Kolumne: Was ich beim härtesten Triathlon der Welt über Ziele gelernt habe

Fifteen hundred metres on the continent's highest plateau, 42 kilometres of relentless running - the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, the toughest of its kind in the world, presents a unique challenge to those who dare to compete. Yet, despite the gruelling nature of this race, many participants appear ill-prepared for the mental trials that await them post-race.

When the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon commences, the athletes are bombarded with warnings long before the event begins. In newsletters, on the official website, within the race manual, all the peculiarities of this all-encompassing event are listed: "You are not prepared." The vast majority of the approximately 250 participants annually focus on preparing for the race itself, namely the 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycling, and 42 km run.

However, the unique circumstances of the Norseman Xtreme - cold water, sometimes icy, high-altitude cycling, and the 1800 metre Gaustatoppen marathon finish - demand more than just physical readiness.

A point seldom discussed about the world's most extreme triathlon is what athletes experience afterwards. Preparation for this aspect is usually lacking. Over the course of three participations in 2018, 2024 and 2026, I have distilled five life lessons that I've gained from this gruelling event. Not everyone will choose to embrace them.

Many within the long-distance triathlon community often hear "I couldn't do it." This statement is often made in relation to the swimming segment, irrespective of whether it takes place in freshwater lakes or the brackish Hardangerfjord.