CTB 21: Bravehearts´ Update 2nd half 2016

It is almost Christmas and it is time for an update on the epic achievements of my Bravehearts athletes in the second half of 2016. 

We welcome Darren into our Ironman family! He finished his first (but not the last!) Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia, on December 4th, in 13:29:35. Super well done, Darren, congratulations! The first Ironman is a life-changing and absolutely unforgettable experience, I always say: race to enjoy it! And remember, that Ironman really starts at km 20 of marathon - everything before is a warm-up :-) You are an Ironman, Darren! Onward! 

James successfully fought the terrestrial rain and cold conditions at Ironman Mallorca on September 24th. Thunderstorm hit around 10am and the rain never stopped since... what a memorable, nasty race! Many gave up - James did not! (ever tried to run a marathon in wet-wet-wet shoes? start counting the blisters!). Wet, cold but happy he finished strong in 12:50:56! Chapeau, James, really, chapeau!! We are reminded again that triathlon is an OUTdoor sport!

Sofia finished her 3rd (or 4th?) Sierre-Zinal, uphill-downhill mountain race in Switzerland, 31km, 2200m up, 800m down (outch!). With a PB! Our official Swiss mountain goat :-) Bravo! And it gets even better - she and Anne-Sophie are now training for their first Ironman 70.3 in 2017! More Iron Girls into the family!

Galina and Matthias participated in their first ever triathlon, at Cologne Triathlon on September 3rd, as a relay team (with me cycling). New to running and swimming respectively, they both kicked ass and looked just pro! And we even took a cherished 3rd place at the very fierce Carglass, the event title sponsor, company competition. First race and podium - bring it on! 

My sister Lisa ran her first marathon, and not just your average city flatlander one - the epic Jungfrau marathon in the Swiss Alps, on September 10th! We did it together and it was a fun sister act on a sunny day, running, climbing and walking surrounded by the amazing grace and beauty of highest Swiss mountains - money can´t buy! Plus a twin look and a lot of smiles :-) Super well done, my brave sister heart!! 

Truly yours worked on collecting cols on the bike in three epic cycling marathons: Engadin Radmarathon and AlpenChallenge in Switzerland and Ötztaler Radmarathon in Austria, the ultimate beast, with 238km and 5500m of altitude, finishing with a 29km never-ending climb to Timmelsjoch at 2509m. Gotta love climbing for this one :-).

So, chapeau and bravissimo to all BraveHearts! Racing is nice and rewarding, but the proof of the pudding is in the daily training - which is the real greatness, when nobody is looking. This is the true essence of all bravehearts: the deliberate practice day by day, for many days, months and years..  Keep it on and never stop inspiring us!  

Onward to 2017!! 

Race, train, live with passion and gratitude!