May you live every day of your life

 

It has been quite a while since my last blog. And I apology for this. A lot happened this year, and I have to say, the last few months were the toughest of my life.

The year started good with a very solid and strong race at Ironman South Africa where I finished 2nd behind Raynard Tissink (who had his strongest year ever, finishing 5th in Hawaii just a few weeks ago). I dont know what happened there, but I hurted my back in that race. First I didnt pay too much attention and I thought this will go away after recovering from the race. But the lower back problem came back in other races. Sometimes it was not too bad (tri grand prix zarautz), sometimes I could hardly run anymore (70.3 Germany). If that wouldnt be enough, I got a muscle problem in my left leg. Everytime I wanted to push hard on the bike, my leg started to burn like hell und I was in full pain. It got so bad, that I couldnt sit on my saddle anymore. This resulted in a DNF at Ironman Switzerland. First I thought I struggle with colder temperatures (as I had this in the past), so I thought I will be alright in Hawaii. Even if I felt the pain in training, it never got to a point I thought I cant race. But I was so wrong, Ironman Hawaii ended up in a desaster. I jumped on the bike and the pain started straight away. I fighted for 80km to keep up with the lead pack. But the pain got worse and worse and like in Zürich, my ischial tuberosity was so bad, that sitting on the saddle was impossible after 2hours. I ended up in the medical van and couldnt bend my leg for one hour. I was screaming of pain.

I am going to see different doctors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists now. I am sure I will figure the problem out. It has to be a muscle disfunction. And now is the time to sort it out.

Well, I never thought that this wont be my biggest fight this year. But I was so wrong. My problems suddenly seemed so unimportant, so small. Four weeks ago my Dad had to go to hospital. Not for the first time over the last 5 years. My dad got a kidney transplant 3 years ago. One year later there were complications. My Dad fought through it, but it hit him hard. But he had an iron will and he was going well again. Then 4 weeks ago everything turned around. Complications once more and back to hospital for heavy treatment. We hoped he will fight through this one as well. On the day of Ironman Hawaii he went home just to watch me race. Next day he had to go back to hospital. About a week ago, from one day to the other , his condition got really bad. They moved him into the emergency room. I flew back from the US as quick as possible. My Dad fighted his last fight until I was there. Then he let go.

My dad was my biggest fan. He loved our sport. His very strong will and determination. His way to fight a big battle. He defenetely will be a big inspiration for my lifetime. I hope he is better where he is now. May he rest in peace.