Pro triathlete Caroline Steffen had a knockout 201
It was a year that even Muhammad Ali would have been proud of: She launched onto the scene in March and one week after racing Abu Dhabi (coming 4th) she lined up at the Aviva Singapore Ironman 70.3 and brushed aside defending Champ, Jodie Swallow to take the title.
She then went on to win EVERY 70.3 she entered including the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Asia-pacific Championship in Phuket, but before the year ended she was crowned ITU World Long Course Champion, took runners up ironman placing in South Africa and Frankfurt and most notably runners up spot in the Ford Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
Steffen’s 2011 starts slowly and similarly to 2010 with her heading to Abu Dhabi in two weeks time. Singapore is not on the radar, perhaps new teamTBB teammate Swallow will ‘fly’ down for that one. So can Steffen improve on her achievements last year? As she heads to Abu Dhabi there is sure to be a target on her back as she now enters each race a hot favourite. What does she think of the year ahead? Let’s find out…
BT: Last year was huge, HUGE for you. So what have you been doing since Phuket?
CS: After Phuket, I had a quick stopover in Switzerland together with my partner David. After a very exciting year, I was very pleased to be nominated for the Swiss Sports Awards and we also spent some time with my family and celebrated Christmas in early December. But 5 days was more than enough in the freezing cold european winter for us and we went back to the Sunshine Coast Australia. Slowly I returned to my normal daily routine of training or like Brett would say “back to the serious sh**”.
BT: Did in you your wildest dreams imagine 2010 would unfold the way it did?
CS: Not at all, and I still feels like a dream. After my first 70.3 win in Geelong early Feburary, I knew immediately, I wanted to feel these emotions again. At this time, if someone would have told me, what’s coming up in the next few months, I certainly wouldn’t have believed them. But race by race, I improved both physically and mentally. The trainings splits, in the pool and on track also consistently improved. Mid year, I also got sorted out my “Nutrition in the race ” problem. You see, maybe it is a little miracle but also it was hard and discipline over 10 months which paid off and brought me finally to the podium of the Ironman Hawaii.
BT: Are you scared or excited about 2011?
CS: Why I should be scared of something which I love to do? I’m excited, inquisitive and hungry like a hunter.
BT: Are you feeling more pressure now as a favourite or do you have more confidence?
CS: I’m a favourite now? I’m not having no thoughts concerning pressure, expectations, requirements or other nonsense. I’m living my dream and appreciate the opportunity which I’ve received. I try to get the best out of each day, each session, each kilometer. If I am doing a great job, I get my confidence and will be able to show another strong year.
BT: I hear it is a strong field in Abu Dhabi. A fast course, we know you love to bike – are you excited to go back?
CS: The race last year was definitely unique and unforgettable. Ok, I’ll be honest, on the bike after 120km I promised myself to never do this race again. I didn’t felt great that day, somewhat lazy and unmotivated. I was mentally and physically on my limit. But never say never, I’m back now and I’m looking forward to hurt myself over the 200km.
BT: After Abu Dhabi the next biggie is Ironman Australia on the 1st May; just how much do you want to add an Ironman title to your trophy cabinet?
CS: I’m having two big personal goals for 2011. First, I want to win my first Ironman title. Second, I want run a marathon in 2:59. When and where it would be, I don’t care. If I can realize one of them at the Ironman Australia, I would be more than pleased.
BT: You are currently training in Australia, where the who’s who of Australian triathlon train; do you do any training together, any name dropping?
CS: I’m currently based in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, 100km north of Brisbane. A beautiful place to be and train. There are many familiar faces to see if your riding up the coast or running along the Mooloolaba “catwalk”. But, I usually prefer to train alone. I’m not willing to incur any compromises about my programme, this is one of my quirks.
"Am Schweizer Nationalfeiertag einen WM-Titel zu holen, ist natürlich einmahlig"
BT: You have just arrived at the teamTBB Krabi training camp in Thailand. How does that help your training, being with the team and Sutton?
CS: Brett is an important piece of the Xena puzzle. He is the ass kicker as well as the voice of reason. He knows me very well and will control my improvement curve in the right direction.
BT: Has life changed much since this time last year, if so how?
CS: Not to much, all good so far. The overall interest in me and my history has increased. My mailbox is getting a bit more busy and I’m working more together with some sponsors. In the last 12 month, I’ve learned a lot and got gained more confidence with media and the people around me. The life is still the same, together with Dave – just perfect.
BT: Favourite workout of the week is…
CS: In Switzerland: Aigle-Leysin, a 16km run up the hill with an 800 altitude change.
In Australia: ride on the coast up to Noosa and back.
In Thailand: Sunday morning track session.
BT: Favourite training ride in Australia is…
CS: One big loop with hundreds of little very steep hills in the fascinating landscape of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
BT: Is the word Kona in your thoughts or has coach Brett Sutton told you to not even think about ‘that’ yet…
CS: If you know Brett you know the answer. I’ve to deal with so many other races first. Hawaii can wait, I’m not getting faster if I’m far away with my thoughts.
BT: Final Comment…
CS: Thanks to all my sponsors, TBB team mates, Brett and Alex for the incredible 2010 and watch out for the black race kit with the pink stripes in in 2011.
BT: Thanks for your time Caroline, good luck in Abu Dhabi and for 2011!
