July 14, 2025, 9:04 am | Read time: 9 minutes
The 35-year-old from Thuringia, Josefine Rutkowski, has an extreme goal: She wants to be the first woman to complete 60 Ironman distances in 60 days. She considers her menstrual cycle an important part of the process and has tailored her training and the project’s schedule accordingly. How has she planned for days when PMS, low energy, or massive reluctance become noticeable?
The female cycle in competitive sports is still a taboo topic. Female athletes rarely speak openly about menstruation, PMS, or cycle fluctuations for fear of being labeled “weak” or “unreliable.” One of the few extreme athletes who publicly discusses the role of the cycle is Josefine Rutkowski (35). The triathlete from Thuringia recently quit her civil service job and embarked on an extreme world record attempt on July 13: She aims to complete 60 Ironman long distances on 60 consecutive days. Shortly before the start, she spoke with FITBOOK about the cycle as a training factor and mental component and what it means for her to have her partner–extreme athlete Jonas Deichmann–by her side during the “Challenge60.”
Extreme Athlete Josefine Rutkowski: “During Jonas’ Project, I Realized This Challenge Suits Me”
FITBOOK: What motivated you to take on #challenge60?
Josefine Rutkowski: “My curiosity. I wanted to find out what my body is capable of. I want to push my physical and mental limits and discover what emotions arise and how the whole experience feels over such a long period in a team. In Ironman, we deliver peak performance in one day–this time, I get to perform for 60 days. This challenge excites me greatly.”
Was there a specific trigger for the decision?
“No, it was a gradual process. Last year, during the project with Jonas (Deichmann, ed.), I realized that this challenge suits me. I completed 18 long distances with him, often cycling 180 kilometers or running marathons. I was constantly present–and I felt good. Then the thought slowly came: The record is 30, you can do that too. In September or October, we decided: We’re going through with this together. I’m going for the world record.”
“Just Because Something Is Someone Else’s Limit Doesn’t Mean It’s Mine”
What does success mean to you in the #challenge60 project?
“Success means persevering, gaining experiences, and inspiring others. If I can encourage people to bravely follow their own path with my passion, that would be the greatest gift. I’ve often heard it’s nonsense–but it’s my life. Just because something is someone else’s limit doesn’t mean it’s mine. Success isn’t limited to 60 days–it shows in many small partial successes.”
Is there a message or cause behind the project?
“Yes, I support a fundraising project for visually impaired children in triathlon. But my real message is: Listen to your inner voice. We all have a talent–and if we follow it, the world becomes a bit more peaceful. Courage is the key. Try things out, even if it doesn’t work right away–like children who practice until they can walk.”
“If It’s Your Task, It Will Be Easier Than You Think”
What would you like to convey to others who want to test their limits?
“Pushing boundaries is good–but only if you listen to your body. There’s no point in going beyond limits and then getting sick. Our society glorifies overexertion. Healthy boundary-pushing means being mindful of yourself. If it’s your task, it will be easier than you think.”
How did you physically prepare?
“I’ve essentially been preparing my whole life, as I’ve been doing endurance sports for so long. The intensive project preparation began in January–six months in Mallorca, then in Roth, where Jonas was last year, and finally in Speyer. I trained daily between six and eight hours–not just swimming, cycling, and running, but also yoga and strength training. It was about the whole package.”
How will you handle the risk of overexertion?
“Prevention is key–through yoga, physiotherapy, and conscious nutrition. I gradually increase and listen to my body. The ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is crucial.”
Extreme Athlete on the Role of the Cycle: “Everyone Here Will Know What Cycle Day It Is. That Will Be Openly Communicated”
Many women experience less physical strength or lower motivation during certain cycle phases. How will you handle that?
“The cycle influences many things–energy levels, susceptibility to injury, nutrient needs. All of this has been incorporated into my training. I’m very curious to see what happens when I endure two full cycles. My cycle isn’t predictable, as it changes from month to month. But I know that in the first half of the cycle, I eat much less, am stronger, and more communicative–that can be planned. Everyone here will know what cycle day it is. That will be openly communicated because it’s a part of us women. We are different. After ovulation, I need more rest, not physically, but mentally. Then I withdraw, listen more, maybe meditate. It’s important to consciously acknowledge these phases. I also work with a naturopath specializing in hormones, who supports my supply of B vitamins and progesterone.”
How will you handle it if cramps or fatigue become an issue?
“I’m lucky not to have cramps. Fatigue exists, but I know how to deal with it. I communicate openly with my team when I need to retreat. Headphones, small breaks, clear words–that helps. It’s important to take the body’s signals seriously and be open about them.”
What is your daily calorie requirement?
“A smart ring measures my consumption. So I see whether I’m at 8,000 or 9,000 calories per day. I consume many small portions to avoid overloading the digestive tract–especially in the heat of Speyer.”
“Before the Start, I Eat Porridge, Then Comes Liquid Food”
How will you eat during the 60 days?
“Before the start, I eat porridge, then comes liquid food. At noon, there are small carbohydrate portions, in the evening lots of sprouts and herbs–for their energy for the mitochondria. During exertion, I use sports nutrition like gels.”
What is most important for recovery between long distances?
“I focus on sufficient proteins–despite a vegan diet. I go to bed early, consciously avoid the phone, and start the day with meditation. Elisabeth, my life coach, is also an important support. Recovery is a holistic process for me.”
How you can participate: During swimming and running, there is an opportunity to accompany Josefine Rutkowski. Start swimming (3.8 kilometers): Daily at 6:45 a.m. in Binsfeld Lake in Speyer. Running (marathon) around 5 p.m. Accompanying during cycling is not possible due to traffic.
“Of Course, I Want to Allow All Feelings, but Fear Wouldn’t Be a Good Companion”
What are you most afraid of regarding the project?
“Nothing. Fear would be counterproductive for this duration. It drains energy–and I need that. I have to stay focused. Of course, I want to allow all feelings, but fear wouldn’t be a good companion. I’ve been working with my stepmother, an experienced life coach, for a year and a half. Mental strength is essential for me–I often reflect on my behavior, question what hinders or strengthens me. Physically, I know I can endure. That’s why the mental level is particularly valuable to me: learning to deal with doubts and knowing that every emotional roller coaster will pass.”
If it doesn’t work out: How would you handle it?
“I don’t see it as failure. The attempt alone is already a success. I’ve built the project, assembled a team–that counts. Failures are often just a matter of perspective. Children never fail–they just keep trying.”
What do you think this experience will have on your life?
“I will learn a lot about myself–about team communication, stress management, endurance. I don’t yet know how deep the impact will be. But bold decisions have always opened new paths for me.”
Challenge60: What Helps Rutkowski Through Situations When She Can’t Go On
Do you have a mantra like Jan Frodeno to get through situations when you can’t go on?
“Not a classic one. I work with various images, Sanskrit words from yoga, sometimes count storks–anything that redirects my focus. I’ve built a toolbox from which I can draw as needed.”
Is there another routine that will help you endure?
“I do body scan exercises in the morning and listen closely to myself. Without this connection to my body, I couldn’t do the project.”
How has your environment reacted to the project?
“My friends were thrilled–they know me. My grandmother could hardly grasp the extent, but she was still charming. I no longer have colleagues–I gave up my profession. I was already a free spirit before.”
Trick to Do More Push-Ups
In 15 Minutes! These 5 Nutrient-Rich Air Fryer Recipes Will Save Your Dinner
Extreme Athlete Josefine Rutkowski: “Everyone here will know what cycle day it is”
“Jonas Understands What I’m Doing Because He’s Experienced It Himself. He Encourages Me Instead of Holding Me Back”
What does it mean for you to have extreme athlete Jonas Deichmann as a partner by your side, who completed 120 long distances last year?
“It’s invaluable. He understands what I’m doing because he’s experienced it himself. He encourages me instead of holding me back. He encouraged me to start this project–and I’m very grateful that we’re taking this journey together.”
Also interesting: Extreme athlete Jonas Deichmann: “I Couldn’t Even Walk Up the Stairs Alone”
How exactly does your partner support you?
“Emotionally, organizationally, mentally. He has networked a lot, was always there. We balance each other mentally–together we are even stronger.”
Jonas Deichmann already holds the world record for Ironman distances–what do you say to people who claim you’re just trying to emulate him?
“That’s an opinion–but I don’t have to accept it. Buddha said something like: People can say anything, but I decide whether to accept the gift. And I reject this gift–it has no value for me.”
What comes after the 60 days?
“Regeneration–physically and mentally. I’ll do more yoga again, integrate breathing exercises, improve my breathing. I’ll give many motivational talks about growth through movement and the courage to change. Traveling will also have a place again.”