My training had been going great... I felt in the shape of my life... I had been training and keeping up on more workouts, than expected with Norman Stadler (current world champion) and his team maids... the race was going to be broadcasted live in Germany.
All this was very promising and exiting for me, I was hoping for a great day in Kona. When German TV asked me at an interview before the race: "What are you scared of for race day?" I said: "Nothing, the conditions are the same for everyone." When they asked me: "What are your expectations?" My answer was:" I want to make the podium, that's my goal." I knew that was going to be a lot to ask for, Top 3 in the world, is not an easy task. But I felt up for the challenge. Felt like I had trained so hard, my body was fit and ready to go. I had lived for that day for month now, no parties, no alcohol, healthy food, going to bed early, training hard... I had done everything I could to be ready for the Challenge and I felt ready for it.
Well to make a long story short, I was fit- Yes. I had a great swim, came out only 3 min from last years winner: Michelle Johns (it had been 7min the year before) and rode hard to catch her on the bike. I felt great and strong on the bike, and finished the bike in 5th, with only 3min down to the leader at the time, with a marathon left, where I had made up 6 spots 2 years ago, everything was possible. Unfortunately at mile 10 on the run, in 4th place my body gave out on me. My stomach cramped, I vomited... couldn't hold food or water down, I slowed down and tried to get myself back together, but it didn't work. I had to drop out of the race at mile 14 on the run, and ended the day in an ambulance, with needles in my arm.
I was very; very disappointed... the line of having a great day and pushing yourself over the limit is very thin. I am not sure what happened, many people suggest it was something in the water, as so many athletes (including both winners male and female from 2006 and 2005) had to drop out due to stomach issues. Maybe it was the heat, San Diego had not been as hot as usual this year, and being in Germany during the summer, I had not been in heat at all. Maybe I pushed myself too hard at the beginning of the run. I am not sure.

Well,- it was only one race, there will be more. As I feel like I am in good shape and would like to finish the season with a good race, I'll be racing Ironman Florida next weekend. Hopefully with more luck.
Thanks for reading,
Katja










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