It is 8:15 a.m. on this winter morning and Jonas Deichmann reports from Portugal, which is significantly warmer at around 15 degrees. “The sun will rise in 20 minutes, then we’ll jump straight into the lake for the first training session,” says the 36-year-old from Munich in a good mood and full of energy.
At the end of the week he will have around 40 hours of training. Swimming, cycling, running and stabilization exercises. Because Deichmann, who has become known in recent years for his extreme endurance adventures, has a new project: 120 long-distance triathlons in 120 consecutive days.
That’s 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling and 42 kilometers of running. And every day for four months starting May 9th. On the original route of the Challenge Roth, the world’s largest and most popular long-distance race. “I want to know what’s really going on,” he says. “What actually happens to the body and head? How do you do that every day?”
Testing yourself, pushing and pushing your limits, and breaking a world record in the process – that’s what it’s all about. And about showing what is possible and creating a community event.
Epic start to the day: Jonas Deichmann during his morning swimming training in Portugal
What: Marc Bernreuther
The current world record is held by Briton Sean Conway with 105 long distances in 105 days. Deichmann has therefore set itself the target of a significant increase. His strongest discipline: cycling. His adventures began with several bicycle world records; among other things, he rode the 23,000 kilometer long Panamericana in 97 days, 21 hours and 10 minutes, as well as the 18,000 kilometers from the North Cape to Cape Town in 72 days, 7 hours and 27 minutes.
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Adventurer Stefan Glowacz
In 2021, he completed the first triathlon around the world in 14 months: first he swam (450 km), then he cycled (21,000 km), then he ran (5060 km). His extreme sporting journey was a total of 120 long distance triathlons.
12 to 13 hours per long distance
Now he is daring to do something that at first glance appears similar, but is completely different. Only the total kilometers are the same. “I am adventure first and foremost, and that will always be my number one priority. But I’m 36 now and at the peak of my sporting abilities,” he says. “I want to know what’s really going on. And there’s nothing better than triathlon.”
The number 120 was an ideal location after the triathlon around the world, as was the original Challenge Roth route. The organizer supports his idea, with which Deichmann collects donations for the Roth youth fire department and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
For a change without luggage: Jonas Deichmann training for his new challenge
Source: Siddhartha Deichmann
Deichmann will adhere to the Challenge Roth rules, which means, among other things, no slipstreaming. In contrast to his other adventures, this one is supported. That means he has support in the background, especially from his father. They have a holiday apartment together right on Solarer Berg.
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Deichmann’s calculation: 1:15 hours for the swim, 5:30 hours for the bike route and around four hours for the marathon. Every day anew. “I won’t rush through the transition area, but I won’t take long breaks there either,” he says. “I want to get out at 12, 13 hours – including everything, because otherwise the regeneration time is too short. I have to be quick, that’s important, but I must never overspeed.”
The calorie challenge
At his halftime on July 7th he will officially start at the 40th anniversary of the Challenge Roth with all the other athletes. And then continue for another 60 days before he wants to finish on September 9th after a total of 456 kilometers of swimming, 21,000 kilometers of cycling and 5,063 kilometers of running.
Running with a view: the third discipline will be the biggest challenge – among other hurdles
What: Tobias Rop
One of the biggest challenges will be calorie intake – he burns around 10,000 each long distance. Just consuming the usual bars, gels and drinks during the race might not be enough. That’s why he always plans to take a short meal break about halfway through the cycling time (there are two 90-kilometer laps). His father will then have prepared everything. “I have to maintain my weight somehow,” says Deichmann.
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The second big challenge: not to get sick, not to get infections, not to injure yourself. Finally, unlike his previous adventures, there is no buffer. A day off? Then it would be over. A day with half strength because of the first signs of a cold? Then there is no regeneration time.
In view of the risk of injury, he focuses primarily on running, which is why he does stabilization training five times a week. “I’m not a good swimmer, but the pressure there is different than when running. And I’m used to the distances on the bike with luggage.”
Health in general is a big topic. Deichmann also has regular check-ups during preparation and will be monitored by a sports doctor now and then during his record attempt.
Company warmly welcome
He’s not afraid that he’ll get bored at some point. Because it’s unlikely that he’ll do his rounds alone every day. “I am happy about any company, whether for a day, a discipline or a few hours,” he says. During his triathlon around the world, especially during his runs through Mexico, people continued to join him every day. While back then he dragged his luggage behind him – even when swimming – and had everything attached to his vehicle when cycling, he can now cover kilometers without ballast for the first time.
“I think it’s just going to be a great community event. And I want to inspire people to just take part,” says Deichmann. “In fact, I’m most excited about the different people joining. Everyone with their own story.”
In Mexico he rarely ran alone: Jonas Deichmann had company on his record attempt around the world
Quelle: picture alliance/dpa/Isaac Guzman
