A turning point in life

Tell us your story - Åge Møller has recovered from a severe back injury, is 25 kg lighter and has changed his life completely. He is basically happier than he ever was. He crossed the finish line in the 2010 Challenge Copenhagen -  a turning point he calls it. 

The basics

My name is Åge Møller, 48 years old male, claims adjuster in a minor insurance company.
Family man. In 2005 I had a prosthetic discus joint operated into my lover back, to fix a severe degenerative arthritis in my spine, allowing me to live a normal life again.
To this date I have completed 4 short triathlons, and Challenge CHP 2010. Expecting to do a million more.

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

A full Iron-distance triathlon to me, is the ultimate challenge. It combines physical stamina and mental strength in a way that nothing else can do for me. I used Challenge CPH as a way to realize a path to a more healthy life.

I’ve lost more than 25 kg during preparation for the big day, not just by the daily training sessions, but by a complete change of lifestyle. It marks a turning point in my life, where I changed my future towards a more fit body and contended mind. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself and those close to me. Basically I am a happier person than I was before. That is all the reason I need.

Why are you doing KMD Challenge Copenhagen?

It was an article in a Danish newspaper in October 2009, describing the first Challenge CPH that got me started changing my life. Before that day, I had dreamed for 5 years of doing an iron-distance triathlon without taking the first steps towards the dream, and the moment I read the article, I had a serious wakeup call inside, a voice telling me that I had been cheating myself for a very long time. If I had the dream, why then hadn’t I taken the decision to make it happen? Challenge CPH was taking place in my own back yard, it was a unique opportunity to ride like the pro’s, even though I take 4 hours longer to finish. I just had to do it. It was time to go for the dream.

Tell us your greatest / most fun experience in sports

Reaching the finish line in CPH 2010 was by far the ultimate experience. Second to none.
A busted knee skiing in 2011, prevented me from doing it again this year, but I had the joy of being a spectator instead. I watched the pro’s at the finish line, what a race to see, but when people like me started to reach the finish, and I saw their faces, all the impressions from 2010 came back with full force, and I was just as emotional again as the year before. When the tears started to poor down my face, I had to leave and go home, not sad, but great full for having such a strong memory inside. I need to do it again, soon.

What motivates you?

The feeling of taking care of myself drives me. I don’t need to be fast, I don’t need to chase a specific time, and I don’t need people to recognize me for the achievement.
I need to know that I have done my absolute best, not just on race day, but trough out the year, preparing.

What are your expectations for KMD Challenge Copenhagen?

I expect to gain from the experience I got in 2010. Improvement on the run is the main goal. The finish time is not important, how I get there is all that matters. We are all winners.