A chat with Simone Brändli
Until recently Simone Brändli was racing under the name Simone Benz and that is how she was listed in the results when she won Ironman Cozumel. For the Swiss Pro who got married at the end of 2010, this was her first Ironman title. Well, she had won her age group before.
Slowtwitch: Glad to have you on slowtwitch Simone.
Simone: Thank you, it’s great to be here.
ST: Has the win in Cozumel really sunk in yet?
Simone: Not 100%. Sometimes I’m still not sure if it’s just a dream somewhere back in my past. But the happy confident feeling deep in my sports heart is constantly aware and remembers my first Ironman victory.
ST: Was there a point in the race when you really felt that you had your first Ironman title in the bag?
Simone: Yes somehow at the 40km mark in the marathon. There was a short happy jump of my heart after the turning point 7km before the finish line, when I checked my watch and saw that Sophie was 12min behind. But I knew by experience that a victory could be taken away from you even the last 2km before the finish. Therefore I was only really sure about the title not before I saw the finish.
ST: You have been dealing with injuries that did not bode well for your running. But this improved the last 2 years apparently.
Simone: Well that’s not really it. I did run the marathon in an Ironman often in a time around 3:20. And with training you should be able to improve during 3 years, don’t you think? I’m happy with the 3:25 in Cozumel, which would have been a few minutes less without “hanging around and enjoying” before I crossed the finish line. But I know that I can do much better with training. Of course the competitions I did 2011 had some good running segments and maybe because of those and a lot of aqua jogging I could somehow hold the level I had.
ST: Maybe I wasn't quite clear with my previous question. You had previously mentioned to me finally running pain free the last 2 years. What was going on before?
Simone: Before it was not possible to do running training. I can’t really explain why it was just not possible to move my legs that way. I couldn’t stand on one leg without “collapsing” under my own weight. The pain was moving around in my hips, legs and back and no one could really find the cause for it. It was just clear that because of the accident my hip, knee or ankle on the left side where somehow hurt or had shifted a bit and my body and muscles lacked balance. I had developed imbalances especially in the muscles of the legs etc. Sometimes after some therapies it was a better and I could run without much pain for a while, 21km in a competition. Sometimes they were good, sometimes not. Then I had to walk almost a marathon like in Frankfurt. Why? No pain while walking and still getting some good KPR-Points!
ST: How long have you been working with Olivier Bernhard?
Simone: I did a performance test with Olivier exactly 4 years a go. I had not met him before and he asked me after this test, if I want to turn Pro. At that time all I did was swimming and some short triathlons. I just laughed and said no, no way! But I decided afterwards to train with some structure. In 2008 I started working with Olivier and won my first Ironman in my age group in a time of 10:04, including the Hawaii slot, which I didn’t take at that time.
ST: Where did you win your age group in and was there any specific reason why you did not take the slot?
Simone: That was in Zürich, Switzerland. I did already qualify for Clearwater and did happily take that slot. I never thought of a chance to win a Hawaii slot in my first Ironman. To participate in both was not possible with only 4 weeks vacation a year. Therefore Hawaii was no go in 2008.
ST: How would you describe Olivier's coaching philosophy?
Simone: Olivier is not a tough coach when we speak about the amount of training. But he pushes you to good quality. That’s what I like! And he leaves you a lot of freedom and independence. Otherwise I couldn’t handle job and sports in one. He tries to lead you to reliance by questioning yourself in every training session. Also the mental part of sports is important to him. And Olivier just has the amazing talent of bringing you to your best shape on day X.
ST: When did you return to Switzerland from Cozumel?
Simone: 5 days after. This was my first and only week of holidays this year and I did enjoy every second of it in a great all-inclusive hotel at the beach of the Playa Maya.
ST: Did you get a warm reception?
Simone: Oh yes! My family, family in law and my best friend where there to welcome me with flowers, a lot of hugs and smiles.
ST: How about the weather at home compared to Cozumel?
Simone: Rain, cold temperatures around zero degrees Celsius, freezing winds, clouds… lovely.
ST: So what is next for you?
Simone: A warm destination! But first I have two month of off-season. Then I reduce work again to 3 days a week and start training at home. 2 weeks of training camp in February in Fuerteventura must be enough to prepare for the following first Ironman 2012 in South Africa.
ST: Having that first Ironman title to your name, does that mean you'll have more pressure or less pressure when you start in South Africa in 2012?
Simone: Pressure is what you make of it. I think some people who realize that I’m the winner of Cozumel might see me as a tough competitor, but others won’t care. And I for myself know that in every race everything is possible and it’s not over until the finish line. I will give my best and do my race, hoping for a content smile at my face at the finish line.
ST: How will you spend your time during the off-season?
Simone: I do work some more days a week than usual, have some emergency response weeks as well and besides that I do workouts for fun. Exercise will always be a part of my daily life. But during off-season the discipline is down to my whim. Yoga, skiing, snowshoe walks, pilates, fitness classes, etc. No plans from my coach!
ST: You recently got married we have heard. But how recently and who is the lucky man?
Simone: Well Reto Brändli, who is long distance age group triathlete and former elite cyclist, and I did marry already 2010 in Maui. The legal marriage was this October in Switzerland. Therefore I changed my name from Benz to Brändli.
ST: Does that mean we will soon see an even faster cycling Simone?
Simone: I hope so! I have the chance to learn from real talents in my family. Reto and his sister, Nicole Brändli, who is well known in cycling.
ST: Is all well in the sponsor world?
Simone: Well, after the victory in Cozumel it gets a little bit better to acquire sponsors. But to get some cash sponsors is tough. I could use some! Just let me know!
ST: Anything else we should know?
Simone: Hmmm, maybe just a motivation for everyone out there. You can get it if you really want, but you must try! Try and try!
