Periodically we publish an interview with an interesting sports personality. Today with Caroline Steffen, winner of the Ironman Western Australia.
After a three-year absence from the Ironman distance, Caroline Steffen wins the Ironman Western Australia with a new course record. This achievement is all the more remarkable given the fact that the now 40-year-old became a mother for the first time one year ago.
How did you find «your» day in Busselton? Can you give us insight into your race and your emotions?
The IRONMAN Western Australia was one of those days when everything went right. From getting off to a quick start in the swim through to the last kilometre of running - I had myself and the race under control. The course record was my secret goal, and I was convinced I could also make it happen if I took a clever approach to the race and made sure I didn’t make any major mistakes. During the cycling segment, I put my opponents under pressure a bit earlier than usual to see how they would react and to assess how I would need to run the marathon.
The biggest question mark concerned my nutrition. As I am still breastfeeding my son, Xander, my calorie consumption was much higher than usual, and I somehow needed to deal with that during the race of over 9 hours.
Your performance in the water and on the bike was outstanding. What do you generally believe are the 3 most important keys to athletic success?
In my eyes, the three most important factors are: self-confidence, patience and concentration during the race, and the ability to stay calm.
For one year now, you have no longer been «just» an athlete, but also a mother. How has your everyday life changed? How do you manage to juggle your training and family?
It is not at all easy, but I have meanwhile become accustomed to the new daily routine. I find the rest periods between the units a little too short because when I am not training, I’m usually at the playground with Xander. I love the variety and balance that motherhood has brought into my life. Previously my life revolved around the sport and everything else had to wait. Now I am a mother and the sport has taken second place. My partner, Pete, works from home, which is a great advantage. My son’s grandmother also lives just around the corner. She loves taking Xander for a walk. I also try to train when Xander is sleeping, e.g. at noon, which means I have finished my second unit by the time he wakes up and we can eat lunch together.
After years of high training volumes under Brett Sutton and Chris McCormack, your body needed a break. In which areas did you apply the brakes?
Well, I think the fact that I was pregnant and could enjoy a 10-month break gave me the refreshment I needed. I also took things easy after the birth of my son. My comeback was only possible thanks to Brett Sutton, my former and now current trainer again. He is the one who knows me best and knows how to coach me in order to achieve the world-class level.
Do you have a secret tip you would be willing to share with us?
The only tip I can give is: put together your own small team (coach, physiotherapist, dietician, etc.) and rely on it 100%. There are simply too many «tips, tricks and information» in circulation, which merely create confusion. Trust your instinct instead and believe in yourself.