Meet Pia Totschnig, runner, triathlete and soon-to-be veterinarian

Pia grew up in the Tyrolean Alps but now lives and studies in Vienna. She left competitive sports behind to pursue her dream of studying veterinary medicine. Today, she enjoys taking on new challenges. In this interview, we explore what those challenges are and the path she has taken so far.

How did you get into running?

I started my first triathlon at the age of 6. Running, closely followed by cycling, was always my favorite discipline. At the age of 21, I turned my back on competitive sport and dedicated myself to another childhood dream, studying veterinary medicine. However, I didn't lose my passion and enjoyment of sport. I still enjoy taking on new challenges. This year I ran my first marathon in London and took on the ultimate challenge with a team of 6 people: “The Speed Project”. We ran from Chamonix to Marseille. From the mountains down to the sea. These are experiences for which I am incredibly grateful. A life without running is unimaginable for me.

What does running mean to you?

For me today, running primarily means switching off, escaping from everyday life and getting my thoughts in order. But I would be lying if I said that running isn't still a kind of challenge for me. But now it's more, me against myself: faster or further. I'll probably never get rid of that thought completely.

What role does music play in this?

Music helps me to push myself to my limits, if not beyond them. During “The Speed Project” in France, for example, I had the Libratone UP with me to push me through the 73 km and to keep the pace up.

What has been your biggest success so far?

When I was 17 years old, I came third in the youth category at the European Triathlon Championships. That was and still is a very special moment for me. Just like the fact that shortly before I “retired” I was able to push my longstanding personal best over the 5km to under 17 minutes, 16:55.

You gave up competitive sport to pursue your dream degree. How did this decision change your life?

It wasn't an easy decision! It was a childhood dream of mine to become a professional athlete. But I also had the dream of becoming a vet. I knew that I couldn't combine the two. After graduating from high school, I had the opportunity to spend three years in professional life and to put my focus fully on sport. It was an incredibly exciting and intense time. But not an easy one either. Injuries put me to the test multiple times. They showed me how quickly the dream of professional sport can be over. At some point, I found it increasingly difficult to put all my cards on the sport. I wanted to go to university. And when I got a spot at university, it was clear to me that my path as a triathlete would end here. Nevertheless, I wouldn't want to change anything about my time as a triathlete for anything in the world. It has shaped me into the person I am today. I will always be grateful for all the moments, journeys and people I was able to meet along the way. 

Check out Pia's Instagram and follow her

Foto Credits:

1. Florian Kurrasch