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2015

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

2015/09/20: Baden Marathon Karlsruhe (42.2km)


Time	2:42:49
Overall	6th
Age Group M35	2nd

2015/09/13: Golfparklauf St. Leon-Rot (21.1km)


Time	1:17:54
Overall	4th
Age Group M35	2nd

2015/08/23: Breisgau Triathlon (2km – 80km – 21km)


Time	4:26:55
Splits	0:35:37 – 2:21:56 – 1:26:53
Overall	10th
Age Group M35	2nd

2015/07/12: Challenge Roth (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	8:53:29
Splits	1:02:47 – 4:44:55 – 3:02:13
Overall	27th
Age Group M35	2nd

2015/06/14: Maxdorf Triathlon (2km – 85km – 20km)

2014

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

2014/10/11: Ironman Hawaii (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	9:23:12
Splits	1:10:33 – 4:54:55 – 3:10:50
Overall	92nd
Age Group M35	21st

2014/07/20: Challenge Roth (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	9:20:47
Splits	1:05:10 – 4:55:52 – 3:16:33
Overall	51st
Age Group M35	6th

2014/06/15: Challenge Kraichgau (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)


Time	4:31:11
Splits	0:31:00 – 2:35:23 – 1:21:27
Overall	41st
Age Group M35	3rd

2014/05/17: Ironman Lanzarote (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)

2014 Season Statistics

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 06:51:51 +0000

Unfortunately there are new records to announce this year too — somehow it was possible to top last year... Mostly by only a little, but still...

Ironman Hawaii 2013 vs. 2014

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 10:18:18 +0000

Stats and comparisons are a wonderful thing — and as they say, trust no statistic you haven't fudged yourself... For exactly that reason, here's the bike split comparison between Hawaii 2013 and 2014.

Ironman Hawaii – Breaking into the Top 100 Best Long-Distance Triathletes in the World

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:29:49 +0000

Who would have thought I'd ever get to start a race report with a headline like that?!?! I earned my World Championship qualification in May at Ironman Lanzarote, then raced Challenge Kraichgau four weeks later, and Challenge Roth four weeks after that.

Ironman Hawaii – A Quick Race Summary

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:42:19 +0000

After a night's sleep the world doesn't look quite so bleak anymore. Where yesterday I was pretty disappointed with the race and how it unfolded (especially the marathon), today I'm already happy and satisfied with the result.

ready, set, go

Sat, 11 Oct 2014 05:24:24 +0000

Rain on Hawaii — a first for me... Good that the bike is already checked in, not so good that the helmet is hanging on the bike completely wrong:

Impressions

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 21:03:49 +0000

Aloha

Sat, 04 Oct 2014 00:29:50 +0000

Finally here….

The Last One…

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 09:54:04 +0000

2 months have passed since the last post — a lot of time for plenty of highs and lows, training and much more. What happened in the past 8 weeks?

Challenge Roth: A Race Like No Other

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 10:26:06 +0000

First it comes differently, and second differently than you'd think... That's more or less how my 12th long-distance race can be summed up in a nutshell.

Challenge Roth: Ready to go …

Sat, 19 Jul 2014 08:24:38 +0000

Challenge Kraichgau: 3rd Place at the German Middle Distance Championship

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 07:26:20 +0000

Last Sunday I raced Challenge Kraichgau over 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run — my 9th start at this event, more than at any other race.

The moment …

Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:25:37 +0000

… when you realize you have a flat tire and 20 minutes before this happened ….

The Rest of the Season

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 18:04:44 +0000

Questions upon questions — still no clear answers on the remaining races for 2014. A look at the already (or not-so-already) confirmed schedule:

Ironman Lanzarote: Racing on the edge

Mon, 26 May 2014 04:42:34 +0000

Before the actual race report I want to briefly explain how I ended up at Ironman Lanzarote — since I got asked about it a lot and the answer usually drew raised eyebrows. As if Ironman races weren't already hard enough...

Once again: Aloha!

Sun, 18 May 2014 15:20:42 +0000

See you in Kona, Hawaii, October 2014:

Ironman Lanzarote Preview

Sun, 11 May 2014 14:03:26 +0000

In 6 days the first season highlight arrives — Ironman Lanzarote. Bags are packed, Tuesday we head to the Canary Islands for the second time this year. What can we expect?

Heidelberg Half Marathon: so close …

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 07:35:28 +0000

...it would have been a new personal best over the half marathon distance, but only just — 3 seconds short. Still, I'm very happy with it.

Lanzarote Downhill Special

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 09:58:25 +0000

After two weeks of training camp on Lanzarote I'm back in cold Germany. The camp went really well — better than last year — but was also pretty exhausting. For all those who stayed home, I put on my cameraman hat and filmed the best sections of the route.

Gone with the wind

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 09:35:59 +0000

Lanzarote extreme. It's Sunday, February 16th, 2014. It was to become one of the most memorable riding days of my life...

Back in business

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 09:11:20 +0000

The lazing-around phase is well and truly over... it was nice, but after 5 extra kilos and a complete loss of fitness, enough is enough. For the past three weeks I've been back in regular training...

2013

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

2013/10/12: Ironman Hawaii (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	9:29:41
Splits	1:10:51 – 4:53:47 – 3:17:27
Overall	239th
Age Group M30	62nd

2013/08/18: Ironman Copenhagen (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	8:48:02
Splits	1:02:02 – 4:39:05 – 3:02:11
Overall	15th
Age Group M30	4th

2013/07/14: Challenge Roth (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	8:59:27
Splits	1:05:14 – 4:48:55 – 3:02:02
Overall	38th
Age Group M30	14th

2013/06/09: Challenge Kraichgau (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)

Season Statistics

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 10:25:23 +0000

For all stats fans, here are some numbers and facts. The season was unusually long for me at exactly 52 weeks, so all those big numbers need to be viewed in that context. Three Ironmans and the necessary training leave their marks...

IM Hawaii 2013: Right in the Thick of It

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 10:24:17 +0000

Unfortunately the wonderful time on Hawaii is already over. These lines are being written on the flight back to San Francisco, where I'll be spending the next 1.5 weeks. One thing is certain: I have to come back here.

Overjoyed and Completely Spent

Sun, 13 Oct 2013 21:21:33 +0000

So there it was — Ironman Hawaii, the Triathlon World Championship. Right in the thick of it... A detailed report with photos will follow sometime in the next few days. Right now I'm too wrecked to form clear thoughts.

Let the games begin!

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 22:34:53 +0000

One last update before the race: Nations Parade: √ Triathlon Expo: √ Underpants Run: √ Pasta Party: √ Bike Check-In: – Race feeling: getting better by the hour, excitement building fast Expectation: it's going to be hard

Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway: How to Survive the Ride from Hawi to Kailua-Kona

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 09:18:18 +0000

After yesterday's rest day (= watching fish at the pier for a bit), today's last longer session was on the schedule. At 7am we headed out together with the rest of the crew toward Hawi...

Bye Bye Vegas … Aloha Hawaii

Sat, 05 Oct 2013 06:47:04 +0000

The days in Vegas went by faster than expected — a few more impressions to close out the chapter:

Vegas, Baby!!!

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 19:56:14 +0000

The first leg of my US trip takes me straight into the Nevada desert, to the gambler's paradise of Las Vegas. Here are a few impressions:

Ready to go

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 07:48:49 +0000

3 in 90: Phase 3

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:24:27 +0000

3 Ironmans in 90 days — preparations for the final IM of this year have begun. The two weeks right after Ironman Copenhagen fell into the category of "doing nothing", at least sportwise. But even 3.5 weeks later the recovery factor wasn't really there...

IM Hawaii registration done …

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 19:06:19 +0000

When dreams come true …

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 07:08:51 +0000

...or what's been a long time coming finally works out... Ever since I switched from pure cyclist to triathlete about 8 years ago, I've had this dream of the legendary Hawaii, the mecca of all triathletes and host

2012

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

2012/07/08: Ironman Frankfurt (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	9:15:39
Splits	0:59:49 – 5:01:17 – 3:09:52
Overall	52nd
Age Group M30	15th

2012/06/24: City Triathlon Heilbronn (2km – 70km – 15km)


Time	3:15:49
Splits	0:29:40 – 1:50:21 – 0:53:40
Overall	14th
Age Group M30	1st

2012/06/10: Challenge Kraichgau (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)


Time	4:34:37
Splits	0:30:36 – 2:38:41 – 1:21:40
Overall	77th
Age Group M30	21st

2012/01/06: Dreikönigslauf Dielheim (10km)

Time to Say Goodbye …

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:38:02 +0000

… see you in 2013 … Season's end 2012 — somewhat unplanned and unexpected, but the alternative was too tempting.

Congratulations …

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 10:18:40 +0000

… Your registration for Challenge Roth 2013 was successful. We look forward to welcoming you on July 14, 2013 in Roth. See you at the finish line. First hurdle cleared … and to raise the bar right away I checked the 'Sub9' box 😉

Ironman Frankfurt: A Suffering Report …

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:42:16 +0000

Last weekend I raced at Ironman Frankfurt — my 7th race over the full distance of 3.8km swimming, 180km cycling, and 42.2km running. It was to be my best race yet in terms of time, but one of my worst in terms of pacing.

New PR: 9:15:39 …

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 20:24:41 +0000

… but I'm not really satisfied just yet … It was neither great nor terrible — somewhere in between. The swim went according to plan and I broke the 1h mark for the second time: 59:43.

Travel & Check-In

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 18:11:37 +0000

Yesterday Friday, fully loaded, we headed toward Frankfurt. First stop: picking up the race kit, which went quickly with no wait times. Right after that it was off to the athlete briefing at the ice rink, across Frankfurt.

The Last Sessions …

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:50:20 +0000

… are behind me — now it can finally start. What have I been doing over the last few days, and what's still left?

Race Preview Part 3: Running

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 07:14:25 +0000

And last but not least — the marathon, naturally only after you've properly warmed up 😉 Running has become my absolute favorite discipline by now.

Race Preview Part 2: Cycling

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:17:35 +0000

Part 2 of the race preview covers the second discipline — cycling. A lot depends on equipment here, and to avoid falling behind I've upgraded again … but more on that later.

Race Preview Part 1: Swimming

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:05:08 +0000

Swimming — the discipline with perhaps the biggest question marks? Good question, next question. For me it's still the biggest mystery box.

Training Week 2: Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2012 – "… and Tapering …"

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:37:59 +0000

What an amazing week … low volume in terms of load, the number of sessions was also reduced a bit … short and fast was the motto. That's a lot of fun, especially when you can't stop grinning during the ride 🙂

City Triathlon Heilbronn: 1st in Age Group, 14th Overall …

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:22:39 +0000

… those are the cold hard numbers from yesterday's race, the last test before Ironman Frankfurt. Or in other words: my very first age group win at a triathlon, and my second-best overall placing ever!!!

Training Week 3: Jun 18–24, 2012 – "Peaking …"

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 19:44:13 +0000

Slowly heading into the decisive phase — the last 'real' training week was on the schedule, with City Triathlon Heilbronn planned as the finale.

Training Week 4: Jun 11–17, 2012 – "Recovery"

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:34:28 +0000

The last rest week was coming up — well-deserved after the previous brutal training block with the Challenge Kraichgau as the small highlight. Looking back, it was probably too much rest — the legs weren't great for last Sunday's test race.

Challenge Kraichgau: Groundhog Day All Over Again

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 06:44:20 +0000

… or slow start, strong finish?!?!? Both pretty much characterize the key points of my race, but more on that later. After the workload of the previous days I was anything but rested at the start line.

Training Week 5: Jun 4–10, 2012 – "Hard Knock Life"

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 19:27:20 +0000

The last training week in another three-week block is behind me — a recovery week follows … and then it's only three weeks until Frankfurt. Race numbers were also distributed there this week.

First Race of the Season: Challenge Kraichgau

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:10:46 +0000

Two days to go until the first race of the season, the Challenge Kraichgau. It's always been a preparation race for me leading up to the season highlight — this year even more so than in previous years.

Changing Brake Pads: Advanced Level

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:27:04 +0000

Early this year I got a new wheelset from Zipp, the Firecrest 808 Carbon Clincher. The main reason was that I wanted to go back to clincher tires. OK, aerodynamics also played a big role in choosing this specific model.

Training Week 6: May 28 – Jun 3, 2012 – "Rainy Days"

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:10:47 +0000

I've rarely gotten soaked so often and for so long in a single week, with today being the highlight 🙁 At least it was warm — I'd still rather have sun back.

Training Week 7: May 21–27, 2012 – "Fuel Up"

Sun, 27 May 2012 20:46:20 +0000

After 4 consecutive hard training weeks, it was finally time for a recovery week. Well-deserved, badly needed, and hopefully enough to regenerate and come back stronger.

Training Week 8: May 14–20, 2012 – "Crash Test Dummies"

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:13:51 +0000

Quick summary of this week: produced a lot of broken gear, fitness is improving … I already wrote about the equipment issues, so here's the athletic side of the last training week.

Gear Wars, Part 4: What Breaks Next?

Sun, 20 May 2012 18:05:34 +0000

Something's gone wrong lately … one by one, my cycling gear is failing or not holding up to the load.

Welcome to the Club …

Sat, 19 May 2012 07:36:12 +0000

I only wanted to change the derailleur jockey wheels on my winter/wet weather bike … I'd successfully destroyed one of them on my last ride.

Training Week 9: May 7–13, 2012 – "Push the Button"

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:59:04 +0000

This week saw the first faster sessions back on the schedule. A bit later than last year, but unavoidable given the training deficit. The priority over recent weeks was laying the necessary foundation for exactly these sessions.

Training Week 10: Apr 30 – May 6, 2012 – "Overtime"

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:50:19 +0000

23 hours of training this week, a lot of cycling and running miles stacked — that could be the short summary. Not much excitement happened. OK, on May 1st I stumbled into a neo-Nazi march and the counter-demonstration in Speyer — but that was about the most exciting thing.

Training Week 11: Apr 23–29, 2012 – "Split Pot"

Tue, 01 May 2012 06:54:49 +0000

After the last exhausting weeks, there were several rest days at the start of the new week, before a small 5-day training block kicked off from Friday.

Training Week 12: Apr 16–22, 2012 – "Hammer to Fall"

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:55:17 +0000

The title says it all — the man with the hammer seemed to show up at every single session … sometimes earlier, sometimes later, but always right on time. A very loyal and reliable companion.

Training Week 13: Apr 9–15, 2012 – "Long and Winding Road"

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:19:07 +0000

Stacking miles was the plan this week, in all disciplines and always plenty of them … Not super exciting, but it's delivering the hoped-for progress. My longest run is now up to 2:20h.

Training Week 14: Apr 2–8, 2012 – "Comeback Kid"

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:02:29 +0000

Finally being a triathlete again … I've really missed that over the last few weeks!!! Now I'm allowed to be one again, and I have this device to thank for it:

Training Week 15: Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2012 – "Running Up That Hill"

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 06:43:06 +0000

Be running up that road, be running up that hill, be running up that building, if I only could, oh… — Well, I can run again!

Training Week 16: Mar 19–25, 2012 – "Land of Hope and Dreams"

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:57:19 +0000

Can it get any worse than the week before??? The answer is: … … … yes 🙁

Training Week 17: Mar 12–18, 2012 – "Is There a Doctor in the House?"

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:02:35 +0000

Calling it a 'training week' is a bit of a stretch — other than strength training and core work, not much actually happened. Instead, doctor visits were on the agenda. The outcome was pretty much what I already suspected.

Training Week 19: Feb 27 – Mar 4, 2012 – "Stop and Stare"

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:54:10 +0000

Not much training was possible, unfortunately — the injury hasn't gone anywhere. So the decision was made to stop running and cycling too, and just fill the time with swimming, stretching, and strength work.

Training Week 20: Feb 20–26, 2012 – "Hurts Like Heaven"

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:41:57 +0000

The title is unfortunately accurate — the pain has not gotten any less, quite the opposite. Swimming is the only sport I can currently do pain-free; cycling is halfway okay; running is currently impossible.

Training Week 21: Feb 13–19, 2012 – "Rest & Recovery"

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:41:59 +0000

It was supposed to be the third hard training week, but due to pain in my back, glutes, and Achilles tendon I had to take an easy week instead. Where the issues are coming from is still not entirely clear.

Training Week 22: Feb 6–12, 2012 – "Flash-Freezing"

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:32:51 +0000

And it gets even colder … Last week's theme was 'cold' — this past week is better described as 'flash-frozen'. Running at -16°C is kind of doable, but not really fun.

Training Week 23: Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2012 – "Cold as Ice"

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:26:17 +0000

Right as I start training again, winter arrives … ideal conditions for spending long periods outside. The only positive thing is that it hasn't snowed — the cold is somehow manageable.

Going Long …

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:10:49 +0000

… is the motto for the next 3 months. That means building volume in all three disciplines — up to 5h on the bike and 2.5h running. It's going to be tough at the start again, but it absolutely has to happen.

Three Kings Run Dielheim: Age Group Win, 7th Overall …

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:59:03 +0000

… and a new 10km PR — that's how the new year started. Why it went so well, I honestly can't explain. I did everything in my power in the days before to make sure that wouldn't happen. Didn't work out 😉

2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

2011/09/11: Ironman Wales (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	10:40:31
Splits	0:55:16 – 6:10:19 – 3:23:57
Overall	94th
Age Group M30	21st

2011/07/24: Ironman Germany (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	9:18:55
Splits	1:00:23 – 5:04:19 – 3:09:20
Overall	50th
Age Group M30	14th

2011/06/12: Triathlon Maxdorf (2km – 85km – 20km)


Time	4:15:45
Splits	0:29:19 – 2:26:47 – 1:19:39
Overall	25th
Age Group M30	8th

2011/06/05: Challenge Kraichgau (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)

Bike Fit: Or How Do You Actually Put Me on a Bike Properly?

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:43:50 +0000

A few days ago I went to Cyclefit in Bensheim to get a saddle position analysis done and to sort out my discomfort on the bike. Let me say upfront: it was worth it in almost every respect.

Season Planning 2012

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:56:12 +0000

Planning for the new season is mostly done — here are the races I'll be doing: Jan 6, 2012 – Three Kings Run Dielheim (10km), May 20, 2012 – Heidesee Triathlon Forst, and more.

Changes to My Bike Position

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:50:58 +0000

There was a change to my bike position yesterday, and the next one will probably be due in two weeks. 1. new extensions — the old S-bends were swapped out yesterday for straight extensions

Season Stats

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:00:59 +0000

For the stats fans among us, here are the raw numbers from the 2010/2011 season: Bike: 360h / 10,262km. Run: 233h / 2,856km. Swimming: 112h / 340km. Total: 705h / 13,458km.

10,000 Cycling Kilometers Done

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:40:49 +0000

Last Wednesday was the day — the 10,000 season-kilometer mark on the bike fell. Somewhere on the Rhine levee, doing 45 km/h — fitting, I think …

Back on Track

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:35:02 +0000

After exactly 8 days and 74 minutes I couldn't take it anymore without sports and relapsed. It was my longest sports-free stretch in over 5 years — a weirdly peculiar time.

Ironman Wales: My Hardest and Longest Race Yet

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 07:29:58 +0000

Who would have thought that after this year's Ironman Germany in Frankfurt there could be a step up in terms of conditions?! I was prepared for a lot: rain, wind, rough roads, waves in the swim, a hilly marathon... my expectations were exceeded by far, and not in a good way.

Off-Season: Or Maybe Not??

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:27:01 +0000

A look at my stats has revealed something surprising: as of today I'm only 1,011km short of hitting the 10,000km mark on the bike this year. I should take advantage of this — who knows when I'll get the chance again.

Off-Season

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:20:53 +0000

...or what do you do with too much free time?? I was genuinely looking forward to this period even before Wales, but somehow I'm already not enjoying it. After 6 days completely without sport I'm seriously considering starting back up again.

Race Day: Dogged by Bad Luck

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:02:39 +0000

Well, that didn't go as planned... Short version: the swim went pretty well despite some heavy wave action. Then the suffering began.

T-2: Check-In and Stuff

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:31:23 +0000

So, tomorrow is the big day — the tension is slowly building. The last training session was swept away by the wind, garnished with rain showers and lots of wet, dirty roads.

T-3: Travel Day Part 2

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 09:43:02 +0000

Yesterday was part 2 of the journey — the last 350km by car from Reading to Tenby in Wales. Thanks to Jan's driving we made good time, though I did occasionally have to retrieve my luggage from wherever it had ended up.

T-4: Travel Day Part 1

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:31:48 +0000

Part 1 of the journey is successfully behind us. From home with a fully loaded car to Frankfurt Hahn airport, then Ryanair to London Stansted, and from there by rental car to Reading, west of London — our first stopover.

Training Week 2: 29.08-04.09.2011

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:15:12 +0000

Or: life almost came to an end... I was incredibly lucky on Wednesday. By just a few very, very tight centimeters I narrowly avoided a head-on collision with an oncoming car.

Training Week 3: 22-28.08.2011

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:46:10 +0000

...or life and training in Germany on Indian Standard Time... IST +3.5h — that was the offset I spent last week in. Meaning: very early mornings, work done just after lunch, and in bed by 7pm.

Training Week 4: 15-21.08.2011

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:31:37 +0000

Monday: early morning shake-out swim to recover from the previous day's effort. Tuesday: 1h run with short pick-ups and an easy 1.5h bike session. Wednesday: climbing at the Königstuhl...

Training Week 5: 08-14.08.2011

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:21:17 +0000

Monday: unplanned rest day — the body was just too wrecked. Tuesday: well recovered, out on the bike for 75 minutes in the morning; a brisk 1.5h run was planned for the evening — ended up a soggy affair thanks to a thunderstorm.

T-37 ... or the Wheels Are Turning Again

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:25:22 +0000

Since Frankfurt I've mostly been eating a lot, sleeping, and being lazy. The last 10 days included 4 complete rest days, topped off with plenty of chocolate, ice cream, fried food, brownies, steaks, cake, and even more chocolate...

Next Challenge: Ironman Wales

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:40:10 +0000

On short notice I've decided to race the Ironman in Wales on September 11th. To be upfront: this will be an experiment — I have no idea how it'll go.

Ironman Germany: Best Career Race Without a Happy Ending

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:28:10 +0000

My longest day of the year started early — the alarm went off just before 4am. I'd slept well and felt good; my legs were loose and I was mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

The Hawaii Dream, Shattered — 13 Seconds Too Slow

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:07:12 +0000

...and Groundhog Day strikes again... Last year I missed the World Championship qualification by a laughable 96 seconds — this year it would be an even more mind-blowing 13 seconds.

Race Day: New Personal Best in Monster Conditions

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:38:38 +0000

A full race report will follow in the next few days — for now I just want to hit the highlights in bullet point form. 'Monster conditions' is, by the way, a direct quote from men's winner Faris Al-Sultan.

T-1: Show What You've Got

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:39:04 +0000

Today the schedule called for a 30-minute bike session and a 15-minute run, each with 2 very short intervals. After that the bags were packed and it was off to check-in. Always a fun spectacle — 90% of the people there have top-end gear and look like they're about to win the race tomorrow.

Travel Day

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 06:38:56 +0000

Yesterday at noon we finally headed off to the race — together with my training buddy Tobi I made my way to Frankfurt. The drive went smoothly and traffic-free, so we arrived right on time for the race briefing.

Facts, Facts, Facts ...

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:17:17 +0000

Or: what did it actually take to show up at the start line on Sunday reasonably prepared? After pulling the numbers together I was genuinely shocked by how much of my life I'd burned through for this — not meant negatively, I did all of it voluntarily and very, very, very, very happily.

Race Kit — Or: What the Heck Do I Wear?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 06:02:53 +0000

Luckily that question is answered pretty quickly ... It'll be the FX Race Short and FX Race Top from my sponsor SLS3.

Update: Bike Setup Ironman Germany

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:12:37 +0000

I was a bit too quick posting those bike setup pictures — there were two last-minute changes: the spare tube was still missing and got taped under the saddle, and the number '3' on my disc wheel has grown up and now needs a bit more real estate.

Bike Setup: Ironman Germany

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:35:01 +0000

Yesterday I gave my TT bike a thorough clean and then got it set up for the Ironman. Here's what I changed.

Training Week 2: 11-17.07.2011

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:15:39 +0000

The week kicked off on Monday with a well-deserved complete rest day, and Tuesday's 75-minute bike ride contributed nicely to recovery too. Wednesday brought one more longer brick session on the schedule.

Training Week 3: 04-10.07.2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:08:12 +0000

The last big training week before the Ironman started as always with a swim session on Monday morning — unfortunately not a great one, so I called it after 25 minutes. I had the body position of a brick, zero power, zero technique; there was no point grinding through it any longer.

Training Week 4: 27.06-03.07.2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:04:26 +0000

It was supposed to be a rest week — and at least sports-wise, it was. 'Full capacity due to various external influences' is a much more accurate description though...

Training Week 5: June 20-26, 2011

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:55:01 +0000

The week started as always with a Monday morning swim. For once it actually went really well — no surprise, since I'd barely trained the day before. A solid week wrapping up a demanding three-week block.

Ironman Frankfurt: Start Wave 1, Bib Number 216!!!

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:28:44 +0000

Probably the best news after a very hard training week: I get to start in Wave 1 at Ironman Frankfurt!!!! Only about 500 people swimming at once instead of 2,000. Best possible setup for a good race.

Training Week 6: June 13-19, 2011

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:27:50 +0000

Last week started Monday morning with a one-hour swim that got harder toward the end than originally planned. Not surprising — I was nowhere near fully recovered from the previous day's efforts.

Triathlon Maxdorf: Or How Do You Survive a Half-Iron Distance on a Single Gel???

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:19:15 +0000

Yesterday was the second middle-distance race in a week — the Triathlon in Maxdorf: 2km swim, 85km bike, 20km run. Straight out of training, no taper, and somehow only one single gel for the whole thing.

Training Week 7: June 6-12, 2011

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:00:21 +0000

The week started Monday with an easy swim — legs and arms were still pretty beat from Challenge Kraichgau. In hindsight I could have skipped it, since I managed to lose my swim cap, goggles, and swim watch at the pool.

Challenge Kraichgau: Bike Comparison 2010 vs. 2011

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:39:07 +0000

After two very busy days I finally got around to digging into my SRM data from the bike leg at Challenge Kraichgau. I mainly wanted to understand why, despite putting out more power, I was slower than last year.

Challenge Kraichgau: Ups & Downs

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 22:27:07 +0000

… or me and the race marshals… It started already on Saturday at check-in when my TT helmet failed inspection. And today brought the follow-up: my very first time penalty in my triathlon career.

Bad Omen: TT Helmet Fails Inspection

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 21:14:45 +0000

The race marshals at the Challenge Kraichgau bike check-in were very thorough — and they found something. My TT helmet is defective and I'm not allowed to race with it tomorrow.

Kraichgau Preview

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:00:06 +0000

Sunday is one of my favorite races: Challenge Kraichgau. 1.9km swim in Hardtsee, 90km bike through the scenic Kraichgau hills, and 21.1km run in Bad Schönborn. First real form test of the year.

I am sailing, I am sailing …

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:28:17 +0000

… Home again 'cross the sea, I am sailing stormy waters … That was the theme of today's bike session. Tons of wind, me, and my TT bike = an absolute blast!!!

Training Week 9: May 23-29, 2011

Sun, 29 May 2011 21:11:47 +0000

55 days to Ironman Frankfurt, and training is getting harder. Week 9 was the last in a three-week loading block — lots of race pace and above, which is brutal but also incredibly satisfying.

An Unplanned Off-Road Detour on the TT Bike

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:27:21 +0000

During today's session I was involuntarily forced to test my new bike's off-road capabilities. A huge construction site on my planned route home from the Kraichgau left me with three options — none of them great.

Training Week 10: May 16-22, 2011

Mon, 23 May 2011 19:44:04 +0000

Last week only had 17.5 training hours, but with other obligations and very little sleep it was right at the edge of what's manageable. I really needed today's rest day.

Schedule

Tue, 17 May 2011 21:50:12 +0000

Heidesee Triathlon Forst

Sun, 15 May 2011 21:25:23 +0000

Today was the first triathlon of the season: 1km swim, 32km bike, 7.5km run. Not my favorite distance, but a good way to kick off the season and expose the remaining weak spots.

First Impressions Part 2

Wed, 11 May 2011 21:16:29 +0000

Today's session was 3 hours of cycling with 4x20min at threshold and a 1-hour brick run — race training, basically. Still deeply impressed getting on the bike, and even more enthusiastic getting off three hours later.

First Impressions

Tue, 10 May 2011 20:56:11 +0000

Incredible, just absolutely incredible… I'm honestly at a loss for words — I'm deeply impressed by this thing. I had high expectations for the bike, and they were blown out of the water. The bike is at least two categories above my previous one.

New Time Trial Bike

Fri, 06 May 2011 20:39:29 +0000

After a long deliberation I had basically decided to stick with my Kuota for another season. But the decision of which new TT bike to get was tricky — almost nothing is fully compatible with Shimano Di2.

Swim

Tue, 03 May 2011 21:02:14 +0000

Swim

Bike

Mon, 02 May 2011 21:02:31 +0000

Bike

Equipment

Mon, 02 May 2011 21:01:38 +0000

Swim

Bike

Run

Race Results

Mon, 02 May 2011 20:36:17 +0000

Run

Sun, 01 May 2011 21:02:46 +0000

Run

Heidelberg Half Marathon – Season opener nailed

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:00:47 +0000

Today I finally kicked off the new season — later than usual. Bad weather had wiped out all the planned early races.

2010

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

2010/10/17: Volksbanklauf Wiesloch (10km)


Time	0:37:37
Overall	4th
Age Group M30	1st

2010/09/19: Baden Marathon Karlsruhe (42.2km)


Time	2:56:15
Overall	25th
Age Group M30	4th

2010/08/01: Heidelberg Duathlon (5km – 32km – 10km)


Time	2:17:56
Splits	0:19:25 – 1:17:10 – 0:41:20
Overall	40th
Age Group M30	8th

2010/07/04: Ironman Germany (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	9:36:19
Splits	1:05:13 – 5:05:06 – 3:21:45
Overall	78th
Age Group M30	22nd

2010/06/26: Challenge Kraichgau (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)

2009

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

2009/07/05: Ironman Austria (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	DNF
Splits	1:06:02 – 4:58:08 –

2009/06/14: Challenge Kraichgau (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)


Time	DNF

2009/06/07: Challenge France (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)


Time	4:45:51
Splits	0:29:18 – 2:21:30 – 1:33:33
Overall	91st
Age Group M30	22nd

2009/05/09: Mannheim Half Marathon (21.1km)


Time	1:27:55
Overall	57th
Age Group M30	7th

2008

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

2008/09/14: Lion Team Challenge (0.38km – 18km – 4.2km)


Time	0:59:33
Splits	0:10:06 – 0:31:58 – 0:17:29

2008/07/13: Challenge Roth (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	10:12:58
Splits	1:09:29 – 5:15:23 – 3:42:08
Overall	322nd
Age Group M25	44th

2008/06/08: Kraichgau Triathlon (2km – 60.5km – 14km)


Time	DNF
Splits	0:35:22 – 1:50:45 –

2008/05/25: Challenge France (1.9km – 90km – 21.1km)


Time	4:45:51
Splits	0:31:31 – 2:33:12 – 1:53:04
Overall	258th
Age Group M25	57th

2007

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

2007/06/24: Challenge Roth (3.8km – 180km – 42.2km)


Time	9:59:39
Splits	1:17:36 – 5:05:52 – 3:29:52
Overall	232nd
Age Group M25	38th

2007/06/10: Kraichgau Triathlon (2km – 60.5km – 14km)


Time	3:32:26
Splits	0:40:51 – 1:50:21 – 1:01:12
Overall	78th
Age Group M25	7th

2007/05/20: Forst Heidesee Triathlon (1km – 30km – 7.5km)


Time	1:40:34
Splits	0:19:28 – 0:50:05 – 0:31:21
Overall	13th
Age Group M25	5th

2007/05/12: Calw Triathlon (1km – 38km – 10km)

2006

Sun, 31 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

2006/08/27: Triathlon Viernheim (1.8km – 32km – 10km)


Time	3:00:02
Splits	0:28:47 – 1:42:07 – 0:46:06
Overall	117th

2006/08/06: Heidelbergman (1.8km – 32km – 10km)


Time	1:53:17
Splits	0:28:31 – 1:24:45 – 0:42:11
Overall	111th
Age Group M25	20th

2006/07/29: Römerman Ladenburg (1.8km – 42km – 10km)


Time	2:39:21
Splits	0:25:55 – 1:26:22 – 0:47:14
Overall	75th

2006/06/11: Kraichgau Triathlon (2.5km – 110km – 21km)