my running journey – facing my weakest sport
Running has always been my greatest challenge — physically and mentally. I barely managed 100 meters without exhaustion. But something inside me said: face it. So I started training. Week by week, step by step, I improved. Then one day, out of nowhere, I ran 8 kilometers straight. And I didn’t stop there.
A Bike, a Lake, and a New Passion
A friend invited me to cycle 130 kilometers around Lake Constance. I was terrified but said yes. She lent me her racing bike, and soon I fell in love with it — enough to buy my own. That spontaneous decision in March sparked something deeper.
Planting the Triathlon Seed
With running, biking, and swimming now part of my routine, I found myself thinking: “Why not a triathlon?” A local sprint triathlon in May offered a doable challenge — 500m swim, 18k bike, 5k run. But between film set night shifts, bike shop delays, and last-minute logistics, the road to signing up wasn’t easy.
Everything Almost Went Wrong…
The night shoot was cancelled due to a storm. That meant I could do the race — if I had my bike. But the repair shop didn’t call. Days passed. I panicked. Eventually, I made the call, a friend of a friend picked up the bike just before the shop closed for a long weekend, and I signed up just before midnight. It was happening.
Race Day Emotions – Rain, Chaos, and Pure Joy
Saturday morning: car breakdown. I borrowed another, repacked, and rushed to the event. Nerves were high, but the atmosphere was supportive and warm. The announced storm had arrived. It was cold, wet, but I didn’t mind.
The swim went well. The transition left me dizzy, but I pushed through. The bike ride felt like flying — spectators cheering, volunteers guiding — I cried with gratitude mid-race. The final 5k run tested me. The first lap drained me, but then… I found my rhythm. I realized: I will finish this. And I did.
The Afterglow
My first triathlon medal wasn’t about time or pace — it was about courage, determination, and growth. I started from zero and crossed a finish line I never thought was meant for me. And I’m still smiling.
