Sideproject: Ironman 70.3
Sports
Journeying through the serene and challenging terrains of the mountains has always been a solace for my soul. My early escapades on foot took an exhilarating turn when I delved into the world of trail running. There's an unparalleled joy in trekking lightweight, racing up peaks, with just the essentials and the vast landscape ahead. However, the onset of the pandemic brought new directions to my athletic pursuits. I found myself gravitating towards road cycling, and with each pedal stroke, my love for the sport grew. One day, it dawned on me that I was just one discipline short of a triathlon. Always being drawn to longer distances, the Ironman 70.3 beckoned, and I set a goal not just to complete it but to do so with ease and finesse.
Swimming was the missing piece of the puzzle. I embarked on my aquatic journey in the open waters of Eibsee. The initial days were challenging, but with determination, the learning curve steepened, and I soon found myself comfortably completing 1.9 km stretches. Combining all three disciplines, however, posed a different kind of challenge. To acquaint myself, I began with the Olympic distance and frequently practiced two disciplines back-to-back. While my objective was clear from the beginning – to finish the Ironman 70.3 with resilience rather than racing against the clock – I decided to pick my routes and set my own date.
The awaited day finally dawned, bringing with it a set of challenges. The cold waters of Eibsee tested my determination during the swim, while the bike ride unfolded relatively smoother. Running, however, presented a torrential downpour, making every step weigh heavy. But I was never truly alone. With each leg of the race, friends joined, offering support and camaraderie. It's astonishing how an individual sport like triathlon becomes all the more enriching when shared with a team.
Having conquered the 70.3, I can proudly say I achieved what I set out to do. Though the idea of a full-distance Ironman remains daunting for now, who knows what the future holds? After all, every new challenge once seemed insurmountable until it was met head-on.
