Athlete:

Anja Beranek

Triathlete

What does your standard training week involve?
Every week is slightly different depending on time of the year. I typically do around 25k swim, 400k bike and 85k run.

Favourite training venue/environment:
Western Australia, Fuerteventura and of course at Home

Favourite 2XU garment, when you use it and why:
My favourite garment is the Elite Compression Tight. I wear them after a long or hard running or biking session. I find they reduce swelling and restore my body quickly for the next training session. I also use them for long journeys and flights.

Favourite training accessory (ie. heart rate monitor, power meter, pool buoy):
My dog…I love running with her.

Toughest experience in your career & what you learned from it:
In 2014 I was injured so I hadn’t run very much leading into 70.3 IRONMAN Zell am See. The race was tough and I really suffered on the run. I ended up finishing third after leading for most of the race. When I crossed the line I felt very disappointed with my performance and I considered retiring from the sport. Thankfully my husband motivated me to continue and one year at the same venue World Championship 70.3 IRONMAN the outcome was very different – I took a lot from the race 2014 and I used that to achieve a bronze medal in the World Championship. So I learned you have to role with the punches, it’s important to believe in yourself and get up again.

What’s the most common training mistake you see on the circuit? Any suggestions on how to avoid it?
I think it’s very important to listen to your body. Training is only effective when your body is ready for the training session. So listen to your body and train smart. The most important thing – don’t forget to smile.

What motivates you to train and race harder?
My dreams and goals are motivating me every day to do the best I can.

Describe your diet/meal plan in the week leading to a big race:
During the race week I try to choose foods that my body can tolerate easily. Three days prior to the race my carbo loading involves using simple carbohydrates like pure rice and cooked vegetables. I try to reduce the intake of fruits which pass through the body quickly.

How do you balance out your training/racing regime with life outside sport?
The balance is sometimes not easy because sport is a fulltime job. My partner, family and best friends fully understand and support me, so they try to join me in my travels or cheer for me in races whenever they can.

What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful (either for training or competition)?
Vegane protein shake after a long training session and energy gels. Coke during a fast work out or the last few kilometers in a race.

Best and worst thing about being a professional athlete:
Best: Way of life with lots of sunshine, fun, nature, lovely people and great places. Worst: Less time for friends and other important things and activities in life.

In five years time, I’ll be:
36 years old