Rebuilding Focus: My Next Chapter as a Digital Nomad and Triathlete

Completing my first middle-distance triathlon in late 2024 was a huge milestone—something that once felt impossible became a reality after two years of dedication. But what I didn’t expect was how difficult it would be to stay motivated afterward. At first, I kept training, but without a clear focus. December was actually my biggest running month ever, yet over the holidays, my consistency slipped. I got back into a rhythm in January, only to get sick and fall into a slump that lasted for weeks.

With no major races in the near future, I struggled to find direction. My energy was low, my training was inconsistent, and I gained over 10kg. It felt like I had lost the momentum I worked so hard to build.

Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

As winter dragged on in northern Germany, I realized I had become too comfortable. Working remotely meant I barely left my apartment, and the dark, cold mornings made training feel even harder. I’ve always thrived when pushing myself beyond my comfort zone—whether socially, mentally, or professionally. Looking back, some of my best experiences happened when I was forced to adapt, meet new people, and explore new environments.

That’s when I made the decision: I would return to the digital nomad lifestyle.

This summer, I’ll start by spending some time in Hamburg before moving abroad, heading toward France, Spain, and Portugal. By changing my surroundings, I hope to rediscover the energy and excitement that fueled my progress in the past.

A Smarter Approach to Training

Unlike last time, I know I need to be more strategic. In the past, I jumped into high training volumes too quickly, which led to fatigue and inconsistency. This time, I’m taking a gradual approach, focusing on cycling and swimming first. Running has always been my biggest struggle, and with the extra weight I’ve gained, it would put too much stress on my body. As I regain fitness, I’ll slowly increase my running volume and intensity.

I also plan to add something I’ve neglected before—strength training. Just once a week, but enough to help with injury prevention and long-term performance.

Balancing Work, Training, and Travel

One of the biggest advantages of working remotely is flexibility. I have full control over my schedule, which allows me to structure my day around training. I also plan to stay in each location for at least two to three months, making it easier to maintain consistency.

To stay social, I’ll join local triathlon, swimming, cycling, and running groups—just like I did during my first experience as a digital nomad. Co-working spaces will also help me stay connected to a community while maintaining productivity.

What’s Next?

This blog will document the journey—returning to consistent training, living and working abroad, and aiming to become the best triathlete I can be. If you’ve ever felt stuck after a big achievement, know that it’s normal. The key is to recognize when it’s time for a change and take action.

Have you ever gone through a phase of losing motivation after achieving a big goal? How did you get back on track? I’d love to hear your thoughts!