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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I owe this to my parents, who taught me perseverance and consistency, but never \u201eforced\u201c me to do sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I owe this to my parents, who taught me perseverance and consistency, but never \u201eforced\u201c me to do sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201eIronman,\u201c 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201eBig Race\u201c 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201eM-Dot Club\u201c ever since, Ironman Champ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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, \u201ePlayitas,\u201c 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The training continued to go perfectly. Well-trained and well-rested, I landed in Arizona. All signs pointed towards victory. But then, during a \u201eshopping trip\u201c 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My special thanks at this point go to my \u201elittle sister\u201c Antoinette, who stood by me unconditionally during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After six months, I could train specifically for my comeback again. In July, I participated in the Ironman Austria as a \u201etraining session.\u201c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ECP- PHX- CUN, those are the airport codes for my destinations within 3 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201eHealthy Lifestyle.\u201c I share my knowledge and tips on social media and in publications such as magazine articles. My\u00a0first book<\/a>\u00a0under the title \u201cFaster with Strength Training\u201d was published in December 2016, and another book is in the works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, I work as a consultant for companies in the areas of sports, media productions, fitness, nutrition, health, and social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I organize, plan, and carry out business trips. Additionally, I offer my own fitness retreats and conduct full-day, weekend (Longr\u00e9e FitDays), or week-long seminars (Longr\u00e9e FitWeeks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n