About LONGRÉE
Life Time Moving
I was fortunate to have parents who took me to baby swimming lessons. That's how I learned to swim at an early age and, above all, to be aware of my body.
As a child, I participated intensely in swimming competitions. I was often in the snow skiing and even participated in some ski races. For a few seasons, I played on a soccer team.
My athletic foundation was broad, and I pursued each of these sports with great ambition. In retrospect, I realize that both the physical and mental components formed an important foundation. The coordination skills I acquired early on still benefit me today. Learning to start something and pursue it with determination also helps me in other areas of life.
I owe this to my parents, who taught me perseverance and consistency, but never „forced“ me to do sports.
Big Brother
I was fortunate to have parents who took me to baby swimming lessons. That's how I learned to swim at an early age and, above all, to be aware of my body.
As a child, I participated intensely in swimming competitions. I was often in the snow skiing and even participated in some ski races. For a few seasons, I played on a soccer team.
My athletic foundation was broad, and I pursued each of these sports with great ambition. In retrospect, I realize that both the physical and mental components formed an important foundation. The coordination skills I acquired early on still benefit me today. Learning to start something and pursue it with determination also helps me in other areas of life.
I owe this to my parents, who taught me perseverance and consistency, but never „forced“ me to do sports.
Going long
After a few years in short-distance racing, I switched to the IRONMAN distance. As a junior, I won the bronze medal at the World Championships.
I completed my first Ironman in Switzerland. I immediately placed 12th overall there. This was followed by top 10 finishes at Ironman UK, Ironman Switzerland, Ironman Lanzarote, victory at the legendary Almere „Ironman,“ and a pivotal amateur world championship title (and 20th overall among the pros) at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. After this title, I decided to turn professional and work on myself even more from then on.
I finished on the podium directly in my first professional race. I ran my fastest time at the Ironman Austria with a marathon of 2:43h. With the Hawaii qualification, I headed to San Francisco for Hawaii preparation. It's not the best city for preparation. So, four weeks before the „Big Race“ in Kona, I flew to Hawaii and prepared there. I was very satisfied with the result, finishing 17th (third-best marathon time of all participants).
The following year, I started late. I focused on a race at the end of August. A long and hard preparation in the heat of Fuerteventura enabled me to achieve my first IRONMAN victory at Ironman Louisville. It was a great and unforgettable feeling to cross the finish line first and to belong to the „M-Dot Club“ ever since, Ironman Champ.
Despite a short recovery time, I also started the Ironman Hawaii. Unfortunately, I caught an ear infection. Thus, I had to start the race weakened. I lacked strength in the water and on the bike, but I ran the third-best marathon time again, which helped me to 17th place. A top-20 finish in Hawaii is always good!
Highly motivated, I started the 2009 season. My primary goal was to defend my Ironman title. I chose Ironman Coeur d'Alene as my first race of the year. With a third-place finish, I was satisfied with the start of the season.
Then there was a long preparation in the USA for the Ironman Louisville. Unfortunately, I could not defend my title and finished in 5th place. Even the best run time of the day was unfortunately not enough to get on the podium.
stroke of fate
So, for mid-November, I chose Ironman Arizona as the last highlight of the year. Before heading into my four-week preparation at my favorite training resort, „Playitas,“ in Fuerteventura, I participated in my hometown marathon. I treated it as a long training session, running it sober before breakfast in 2:48, and without any special effort. So, my basic fitness was already good.
The training continued to go perfectly. Well-trained and well-rested, I landed in Arizona. All signs pointed towards victory. But then, during a „shopping trip“ on my bike, a car hit me head-on. With a severed calf muscle, I lay bleeding on the asphalt. Taken away by ambulance, I was treated in the hospital. Several surgeries were necessary. There was a danger of losing my leg.
It wasn't just the immediate inability to complete the race that hurt, but especially the consequences. Several fractures, the severed muscle, and the usual injuries from such an accident forced me into a long rehabilitation. I pushed myself to my limits to regain all my bodily functions as quickly as possible and learned a lot about my body again during this time.
My special thanks at this point go to my „little sister“ Antoinette, who stood by me unconditionally during this time.
Comeback
After six months, I could train specifically for my comeback again. In July, I participated in the Ironman Austria as a „training session.“.
At the end of August, I competed in the Ironman Kentucky and, overjoyed, crossed the finish line in third place. That was a fantastic feeling. Just two weeks later, Ironman Wisconsin was on. Here, despite starting five minutes late (problems with my race suit), I finished in 6th place. The marathon course record, which still stands today, helped me achieve this.
THE TRIPLE
ECP- PHX- CUN, those are the airport codes for my destinations within 3 weeks.
As the only athlete, I started in 3 Ironmans in 3 weeks, and all of them at world-class level, top 10. This alone was three marathons (all under 2:50h) in three weeks. Starting with Ironman Florida, followed by Ironman Arizona, which meant a lot to me because I had that terrible accident a year prior, and finishing with Ironman Cozumel, Mexico.
This pushed me to my limits, both logistically and physically. But it was a great experience that I wouldn't want to miss. I learned so much about recovery, nutrition, and the mental factors involved.
Today's Life
Entrepreneur Coach Author Model
My career as a professional athlete provided me with experience and knowledge that I bring to my coaching with power. Non-triathlon-specific training (strength training, functional training, etc.) and the fact that I have tested all sorts of different diets in conjunction with all kinds of training methods on myself, leads to unparalleled know-how on how people can effectively stay fit and healthy. I pass this on with a passion for a „Healthy Lifestyle.“ I share my knowledge and tips on social media and in publications such as magazine articles. My first book under the title “Faster with Strength Training” was published in December 2016, and another book is in the works.
Furthermore, I work as a consultant for companies in the areas of sports, media productions, fitness, nutrition, health, and social media.
I organize, plan, and carry out business trips. Additionally, I offer my own fitness retreats and conduct full-day, weekend (Longrée FitDays), or week-long seminars (Longrée FitWeeks).
A steadily growing range of its own Dietary supplements is on the market.
In the social sector, I lead the „Social Personal Training“ project for children and adolescents in difficult life situations in my hometown of Essen.
LONGRÉE is a lifestyle brand that I am expanding with full conviction and passion.
Excerpt from Achievements
- Ironman winner
- Winner Almere Classics
- Ironman Amateur World Champion Kona, Hawaii
- 3 top-20 finishes at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii
- 3rd Place Ironman Austria
- 3rd Place Ironman Coeur d'Alene
- 3rd Place Ironman Louisville
- 3 Ironmans in 3 Weeks
Link to Wikipedia Page