Gigathlon 2013: It´s on!

Today was the official kick-off of Gigathlon 2013 with a media conference where the new course was presented. Next year´s Gigathlon will be only 6 days, not 7 as I expected. That´s a pity in my eyes, but it increases my chances for a finish. Otherwise, I like the course. There are a few transfers by ship or cable car which gives also single athletes some time to chat and enjoy. :)

The start is in Chur. The first day is in the mountains with a run up to 2860 meters above sea level. The second day is from Chur to Ennetbürgen (at Lake of Lucerne). Day 3 is the longest and hardest day. Forth day goes from Ennetbürgen to Berne. Day 5 is a "city-gigathlon" in the area around Berne to recover a little bit before the final day which brings us down to Lausanne. In total, 1057 kilometers with 18´600 meters of altitute difference need to be completed. Less than in previous years, but still enough. Never underestimate a Gigathlon, that´s something everyone should have learnt from the 2012 one! Around 8000 athletes will be participating, alone, in couples or teams of 5 to 15 members. In addition, a few thousands volunteers and supporters are part of the journey through Switzerland coming through 12 cantons. It will be massive and super awesome!

Looking at the maps and course details, I believe that I will be able to handle it. I think, I will be ready in July. I waited long 6 years since the last one-week Gigathlon and now I will risk it!

Next challenge is to secure one of only 150 spots for single athletes next Tuesday. The rest is reserved for couples and teams. As the moment of registration opening is not known exactly, I won´t be sleeping much that night for sure!

All details on: www.gigathlon.ch

That was 2012!

Before the preparation for the season 2013 starts officially with the kick-off of the Gigathlon course presentation next Tuesday, it´s time for a proper end of season post. In short, this was not the best season I´ve ever had. Or was it?

To be honest, the season 2012 was a gap year for me. A restart after my half year triathlon break during my exchange in Sweden in autumn/winter 2011. A year, where I had to focus on the finalization of my Bachelor´s thesis and degree as well as starting my internship rather than on sports.

First I had to get fit again. In January, I was not even able to run 30mins without breaks if it was not completely flat like in Sweden. I felt like a beginner. I change my food plan, I started daily training again. My motivation was the Gigathlon 2012, which was more like a test for the one 2013, and my big season´s goal, Ironman Wales. The first improvements happened fast, until spring I lost my overweight and I also run a new PB over 10k. Most of my races were successful: I was able to defend my age group win at TriStar111 Germany. I finished the probably hardest weekend Gigathlon confidently. In early August, I did my best result ever at a olympic distance triathlon. Improvements in both my biking and running were obvious. Not only during racing but also in training. I felt as strong as never before flying to Wales for my big day, Ironman Wales. I hoped for the Hawaii qualification. In the end, I ended up second, missing the quali by a few minutes. However, considering the cirumstances of my limited health on that day, my performance was strong as well. I finally improved my swimming and I also ran a new PB on a very hilly marathon.

Summarizing, how was my season? For being a gap year, it was just great. I had been afraid to be slower than last year but instead I was able to improve in all disciplines. Especially my performance on Gigathlon was steadier than before. On the other side, I was not able to fulfill all my own (maybe sometimes too high) expectations. But without dreams, you never reach your full potential!

I am happy with my season. Actually, I just realized that I never had a real bummer season where everything just blow up. I am always able to show a steady and good performance. I think that´s something one can be proud of.

Finally, after this gap season, the year 2013 is here. I can´t believe how fast the time flew. Since 2007 I dream of the one-week Gigathlon 2013, where I want to start as a single woman. And now it´s finally here, knocking at my door to get out training!

Am I really ready for it?

Perfect weekend!

Pictures do say more than thousand words. The last weekend was just perfect. On an almost ten hours mountain bike tour in the Swiss alps (crossing Saflischpass 2563 m.a.s.l.) on Saturday, including great downhill trails, followed an easy recovery family road bike ride on Sunday in short-short. And just to let you know: I biked the "36 trail" down from Rosswald to Brig like a boss! ;)

Unfortunatley, these were probably the last mild autumn days. Winter is coming.

In exactly one week I will know what will be awaiting me next summer at Gigathlon! So exciting. Time to do a retrospective post on season 2012 before booting Gigathlon season 2013. So stay tuned, coming soon.