Interwiew: Team TBB
New to teamTBB, she has recently shared the front cover of Australian Triathlete magazine with World Champion Craig Alexander. Caroline Steffen of Switzerland has made a big splash early in the season with two outstanding 70.3 wins in Geelong and Singapore. Fondly nicknamed Xena by her teammates we thought it was time for the Swiss Miss Xena warrior princess to tell us a little bit more about life before teamTBB and how she is handling the new environment under World Class coach Brett Sutton.
TBB Editor: So how did you earn the nickname Xena?
Caroline Steffen(CS): Brett gave me this nickname. So I asked him today why Xena and he said: "You are a warrior, a hard racing competitor but also you have a very feminine side to you away from racing and training. Xena, strong of body, strong of mind, courageous but has a soft kind heart".
TBB ED: Tell us what were you doing before joining teamTBB?
CS: ... that's a long list. I started with children's ballet, gymnastics, scouts, I also had played drums. Then I explored sports; swimming, road cycling and triathlon. In the past I've always been my own team, my own coach. That worked well but for a further step, I wanted to make a change. Now, I am on teamTBB since 1st January and I know it was the right decision
TBB ED: You have had two very BIG wins over the last two months. What do you think is the biggest change in your training that has enabled you to start the season so strongly?
CS: I guess the biggest change has occurred in my head. I work more focused in my sessions. It means better quality and after more time to recover and enjoy the beautiful side of life.
TBB ED: You and Craig Alexander won Geelong back in February. You then both won again in AVIVA 70.3. Not a bad name to be making headlines with, how does it feel when you cross that line in first place?
CS: It feels like, Christmas, Easter and Birthday together on the same day. It is a good feeling when you know the hard work is worth it.
TBB ED: Swim, Bike, Run...what's your favourite and why?
CS: 1997: it was the swim. 2007: it was the bike... and since the race in Abu Dhabi 2 weeks ago: it is the run. You always choose your favourite where you feeling strong at this moment.
TBB ED: Favourite 'cheat' foods: What do you love to indulge in and reward yourself with after a race?
CS: After my 70.3 win in Singapore, I had some spring rolls, a burger with chips, pizza and a big slice of a chocolate fudge cake ... ok I felt a bit guilty after.
TBB ED: You are currently in your adopted country of Australia. What and where is Xena going to be over the next couple of months?
CS: I`ll leave Australia for Ironman South Africa at the end of April. Then I will come back and spend another month in my favourite town of Mooloolaba until I travel to my homeland of Switzerland in June where I`ll reunite with my family.
TBB ED: To prove that Pro athletes also have bad days - what's the most embarrassing transition 'moment' you have ever had?
CS: That's easy. I had a few of them... but I guess the biggest was last November on the 70.3 Ironman World Championship when I`ve mixed up my bags in T2. I opened the bag and there was my wetsuit in place of my running gear.
TBB ED: You ride a Cervelo P4 2010 model. Does the bike have a name?
CS: Who is Xena without Argo?
TBB ED: Finally, if you could give one piece of training advice to all the age groupers out there. What would it be?
CS: Even if it's hard, never forget to enjoy the moment and be aware not everybody has the privilege to do sport.
www.teamtbb.com
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