News
4th at World University Championships in Gdansk
Tuesday evening (San Francisco time) I was off on my travels again. I got on a plane to Copenhagen and then on to Gdansk. There I met up with the other German athletes on Wednesday evening and we moved into our accommodation in a student hall of residence. After the usual pre-meetings, race-package distribution and tabernacles, we were ready to go on Friday at 9am.
The swim went really well. I also had a small advantage due to my size, as I was able to run over a shallow area (I knew it was coming) where others had to do dolphin jumps. So I got out in
front. As I didn't hit the helmet buckle properly, the first transition took quite a long time, but I was still in the first bike group. Unfortunately, the teamwork didn't go well, so the second
group caught up with us. So we went through a suburb of Gdansk in a group of about 20 people. As it was narrow and traffic islands had to be crossed, there were always dangerous situations, but
fortunately no crashes.
The second transition went better and I came out of the transition zone in about 10th to 12th place. Now it was time to run until my feet were on fire. And it went well. Although the first two
athletes pulled away quite quickly, there were still about 10 others who wanted to fight for a medal. The pace was increased again and again. At the first turning point, three or four were no
longer able to keep up. However, I felt that my legs were still great and so I kept up with the further increases. At the second turning point there were only five of us left and the Japanese
Manami Hayashi and Frenchwoman Marie Wattiez were with me for the last 400m. The Frenchwoman had to let go when I stepped up the pace again. In the final sprint for third place, however, I was no
longer able to follow the Japanese runner and she crossed the finish line about a second ahead of me.
Despite everything, I'm really happy with the race, because admittedly I hadn't expected to finish in this position. I'm especially happy with the running, as I achieved a new personal best time
of 17:34.
photos: adh
8/31/24
Nervous battle with a happy ending - American Cup in Edmonton
The previous experience of traveling to a competition should, as it turns out, only be practice for this competition. Here is a protocol in local time:
Tue 8/20 Packing - all good except for my charging cable for the bike shifter, it didn't make it here in time
Wed 8/21 14:25 Departure from San Francisco, everything was great, I even got a free upgrade for my seat due to overbooking in economy class 😃
18:25 Arrival in Edmonton - the test of nerves begins:
- The racing bike hasn't arrived
- Giving up the missing status, it is supposed to come on another flight the same evenin
- Arrival at the booked and paid accommodation: The accommodation has been sold in the meantime and is no longer available for rent
(also affected a fellow traveler named Heidi)
- Call to the intermediary, who arranges hotel accommodation, but only until Friday! Then there are no more rooms available because Metallica is playing a concert in the stadium
(ok, I could have had something for 2014$...)
Thu 8/22 - Call to the airport: bike didn't come
- Worse: 1. the mail for my baggage tracking has not arrived, so I have no processing number
- 2. they don't know where my bike is. It was tracked in SF last time
Now for the positive: after a few phone calls from various family members and friends, we luckily found accommodation with someone from Heidi's circle of acquaintances. And another friend was
able to lend me a road bike, as there were only gravel bikes to rent in Edmonton -> the start was already secured
Athlete mail
- Due to the forest fires around the city, it could be a duathlon as the water conditions are too bad 😕
- If the wind shifts, the race will have to be canceled altogether because the air pollution will be too high
So was it all for nothing?
And where is my racing bike?
- In the evening I got a call to say that it was on its way and would be brought to my hotel that evening.
- Nothing came...
Fri 8/23 I even received an email that it was coming 🎉
- It arrived around midday and everything was fine
- Now full concentration on preparing for the race
Sat 8/24 the race - my first international duathlon
The first two days in Canada were child's play:
- 2.5km run: I was able to keep up well at the front and got into the 2nd bike group
- 20km bike: first two of us caught up with our group, then we caught up with the first group and switched to the 2nd run with about fifteen of us.
- 5km run: with the first run in my legs, it wasn't quite as easy as I had hoped, despite a time penalty I was able to finish the race in tenth place
As I had to do without my beloved swim, I can be satisfied with this result.
Now it's time to pack, hope that the luggage goes better than expected and then off to Gdansk on Tuesday
8/29/24
Bye bye Germany, hello USA
I have now left Germany again and am back in the USA to train and study. As you can see, it's no longer Tenneesse but San Francisco. The Golden Gate is still a bit foggy, but it often is.
The new team is very nice and helpful and made it easy for me to get started here.
The next few weeks will also be really challenging: once I've overcome the jet lag, I'm off to Edmonton (Canada) for the American Cup on August 24th of august and a week later to Gdansk for the World Student Championships.
Then my studies really begin ;-)
Nomination received for the world student championships in Gdansk 🎉
Tübingen: Fast - Hard - Successful
Last weekend was the second Bundesliga race in Tübingen. With Anabell Knoll and Marlene Gomez-Göggel on the start list, it was clear in advance that it would be a challenging race. Nevertheless,
the goal for the team was at least 3rd place and for me to repeat the top ten from Kraichgau.
For a long time, however, it wasn't clear whether the race would be canceled, shortened or held as a duathlon due to a thunderstorm. But the weather gods had mercy and the storm moved further and
further into the evening. This meant that the starting shot could be fired as planned at 13:50. Thanks to Team KTT01's third place, we were able to find our place in the water early and obviously
made a good choice. We got off to a good start and it soon became clear that three Cologne girls were swimming at the front and didn't have to struggle in the washing machine. In fact, Fanni and
I were the first two out of the water and, after a quick transition, also made it into the first bike group. After a strong start, the pace remained very high and the six of us rode the hilly
course at an average speed of 42 km/h. There were 3 women from Cologne, two from Witten and one from Lüneburg in the lead group. That gave us hope for a very good result.
After the tough bike ride, my legs were of course a little heavy and I was a little over my desired time. But I was able to cross the finish line in sixth place after Fanni's victory and I'm very
happy about my best national league result. We also met our expectations as a team and finished 2nd behind the Witten team.
Now it's time for me to say goodbye to Germany and train for the start in Edmonton on August 24th.
24/07/26
European Cup Wels - 24th place
Once again the journey was exciting. Due to the thunderstorms and flooding two weeks ago and a severe storm on Friday night, the railroad line was only passable on one track in southern Germany.
So would I be there on time at 4pm? That was the big question.
And the answer is yes. Despite the problems, I was almost on time in Salzburg and only missed the connection to Wels, but there are often trains there.
After the athletes' briefing, I did a few laps in the swimming pool. A great pool, highly recommended if there isn't a race coming up.
As the athletes' zone was away from the start, it took a bit more time to prepare, but the starting gun went off on time at 18:40.
The field was well filled, including Nina Eim and Annika Koch. The swim first went about 700m downstream with the strong current and then 50m upstream again. I came out of the water in the top 8,
better than ever before at an EC.
The run into the transition area was very long (about 500m). I lost some time there and just missed the first bike group. At the beginning I rode in a small 6-woman group, but we were caught up
by the third group on the last bike lap.
On the subsequent 5km run through the city center of Wels, I unfortunately had to let some athletes go. With a time of 18:11, I still didn't run badly by my standards and had hoped for a top 20.
However, I just missed it.
Overall, I'm still satisfied and will now take three days' rest.
The journey was almost a bigger challenge than the competition
Once everything had been agreed at university, I had trained well and the journey had been organized, I was finally ready to set off. But a look at the weather didn't bode well: there was a storm
in Charlotte, my first change of trains. After briefly considering leaving it at that, I set off after all. The landing in Charlotte was on time, but shaky. Then things got difficult: the
connecting flight was delayed, which meant I had to spend an unplanned night in Miami. However, my luggage flew on the original flight. My bike too. Admittedly, this made me anxious. I also had
to rebook the transfer. I finally reached Guayaquil the following Friday lunchtime. The (very) good news: my luggage and bike were there, the bad news: my transfer was of course not there -
despite many emails. So I took a local cab: two hours to Salinas on the coast.
After a short rest, I went for a short bike ride and then fell into bed. Saturday was of course all about preparing for the race with a course inspection, short tapering session and
athletes' meeting.
Sunday 9am local time we 22 women stood at the starting line. It was already very hot and sunny, so we were really looking forward to the water. After the starting signal, it was time to get in
and swim for all we were worth. It went really well and I was able to get out of the water after 9:45 minutes together with Amber Schleebusch and a third athlete.
After a quick transition, Amber and I completed the bike course in under 30 minutes. Unfortunately, I had to drop off on the run course due to cramps and couldn't go at my target pace. The
chasers took advantage of this opportunity and I finished fourth.
Of course I was disappointed because of my good start. However, I was able to collect some world ranking points, which was the actual goal of this competition. So now I can hope for a few starts
during my semester break in Europe. 😃
I will continue on 25.5. in Kraichgau. So see you soon.
First competition of the year
After a three-month break, the time had finally come again: a competition. Two to be precise.
From Johnson City, I traveled with my ETSU teammates to Clermont, Florida, to compete in a sprint distance on March 2 and in the super sprint distance on March 3. At just over 25 degrees, it's
already quite possible at this early stage.
After a good swim, I got out of the water behind Maïra Carreau. I would have liked to cycle alone with her, but she didn't want to and so we were caught up by the chasing group. Nevertheless,
various athletes kept waiting for a chance to attack. As this was unsuccessful, it came down to a decision on the run. I was able to fight my way to third place just behind Maïra Carreau.
The next day was the super sprint distance. As almost everyone already had a competition in their legs, I was excited to see how it would go. I felt good and was able to celebrate a
start-to-finish victory with the fastest swim time and the second run time, despite cycling solo.
With these results, I can now look forward to the upcoming season with hope.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Seasongoal achieved: 4th at National Collegiate Championships and All-American
On Nov. 11, I competed in my first Nationals for ETSU. They took place in Arizona Tempe. We did some heat training in preparation for the competition, but luckily it wasn't quite as hot as the
last few years at around 80,6F.
The start was at 2.15pm. As the beach of the dam was too small for the 106 athletes, a water start was used. The first buoy came after just 200m, so it was very tight and every place was fought
over. I came out in 8th place after 10:21 minutes. On the way into the transition zone, I was able to make up a few places straight away. On the bike, a large first bike group of around 25
athletes initially formed. However, this was split again and again by several attacks. In the end, I was able to break away with 10 athletes and gain about 5 seconds for the next
transition.
It was clear that the front places would now be decided on the run course. So it was full speed ahead. Unfortunately, I didn't feel so good after the first lap and started to freeze because I
didn't have the energy I needed. I ran in 3rd place for a long time, but was overtaken 500 meters before the finish and finished in 4th place after 1:03:58.
I was also named to the All-American team. These are the top 7 athletes in this competition who can also show a certain average in their studies.
I'm very happy with my race and my first season in the USA and now head to my season break.
20.11.23
Just missed the podium, but still a success
In my short time in the USA, I have already made my fourth start. The last one took place on October 14 in Virginia.
There were a total of 117 starters at the start, so we started in two waves. The first wave at 10:30 am and the second at 2:30 pm. Fortunately, no hurricane passed by this time, but it was still
pretty chilly. The swim went pretty well and I was able to get out of the water after just under 10 minutes. On the bike, it fluctuated between leisurely and extremely fast (up to 53 km/h) but
overall the group stayed together. So it all came down to a run decision again. My legs were still good and the training seemed to be working very well: although I was beaten by 0.2 seconds in
the sprint finish, I was able to complete the 4.96 km in 17:47 minutes. That's great progress for me and makes up for missing out on the podium.
Named to CTCA EAST All-Region Team
Due to my performance at the East Regionals, I was named to the CTCA EAST All-Region Team. The seven best athletes from the eastern half of the United States are named to this team. This of
course makes me proud and shows that my hard work over the last few weeks has paid off.
20.10.23
If you want to read more: https://etsubucs.com/news/2023/10/14/etsu-wtri-seerig-leads-bucs-at-east-regional-qualifier.aspx
18.10.23
Finally arrived
Let's go
Almost exactly 10 months after the offer to study in the USA, 9 months after the decision, hours of research and calculations (recognition in Germany, costs, scholarship), anxiety about admission tests, despair when filling out the application forms for the university and NCAA (association for varsity sports), mountains of forms and a trip to Frankfurt (for a personal interview at the U.S. consulate), now it starts: The adventure USA. First a 10-hour flight from Stuttgart to Atlanta and after two hours of connecting flight to the Tri-City-Airport. I am already very curious to see what it will be like.
On the very first day there will be a medical test and a light team training. So it will definitely not be boring.
Keep on moving
Actually, I have known for a long time that I would like to study physiotherapy. But how could I reconcile that with triathlon? With such a study one is from 8 to 17 o'clock at the university and training???
A possible solution came via WhatsApp. I was asked if I could imagine to study in the USA and to start for the traithlon team of the university. After 9 months of preparation, the time has come: I am going to Tennessee to ETSU. I am very happy about the possibility to combine sports and studies.
Strong start, disappointing end
A competition around the corner, when was the last time I had that??? In the beautiful Tübingen should now be the third competition within 4 weeks. It was not as hot as the last days (only about 27 degrees Celsius ), but windy.
13.40 was the line-up. This took place on the Eberhardt bridge and then we started in the river. It was surprisingly cold.
The swim was divided into two parts: first with the current, then against it. It went very well and I came out of the water with the first group (So with Lisa Tertsch and Anabel Knoll) as 8th. I was very happy about that, so I went motivated to the bike course. The course led through the city center and was also very demanding with a few meters of altitude. And right in the first lap I noticed that somehow the plug was pulled on me. The legs infinitely heavy and I had to drop out of the bike group. In the second group there were also several flat tires and a crash that hindered me, so the cycling went very badly. Since my legs didn't loosen up either, I couldn't do anything on the run either and finished 41st. That was very disappointing for me, especially since the swim was so good.
Of course I wonder what could have caused it. But there are several possibilities, such as eating too little, too many starts in too short a time, too little regeneration, because I also moved between the competitions... Maybe a mix of everything.
Now it's time to tick off the list, take a small break from training and dedicate myself to the next big task. What that is, you can read in the next article.
Back to the roots
Now it is done, I have passed my high school graduation . But no resting. As with many others, this also means that major changes are on the horizon. But while many people travel or move out of their parents' house, I'm moving from my apartment in Freiburg back to my parents. As a base for the next adventures and as a fundament for the next competition. That will be next week in Tübingen.
German Championships 2023 in Düsseldorf
I am satisfied with my performance. On Wednesday, I fought for a good grade in the oral Abitur exam and then had to take the train to Düsseldorf at 5:40 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Actually, I was pretty tired and all the stress of the last weeks slowly fell away, but still I was able to collect myself.
In the swim I unfortunately didn't do well and got out of the water as 22nd. On the bike I was able to collect a few girls with my group, so I ended up in the 2nd bike group. When changing from the bike to the run I had a hard time getting into my shoes, I should practice that in the next weeks :)
That's why I'm unfortunately the last of the 2nd bike group out of the transition area. But I was able to collect a lot of girls during the run and in the end I was 18th in the national league, 15th in the elite and 6th in the U23.
Overall I could reach the 4th place in the team ranking with the team KTT01.
The season is opened
With my finished training camp in Mallorca, I have now laid the foundation for the 2023 season.
The 10 days were of course an intensive training. My personal highlight was again the long bike tour, where I cranked me on 155km over 2600 meters altitude and took the Orient, Soller and last but not least the Puig Major under the tires. That's what I like to do most mountains up and down again.
For running Mallorca also offers beautiful routes, along the beach at sunrise. That motivates again additionally.
Swimming in the pool is just swimming in the pool. However, since most of the training took place in the afternoon, I could at least get a nice tan.
So in total I swam over 30km, biked 554km and ran 69km.
Now back in Freiburg, the race preparation for Melilla on 19.3 continues.
Here I hope to be able to tickle out one or the other to be able to stand then topfit at the starting line.
So the beginning is made
Your Josi
100% You are AMAZING
Many, many, many thanks to all of you who believe in me and my goals and support them in such a fantastic way.
You have given 100% - now I give 100%.
That means a season preparation with training camp, better material as well as the European Cup starts this year are now on the program. All this has only come true because of your help and makes US a strong team.
Continue to be the AMAZING
Your 100% Josi
On into a new year! I wish everyone a healthy and happy year and that you achieve your desired successes, whether at school, at work or in private. I also have big things coming up: Abi, competitions at a high level, maybe the start of my studies and another surprise soon. More about that on 14.1. You can be curious, so check back here
WOW, you are the best. Thank you for the great support for the election as Triathlete of the Year 2022.
This is a great finish for the year and another incentive for 2023.
Your Josi
2022 Europe Triathlon Cup Alanya (TURKEY)
Elite Women
Time: 01:02:43
2022 EUROPE TRIATHLON CUP CEUTA (SPAin)
Elite Women
Time: 01:03:40
2022 GER Triathlon Junior National Championships (Lübeck - Germany)
Junior Women
Time: 01:04:11
Needed nerves of steel
2.5 weeks before the start at the German Championships, I fell off my bike and injured myself so badly that I couldn't train for a week. My bike was also broken and it was unclear whether I would get it repaired for the German Championships. Luckily it arrived 2 days before the race and I could start with my bike.
At the race itself I noticed directly during the swim that I haven't trained swimming for a long time and that I am not in top shape. On the bike I felt the same and was glad when the second bike group came towards us and a big first bike group formed. When it came to the run, I found my running legs and was able to break away with another competitor to the front.
But in the end she had the better legs and so I surprisingly became German vive champion.