Gerome Oberste-Lehn
Gerome pulling hard on a thick rope during training

Sports scientist from Gevelsberg, Germany

GeromeOberste-Lehn

In the best shape of my life by 35.

175

days until my first ultra. Alpine Challenge 100 km, Falls Creek.

To get there, I’m spending three years living freely in Australia, running my first ultra in April and figuring out what I want to build myself.

Get in touch

Currently in Sydney

Gerome with a big backpack on a rocky mountain trail between pine trees

Why I’m doing this.

I studied sports science in Bochum and then worked on cruise ships for a good three years, most recently as head of sports & health. Eight to ten hours a day, often seven days a week, six months at a time.

When it came to sport, I mostly just joined in with whatever was going on. I had no goal I was really training for. No project of my own either. That’s what I’m tackling now.

For me, free means not 9 to 5. The work in Australia is a means to an end. I earn good money so I can build something with it, and later I want to live freely, travel and work from anywhere.

The route

Where I’ve been, where I am now and what’s next.

  1. 2019

    Studying in Bochum

    Sports science with a focus on training and performance testing. On the side I was already working as a personal trainer and in preventive health training.

  2. 2023

    Onto the ships

    At first I advised guests on training and health. From December 2024 I ran the sports department on board, with the class schedule and a team of trainers.

  3. Oct 2026

    This is where I am now

    Sydney

    Arrival on 14 October with a working holiday visa. The plan: work on solar farms and earn good money. Hard physical work with a fixed routine, exactly what I want.

  4. 3 Apr 2027

    Alpine Challenge 100 km

    My first ultra, in Falls Creek, Victoria. After that it’s onto the rock: multi-pitch climbing.

  5. Oct 2027

    Direction set

    By my 31st birthday at the latest, I’ll know what I’m going to build. Right now I don’t know yet.

  6. 2028

    The long distance

    100 or 200 miles. Which race, I’ll decide later.

  7. 2031

    The best shape

    By my 35th birthday. Rough targets, not set in stone: a faster marathon, Hyrox solo under 60 minutes, back and shoulder free of pain.

Gerome on a rowing machine at a HYROX race
Gerome in a helmet climbing over a rock covered in plants
Selfie of Gerome in a bike helmet on a road bike ride
Gerome in a climbing harness with rope and gear on a rock face

Get in touch.

Building something of your own or training for a big goal? No matter how far along you are: let’s swap notes and push each other.

In Australia and looking for someone to run or climb with? Then let’s train together.

gerome@oberste-lehn-info.de

Instagram · @gerome.oberstelehn

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