What is your history with sports and athletics?
I started running in 2012. I weighed 125kg at that time and I just thought, it’s time to change. I cut out snacks and stopped overeating. I started walking half an hour a day with 1 minute intervals. After 3 months I was able to jog 10 km in 1 hour and 10 minutes. 6 months after that I ran a half marathon in 1 hour an d 50 minutes. And already lost 27 kg. At this point I lost 48 kg. My personal best for marathon is now 2 hours and 56 minutes
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I feel super-fit and much more confident. My work goes better and I made a whole bunch of new friends. I even got in contact again with two nephews (they were already athletes) who I did not speak for years due to family issues.
I am most proud of my first sub-3 hour marathon. My mom and dad were at the finish line, along with a bunch of friends and family. I felt really proud because I worked very hard for it and the conditions that day were tough due to the weather.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
My mother died in the summer of 2019. I couldn’t train for four months. I had no motivation and I could not go deep in a work out. I cried a lot during workouts. From October through November, I got the feeling back and from then on, I smiled again because I know how proud she is of me.
What is your “why?”
I love the feeling of training. To train with friends and knowing every time I set a goal I know I get a little better at it.
What is your favorite gear or equipment?
My bike is my favorite I think, but I love my running shoes the most.
What’s next?
I signed up and trained for the (full) Ironman in Barcelona 2020, but due to the pandemic it’s delayed until 2021.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Set an achievable goal and work for it. Don’t be a shamed of anything. Any good athlete will respect you whether you are a beginner or a pro. No matter what your pace-speed or what you look like. Go for it!
