A Picture-Perfect Race – My Long-Distance Triathlon Success
A flawless race from start to finish!
Race Day Begins
At 7:10 AM, Lake Malta was calm and clear, with the sun already shining. The atmosphere was magical, even though I was a bit nervous before my first long-distance race in three years. However, my preparation was perfect, and I felt ready to deliver a top performance.
The Swim Start
Our age group started in waves – all female athletes together. A loud cannon shot, and we were off! After a brief struggle for position, I found my rhythm and followed the well-marked buoy line, making navigation easy.
Transition to the Bike
A quick transition, and I was off on the 180 km bike course, split into four 45 km laps. The route was mostly straight with very few turns, and the wind seemed to blow constantly from the side. My heart rate was surprisingly low, but I wanted to save my energy for the run.
The Marathon
After 180 km on the bike, I felt great. The run consisted of four varied laps – along the lake, over bridges, and through the city center. My pace remained steady at 4:45 min/km. Even at kilometer 30, I was still going strong. On the final lap, I felt in control, my heart rate remained stable, and I even managed a sprint to the finish line.
The Finish Line
The big moment: The clock showed 9:59 hours! But after adjusting for my later start time, I realized: 9:39:23 hours – European Championship victory and 7th place among professional women! An unforgettable race.
Conclusion
Such a performance requires a clear strategy, mental resilience, and optimal preparation. Training, recovery, and focus are key. Most importantly, enjoying the journey is essential – because those who race with joy can push beyond their limits!
