Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Update from HOT HOT Germany!!!

Hello everybody...
I have competed in two more events since the Challenge Aarhus Half Ironman.  Was really glad i got the opportunity to do it as next year it is changing hands and will be a 70.3branded race.

First up when i got back to Germany was the annual Rothsee Triathlon - a very old special race here in the area.  Only a week after Challenge Aarhus i was feeling optimistic as to how i would go as it was an Olympic distance race with a couple of extra km's on the bike. The shorter triathlons have never suited me as i just don't seem to be able to find the necessary speed! Anyway it a hoot, really fun, loved the bike course and managed to come away with the win and a PB for the swim and run....and no the course wasn't short, the Garmin doesn't lie before you ask :) 



Was cool to see my host family there out in force as well with Thomas doing the individual, his daughters Julia and Carola mixing it up in a team event and Carola's boyfriend Miguel doing the individual.

Insert break from racing and become a spectator - CHALLENGE ROTH. Coolest race around. Thomas took charge of the 180km bike with Julia running the marathon. Great day had by all. Bloody hard job being a spectator!



Next up was the Allgau Classic Triathlon in Immenstadt.  So i dragged Thomas and Glen along for support and off we went. (luckily Thomas had his car back...after a deer clean smacked in to it a week earlier on the way to pick Glen up from the airport!! But thats another story).  
This race is made up of a 2km swim, 80km bike and 21km run and what a bike ride it was. 2 loops and each time climbing to over 1000m. Definitely should of put a climbing cassette on but boy o boy did my legs get a work out!  
This race also has an interesting twist to it where the men must chase the women down if they want to win. So the females get a head start and then the top 10 individuals to the finish regardless whether male or female get prize money.  I had moved up in to 1st position by half way through the run but then was chased down by men and the race favorite female. So ended up 7th overall and 2nd female. The men were very strong on those hills.



Back to Rednitzhembach that evening for a delicious German BBQ :) YUMMY
The following day it was time to relax in Schwabach and Nuremberg to show Glen a few sites with Marion and Thomas before he headed off back to chilly New Zealand.

I really must say a HUGE thank you to the entire Baums family - Thomas, Marion, Oma, Julia, Carola and Apollo as well as all the people they introduce me to along the way.  This trip wouldn't be possible without their generosity and taking me in as if i was one of their own family members. This thanks extends out to all the home stays i have had around the world. It makes the sport so much easier with the help of these generous people.

Must go, time to train and get ready for the next big day at the office. See you on Sunday 18th August KMD Ironman Copenhagen.