Marion Lieutaud Athlete Ambassador
Marion is a Swiss triathlete who decided to make a change after finding her career was leading her to live an unhealthy lifestyle. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.
How did you first get into triathlon?
I spent my childhood between the swimming pool and show jumping. Studies and beginning of my career kept me away from exercising and a healthy lifestyle... until one Friday evening when I tried to go out for a gentle jog to unwind and couldn't even run 3km at a snail's pace. This penny drop moment will stay with me forever! 10 months later I ran my first marathon, achieved a better work/ life balance, bought my first bike and started swimming.
What has been your favourite race to date and why?
In front of my proud and cheering parents, on my home course in Lausanne, Switzerland at the 2019 ITU Worlds grand final.
Who inspires you?
I know a few people who take their sport to the extreme. Endurance athletes who race over multiple days, with very little rest, but they keep going. Their mental strength, even during those dark moments of the race, makes me put even my own hard training session into perspective and inspires me to keep going even when tired or lacking the motivation.
But I’m also inspired by individuals willing to ‘give it a go’. Whether athletes returning from injury or even folk who want to go from Couch to 5km. Well done and keep going, you are inspirational and making a difference.
What is your proudest achievement?
Representing Switzerland, running my first marathon, getting my sister to run her first 5km and best friend to complete her first half. Coaching athletes in accomplishing their goals whilst on a personal basis, maintaining a work-life balance.
Have you ever had any racing disasters?
One month before the worlds in 2019, I had a B race which turned out to be a disaster. I came out of the water dehydrated, legs cramping, survived the three climbs on the bike, but eventually succumbed by walking almost all the run; this is now etched into my memory. It highlights how important hydration and nutrition are during a race – it’s now my fourth element of training.
