstadt Triathlon. However, after consulting my coach, I decided to re-register for the Olympic distance. My legs were still too heavy from the long and hard bike ride and I was extremely tired. Fortunately, it worked out the day before the race and I was able to start at the shorter distance. I couldn’t have imagined a better end to my season. I won the women’s competition and I was able to celebrate properly at the finish – beer shower included. A great first season as part of the KickAss Squad.

Off season is calling

Off season – a term that is widely used in the triathlon world. But what does off-season mean to you? For me, it simply means doing nothing that has anything to do with sport and triathlon. And for at least two weeks – three weeks is even better. Switching off, recharging my batteries, eating healthily, meeting friends, going shopping, sleeping late. All the things that are sometimes neglected during the training and competition phase. After two or three weeks, you’ll really feel like training again.

With this in mind,

have fun relaxing and see you soon