Trying something new and something special

Thea Vesterby Chabert made a big change in her life that inspired her to challenge herself even further: climb a mountain and do KMD Challenge Copenhagen. Theas story is the next in our series "Tell us your story", enjoy!

The basics

My name is Thea Vesterby Chabert. I have only made one of the short triathlons many years ago and my first long-distance distance race last summer in Copenhagen.

Why have you chosen to give yourself the challenge of doing a full iron-distance triathlon?

The reason why I liked to challenge myself with the iron-distance triathlon was that I have been running many marathons before and wanted to try something new and something special. I had booked and planned my great dream; a trip to Mount Everest BaseCamp in October 2010 and wanted to be fit for that.

The need for living out this old dream came from taking a huge and difficult decision in my life. That was to move away from my husband (after 17 years together – 10 years of them married with him and gave birth to our twin daughters). It took me 2 years to take that decision….and the next summer I saw it as a sign to me that the first iron-distance was going to take place in the city I live in; Copenhagen.

I had run my 6th marathon 3 months before and gave myself that challenge to get into shape with the cycling and swimming. This was the biggest challenge. I have never been happy about cycling….but that changed during those 3 months.   

And during those 3 months I always kept visualizing myself walking up to Everest BaseCamp and get as close as possible to the highest mountain on earth.

Why are you doing KMD Challenge Copenhagen?

KMD Challenge Copenhagen has a great memory for me – and I want to try it again. To do it in my hometown again.

Tell us your greatest / most fun experience in sports

I only have the KMD Challenge Copenhagen experience with the triathlon – and that one is absolute the best of them all. To be on the way for so many hours, feel the excitement during the way, let the tears fall when my family and friends where cheering for me and to cross the finish line and have the feeling that you are not at all finished yet, because you love it so much.

The experiences from my marathons where all in the same way….excitement, struggle, fighting, crying, singing – but the best experiences are the many hours of training and the feeling of being committed more than ever to swim, cycle or run no matter if it snows, rains or the sun is shining. The “Run Forrest Run” sign that I have beside my door is the one that tells my story in a very simple way. Just keep going, better slow….but never stop!

What motivates you?

The greatest motivation for me is the fact that I can. I know that if you want to do it, you can do it. And that it is all up to only one single person – YOU. I believe that we all have a huge unused tank of resources. And that the only way to get into that tank and get the pleasure of using those are by believing in it.

But I couldn’t get that motivation without the music I listen to when I’m training. But also the music when I relax. To see people dance and use them self in a way that only is possible if you are committed and train hard to achieve the goal you have set for yourself.

What are your expectations for KMD Challenge Copenhagen?

To get a great and fun day again as I had last summer in Copenhagen.