Trail running is not only physically demanding but also emotionally intense. Every step is a dialogue with the changing terrain, every incline a small challenge. But with every view, the reward comes even during the effort, motivating you to keep running.
But sometimes, and this is the beauty of our sport, small glimmers of hope emerge from the thicket of self-optimization and guilt. Moments in which we at least begin to live up to what we so often claim: to be responsible ambassadors of a sport that wants to pass on its playground, nature, to future generations in a reasonably intact state.
What sounds like a cool marketing buzzword at first glance is actually a responsible step towards environmentally friendly production. Dope-Dye – also known as "solution dyeing" – is a dyeing process that changes far more than just the appearance. It revolutionizes the way dyes are applied to textile fibers – ensuring that INCYLENCE socks impress not only on your feet, but also in terms of their ecological footprint.
The period between Christmas and New Year's regularly makes me tempted to tackle large projects for which I don't actually have time. Generally speaking, there's certainly nothing wrong with starting the new year with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and a good dose of inspiration. Recently, however, I felt a great restlessness and with it the urgent feeling that I finally had to take action.
How is it that the sheep down there in the Southern Hemisphere don't actually sweat all day long with their cuddly warm wool? The answer is as simple as it is ingenious: Merino wool is not inherently warming, but primarily temperature-regulating.
We are all in the privileged position of pursuing a passion, being dedicated to a dream project, and projecting its success onto our personal advancement. We are hungry in the sense that millionaires are. But, humanly speaking, we are too.
At the end of the day, clear decisions are needed, but not hasty ones. I see myself in the privileged position of being able to make these decisions today. A freedom that others don't have, or don't want. I'm focusing on my athletic progress and am firmly convinced that things will fall into place. So I remain optimistic and long for Klaus-Peter by my side, who never tired of emphasizing one thing: always stay relaxed.
The debate, or depending on your perspective, the uproar, about how much of an influencer a modern professional triathlete should be, continues unabated. While print media used to be the primary source of attention for sponsors whose clothing was featured on athletes' clothing, today it's social media that offers the potential for brands to gain visibility through an athlete's channel, achieve synergy effects, and ultimately boost sales. Because, as harsh as it may sound, in my profession as a triathlete, I fall under a company's marketing budget and am therefore not far removed from the sometimes socially stigmatized profession of influencer.
The infamous Playitas Resort on Fuerteventura is bustling with activity throughout January. After two stints there with the national team, I had the honor of meeting my current coach, Sebastian, in 2021. At the vivienda uno, I was able to keep him company as a training partner, still under pandemic restrictions. While I stuck to his rear wheel for hours on end, always (unfulfilled) hoping for a coffee break, I could at least hold my own in our heated political debates, which had become a morning and evening routine.
That it will be a special year, especially from a sporting perspective, is already certain. The Olympic Games in Paris are casting their shadows long before them, and the very mention of the year 2024 is almost palpable. After the postponed Tokyo Games due to the pandemic, the desire among sports fans to experience a top-class event, where everything is somehow back to normal, is all the greater.
With a new coach, a new team, and new goals, an instructive year is drawing to a close. After two months of coughing up blood and almost losing my passion for triathlon over the summer, I'm more grateful than ever and really looking forward to Christmas with my loved ones. Despite the EOY stress.
There are few things where my perception and actual reality diverge as much as with the word "offseason." Especially towards the end of the season, I imagine it in the most wonderful, vivid colors: finally, a few weeks of nothing but la dolce vita. Living each day as I please. Consuming delicious food and drinks. In enormous portions. Sleeping. Lots of sleeping. And doing all the other wonderful things you simply don't have time for otherwise.
