Goosebumps Weekend in Switzerland and Italy
Last Saturday, Jael, Sarah, Tim, and Ben stood at the starting line of the Greifensee Half Marathon. The weather was perfect, and all four of them were able to perform remarkably well within their current fitness levels:
• Jael, despite not being able to prepare specifically due to a back injury, still managed to clock a solid time of 1:38:29.
• Sarah fought for every position and pushed bravely until the end. With 84 minutes, she crossed the finish line as the 9th woman overall.
• Tim, who was unexpectedly released from his pacemaker duties, once again showcased his running potential, improving his time from last year by 8 minutes, finishing in 1:15:07.
• Ben, in the midst of his preparation for the Valencia Marathon, delivered an excellent performance as a current progress check, with a time of 1:28:56.
Joel also stood at a starting line, this time for his first long-distance race at IM Italy.
With absolute composure, he executed his race strategy perfectly:
Swim: Start at the front to ensure, as a strong cyclist, to ride in the lead pack. With a time of 1 hour and 1 minute, the first part of the plan worked out perfectly.
Cycling: The challenge was to hold back despite the fast course, in order to conserve energy for the marathon. Joel proved that he also could “not go full gas” and still managed to achieve the 12th fastest cycling time.
Marathon: The big goal was crystal clear – sub 9 hours in his first long-distance race. With an incredibly strong run time of 3:05:07, he delivered an astounding debut:
A finish time of 8:46:06, qualification for the World Championships, 6th place in the 30-34 age group, and the cherry on top: 17th place overall.
After an exciting day cheering for Joel, it was Jessi’s turn on Sunday for her long-awaited debut in the middle distance.
Again, the plan was clear: start at the front for a good position on the bike. After an impressive swim time of 32:53 the 90km bike ride awaited her. She settled into a good rhythm, achieving a negative split (first 45km in 1:26:40, second 45km in 1:16:56). Her solid form stayed with her during the run, and she delivered a stellar performance in her first middle distance race: running the half marathon from start to finish at a consistent pace and gaining nearly 10 places. What a debut! Finish time: 5:10:35, 8th place in the 30-34 age group, and 45th overall.
Huge congrats, big respect and super proud coach Jana Perone!!!
Also at the start line of IM Italy in Cervia was Gabriella Picco.
Gabi for so many years now is a very dedicated athlete, she always gives her best, even if the pre-race signs are not the best. This time it was the lower back, which caused some problems. Two days before the race Gabi suffered some pain and only some last minute physiotherapy treatments allowed her to start the race.
And again...Gabi gave it all and found the best way to bring it home:
12:15.11 and 4th place in her age group F60-.64, yes exactly, Gabi is 60 years old and a huge inspiration for all of us!
Also her husband, Urs, rocked the day, 8th place M60-64 in a time of 11:25.21.
Congrats to the power couple!
Sunday then it was race time for Nadia Incerto, Challenge Sanremo, middle distance.
The same as Gabi, also Nadia is a true warrior, age group W55-59.
Not such a strong swimmer, Nadia's race always starts from behind and km after km she passes other athletes. Excellent bike ride for her on this very demanding, technical course and a strong half marathon to follow.
6:47.07 and 2nd place W55-59, a very good result.
Congrats Nadia on this podium place and thanks to Giuseppe for the amazing pics :-)
inspire & believe
#protrainathletesrock
